Broadway & Lawrence

Not so long ago, heading up to the Broadway/Lawrence intersection of Uptown meant a couple of things: you were likely headed to the Riviera or the Aragon for live music, or perhaps some jazz and cocktails at the landmark Green Mill Lounge. Dinner, drinks before or afterward? You probably had to head somewhere else -- there just hasn't been much else in the area that wasn't a cab ride away.

The historic entertainment district, once a fancy spot where Frank Sinatra and other stars regularly crooned, is undergoing a renaissance. New bars and restaurants have opened, and more is promised, including an upscale Indian restaurant, locals say.

Clubs and restaurants are opening, making Broadway/Lawrence a spot where you could actually make a Friday or Saturday night of it. Hooray!

Crew
4804 N. Broadway
(773) 784-CREW

Atop a beer cooler, a wise saying by that sage, Homer Simpson, is displayed: "I like my beer cold, t.v. loud and homosexuals flaming." Let's just call this the best damn gay sports bar -- and yes, about the only one -- in Chicago. Sixteen TVs, friendly service, and no shortage of male eye candy in this year-old spot. College football games appeared on every TV on a recent Saturday night, sports memorabilia including Big Ten, Big 12, Chicago Cubs and, of course, the World Series championship White Sox, decorate the bar. Some staffers wear shirts that say "Crew" on the front and "Pink Sheep of the Family" on the back. Yummy bar food, attentive bartenders make for a fun night for both gay and straight crowds.

Hours: 11:30 a.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday; 9:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturday; 9:30 a.m.-midnight Sunday.

Agami
4712 N. Broadway
(773) 506-1845

Next to the newish Borders book store -- a pivotal development in the comeback of Uptown -- is Agami, a swank sushi spot. It's very loungey, lots of red leather seats, video screens featuring vivid underwater sealife scenes, and some funky wall fixtures that may resemble -- but just a bit -- Rainbow Cafe. The vibe is way cooler, fortunately, with a glass wall separating the inviting bar from the restaurant. Executive chef Soon Park hails from Kamehachi and Sushi Wabi, and offers multiple treats for the tongue: the spicy salmon roll ($5), and the asparagus beef roll ($7) were delicious, and the sashimi ($24 for 12 pieces) melts in the mouth. And the service was outstanding. The restaurant hopes to get its liquor license by Thanksgiving weekend.

Hours: 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Monday-Thursday; 5 p.m.-3 a.m. Friday-Saturday; 5-11 p.m. Sunday. Note: Kitchen closes one hour before restaurant closes.

Kinetic Playground
1113 W. Lawrence
(773) 334-4800

Think big lounge, lots of beer and drink choices, and comfy yet stylish couches to sit on, and you've got the Kinetic Playground. The new bar, just opened this year, is a great dark spot to hit after an Aragon or Riveria show to get off your feet (if you get there early enough to nab a seat), have a drink and discuss the night's act -- unless live music's playing, in which case it may be tough to hear yourself talk. On a recent Saturday, Kinetic had a band playing (and the Riviera was strangely quiet, which seemed a little odd for a Saturday) and a pretty good crowd had gathered by 11 p.m.

Hours: Can vary a bit, but generally 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Sunday-Friday; 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Saturday.

Uptown Lounge
1136 W. Lawrence
(773) 878-1136

Well-groomed men and women in their 20s, 30s and 40s wearing the going-out uniform of smart, fitted jeans and feminine camisoles gathered in this dimly lit spot, formerly the Saxony bar, on a recent Saturday night and cheered as the DJ played oldies like Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" -- especially popular in Chicago post-World Series -- and Bon Jovi's "I'll Be There For You." Dancers also grooved to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, to give you an idea of the musical mix. The scene at this 4 a.m. (5 a.m. on Saturday) bar can change depending upon the shows at next door's Aragon -- but on this recent Saturday, the crowd was a mix of blacks and whites, dancing, laughing, tapping their feet and sipping drinks on leather ottomans next to low-lying lounge tables. Cool vibe for the folks who don't want to do the youngster downtown dance clubs, but wouldn't mind some of that atmosphere.

Hours: 4 p.m.-4 a.m. Sunday-Friday; 4 p.m.-5 a.m. Saturday.