January is a tough month -- sure, we have the inauguration to look forward to, but the holidays are over, the winter will last another two months (at least) and we have credit card bills out the wazoo.
Thankfully, there are a slew of TV shows starting another season in January, and Duke's Alehouse and Kitchen in the northwestern suburb of Crystal Lake is seizing the opportunity. You could stay home to watch, but frozen pizza just doesn't have the same cachet.
Duke's "Season Starter Viewing Parties" kick off Monday, Jan. 5 with the premiere of "The Bachelor." In honor of this reality romance show, Duke's will offer $5 cosmos and $3 Great Lakes pints as a nod to the Cleveland-born contestant. The over-the-top antics of Drs. Troy and McNamara will return with the "Nip/Tuck" premiere on Tuesday, Jan. 6. Tongue-in-cheek specials include $2 "silicone" shots (Jello shots made with Pucker liqueurs), $3 Miami-themed rum drinks and $9 Cuban pressed sandwiches with a side dish. Jack Bauer and "24" are back on Sunday, Jan. 11, bringing 24 cent wings, 24-ounce drafts for $3 and $4 Jack-is-Back and Cokes. On Tuesday, Jan. 13, settle in for more craziness as "American Idol" returns. Duke's will have a trivia contest to win $2 sliders, $2 Miller Lite pints and $2 "AI" shots. "Lost" premieres on Wednesday, Jan. 21, and the tropical-themed items include $6 mai tais, $8 coconut chicken tenders and 25 cent jerk chicken wings. And, finally, on Tuesday, Jan. 23, "Fringe" comes back with $3 Mind Erasers.
With a lineup like that, January should fly by in a blur. Duke's Alehouse and Kitchen, 110 N. Main St., Crystal Lake, 815-356-9980.
