good bar with good food

My husband and I are celebrating our 7th anniversary. We love to sit at a good bar with good food and snack and drink for hours. We have a sitter but no idea where to go (kids will do that to the most devout foodies). Any suggestions? We are willing to travel from Oak Park and we eat everything. Happily.

If you are looking for a beer-focused bar/restaurant, I recommend Hop Leaf.

Scofflaw is a board favorite.

Given that you're coming from OP, I'd probably head to Randolph St and go to Vera or Maude's depending on the vibe you're looking for.

Also really love Berkshire Room for a romantic space with terrific drinks but no idea what the food options are there. Another option would be Homestead-- they have the glassed in rooftop room, delicious food and a very respectable cocktail program, though not as ambitious Berkshire (also theirs).

Billy Sunday on Logan Square has very good cocktails and the food is excellent considering it is primarily a bar. Other choices would include Sable for excellent drinks and decent food and the Violet Hour for excellent drinks and, while I have not eaten very much there, the menu currently looks very good.

I always like the snacks at Violet Hour--although be very careful wiling away too many hours there--those drinks go down waaay too easy . And you must get there early or you'll waste precious sitter time on line...

Sitting in the bar at Sepia is fantastic. Owen & Engine has more of a pub feel, but the upstairs is very cozy. Downstairs at Bavette's also very solid.

Thanks all! I'll give a report after Saturday night!

I was surprised how much we liked RM Champagne. Seems like it would be perfect for an anniversary.

http://rmchampagnesalon.com/

Scofflaw offers an outstanding combination of beverages and food, and it's a very easy place to spend time.

3 Dots and a Dash is also a fun place to hang out. I've been there a number of times and love the bar offerings but have only eaten there once. The food was delectable, Tiki-style.

Though it can be a bit loud at peak times, The Publican is an exceptional place to drink and eat. They have a very well-curated whiskey list and some of the best beer offerings in the city.

I love The Berkshire Room and what little food I've tried there was very good.

If you're in the mood for a bit more casual setting, Big Star is a lot of fun. They have excellent whiskeys and tequilas, and the food's really tasty.

The bar on the main floor at Bavette's is also a great place to drink and eat. I like their basement bar, too but don't know what the food offerings are there.

Maude's Liquor Bar is a more low-key spot with a very nice drink menu and excellent food.

La Sirena Clandestina has a really distinctive cocktail list (mostly based on cachaca, pisco, rum, tequila and mezcal) and I've enjoyed the food I've had there quite a bit.

Yusho and Billy Sunday are both great places to imbibe and snack. Both menus seem to be designed specifically with that in mind.

Big Jones is also a great spot to drink and eat, especially if you enjoy whiskey. They have a great brown liquor selection and the food, especially the appetizers and snacks, are particularly well-suited for accompanying drinking.

=R=

On the more casual side of things, I'll have to put in a good word for bad apple. Awesome burgers, huge beer list, and very comfy bar stools.