Cary's Lounge

This is as cool a neighborhood spot as they come. It's fun, friendly and intimate.

The staff is personable and great at their jobs, the beer selection is excellent, and all the drinks are reaonably priced.

Craft beer is the strength here, with a wide variety and a staff knowledgeable enough to describe them. While it's not really a cocktail bar, you will find some great whiskies and a few unique, high-end spirits, too.

Check out the Karoake night the last Saturday of every month.

Oh, and while it's not really my thing, it's a serious pool bar. It's said to have the best table in the State of Illinois .... I'm not sure why, but some super high-end brand only found in tournament halls and such. It is large and shiny, and lots of people come from far and wide with their own cues to play on it.

This place is right around the corner from me, and it took me 3 years of living here to make my way over.  It's very much a neighborhood bar.  They have a really top-notch beer selection, if you like that sort of thing.  I'm usually "that asshole" that asks the bartender to make a mojito, and they do a pretty good mojito!  I think they grill on Sundays a lot too, so you can grab a burger.  My real favorite thing about Cary's?  They let me bring my dog in!

The GF and I went in on Saturday for karaoke. We had a great time.  The DJ was enthusiastic and welcoming.  Beers were cheap, whiskeys seem slightly overpriced.  Crowd was diverse and eclectic.

Unlike other karaoke spots, there isn't a clique of regulars that rule the roost or a baroque system for requesting songs.  You just write the song name on the slip and put it in a pitcher.  I'd prefer a strictly sequential system, but this keeps you guessing as to when you're up.  And if you're impatient, just ask the DJ.  We were getting a little tired, and about to leave, so he was able to fit us in so that we didn't leave without getting a chance to strut our stuff on the stage.

The stage is in the storefront window, so people driving down Devon might see you.  I like having an actual stage -- unlike the VFW or Hidden Cove where you're just standing on the floor.