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Celebrate PRIDE 2022 in Chicago

May 26, 2022 Barbara Payne, Editor

Pride Month, June, 2022 is about to shine out in Chicago and in a bunch of countries around the world. Lots of local restaurants, coffee shops and bars are offering specials – some teaming up with vendors – to entice you to join them for a few hours, a day, or a whole Pride Parade weekend or month. If you’re feeling safe going out to such places and are in the mood, here are a few to get started with:

EASY BAR

Wednesday, June 1 through Thursday, June 30. Easy Bar in Ukrainian Village will team up with Seattle Cider Company and Bell’s Brewery to support The Trevor Project for Pride Month. Throughout the month of June, a portion of proceeds from any Seattle Cider or Bell’s product purchased will be donated to The Trevor Project.

The Trevor Project is the leading and only accredited national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under the age of 25.

ESTELLE’S

Thursday, June 23 from 4 p.m. to close. Estelle’s in Wicker Park will host a Pride Party & Benefit for the Brave Space Alliance on Thursday, June 23 starting at 4pm. Snag swag like glow stick necklaces and bracelets along with Brooklyn Brewing The Stonewall Inn IPA drafts for $7 each. For every The Stonewall IPA Inn sold, $1 will be donated to the Brave Space Alliance. DJ Kinkshame will also spin jams from 12 a.m. to close.

Brave Space Alliance is the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ Center located on the South Side of Chicago that is dedicated to creating and providing affirming, culturally competent, for-us by-us resources, programming, and services for LGBTQ+ individuals on the South and West sides of the city.

2013 W North Ave. Chicago, IL 60647 | (773) 782-0450 | www.estelleschicago.com. Hours: Sunday – Friday: 4 p.m – 4 a.m. | Saturday: 4 p.m. – 5 a.m.

MATCHA CITA

Wednesday, June 1 through Thursday, June 30. Matcha Cita in the West Loop will donate a portion of proceeds from every Rainbow Waffle sold for the month to the Broadway Youth Center. The Rainbow Waffle is $9.95 and features strawberries, banana, whipped cream and sprinkles.

Broadway Youth Center offers comprehensive services to youth, ages 12-24 including a safe space for young people experiencing homelessness. The mission of BYC is to make life healthier and happier for young people who are transgender, queer, lesbian, bisexual, gay, and especially young people who do not have stable housing.

1017 W Lake Chicago IL 60607 | (312) 785-9597 http://www.matchacitachi.com. Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Sunday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

THE GRAYSTONE TAVERN

Wednesday, June 1 through Thursday, June 30. $35 Rainbow Shot Flight for Center on Halsted. In honor of Pride Month, The Graystone Tavern in Wrigleyville will host a month-long fundraiser for the nearby Center on Halsted. For $35, guests can enjoy a Rainbow Shot Flight, solo or with friends, featuring six shots colored red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet. A portion of proceeds from all Rainbow Shot Flights lights sold in June will be donated to Center on Halsted, the Midwest’s most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of LGBTQ Chicagoans.

3441 N Sheffield Ave. Chicago, IL 60657 | (773) 666-5450 | www.graystonetavernchicago.com. Hours: Monday – Friday: 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. | Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. | Sunday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

REWIRED PIZZA CAFE & BAR

Wednesday, June 1 through Thursday, June 30. Rewired Pizza Cafe & Bar will offer a Pride Latte created by coffee bar manager Jordan Reinhardt. The colorful and caffeinated drink features a house made fruity pebbles syrup, steamed milk, espresso and “pixie dust” edible glitter. Available Wednesday, June 1 through Thursday, June 30, the price ranges from small ($5) to medium ($5.50) or large ($6). Additional Pride specials for the month will include rainbow colored Truffled Deviled Eggs for $12 and Montucky Cold Snacks Pride Beer for $4.50.

A portion of proceeds from every Pride Latte, Truffled Deviled Eggs and Montucky Cold Snacks Pride Beer sold during June will benefit StandUp for Kids. StandUp for Kids is a national non-profit organization dedicated to ending the cycle of youth homelessness in local communities.

