"If you've ever wanted to have a date in the parlor of the Clue mansion, head to Armitage Alehouse in Lincoln Park. It’s from the Bavette’s team, and has a 1920s jazz playlist, a dim dining room filled with old-timey artwork, great service, and fantastic food. The menu has dishes like steak tartare, lamb chops, plus a selection of incredible pot pies (like pheasant and foie gras). Between the prohibition-era soundtrack and windowless space, Armitage Alehouse has the ability to suck you in and magically make you forget that the world is spinning outside. Reservations are released 14 days in advance at 9am. The bar area and patio are reserved for walk-ins, however. If you come close to opening time (4:30pm on Sunday through Thursday, 12pm on Fridays, 10am on Saturday and Sunday), you’ll most likely find an empty seat or two." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen