IRVING PARK. This Irish pub has been garnering an increasingly steady following since its opening in 1973. The pub is part restaurant, part club as it features a full menu of authentic Irish food (fish and chips, shepherd's pie, and Irish sausage) as well as live music nightly. The best local, regional, and national acts perform on Abbey's stage, and the musical mix includes everything from Indie Rock to traditional Celtic music. The interior features balcony seating, warm wood floors, and stone walls. Cover charge starts at $6 depending on the musical act.

WEED DISTRICT. This enormous warehouse holds 800 people (legally) and is packed almost every night. Local DJs share space with those brought in from New York, Los Angeles, and London. The dance floor and its raised platforms are highlighted by incredible sound and light systems. Specialty stations throughout the space supplement the four bars. The VIP area is swanky, candlelit, and overlooks the mass of swaying dancers below.

LAKE VIEW. 199 bottles of beer on the wall...and 30 drafts, too. How do you choose? Just ask one of the well-versed waitstaff, who can also recommend an entree to pair perfectly with your brew of choice. A somewhat smoky front room doesn't discourage locals and visitors from crowding in, but the spacious backroom invites lingering and enjoying above-average food offerings that boast Belgian flair, like moules frites and stewed rabbit legs.

WRIGLEYVILLE. What could beat roof-top seating looking out onto Wrigley Field? This sports bar offers just that, as well as a bevy of monitors to keep you posted on competitions across the globe. Sports memorabilia lines the walls, reminding folks that Murphy's is a shrine to all things athletic. Daily drink specials make for a great value, and the signature pink vodka lemonade is so good that you'll probably order more than one. Sidewalk seating is available.

RIVER NORTH. One step into this decadent den and the correlation to its namesake ­ our ultra-vain friend Narcissus from ancient Greek mythology ­ becomes obvious. Escaping the omnipresent gilt mirrors is impossible. The upstairs is draped in velvet and gold with a French-Victorian/Roman-Greco feeling. Another bar and lounge, which is complete with a full size bed, is available downstairs. The selection of champagne, high-end scotches, cognacs, ports, and caviar is impressive.