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

Little Victories is a bar in Wicker Park that’s great for an early-in-the-game date

Carol’s is a country bar in Uptown that’s great for dancing to live music and eating at the bar.

The Long Room is a craft beer bar in Lakeview that's great for an early in the game date or catching up with friends.

Pick Me Up Cafe is an all-day cafe in Lakeview that has plenty of vegetarian and vegan options and is open late.

Friend BBQ is a casual spot in Chinatown that focuses on Chinese barbecue.

Chi Cafe is a late-night restaurant in Chinatown where you can get anything from congee to salt-and-pepper squid.

Maria’s is an excellent neighborhood bar/liquor store in Bridgeport, sharing space with Korean-Polish counter-service spot Kimski.

Kingston Mines has late-night blues and BBQ - the best combination you can find in Lincoln Park.

A historic, slightly divey LGBTQ bar in Uptown with great food.

Au Cheval in the West Loop has our favorite Chicago burger, but that’s not the only great thing on the menu.

Rootstock is a low-key wine bar that serves dinner until 1am.

Ludlow Liquors in Avondale is a polished version of a neighborhood dive with unique takes on bar food and a great back patio.

Lem’s is a counter service BBQ spot on the South Side with great rib tips and hot links.

Primo Chuki's is a casual Mexican restaurant in Uptown.

Red Hot Ranch is a late-night fast food spot in Lakeview.