The Second City
King of Chicago comedy. Actors may come and go (usually to Saturday Night Live), but Second City forges on regardless, just like it’s done for the last forty-odd years. Though Second City’s revues are rarely straight-up improv-instead using scripts generated from improv-the spontaneous nature of the theatre still drives the jokes home and keeps fans filling up the seats. Tourist attraction, local favorite and, at this point, a finely tuned machine.

1616 North Wells (312)337-3992

Best of Chicago 2002

Spoon
When Spoon descended on this formerly dead stretch of Old Town earlier this year, its funky-mod interiors, creative martini list and loungey feel immediately made it the place everyone wanted to go. And the frenzy hasn’t abated much; you’ll still find crowded spaces and lines on weekend nights, offering an invigorating burst to a neighborhood not normally known for youthful nightlife options. The secret to Spoon’s success is fairly simple: It’s comfortable, yet chic-blue velvet booths, sheer drapes, exposed brick-like a neighborhood bar with a little extra zip. Which isn’t to say you should dress down; the furnishings tend toward casually hip (read: black). On weeknights especially, you can recline in a mammoth booth with a well-poured martini (The Mimosatini—a Mimosa with vodka, or the Mucho Mango—a multi-juiced creation with vodka and mango liqueur, are highly recommended.) and unwind in soothing and aesthetically pleasing surroundings. And last, but certainly not least, they carry a menu of comfort faves that run the gamut from broccoli mac and cheese to black bean nachos.

1240 North Wells
(Spoon is closed)

Audience choice: Swank
710 North Wells
(Swank is closed)

Best of Chicago 2002