The whole kit ‘n kaboodle

Watch out for the Cat's Meow to claw its way onto the West Town nightlife scene when it opens on July 18.

Owned by nightclub vet Arman Razavi (Music 101, Mad Bar), this music-and-food oriented venture should be his triumphant return to the bar biz, as he's offering up a strong lineup of deejays, local artists and more.

Cat's Meow should be a hit in the 'hood with budget-friendly prices, and menu items prepared with locally grown produce. Signature bites will include a 10 oz. Black Angus burger, BBQ pulled pork sandwich and crab cakes. They'll also feature daily food specials paired with beer or cocktails.

Whoever said there were no free rides . . .

Guests can take this old-school bus, courtesy of Reggie's, to their favorite destinations in the city at no charge. (Photo: Reggie's Live)


. . . didn't check in with local hot spots like Manor and Zed451, who offer bus service for guests at no charge. Specially wrapped and seating anywhere from two to 80, these buses are not only a new cool way for folks to get around, but they sure do beat taking taxis!

Before you book a trolley or limo, you might want to look into reserving seats, especially when your party's large. They'll definitely come in handy during hectic holiday weekends like Independence Day . . .

Manor's VIP experience goes from the bar to the bus, as this premier nightclub offers a luxury ride transporting guests to their after-hours hang, RiNo. They'll also pick up groups at other nightclubs, restaurants or sporting events to bring them to one of their clubs. The bus holds up to 20.

New South Loop rock venue Reggie’s Live made a very smart move by adding comp transportation, knowing how frustrating it can be to get a cab out of the area on weekends. And what makes their bus the coolest ever is its vintage vibe. Guests can take it to other music venues, as well as utilize it for special occasions (bday, bachelorette bashes). 15 to 80 guests; reservations required.

Both Stanley’s Kitchen and Tap locations in Lincoln Park and the West Loop are known for their sports bar atmosphere and down-home Southern cooking. But what most folks don't know about is the bus service that'll take them to games at United Center, Wrigley Field or Soldier Field. The bus will also take guests to most bars on the North Side or downtown area. Sign up required; holds up to 16.

WestEnd’s bus offers complimentary transportation between their locations and to events at the United Center. It will also pick up groups who have booked a private party at one of the Four Corners locations, including Gaslight, Brownstone, Schoolyard Tavern and Sidebar. Parties may range 10-34 people; first come, first served.

Chicago visitors who stay at downtown area hotels may book Zed451's bus through the concierge or when making a reservation at the meat-focused restaurant. After dinner, the bus will also take the guests back to their hotel or to the Theater District.—Additional reporting by Suzy McMillen

Tips for a first timer

Local folks on the Chicago Chowhound message boards come to the aid of someone going by the name "CookieEater," who is looking for some good, inexpensive spots while in town for the holiday weekend.

Recs are pretty much across the board, from ethnic eats like Habana Libre for Cuban and Hopleaf for Belgian to coffee hangouts such as Sip and Caffe De Luca.

It gets pretty heated . . . especially when they start discussing pizza.

BARBQ, beats and the 'Bubble Bar'

One sixtyblue offers a number of cocktails during its nightly BARBQ event, including a Cool Mint Margarita, Cabo San Loco and Veev-a La Summer. (Photo: one sixtyblue)


It's a short week, so let's get it started early:

one sixtyblue's BARBQ is executive chef Martial Noguier’s signature twist on a summertime tradition. Guests get to enjoy delights such as Swan Creek Farm suckling pig (in a galanga pineapple BBQ sauce!), herb-marinated Australian lamb loin and Swan Creek Farm chicken wing lollipops. Pair those with refreshing cocktails like the Cabo San Loco with Absolut Peppar or the Cool Mint Margarita. Menu is available Monday-Friday at the bar only.

It's Movie Night over at the Terrace, and tonight's feature flick is "Dreamgirls." Chill out with truffled popcorn and selections from the Bubble Bar (bubble tea cocktails infused with vodka or champagne) and Asian-inspired dishes from the eco-chic StaxX menu. Movie starts at dusk, and you get an amazing backdrop of the city's skyline.

Crust offers one of the most welcoming, coziest patios in the city, and guests can enjoy their specialty organic flatbread pizzas, salads and sandwiches. Every Monday, diners get half price on bottles and glasses of wine.

