Best & Cool Bars in Downers Grove Township

"Beatrix is a favourite spot of ours for an early morning take away coffee and pastry on the way to work, and offers a menu that’s about ‘taste over trend’, featuring an array of interesting options that lean towards the mindful eating end of the spectrum. Coffee is one of the highlights here – the coffee bar at Beatrix serves up quality coffee using locally roasted Intelligentsia and Metropolis beans. If you’re after something more substantial than a pastry, then the dine in menu features a range of healthy, creative dishes such as quinoa cakes with poached eggs, cauliflower grits and eggs, and ten-grain oatmeal."

"519 North Clark Street, River North, Chicago, Illinois, 60654, USA (312) 284-1377. For somebody who does not eat meat, there is always something for you. To serve the main meal of the day, plates of quinoa cakes are set out that are crowned with poached eggs, and you’ll want to snack on burrata cheese that we have prepared with oven-dried tomatoes and an eggplant steak that has been lightly sprinkled with garlic."

"Located a bit farther north of the city (in Uptown, and easily accessed via the Red Line), Sun-Wah offers what might be the best Peking duck outside of Asia. At it’s priced at a steal – the off-menu Peking duck meal is just $32. One duck can easily feed 2-3 people (4 if you order an extra appetizer or two) and includes a full duck with crispy, crackling skin carved table-side."

"Sun Wah BBQ‘s creator, Eric Cheng always sharpened his skills as a Hong Kong-style barbecue chef. The restaurant is doing great, though for them it was a confined fish longing for bigger seas. Today, they are happily serving the people in Chicago with their signature dishes."

"Peking duck served three ways and carved tableside, $30 for a meal for four is virtually unheard of in this day and age. Just remember you must preorder at least 24 hours in advance. Also Try: Duck Duck Goat, literally anywhere in Chinatown"

"West LoopWhen this West Loop pioneer opened back in 2003, the elegant yet approachable eatery quickly made a name for itself thanks to sleek communal tables, a forward-thinking wine list, and, most importantly, the juiciest medjool date dish the Midwest had ever encountered. Plump dates undergo the full hog treatment here, plied with spiced chorizo sausage before being wrapped in a thick slab of bacon, fired until crisp and crackling, and doused in a warm piquillo pepper tomato sauce that practically demands a hunk of good, freshly baked bread. Don’t think, just order.How to book: Reserve via Tock or order take-out and delivery via DoorDash, GrubHub, and Caviar."

"This long-time West Loop favorite is a pioneer in the business-oriented district, drawing crowds with vibrant Mediterranean cuisine. Small and large plates almost demand ordering extra, just to sample as many flavors as possible. Roasted skate wing is exemplary of the kitchen's finesse with seafood, while memories of chorizo-stuffed medjool dates will keep you up at night."

"The Annoyance Theatre is (proudly) edgier than the other comedy bars in the Windy City — think buckets of fake blood, actors stripping down to their underwear, and wacky premises for improv shows. The theater’s first big hit was its original musical, “Coed Prison Sluts,” which ran for 11 straight years, and then came back to the stage in the late 2000s. Although the musical isn’t currently being performed, you don’t need to fret — the theater has replaced it with plenty of other bawdy shows."

"The Annoyance Theatre & Bar is in the process of moving their venue, but it is well worth following their updates to see when they reopen. They focus strictly on improv shows, from all out themed shows to witty comedians doing their best one-offs. They usually enter the night with the mentality of ‘there are no rules’, but the rule of ‘no comedian can refuse a drink’ comes into play on occasion to transform an already hilarious comedian into a hot-mess that entertains like no other."

"It is rare to find a restaurant solely serving brunch and happy hour, however, Hutch Bistro and its sister venue Hutch Café have this concept down to a science. Hutch Bistro opened in Lakeview in 2013, followed by Hutch Café opening in 2016 in River North. The menu at both focuses on American comfort food and cocktails, made with quality ingredients."

