Barrelhouse Flat on a Friday night

(Photo courtesy chicagonow.com)

Z finally took me to The Barrelhouse Flat. I've been asking to go since it first took over the former Deja Vu space in Lincoln Park in October 2011. (Z went with friends about a month ago, but by the time I could meet up with them, they had moved on to a fratastic bar down the street.)

On a Friday night, Barrelhouse was as busy as I would expect. This place has been covered by every major Chicago publication at least once. And it's hype is well-deserved. From the decor to the glasses to the drinks themselves, the experience is period-appropriate and classy.

After hovering for a few minutes without reservations or plans to eat, we were able to find two seats at the bar. The interior is appropriately minimal. It looks like how I would picture a saloon from just before or after Prohibition--an upright piano, appropriately dimmed lights and at least one bartender in a flapperish-style outfit.

I ordered the Mamie Taylor, a delicious concoction of whiskey, lime, simple syrup and ginger beer. Z ordered the Sazerac, a rye whiskey drink. Next time I hope to check out the Queen's Park Swizzle or the Airmail. Maybe some food, too. Until the deviled egg trend started, I didn't realize I was such a sucker! Looks like Barrelhouse has a special variety of double deviled eggs.

TGIF--Take 1

What are you doing this weekend? My boyfriend will be skiing in Utah, so I have a weekend to myself. Although I will miss him, I'm trying to look at the bright side of the time apart. It's only Tuesday and I've been scoping out fun things to do this weekend!

At the suggestion and organization of my friends Pat and Geeta, I'm planning to check out UP Comedy Club, aptly named as it occupies the third floor of the Second City space in Old Town.

I've thought about scoping out the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. I've lived in the Midwest for most of my life and have been in/near Chicago for more than a decade; it's almost embarrassing to admit I've never been to the nation's largest auto show. Then again, I don't even own a car, so checking out the latest in auto technology isn't top-of-mind for me. 

Dose Market returns on Sunday. I love the laid-back atmosphere of this quirky monthly market. When I went with my sister in December, we bought some delicious homemade marshmallows and hot chocolate. I've also come home with a super-cute blouse from Miss Patina that can be worn to the office or on weekends.

I'm really excited about this FREE event at Schuba's on Sunday night! (My friend Andrea, who I haven't seen in forever, found and suggested it.) Just in time for Valentine's Day, we'll be learning about the Science of Love and Attraction from the perspective of a professor at Northwestern who will untangle the world of online dating and a film expert who will share her expertise about love-making in movies. What an interesting way to end the weekend!