Neon Wilderness is a bar in Wicker Park.

Blind Barber is a barbershop and cocktail bar in the West Loop.

Chile Toreado is a great Mexican restaurant in McKinley Park from the team behind 5 Rabanitos.

Chef’s Special is a very good Chinese restaurant from the team behind Giant.

Bárbaro is a taqueria in Humboldt Park with great cocktails and decent tacos.

Ciccio Mio is a great Italian restaurant in River North from the team behind Gilt Bar and Bavette’s.

Gadabout is a restaurant in Andersonville with an all-over-the-place menu, but really good food.

The Grafton is an Irish pub in Lincoln Square with decent bar food and a great fireplace.

Amaru is a fun and casual Latin American restaurant in Wicker Park.

Bokeh is a small cocktail bar in Albany Park with great drinks and bar snacks.

The Bassment is a club and music venue in River North.

Love Street is a cocktail bar in Lincoln Park that’s great for pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap.

Perilla is an upbeat Korean restaurant in the West Loop with great small plates.

Wherewithall is a fantastic tasting-menu spot in Avondale with excellent food and a menu that changes daily.

Superkhana International is an Indian restaurant in Logan Square that’ll help you get out of your own head and enjoy yourself.

Woodwind is a small plates restaurant on the 18th floor of a high rise in Streeterville.