Monday, June 20 at 7 p.m. Additionally, Stewpendous Productions will host a special trivia night featuring a Celebration of Queer Pop Culture. Topics will include pop divas who provide the soundtrack of our lives, Broadway musicals honoring the drag kings and queens that have conftributed to making the art form, legendary queer trailblazers on televsion and more. Reservations are recommended by visiting https://rewiredcafe.com/monday-trivia-night/.

1100 W Thorndale Chicago, IL 60660 | (773) 360-1621 | www.rewiredcafe.com. Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Saturday – Sunday: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.

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Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras specials in Chicago bars and restaurants

February 11, 2022 Barbara Payne, Editor

Mardi Gras in Chicago at aliveOne (courtesy of aliveOne)

Oh, if you’re feeling safe to go out there and party, Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras are the perfect occasions to get your groove on. Bring your gold and purple and green beads and eat something before you go out to try all the wines and beers and cocktails that will be issuing forth from the hands of the city’s many talented bartenders and mixologists. Tip generously! Those folks are like health care workers – exposed to everyone!!

aliveOne, 2683 N Halsted St.
Tuesday, March 1, $5 to $6 drink specials
Chicagoans are invited to join aliveOne as they host a Fat Tuesday celebration on Tuesday, March 1. In addition to half-price happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., specials will include $5 Abita Purple Haze beers and $6 aliveOne Daiquiris.

CENTRAL PARK BAR, 2924 N Central Park Ave.
Tuesday, March 1, $6 Hurricane special
Chicagoans are invited to get in the Mardi Gras spirit at Avondale’s newest neighborhood bar, Central Park Bar on Fat Tuesday. Specials will include $6 Hurricane cocktails all night and half-price happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

EASY BAR, 1944 W Division St.
Tuesday, March 1, $4 New Belgium Beers and Complimentary King Cakes
Easy Bar will give away complimentary King Cakes from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (while supplies last). Guests who find a baby in their King Cake will win New Belgium swag. New Belgium beers will be available on tap for $4 each. Half-price happy hour will also be available from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

ESTELLE’S, 2013 W North Ave.
Tuesday, March 1, $5 to $10 drink specials – Daiquiris and Jello Shots
To celebrate Mardi Gras, Estelle’s will get the party started early with a half-price happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Fat Tuesday. Guests can get in the spirit with a specialty $10 Plantation Pineapple Daiquiri and $5 Slrrrp Jello Shots. Festive beads and glow stick necklaces will be available while supplies last. Guests can stick around for a dance party with DJ Kinshame from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m.

REMEDY BAR, 1910 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Tuesday, March 1, $10 drink specials
Remedy invites guests to get in the Mardi Gras spirit with Fat Tuesday specials on Tuesday, March 1. Themed drinks will include $10 Hurricane and Corpse Reviver cocktails. The bar will have themed decor, and all customers will receive Mardi Gras beads (while supplies last). Remedy will also provide a snack table with an array of junk food for late night munchies.

THE OWL BAR, 2521 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Tuesday, March 1, $6 Daiquiri special
Logan Square’s favorite 4 a.m. bar will be pouring $6 Daiquiris all night to celebrate Fat Tuesday on March 1. Guests can kick off the holiday with a half-price happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. or end the evening with The Owl’s famous late night dance parties.

THE RAMBLER KITCHEN + TAP, 4128 N. Lincoln Ave.
Tuesday, March 1,

$8 to $16 food and drink specials
The Rambler will celebrate Fat Tuesday in their spacious, weatherproofed beer garden with specials like a Shrimp Boil Plate with jumbo shrimp, sausage, corn on the cob and potatoes ($16). The Rambler will also offer a themed Island Oasis cocktail menu from Friday, February 25 through Tuesday, March 1 which will include $8 Hurricanes, Strawberry Daiquiris, Pina Coladas and Bushwackers.