"Imagine enjoying one of Hutch’s amazing Bloody Marys al fresco. Sounds heavenly, right?. Well, Hutch not only has amazing food but also has a fantastic outdoor space for you to soak up the sun while trying the unbelievable croissant French toast."

"Looking for brand shops for clothing, sporting goods, home supplies and more, under one roof?. Head to The Maxwell. It is smaller (around 10 stores) but complex."

"Express is an international fashion chain with women’s clothing and men’s clothing for work, play and all kinds of parties. Shop Express for women’s jeans, leggings, dresses, sweaters and shirts, and men’s jeans, suits, graphic tees and polos, plus shoes, jewelry and other accessories..."

"Restaurants Bakeries Humboldt Park. One of Chicago’s oldest family-run businesses has operated out of the same storefront, distinguished today by its vertical neon sign and quaint painted lady facade, since its establishment in 1911. Today it’s a good all-arounder, with doughnuts and danish for breakfast, and a wide selection of cake slices and cookies (many in Chicago sports team motifs) for dessert."

"A staple of Chicago’s Humboldt Park for over 100 years, this Roeser’s Bakery celebrates true vintage fashion by selling incredible baked goods for cheap. This bakery in Chicago features custom cakes, tortes, and cookies and more, making Roeser’s Bakery everyone’s go-to place for amazing quality sweets."

"One of Chicago's oldest food purveyors, venerable Roeser's Bakery has been in business in Humboldt Park for more than 100 years. Beautiful custom cakes and tortes are a specialty, but don't miss the cookies and holiday items at this long-running local institution."

"Restaurants Ice cream parlors Bridgeport. This family-owned walk-up window is the stuff that sweet sweet dreams are made of. From funnel cake sundaes and ice cream tacos to Italian ice and banana splits, you might just experience a sugar rush while browsing the menu."

"Sugar Shack’s treats are the stuff of which the sweetest dreams are made off. Take a seat at one of Sugar Shack’s patio tables and enjoy their funnel cake sundaes, ice cream tacos and other frozen treats for the ultimate sugar rush!. Find Sugar Shack at 630 W 26th St."

"Home to the famous funnel cake sundae, this is a must-stop for every ice cream fanatic. Whether you’re getting the sundae for the taste or the Instagram, it will not disappoint."

"Noble SquareAfter meeting at a vegan ice cream shop in Austin, Dylan Sutcliff and Mariana Marinho made their way to Chicago to open this Noble Square newcomer specializing in all things vegan soft serve (plus a medley of housemade cones and locally sourced toppings). Sweets aren’t the only thing the duo takes seriously—sustainability and ethics play a vital role here, as evidenced by higher employee pay, no animal-based products, and no questionable ingredients. Those efforts yield a cone you can feel as good about buying as you do about eating.How to book: Stop by for counter service."

"Does vegan soft serve taste just like cow’s milk soft serve?. No, and we’re not going to pretend it does. But it can still be rich and delicious, as proven by Vaca’s Creamery in Bucktown."

"The team behind River North noodle den Ramen-san opened up this sushi-centric outpost, where hip-hop and hyper fresh seafood are the specialties. The vibes are perfect for post-work groups in need of solid, shareable fare, which is found in plates like shrimp toast nigiri bombs and san-sets (the Mr. Maguro packs in 10 pieces of Bluefin tuna alongside a maki roll). Dessert is an absolute must — make it the Japanese pancakes with matcha butter and Okinawan black syrup or an order of the nama chocolate, cubes of crazy-smooth ganache dusted in coconut charcoal."

"Sushi-san‘s objective is easy, to utilize origin and function, believing those are the most useful ingredients on earth. They receive daily deliveries out of Japan’s Toyosu Fish Industry, they utilize to produce the very best sushi in Chicago, made-to-order hand rolls along with also their every day omakase encounter. Their Master Sushi Chef Kaze Chan can be really a world-class chef who continues to be engaged in the most powerful sushi restaurant in Chicago at the previous two decades."