Chicago has been on my radar ever since last year when I made friends with Nina Kokotas Hahn, a Chicago-based travel writer. Nina really should be the official ambassador of Chicago for her Windy City zeal. With her encouragement, I did a little research to find out what unique drinking events Chicago has to offer and came up with some clever options – from BYOB painting sessions to trivia tippling.
Uncorked Creativity
Pick a bottle of wine and a couple of friends and head to Bucktown for an evening of affordable and artistic fun. Arts n Spirits is a unique new approach to the art of teaching art. Owners Jessica Hess and Vik Chokshi strive to provide a casual atmosphere in which to create great pieces of art. It’s BYOB, so make sure to bring your favorite wine or beer to get the creative juices flowing. Painting events range in price from $35-40/person and include canvases, easels, brushes, paint and aprons. Private parties are $45 per person and private parties-to-go are $50 per person (all materials included). If you are looking for a great date night or want to unwind with the girls, Arts n Spirits is the way to go. www.artsnspirits.com
Wine a Little for a Good Cause
Throwing a wine tasting soiree could seem like a daunting endeavor if you’re not that well versed in wines. But Wines for Humanity can help. They help you throw an in-home wine party to entertain and educate your guests. Meanwhile you’re helping others in need. If anyone at the event purchases a bottle of wine sampled (average cost of a bottle is $20), an average of $2.00 of the cost of each bottle goes directly to local charities that work for the prevention of homelessness in families with children. And you get a discount on the wines sampled as the host of this ‘wine’ing for a good cause. www.winesforhumanity.com
Trivial Tippling
Games aren’t just for kids anymore – alcohol-fueled trivia is becoming an increasingly popular activity for the 20 and 30-something sect in Chicago. No matter the neighborhood you’re in, there’s probably an organized trivia game (coupled with outrageous drink deals) nearby almost every night of the week. Top options include Tuesday nights at Sheffield’s (3258 N. Sheffield) where prizes include a $500 gift card to the Lakeview Bar and Eatery and Thursdays at Casey Moran’s (3660 N. Clark St.) where participants can take advantage of $1.00 domestic bottles and $5.00 bombs. Head here to Chicago’s Trivia Night for a complete list.
For more on Chicago’s bar scene, head to Chicago Mag’s Best Chicago Bars of 2012 article.