This guy lost his bootlegging business in '33.
In a time when our biggest going-out problems include snooty bouncers and overpriced cocktails, it can be humbling to think about what our grandparents had to deal with: For a time, they couldn't drink at all without fear of persecution. Talk about a buzzkill! Thankfully, that time is long behind us. 75 years, in fact. Celebrate the end of Prohibition with these Repeal Day parties around Chicago on Friday, December 5 (celebrating on your own in a local tavern is cool, too).
Room 21
5:30-10 p.m.
You might think you're back in the '30s at this upscale restaurant/bar (which only makes sense, as it was one of the first places shut down during Prohibition), as servers will be dressed in period costumes. The prices aren't quite 1933, but they aren't 2008, either; a $19.33 menu includes a Dewar's specialty cocktail along with your food. All Dewar's cocktails are $5 when purchased separately.
Clark St. Ale House
6-9 p.m.
Not up for a whole to-do? Stop by this River North favorite for a drink or two in the early evening. The happy hour is sponsored by the Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails (or LUPEC to those in the know). Dress in period clothing and you'll get...props.
The Drawing Room
10 p.m.
LUPEC also sponsors this Prohibition-era party. For $33, you'll get food and drink pairings, as well as live music from the Ron Mills Orchestra.
Kelly's Pub
5:30-8:30 p.m.
This Lincoln Park tavern celebrates Repeal Day like it celebrates most days - with cheap drinks. You'll get $2 domestic drafts and bottles and $2 well cocktails.
In Fine Spirits Lounge
3 p.m.-2 a.m.; free
The cocktails are always flowing at this Andersonville spot; tonight they're just a little more themed, with options like the Prohibition Cocktail (gin and apricot) and The Capone (made with the famed Templeton Rye Prohibiton-Era Whiskey). The staff will be dressed up in period costume, and you could be, too.
Moonshine
Plenty of folks were making moonshine during the dark days of Prohibition, so it only makes sense to stop into this Wicker Park mainstay for a few. Swing dancers will be on hand in period attire, and the Dewar's folks will be out in force, handing out Dewar's Dollars, which you can use for old-timey things like shoe shines and shaves. Oh, and drinks!
Spring
This free party features the mixology stylings of Kirk Estopinal (Violet Hour), who will be creating $10 cocktails that will go quite well with the restaurant's bar menu.
Lush Wine and Spirits (both locations)
6-9 p.m.
Just want to celebrate quietly at home with a bottle of wine? Pick it up at lush, and you'll some free samples of classic cocktails just for setting foot into the shop. Hopefully, you weren't planning on driving home.
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