New is good

If you’re looking for a popular new watering hole, we found a handful of recent additions to Chicago’s bar scene

By Trent Modglin

The bar: Mad River
The location: 2909 N. Sheffield (www.madriverchicago.com)
What you’ll find: Mad River got its name from a Vermont ski resort, and you’ll see why upon entering. Just leave the ski boots at home. They have three private event areas: the fireside, the balcony and the back bar area, as well as three different packages to choose from for a private party. A spacious 7,000 square feet is plenty to keep you from feeling overly crowded, even when it’s hopping, which is often. The clients are mostly young professionals, and Mad River stakes claim to being the only bar in Chicago with a dance floor.
The good word: In the former location of Brother Jimmy’s and the Blue Iguana, the general consensus was that this location needed a pick-me-up, and it got one with the sparkling new Mad River. Get there early on the weekends, as the place fills up quickly.
A special or two to keep you coming back: Monday is half-price appetizers and half-price wine; Thursday is $2 Coors Light drafts and $3 Flav vodka drinks; Sunday is $4 Miller Lite stadium cups and $6 baskets of wings.

The bar: Uberstein
The location: About a block from Wrigley, at 3478 N. Clark, in the former location of the restaurant Heaven on Seven.
What you’ll find: If you’ve been to the Hofbrau House in Munich, or any beer hall in Bavaria, you’ll feel right at home here. They are the exclusive Hofbrau House seller of the famous German beer, and it’s available in authentic liter steins if you’re up for it. An outside beer garden off Clark is great for the late-summer evenings.
The good word: “I really think we filled a hole in the market place,” says Colin, the manager. “There isn’t a German beer hall anywhere around, and it fits this neighborhood. It’s a casual, engaging experience like in Germany, and a nice connection for people of that heritage or people who have been there before.”
A special or two to keep you coming back: Uberstein offers the Uberfeast for $8.95 per person, consisting of a family-style gorging on bratwurst, pretzels, sauerkraut and potato salad.

The bar: The Four Shadows
The location: 2758 N. Ashland, at the corner of Ashland and Diversey.
What you’ll find: If you remember Lee’s, the former pub that once called home to this sight, forget it. Quickly. The Four Shadows has overhauled the place with a plethora of dark wood, stylish mirrors and flat screen TVs. “I originally thought this might be a neighborhood bar without the neighborhood, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. It’s a great, diverse neighborhood that needed a nice bar that is reasonably priced.”
The good word: The food comes highly recommended, as more than a few neighborhood patrons stop in for dinner two or three times a week. Weekends have been busy since its opening in June, and Iowa football draws a crowd on Saturday afternoons.
A special or two to keep you coming back: $4.50 Effen cocktails on Thursdays and $2.50 domestic bottles on Saturday and Sunday

The bar: The Houndstooth Saloon
The location: 3438 N. Clark, on the corner of Clark and Newport.
What you’ll find: First it was The Outpost not that long ago, then Cleary’s on Clark for what seemed like about a week. But it looks like the musical chairs has come to an end, as the owners from Dark Horse Tap and Grille across the street have taken over and redecorated, adding a distinctly Southern feel with red-and-white checkered wallpaper, a wagon wheel chandelier and plenty of good ol’ barbecue. Pulled pork, ribs and chicken fingers are highlights on the menu, and an outdoor patio is welcoming on the side of the bar.
The good word: Head here for Alabama football on Saturdays. “The food is a big draw during the week, and I think a lot of people are finding it’s laid-back and an easy place to stay for a while, especially with our specials,” says Pete, the manager. “You’ll have a good time anytime of the day.”
A special or two to keep you coming back: Half-price ribs on Sundays; 10-cent wings on Mondays; $5 pitchers for country night on Thursdays; $2 domestic drafts on Fridays.

The bar: Bluelight
The location: 3251 N. Western Ave.
What you’ll find: The recently opened Bluelight is one of the nicer 4 a.m. bars in the city, not to mention a favorite stop for people from the industry. Ample space keeps you from getting bumped into or stepped on while watching sporting events on the HD TVs or lounging on the couches in the back bar.
The good word: “People feel very comfortable at Bluelight,” says Dan, a co-owner. “Everyone loves the retro décor and service from our friendly staff.”
A special or two to keep you coming back: Bluelight offers soda flavors such as green river, orange, grape, strawberry and blue raspberry that you can mix with your choice of liqueur. They also offer $2 PBR, Bud and Bud Lights on Sundays, when people gather to watch the NFL Sunday Ticket.

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