Emily Van Zandt

Tavernita 151 W. Erie St. 312-274-1111 Rating: !!!! (out of 4) Already hot For month-old restaurant Tavernita, delay-induced anticipation (summer 2011 was the goal) plus a hot-stuff chef (Ryan Poli...

Maude's Liquor Bar840 W. Randolph St. 312-243-9712Rating: !!! (out of four) Off to a good start The scene: This French-inspired West Loop spot has dinner seating and a main bar...

Bonny's Bar2417 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-486-8480Rating: !!! (out of four) The scene: Surprisingly crowded for a new spot in the middle of winter. Get there before midnight if you want...

George Street Pub 2858 N. Halsted St. 773-915-5005Rating: !! (out of 4) Give it some timeParked at the corner of George St. and Halsted, this unassuming neighborhood spot is housed...

260 Sports Bar260 W. 26th St., 3rd Floor 312-706-8100Rating: 2.5 (out of 4) Take it or leave itWhile Wrigleyville seems to get a new crop of openings and facelifts every...

Farmhouse228 W. Chicago Ave. 312-280-4960Rating: !! 1/2 (out of four) The scene: Think a 30-and-older crowd out for dinner, mixed with a few area workers stopping in for a drink...

The Anthem1725 W. Division St. 773-697-4804Rating: !!! (our of four) Off to a good start The scene: This new Wicker Park sports bar is owned by the team behind Bangers...

South Branch100 S. Wacker Drive 312-546-6177Rating: !!! (out of 4) Off to a good start The team behind Sweetwater, The Boundary and Trace bring another happy hour-centric spot to the...

O'Hare on Thanksgiving Eve and I had made it through security in less than 15 minutes. Now was clearly the time to celebrate. I settled into a barstool at a...