Starting at 7 p.m on Tuesday, March 1, guests can participate in New Orleans-themed music trivia. Trivia will be free to join, and prizes will be awarded throughout the evening. Tables can be reserved by emailing events@theramblerchicago.com.

appetizers, bars in Chicago, Chicago restaurants, food and wine, lunch, spirits and cocktails, wine and spirits

Chicago restaurants summer ‘holiday’ news 2018

July 16, 2018 Barbara Payne, Editor

You know, almost any day of the week all year you can celebrate a declared holiday. For example, coming up is Single Working Women’s Week (July 29-August 4, 2018) and Single Working Women’s Day August 4. Check it out if you see any hard-working single women in your life.

But, we digress. Here in Chicago, our restaurants are constantly surprising us with ‘holiday’ specials, so here are a few happenings you might like, organized by dates of occurrence. Enjoy!

Green City Market’s Chef BBQ 2018, Lincoln Park (approximately 1817 N. Clark). On Thursday July 19, 5:30-8pm, attendees will get to try tasting portions prepared utilizing fresh produce, meats and craft beverages made with ingredients provided by local farmers and vendors. (Click here for a complete list of participants.)

Use public transportation, taxis, and ride-shares because parking could be tough. Limited parking is available in the Chicago History Museum lot at their regular rate ($19-$32 depending on how long you’re there). Tickets at GCMBBQ.eventbrite.com. RAIN or SHINE. – no refunds. Supported by Breakthru Beverage, FIG Catering, Midwest Foods, and Tablescapes.

Castaways, 1603 N. Lake Shore Dr. at Chicago’s popular North Avenue Beach, is the perfect spot to throw one back in honor of Discovery Channel’s #SharkWeek. Sunday July 22 to Sunday July 29 Castaways will offer a special “The Hammerhead” cocktail for $9 each. The ocean-colored cocktail is made with Captain Morgan Coconut Rum, pineapple juice and blue curaçao.

Four Entertainment Group (4EG) outlets will celebrate Shark Week by donating $1 from every full-price signature house cocktail sold at aliveOne, Easy Bar, Estelle’s, Remedy, and The Owl – 50 cents to Chicago’s Shedd the Straw Campaign and 50 cents to For a Strawless Ocean. All week, you can see free showings at all locations of movies like Free Willy, JAWS and other aquatic-themed films while you make cash donations to support both initiatives aimed at reducing plastic straw waste in our oceans.

Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton Market, says summertime in Chicago calls for a cool patio for drinks and good company. HAPPY HOUR: Monday-Friday 4:30-6:30 in the lounge and on the patio. An unmatched chilled white wine list. Lively entertainment every Friday night. INDUSTRY NIGHT: Every Sunday enjoy $1 Coronitos with a shot and 25% off appetizers. SAMBA DANCE NIGHT: Dance the night away starting July 17th and every third Wednesday of the month.

Green City Market’s Chef BBQ 2018, Lincoln Park (approximately 1817 N. Clark). On Thursday July 19, 5:30-8pm, attendees will get to try tasting portions prepared utilizing fresh produce, meats and craft beverages made with ingredients provided by local farmers and vendors. (Click here for a complete list of participants.)

Use public transportation, taxis, and ride-shares because parking could be tough. Limited parking is available in the Chicago History Museum lot at their regular rate ($19-$32 depending on how long you’re there). CTA Bus routes that stop at the event include 22 Clark, 36 Broadway, 73 Armitage, 151 Sheridan. L stops nearby: Sedgwick Brown Line (walk east on North Avenue to Clark) and Clark/Division Red Line (walk north on Clark). Tickets at GCMBBQ.eventbrite.com. The event will be held RAIN or SHINE. No refunds. The event is supported by Breakthru Beverage, FIG Catering, Midwest Foods, and Tablescapes.

