SOCIAL STUDIES: It's been a while since an opening in Old Town caused this much excitement, but when one of the guys formerly behind the Four Corners Tavern Group teams up with a chef with Osteria di Tramonto and Blackbird on his resume, Chicago's bar-goers sit up and take notice. Old Town Social, which soft-opened last night, is stirring up the neighborhood with timeless touches like marble bar tops, spacious antique setees, a fireplace and an on-site shoe shine stand (yes, really). Pick your poison from a 60 selection-strong beer list or seasonal cocktail menu, and tuck into choices from the charcuterie bar. 455 W. North Ave., at Cleveland; Old Town; 312-266-2277
HIP-HOP HEAVEN: Join Lil' Wayne, Young Jeezy, Soulja Boy, Drake and Jeremih for an all-star hip-hop lineup at First Midwest Bank Ampitheatre. With that much rap on the roster, you can plan on being there a while. Sat. 6:30 p.m., $29.75-$79.75 19100 Ridgeland Ave., at Flossmoor; Tinley Park; 708-614-1616
SUNDAY BUBBLY SUNDAY: Recover from your Saturday night shenanigans in style at Chaise Lounge. The breezy, upscale Wicker Park lair introduces its Sparkling Sunday Brunch this weekend, replete with mercifully later hours (2-5 p.m.), a menu filled with satisfying dishes (think fried green tomato Benedict and morning tacos stuffed with scrambled eggs, avocado, chipotle salsa and black beans) and a $5 design-your-own-cocktail station offering fresh-squeezed juices, vodkas and champagnes. 1840 W. North Ave., at Honore; Wicker Park; 312-715-0708
Bored at work? Got a tip? No really, bored at work? Send your suggestions for evening activities to Wendy Wollenberg at nightlifemaven@gmail.com
