Are you on the scene?

We’ve got the top Chicago hotspots for you every night of the week

By Sara Jahn

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the seemingly endless restaurant and nightlife options in the great Chi-city? Let me lend my expertise. I have compiled a calendar — better yet, a week-long extravaganza of dining, drinking and debauchery — with the hottest spots on the hottest nights of the week. This is truly the crème de la crème of the restaurant and nightlife scene here in town. Enjoy!

MONday: There is no better way to start out the week than with dinner and cocktails at Rockit Bar and Grill. Located in the heart of Streeterville, Rockit boasts the “best burger in town,” and I can hardly disagree (although the burger at Relax Lounge sure does give the Rockit Burger a run for its money!). The staff is very friendly, and there is always a good crowd. Oh, and great music to boot. The bar is adorned with flat screen TVs for the sports enthusiasts, and there are pool tables and a nice lounge area upstairs to hang out in. Monday night also happens to be “industry night,” so if you are in the service industry, you will receive a gracious percentage off your bill. Alcohol, too!!

TUESday: Hugo’s Frog Bar is another one of my go-to favorites. With a rich and sophisticated interior and unparalleled service, Hugo’s is a staple in the Gold Coast neighborhood. From seafood and shellfish, which is delivered fresh daily, to salads and decadent desserts (try the banana cream pie if you’re lucky enough to get it before it’s sold out!), there is something for everyone. And a little secret for you — Hugo’s sister restaurant, Gibson’s Steakhouse, shares the same kitchen. So if you are more inclined to order a peppercorn crusted filet than you are a succulent lobster tail, feel free. If you are ready to rip it after dinner, head to Manor. From VIP table service to the best DJs from around the country, Manor will feel like your home away from home.

WEDNESday: Grab a bite in River North at Sushi Samba Rio. The room is like a “Cirque du Soleil” of interior design. There is a sushi bar in the middle of the room, and the food presentation is remarkable. It’s a little pricey, though, so beware. After dinner, head upstairs and check out the swanky lounge. Fashion shows on Wednesday nights give the stylish patrons the ability to gawk at the hottest new trends. Just as Samba starts to wind down, Y Bar gets popping. If you are ready to join the hard-core Chicago scenesters, head on over, but make sure you are dressed the part! The bouncers aren’t messing around!

THURSday: Maybe you have heard that Thursday is the new Friday? Well, I couldn’t agree more. If I were to choose one night to go out, this would be the one. Start with dinner at Japonais. Incredible food (definitely order The Rock and a Tuna Tuna Salmon roll… I could go on forever about the food) and beautiful people. Make sure that you check out the lounge downstairs, too. Check to see what charitable events are going on Thursdays because it is usually a good night to double up — a great night and a great cause.

FRIday: The Fulton Marker District is the home to some of the hottest restaurants and nightclubs in town. Start with dinner at Follia. Bruno, the owner, will make you feel right at home with his authentic yet very trendy Italian haven. The homemade pasta and culinary creations will keep you going back for more. Conveniently located just a couple blocks away is another one of my personal faves, Lumen. Its contemporary environment was designed with Chicago’s urban sophisticates in mind. With a chic bamboo interior and live orchids gracing the tabletops, the place is incredible. There is rarely a line, and the staff is awesome. They also have very affordable bottle service, which can be tough to find in this city. Bon V is down the street from Lumen and definitely worth checking out, too. And then there are the two interchangeable late-night hotspots, Underground and RINO, which are open until 4 a.m. on Friday nights.

SATURday: Wicker Park is home to another great sushi joint, Bob San. There is rarely a week that goes by that I don’t eat there. The “House Crunch” roll is too good to be true, and their sea scallops are the best I have ever had. After dinner, head to Relax — it’s not a pharmacy, it’s a lounge. Inspired by true rock and roll, Relax holds true to its name. With an uber-chill atmosphere and great music, there is no better way to start your Saturday night. After Relax, feel free to repeat the interchangeable late-night options from Friday night, as on Saturday nights, both Rino and Underground are open until 5 a.m.

SUNday: You would think that by the time Sunday rolls around, one might be exhausted from the daily debauchery, but not at Stanley’s. This popular Lincoln Park bar and grill (which also opened a second location in the West Loop) kicks off its live-band karaoke every Sunday night around 10 p.m. The food at Stanley’s is incredible, so get there early and indulge in some good old comfort food. Stanley’s offers a variety of menu items ranging from mac and cheese to fried chicken. If you haven’t had enough after singing your heart out, then head on over to KREM lounge for some more action. Krem is a hot Miami-style lounge with an all white décor and a happening scene on Sunday nights.

Click here for more Features