Situated in a busy little corridor of Lincoln Square, this Argentine-focused steakhouse is for certain aiming to be on your hot list for date night. Artango is decadent with its romantic aura; the lights are low, the tables are candlelit, and the soundtrack is always South American. On weekends, that soundtrack comes alive as Argentine musical duos or trios take up space at the entrance, welcoming in guests. On the menu: ceviche, slow-grilled steaks, seafood paella.

Note: Dorian’s has remained closed during the pandemic. Ownership hopes to reopen in mid-July.

Part live music venue, part restaurant, part...record store? Dorian’s is a unique find in Bucktown. While you’re waiting to be admitted into the lounge, peruse the well-curated vintage vinyl selection ranging from Elvis to Ella Fitzgerald. Inside, the intimate space is lively with blues, jazz, or R&B shows Thursday through Saturday. The food is meant to share: Choose from chicken bao, mushroom won tons, chicken liver mousse, and cheese and charcuterie. Expect a new menu when the venue reopens.

Pre-pandemic, this sexy Wicker Park hang had gotten so hot that Hamilton performers dropped by on the regular for impromptu performances. The cabaret-style Bordel, with its secret entrance, lush red booths, and enticing dance music, is still quite tempting with a variety of acts that are mostly Spanish influenced. Flamenco dancers, burlesque performers, and bands are the main attraction. Just be prepared for showtime to happen at any time. The food menu is provided by the downstairs Mama Delia marketplace and café. There are a variety of conservas and imported hams from Spain for noshing.

This River North venue dates back to the 1950s and had earned a reputation as one of the best places to listen to jazz in the city. At one point, Andy’s was an after-work haven for Sun-Times and Tribune staffers, but golden age of newspapers has past. The food does not take center stage here; the music is the undisputed queen. Dining is reservation only, and while the chops and salads aren’t memorable, the overall entertainment package makes Andy’s notable. 

This upscale dining destination certainly feels like it belongs in another era. Specifically, it aims for a Prohibition-era vibe with its attention to detail in each of its featured rooms, from the cabaret lounge to whiskey bar featuring one of the largest selections in the Midwest. As far as entertainment, catch a weekly peek at “Unbridled,” the risqué burlesque show, or sit back and be entertained by local bands performing blues, jazz or soul. The cuisine is globally influenced with offerings such as house-made pastas, grilled branzino, steaks, and chicken Milanese. 

We don’t want to spoil all the cool little surprises the Darling has in store for you once you’ve entered the hidden library for drinks and dinner. It’s on the first floor of this two-level West Loop building, and it’s quite the tempting gem. Burlesque performers appear spontaneously, and their costumes are so elaborate that you’ll feel underdressed no matter what you’re wearing. That’s only half the fun. The other half is experiencing the elaborately dressed cocktails as well as indulgent, shareable platters of seafood, flatbreads, or miniature desserts.

El Che Steakhouse owner/chef John Manion teams up with the famed FitzGerald’s venue to open his first barbecue joint. Adjacent to FitzGerald’s, BabyGold BBQ is family friendly with grilled meats and vegetables (brisket, baby-back ribs, barbecue-spiced cauliflower), a smoked shrimp salad po’boy, char-grilled oysters, and cornbread topped with cajun honey butter. There’s live music daily — sometimes free and for all ages — ranging from blues to alt rock.

Summertime is when this South Side venue reigns for its lineup of jammin’ bands and deejays on its festive back deck facing Margaret Taylor Burroughs Beach. There’s reggae every Saturday afternoon, and guests are also treated to salsa, old school R&B, jazz, and more. There is excessive dancing, too, so it can get a little intimidating, but it’s also fun to watch the action from your table. Sustenance includes grilled burgers, a Chicago-style hot dog, salmon burger, and chipotle black bean burger.