Have you ever tried to get one of your annoying foodie friends to a bar for dinner. To them, burgers and fries apparently don't cut it if they aren't served in a gastro-pub. Irritating. There's nothing wrong with bar food, which while simple can also be very appealing. Cesar's 3166 N Clark St | 773.248.2835 | www.killermargaritas.com Cesar's on Broadway 2924 N. Broadway | 773.296.9097 | www.killermargaritas.com One place foodies and non-foodies can probably agree upon is Cesar's, both at their Clark Street and Broadway locations. I know, it seems so obvious. Sort of a restaurant, but let's face it, is there even one table not covered in giant margarita glasses? Call it what they want ­ and they call them "Killer Margaritas" - the main draw is the booze, which is just fine, as those margaritas are plenty memorable. Or not, depending upon just how many you decide to sample in between baskets of chips and salsa and perfectly respectable Mexican food. Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club 3700 N Halsted St | 773.525.1111 | www.kitkatchicago.com Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club is also a Boystown neighborhood fixture, with the list of 100+ types of martinis surely a reason why. And those entertainers. And the - wait, what about the food. Have you forgotten how tasty some of the items are here? Coconut crab cakes, crunchy toasted pumpkin seeds in their salad, and that espresso coated filet. Cornelia's 748 W Cornelia Ave | 773.248.8333 | www.ilovecornelias.com Not to be outdone, neighborhood stalwart Cornelia's still offers dependable food and romance. Well, in atmosphere. You have to find your own date. There, the two of you can drink cocktails, snack on olives and cheeses, or jump into the bigger stuff with their Asian spiced tilapia, or chuck all those work-outs and order up the brisket. It's well worth it. The Fifty 50 2047 W Division St | 773.489.5050 | www.thefifty50.com Further afield, The Fifty 50 (yes, they really spell it that way) has taken over the unmissed Bravo space on the western edge of the robust Division Street dining scene in Wicker Park. Unfortunately, coming here for food is not recommended. Or for conversation (though you'll have better luck with the latter in their front outdoor area). Come, instead, for expensive cocktails, three floors of loud, and patrons who appear to have driven their expensive cars in from the flashier Atlantic City Casinos or the Western burbs. InnJoy 2051 W Division St | 773.394.2066 | www.innjoychicago.com Better luck in this part of town can be found at the next two eateries to the west. At the old fashioned, somewhat hipstery InnJoy, pizzas and regular bar food vie with some surprise menu offerings (grilled chicken, apple and brie sandwich; baked goat cheese; grilled skirt steak), pretty good music, a friendly neighborhood vibe, and a refreshing abundance of oxygen. Yes, this was one of those super smoky places before the city's no-smoking ordinance. Smokers can still sit out front, though you'll be right next to The Fifty 50. Makes for good people watching. Small Bar 2049 W Division St | 773.772.2727 | www.thesmallbar.com Right next door, Small Bar is a spin-off of the similar Logan Square spot; though here the food is a bit more ambitious (and the prices a little higher). Still, you get what you pay for, and there's more on offer than curly fries and hot wings (although the many varieties of wings are super tasty). Here, too, you can sit outside and seemingly watch the entire world go by. There's a drink special every day, and not a lot of other bars offer a blackened catfish sandwich, spicy hummus, or a homemade ice cream sandwich. Something to keep everybody happy.