And tonight's Beats + Bass + Rhythm bash at Debonair Social Club is a Large Records music event with deejays Jeff Craven and Hector Lopez. Music 101's weekly event including $5 Stoli drinks and $3 domestic beers to go along with the deep house set. 9pm-2am. No cover.

Stars turn out for 'Public Enemies' wrap party

The West Loop was jumpin' Friday night as the cast and crew of the John Dillinger biopic "Public Enemies" hit Randolph Street hot spot Bon V for the official wrap party, as exclusively reported by 312 Dining Diva. No media were allowed into this private event.

One of my Ultimate Insiders was in attendance and reported that stars started arriving into the crowded club around 11:30pm. Actors Giovanni Ribisi and Stephen "Never Misses a Party" Dorff were first on the scene, then came "PE" director Michael Mann. An hour later, Oscar winner Marion Cotillard ("La Vie en Rose") sashayed in wearing a floral tee and jeans.

Even though he wasn't in the movie, Chicago homeboy and "Entourage" star Jeremy Piven came out to support his colleagues. He barely avoided another incident with a reportedly wasted Stephen Dorff (remember that highly publicized argument in a New York nightclub bathroom line last year?!), who got all up in his face in the VIP section. Luckily, their friends diffused the situation before it got out of hand and put them on opposite sides of the room.

So where the hell was Johnny Depp—the star of "Public Enemies"—during all this excitement?! He was still having dinner in the private dining room of Gibsons Steakhouse, so he never made it out. Oh well!

Johnny Depp confirmed!

Yet another Ultimate Insider has called to say that Johnny Depp is indeed confirmed to attend the private wrap party for the John Dillinger movie, "Public Enemies."

It's happening tonight at Bon V, but not even the 312 Dining Diva can get in!

Another high-profile name confirmed for the party is Jeremy Piven, Emmy-winning star of "Entourage," who's in town for the annual Piven Theatre Workshop Benefit at Rockit Bar & Grill. That happens tomorrow 6-10pm. $150.

Too trendy for Taste?!

Certainly there will be mojitos at the Chicago Rum Festival happening at Bottom Lounge's new Volcano Room this weekend.


If you're one of those people who'd rather skip the city's massive annual food orgy running through July 6, here are some glorious neighborhood joints you might wanna check out this weekend:

BAM! Belmont Arts and Music Fest: Occurring in Roscoe Village between Damen Avenue and Leavitt Street, the two-day event includes live bands, food and drink vendors from nearby restaurants. Noon-10pm Saturday and Sunday. $5 donation.

Cans Music Fest: The retro-focused Bucktown bar holds its annual block party benefiting the Wicker Park Chamber of Commerce. This year they've got Vanilla Ice (wtf), C&C Music Factory and deejays. It takes place right next to Cans. 4pm Friday; 2pm Saturday. $5.

Chicago Rum Fest: Bottom Lounge showcases its new rum bar, the Volcano Room, with a two-day festival that will include food, drinks, rum tastings and more. There will also be live ska, reggae and calypso beginning at 9pm. 1pm Friday; 3pm Saturday. Tickets range from $15 for show to $75 for a dinner accompanied by rum cocktails.

Fifth Annual Back Lot Bash: Check behind the Cheetah Gym in Andersonville (5238 N. Clark St.) for this festival that's a good alternative to the Pride Parade. The party includes deejays, food and drink for purchase and, of course, live music. 3pm Saturday; 2pm Sunday; $10.

It's a wrap for Johnny Depp

For those of you who've been hot on the Johnny Depp trail as he's been filming the John Dillinger biopic, "Public Enemies," around town and throughout the Midwest, tonight may be your last time for a sighting.

An Ultimate Insider tells me that they've finished filming the movie, and tonight's the wrap party at West Loop hot spot Bon V. Whether or not Depp will be in the house has not been confirmed, but planners have invited 900 guests to fill up the 300-capacity club. The party was originally scheduled to take place at Alhambra Palace down the street, but for some reason that's not happening.

Other possible star sightings from the movie tonight include actors Christian Bale, Channing Tatum and Giovanni Ribisi.

Depp has caused quite a stir on the scene since he's been in town. He celebrated his birthday at Shanghai Terrace earlier this month, and he's also been spotted at La Scarola, The Drawing Room and Gibsons Steakhouse.