The James Club, at the James Hotel in River North. (Photo: James Hotel)
March Madness's officially on for the
NCAA basketball season, and everyone's scrambling on where they're going to watch the games.
If you don't want to get caught up in the mayhem, we suggest reserving
The James Club, tucked inside the
James Hotel.
The venue's typically used for private dinners and small board meetings, but you can have it for your very own March Madness viewing party for free (with a minimum of 15 people; $65 per person). The personalized wet bar, leather-rimmed billiards table, free Wi-Fi, plasma screen and lush, oversized furniture are just some of the perks.
Plus, you can't beat the
David Burke's Primehouse Bracket Buster Menu (mini steak “Burkers,” wings, fajita station, cured Italian meats, sushi station and Chicago-style pizza) that comes with the deal. Call 312-337-1000 to secure.
Here's where else to go on this very guy-centric weekend (where the guys go, the girls will certainly follow!):
THURSDAYBulls' star
Ben Gordon hosts a
March Madness kickoff party at
Bull & Bear. We'll put our money on those two coveted VIP tables with personalized beer taps already reserved. 7pm-2am. No cover.
Award-winning British ale
B United makes a rare appearance in a Chicago venue, and Roscoe Village's
Lush Wine & Spirits gets the honor. A few spaces are left for guests to indulge in sampling, food and words from a rep. 7-8:30pm. $15; RSVP required.
Celebrated
Nacional 27 mix man
Adam Seger's monthly happy hour class is back, this time focusing on "spice and ice" cocktails. He'll show you how to make his
Mango-Ginger-Habanero Daiquiri and
Chadwick Mojito. Appetizers and recipe cards, too. 5:30-6:30pm. $15.
Ultimate bro-mance flick
"I Love You Man" hits theaters Friday, but you and the boys might wanna check out the specially themed party at
Sheffield's before going. Somehow tonight was tagged
National Man-Date Day (WTF?!), so they're doing it up big with "man trivia," a “Rock, Paper, Scissors” tournament, $4 bromance shots and more. Oh, and the grand prize for the tournament is a "beer bouquet." O-kay. 9pm-midnight. No cover.
Martini Park's brand-new, after-work menu includes a number of small bites ($5-$8), plus cocktails. Favorites include
Rhode Island Style Rock Shrimp and
Buffalo Chicken Lollipops. Also, live music and the games will be shown on several monitors. 5-8pm. No cover.
Who needs the
Pussycat Dolls when
Le Passage has
The Dollhouse?! Think sexy burlesque dancers and $200 bottles of
Snow Queen vodka. And if you arrive early (10-11pm), they'll pamper you with complimentary cocktails.
DJ Adrie Marie spins hip-hop. 10pm-4am. RSVP to LPinfo@lepassage.com for guest list.
FRIDAYNYC electroclash duo
Fischerspooner spins a one-of-a-kind deejay set at
Debonair Social Club to support Chicago-based environmental cause
"Dude We Can Fix It." The group's raising funds for
"We Can Solve It," the
Al Gore organization with the goal of having America's electricity generated from non-fossil fuel sources within 10 years. 9pm-2am. Donation.
NYC electroclash duo Fischerspooner spins at Debonair Friday.
SATURDAYFor the first time ever,
Gen Art's SHOP Chicago features men's designers—selected by
Thrillist. Look for more than 50 emerging accessory and clothing designers, including
Lara Miller, organiK Revolution, PAOO LLC, liaMolly, Foxglove Accessories as well as Thrillist-approved menswear
DEMOGRAPHIC, Loop Apparel and
TATTOOED TEES. Those who get the VIP tickets will also have access to the lounge, which includes sounds by
DJ Sye Young, comped cocktails and spa treatments. 1-6pm. General admission free; VIP tickets $40.
The Great Hall, Union Station, 275 S. Clinton St.
More shopping on tap over at
Funkshion (2121 W. Division St., 773-697-4119) in Ukrainian Village, where you can get cardigans and blazers at 70 percent off. You can also rifle through their new spring line of men's styles (and women's) as
DJ Ben Castaneda spins in the corner. Guests will also be treated to an open bar 7-11pm. The after-party happens at
Bon V (mention "Funkshion" for free admission). 9pm-3am.
If you're still standing after watching the games all day, how about some scotch sampling from
Chivas 18?! Head to
Moonshine (8:30-10pm) and/or
Five Star Bar (10-11:30pm) for the juice. No cover.
SUNDAYThe Publican's first-ever brunch last Sunday was a little shaky, yet a major success as executive chef
Paul Kahan twittered the
entire service to the delight of hundreds of hungry fans all over the country. We think it'll be even more crowded as folks come in for the
Beer Mimosas,
Scrapple & Sunnyside Eggs and house-cured smoked bacon. 10am-2pm
Newcomer
Feast Gold Coast delves right into brunch service with
Eggs Royale (poached eggs and smoked salmon on an English muffin with hollandaise and caviar) with a glass of Luis Pato Sparkling Rosé Brut for $20 and a classic
Hangover Helper (a.k.a. Bloody Mary). 10am-3pm
TUESDAYWarrenville's
Two Brothers Brewery hosts a tasting at
Bluebird, highlighting the full lineup of all their beers. They're also bringing in a special pin firkin (5 gallon keg) of just-released
Bare Tree Barleywine, plus reps will be on hand to answer questions. Brats and snacks will also be served. 7:30-9:30pm. $25; RSVP required.
