One of the most inviting bars in the city, 404 Wine Bar makes you feel as if you've been invited to a party in a private home (it adjoins Jack's, a standard sports-and-beer spot; make sure you go in the entrance on the left side of the building). Tables and soft leather couches fill a series of cozy, low-lit rooms; the laid-back vibe attracts groups of friends and couples rather than on-the-prowl singles. The wine list features more than 100 labels from around the world, all fairly reasonably priced. Order by the bottle, glass, or flight (the selection changes every 2 weeks). In the summer, tables are set up in an outdoor courtyard; in the winter, fireplaces fill the rooms with a warm glow.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Chicago 2008, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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