Suburbs offer some new watering holes for '08

In these early months of the year, as you regain consciousness from the post-New Year's Eve hangover and worn-out midnight glitz-fest, it's tough to regain one's nightlife bearings against January's pointedly non-festive chill. Thankfully there's good news on the bar front: Whisperings of pending pub openings and still-new clubs are popping up throughout the 'burbs, and we expect to hear more murmurings before the year's end. After stout consideration of rumors and chatty-Cathy news, we picked our favorite bar spots for 2008. We suspect you'll be satisfied by February. Happy sipping, chugging and social slurping.

Meat 'n' martinis

We smell alcohol on the breath of these new mall "oases" staking claim on suburban shopping. We're looking at you, Yorktown Center, Algonquin Commons and Bolingbrook Promenade. We see how you tempt us with your Gordon Biersch beer, and we've already given in. Looks like Morton's Steakhouse is slated for inclusion at the latest lifestyle-mall addition in Naperville's new Freedom Center off of I-88. Though Morton typically tops our list of Fancy Dinner Destinations when celebration meats are needed, let's not forget about the restaurant's pub-style bar and new-ish Bar 12-21, the latter of which is supposedly making its way to Naperville. For full drink info, preview 12-21 at Morton's Northbrook location. We assure you that wine, "Mortinis" and plenty of bite-sized filet mignon sliders shall abound.

But no Cubs

Attention Northside baseball fans who loathe fighting traffic to see their beloved Cubbies at a bar in Wrigleyville: John Barleycorn just saved you a trip on I-90. The beloved Chicago pub has announced that its newest location -- the first in the suburbs -- will open in Schaumburg at the end of the month, in plenty of time for spring training and the Cubs' 100th year anniversary. Be prepared for sports-bar happiness that comes in the form of nachos the size of your head and plenty of Guinness specials.

Fuego, take two

If you've waited for a table in downtown Arlington Heights in anticipation of tableside guacamole and frozen margaritas, you know all about Fuego. The Mexican grill slings margaritas the size of small sombreros and seemingly has boasted a full dining room since the day it opened nearly two years ago. Turns out Fuego's owner has decided to open a second place in Arlington called Grand Central Station, a sort of '60s-icon lunch destination with a possible train theme near the Metra station.

In on the 'in-field'

Anyone who's been to the Kentucky Derby can attest to the high visibility of a certain mint-spiked cocktail called the Mint Julep. Served in a commemorative cup and overflowing with mint leaves, it's overblown with the kind of summertime bliss that only a bourbon-and-sugar-water concoction can inspire, and, after nearly a century of Derby experience, it's making its way to the upper Midwest. Though Juleps won't be the only drink on the menu at Palatine's Mint Julep Bistro, slated to open this month, we certainly hope to see at least a few hat-clad ladies with one in hand. The Bistro mostly specializes in Southern comfort food via the owner's previous experience at Savannah in Barrington, but can hopefully live up to its drink-inducing name.

Emmett's return

Those in need of a decent meal and award-winning microbrew without traveling to the Dundees should feel relieved Emmett's Tavern & Brewing Company has found a home in Palatine for the second time. Emmett's is as upscale of a brewpub as they come, with occasional beer tastings and food pairings to boot. Their brew list rivals others of its kind in the 'burbs, and you can bet your top dollar you'll be seeing at least one public keg tapping come St. Patrick's Day.

Jazz hands

In case you haven't stopped by Arlington Heights' Big Shots jazz spot, which recently opened in the old Boiler Room space on Vail Street, we suggest you consider bellying up and testing your wine limits immediately. A quietly classy room of brick walls and candlelight, Big Shots was beautifully converted into a downstairs wine-and-cheese piano bar with nightly entertainment and a surprisingly creative menu. The guilty parties are none other than Yvonne and Christopher Wozniczka, co-owners of Illusion nightclub in Des Plaines, whose wine endeavors make the transition from club to cocktail lounge look easy. Big Shots isn't exactly your Saturday-night bump 'n' grind romp, but it's perfect for a cozy evening getaway.