Piccolo Sogno, 464 N. Halsted, celebrates its 10th anniversary all this month of July: a delicious Italian staple, Tagliolini with summer truffles for only $10 along with $10 bottles of Prosecco. They’re also celebrating National Lasagna day on July 29. Chef Priolo and and partner Ciro Longobardo say that Piccolo Sogno is their “little dream,” and eating their lasagna might just be yours! Lasagna Tipica di Bologna (traditional lasagna with green pasta sheets layered with béchamel and Bolognese sauce, $16) – deemed by some as the best in Chicago. And the ambiance here – including the lovely patio – is absolutely delightful. You might even feel like you’re in Italy.

Connie’s Pizza, 2373 S. Archer or at McCormick Place. Since 1963, Italian family recipes and pizza – also in your Midwest grocer’s frozen section. July 29 they’re celebrating their 55-year anniversary on National Lasagna Day. Every order of Mama Sue’s 55-year-old lasagna recipe – kept alive by popular demand – comes with a $5.50 discount off the regular $12.99 price. Such a deal! They can host a party or bring it to you with delivery, catering and pizza shipping anywhere in the United States. 312.CONNIES (312.266.6437), visit their website and follow the restaurant on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Dairy Queen, a perennial favorite of all soft-serve fans, is out to help sick kids. On Miracle Treat Day Thursday, August 2 2018 they will be donating $1 from every Blizzard^® Treat sold at participating DQ Grill & Chill^®and Dairy Queen locations throughout the U.S. Donations go to the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. All kids want to have fun, so DQ^® will Miracle Treat Day support critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care to help save and improve the lives of local children.

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Kentucky Derby parties and specials around Chicago

May 5, 2017 Barbara Payne, Editor

Okay, spring is here for sure and tomorrow’s the first big day to celebrate. My daughter’s been giving an annual Derby party for some years now, and Kentucky ain’t got nothin’ on us. Everybody loves dressing up in outrageous hats and fancy duds, drinking champagne, juleps and whatever, and picking horses by lottery.

But whether you study racing stats and place big bets, or you just love looking at those gorgeous horses, the Kentucky Derby is always an excellent excuse to go out and imbibe and eat with friends. And in Chicago there’s never a shortage of places to do that. Here are a few to consider for your drinking and dining pleasure:

Brando’s Speakeasy & The Essaness Room, 343 S Dearborn St., Monday, May 1 through Saturday, May 6, from 3pm: $6 Mint Juleps and FREE fried chicken. on Derby Day (May 6) beginning at 6pm (while supplies last).

Commonwealth Tavern Roscoe Village, 2000 W. Roscoe St., Saturday, May 6, open at 10am, drink specials $2, $4 and $6 Win Place Show special all day featuring $2 14-ounce Miller Lite drafts, $4 Blue Moon pints and $6 Buffalo Trace Mint Juleps. $7 to $14 food specials include a Kentucky Hot Brown (smoked turkey, bacon, tomato, parmesan, beer cheese, sourdough; $14). Watch the race on eight TVs including a 70-inch plasma.

Easy Bar, 1944 W. Division St., Saturday, May 6, from 3pm, $8 cocktail specials and a special Basil Mint Julep for $10 all day (while supplies last). Watch live coverage on TV.

Estelle’s, 2013 W. North Ave., Saturday, May 6, open at 5pm, $8 Mint Juleps. Plus get $1 off your first drink if you’re wearing a derby hat.

Kanela Breakfast Club, Saturday, May 6 from 7am to 3pm, $6 Mint Juleps and complimentary starters. Derby attire gets you a complimentary starter to share.* Kanela’s starter options include the Kanela Roll, Monkey Bread, Loukoumades, Chia Seed Pudding, Potato Pancakes, Mac and Cheese, Greek Yogurt, and Steel Cut Oatmeal. Locations – Andersonville: 5413 N. Clark St., Lakeview: 3231 N. Clark St; Old Town: 1552 N. Wells St.; Streeterville: 502 E. Illinois; Wicker Park: 1048 N. Milwaukee Ave. *Parties of two or more only. One per table.

