5. Old Town Pour House
Old Town Pour House opened in March. The 10,000-square-foot venue claims that its 90-strong selection of tap brews is the largest in the city, and the spot also serves wine and seasonal cocktails. A menu of American fare includes crab fondue, ahi tuna, and Guinness-braised short ribs. Its private dining room, which has its own bar area with eight brews on tap, can host seated functions for 30 or 50 guests standing. The space also has two wall-mounted flat-screen TVs and three communal tables.
Photo: Adam Flikkema
8. The Monkey's Paw
The Monkey's Paw opened in Lincoln Park in May. With a wide selection of whiskeys and dishes such as orzo with vanilla-poached lobster and New York strip steak with horseradish Hollandaise, the venue can be bought out for groups of 70 or more. The semiprivate Library, with bookshelves and leather lounge seating, can seat eight, while a larger semiprivate room can hold 20.
Photo: Courtesy of The Monkey's Paw
