UPTOWN — With a forecast calling for snow, ice and lows in the 20s, leaving the 'hood this Black Wednesday isn't exactly high on your list.
Lucky for you, there's no need. From oyster suppers and Swedish glögg to live jazz and dance parties — Uptown and Andersonville have got something for everyone.
For those looking to jumpstart their feast:
Acre, 5308 N. Clark St., will serve $1 oysters starting at 5 p.m. Wash those slippery suckers down with perfectly paired beer and wine flights ($7).
If comfort food is more your speed, Bar on Buena, 910 W. Buena Ave., has all-you-can-eat mac n' cheese for $6.95. Deschutes Brewery's festive Jubelale warms cold bodies with fruit and spice ($4 drafts). Plus, the bar is decked to the nines for the holidays.
For the Swedes:
Scott Martin, the owner of Simon's Tavern at 5210 N. Clark St., will unveil this year's glögg on Wednesday (11 a.m. to 2 a.m.). Simon's has served the traditional Swedish mulled wine since the bar opened in 1934.
For the performers:
Take the stage with karaoke at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St., starting at 9:30 p.m. UV Vodka and Cruzan cocktails ring in at $4, and domestic bottles cost $3. Bonus: If you perform a "Kamikaze" song chosen by the DJ, a shot of your choice is on the house.
Keep the party going at Uptown Lounge, 1136 W. Lawrence Ave., which offers karaoke from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Domestic bottles are $3, while cocktails and shots cost $4.
For those who'd rather be in the audience:
The annual cocktail hour show with Ollie O'Shea & John Rice "Uptown Underground" runs from 5-8 p.m. at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway. It's free.
For sports fans and the LGBT crowd:
Starting at 5 p.m., barkeeps at the Sofo Tap, 4923 N. Clark St., will sling $3 domestic drafts and well cocktails. Fireball shots are $4.
Crew Bar, 4804 N. Broadway, wets early birds' whistles when it opens at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. Take $1 off beer cans or grab domestic drafts and well cocktails for $3 a pop. From 1:30-4 p.m., the sports bar will show UEFA Champions soccer. And Bobby Marley spins pop music from around the world beginning at 8 p.m.
And If you still need a stiff drink (or five) after spending Thanksgiving with your family:
Big Chicks, 5024 N. Sheridan Rd., opens at 7 p.m. on Thursday for casual Thanksgiving cocktails. Uptown Lounge opens an hour later and won't close until 4 a.m.