Remedy Bar, 1910 N. Milwaukee, Saturday, May 6, from 4pm, $8 to $9 drink specials. $8 Maker’s Mark Mint Juleps as well as complimentary Kentucky Burgoo (traditional stew). Anyone dressed in derby hats or attire will receive $1 off drinks. Sound on!

Roanoke Restaurant, 135 W. Madison St. Saturday, May 6, from 10am. $18 to $22 food specials including a Hot Brown (rotisserie turkey, thick sliced house cured bacon, hearth toasted brioche, veal demi glaze, fried egg), Burgoo (confit of duck, rotisserie pork shoulder, rotisserie chicken, lima bean puree, wilted red cabbage, roast potatoes, Cipollini onions, carrots, tomato sauce and beef broth), Country Ham Sliders (house made buttermilk biscuits served with thick sliced true Southern-style country ham, oregano and orange butter, blackberry country mustard) as well as individual Bourbon Pecan Pies.

Tavern On Little Fort, 4128 N. Lincoln Ave., $7 Buffalo Trace Mint Juleps and $6 Kentucky Mules (Moscow Mule with bourbon). TVs in the bar and beer garden (weather permitting) with the sound on. “Best Derby Hat” contest. Large groups can book parties in the Beer Garden which accommodates up to 68 guests.

Chicago restaurants

Halloween 2016 at Chicago bars and restaurants

October 16, 2016 Barbara Payne, Editor

aliveOne, 2683 N Halsted St., Halloween Happy Hour and Specials, Monday, October 31 – $4 to $5 specials. Celebrate Halloween with half-off everything happy hour from 5 pm to 7 pm Other festive specials include $4 Oktoberfest beers, $4 pumpkin beers, and a $5 ‘Houdini’ cocktail. And FREE pool all night.

Caffè Umbria, 346 N Clark St. in River North, offers Fall Hot Chocolate. The Cioccolata Calda, an Italian version of traditional hot chocolate, includes fine Italian Pernigotti cocoa blended with milk and sugar resulting in a rich, creamy and intense indulgence. The $3.25 drink is perfect option when you want a sweet that’s not candy.

Easy Bar, 1944 W. Division St., hosts new Belgium tap takeover and pumpkin carving. Friday, October 28. Free admission; $4 to $6 beers. Beginning at 7:30 pm Limited pumpkins and carving tools for pumpkin carving on the patio (weather permitting). Featured New Belgium beers will include Le Terroir (sour), Fruit Fly (kettle sour), Pumpkick (seasonal), Blue Paddle (pils), and Spiced Strong Dark Ale, a New Belgium collaboration with Orval’s Anne-Françoise.

Kanela Breakfast Club offers a Halloween Pancake Special Friday, October 28 through Monday, October 31 – $12 pumpkin pancakes with cream cheese icing. Num! Get ‘em at Kanela locations in Andersonville, Lakeview, Old Town, Streeterville and Wicker Park.

Remedy Bar, 1910 North Milwaukee Ave. (recently opened at the border of Bucktown and Logan Square), Pumpkin Carving Event and Halloween Specials Monday, October 17 and Monday, October 31, – $4 drink specials.

Guests will receive a pumpkin, carving tools, and enjoy $4 pumpkin beers and pumpkin ciders like Ace Pumpkin Cider from 8 – 10 pm. On Halloween itself, Monday, October 31, all draft beers $4 from 4 pm to 4 am

Tavern on Little Fort, 4128 North Lincoln Ave., fall specials from Friday, October 28 through Monday, October 31 – $8 cider cocktails like Bourbon Cider Mule, Bulleit Bourbon, apple cider, ginger beer, sour mix, garnished with an apple peel, Spiced Hard Cider, Captain Morgan, apple cider, lemon juice, garnished with a cinnamon stick and apple peel, Cider Ball, Fireball Whisky, Right Bee Cider, garnished with a cherry.

Chicago Restaurant Examiner