Drinking Yourself Back To Simpler Times: Highball Lounge

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City Editions: Boston | Chicago | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | Miami | New York City | San Francisco | more Nov 24, 2011 COCKTAIL BAR OF THE WEEK Highball Lounge Why? Because it's already one of River North's most old-school cocktail lounges. There are plenty of spots to grab a decent cocktail in River North, but not that many that offer a fuss-free drinking experience where one can sip, hang back and not worry about crowds or “being seen.” This second-floor, 100-seat spot channels seemingly simpler times, namely the '50s and '60s, by opting for decor that leans on clean lines, sleek booths and abstract paintings. All that should fade into the background, however, once you start downing classic cocktails such as a Moscow mule, a Dark & Stormy, or just a rocks glass with three fingers of scotch.   ADDRESS: 738 N. Clark St. PHONE: 312-397-1961 WEB: highballlounge.com   STORE OF THE WEEK VividBraille Why? Because its apparel is made with a personal touch. Sometimes it's difficult to find quality apparel that doesn't look like it's been rolled off an assembly line. Starting off as a T-shirt line. VividBraille has since grown into a designer brand and moved into a Bucktown storefront. The space also doubles as a studio, with some of the brand's designs being cooked up in-house. Shoppers can pick up threads that show off a personal touch, as well as stock up on selections from lines such as Naked and Famous, Chaser, Schott, and Gnrl Qtrs.   ADDRESS: 2064 N. Damen Ave. PHONE: 773-772-8536 WEB: vividbraille.com   CASUAL RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK The Anthem Why? Because you can raise a toast to the American flag with every round. No, this spot is not an ode to Ayn Rand's dystopian novella. Instead, the same crew behind Wicker Park hotspot Bangers & Lace has ditched the ampersand, hoisted a huge American flag overhead and decked the space out with wood paneling. Additional old-school accents such as flashback-inducing gym lockers add to the ambiance, but the food here shouldn't disappoint either. Familiar pub grub is done with care, offering burgers bursting with cheese, baked mac and cheese, and tangy, lollipop-style buffalo wings.   ADDRESS: 1725 W. Division St. PHONE: 773-697-4804 WEB: theanthemchicago.com   LAST WEEK'S TOP PICK Jam Why? Because it's one of the best brunch spots in town. Boasting one of the most scenic outdoor dining patios in town (as far as brunch spots go, anyways) the original Ukie Village locale of Jam served as a delightful destination for fans of breakfast fare. However, fans of the spot need not worry since the Logan Square location is perched on the scenic Logan Boulevard and also offers a dinner menu for those that don't venture out on weekends until 3 p.m. Breakfast staples such as buckwheat crepes and chocolate pancakes are available, though heartier fare such as fried chicken and a beef tenderloin sandwich should draw a slew of fans.   ADDRESS: 3057 W. Logan Blvd. PHONE: 773-292-6011 WEB: jamrestaurant.com   If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, you may unsubscribe by changing your preferences. To read about our privacy policy, click here. Copyright 2011 IGN Entertainment, 625 2nd Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco CA 94107. All Rights Reserved.