Dining out: Spirits, a burger challenge, an ugly sweater brunch & more
Winter sippers
Warm up with a handcrafted holiday cocktail at Gene & Georgetti Rosemont. Try the Winter Sangria; Eggnog Martini made with cinnamon, nutmeg and amaretto; or the Yardbird (similar to a Manhattan). They cost $14 a glass and will be available through the end of the month. Gene & Georgetti is at 9421 W. Higgins Road, Rosemont, (847) 653-3300 or geneandgeorgetti.com/gene-and-georgetti-rosemont/.
Works Burger Challenge
Feeling hungry? Up for a challenge? The Works Kitchen at GameWorks is gearing up for the inaugural Works Burger Challenge, which starts Friday, Dec. 21. Any diner who can down a signature Works burger - a grilled cheese-stuffed 1½-pound double burger - plus fries and a milkshake in 20 minutes or less will win a free two-hour unlimited game card (excludes certain attractions). The Works Kitchen at GameWorks is in the Streets of Woodfield, 601 N. Martingale Road, Suite 115, Schaumburg, (847) 330-9675 or gameworks.com/location/schaumburg/.
Feast of the Seven Fishes
Starting at 3 p.m. daily Dec. 21-30, Francesca's locations across the suburbs will be serving up a Feast of the Seven Fishes menu. Special dishes include creamy lobster bisque for $5-$8, sauteed jumbo sea scallops and shrimp for $21, homemade fettuccine with Maine lobster for $27; and Italian fish stew with lobster meat, shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari and scallops in a spicy lobster-tomato broth over rustic garlic bread for $29. Francesca's has locations in Arlington Heights, Barrington, Elmhurst, Lake Forest, Naperville, Northbrook, St. Charles and more. miafrancesca.com/.
Ugly sweater drink deal
If you wear an ugly holiday sweater to Pheasant Run during happy hour, from 4 to 6 p.m. now through Friday, Dec. 21, you can get a Grinch cocktail for $5. The specialty cocktail features Peach Schnapps, Bacardi rum, blue Curacao, orange juice and Sprite. Or try a December drink special. The Chocolate Peppermint Martini features Godiva Chocolate Liquor, Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Peppermint Schnapps, cream and a crushed peppermint rim for $10. Or sip on a Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate made with hot chocolate, Baileys Irish Cream, Peppermint Schnapps, whipped cream and crushed peppermint sprinkles for $8. Pheasant Run is at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 584-6300 or pheasantrun.com/dining.
In the spirit
Bub City Rosemont is getting in the holiday spirit with its annual Bad Santa Christmas Party starting at 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22. Sip on $5 Old Fashioneds, spiked cider and boozy hot cocoa while enjoying live music, giveaways and photos with Santa.
Bub City takes its whiskey seriously. For a special treat, both the Rosemont and River North locations will be serving up six special varieties of whiskey in December. Choose from 2-ounce pours of the Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year ($22), Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year ($26), Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year ($45), Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 Year ($50), Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 20 Year ($75) and Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 23 Year ($90).
Bub City is at Parkway Bank Park, 5441 Park Place, Rosemont, (847) 261-0399, and 435 N. Clark St., Chicago, (312) 610-4200, or bub-city.com/.
Ugly Sweater Brunch
Grab the gaudiest Christmas sweater you can find and head to Shaw's holiday-themed Ugly Sweater Brunch from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23. Shaw's will reward all those wearing an ugly holiday sweater with a $25 gift card to use at a future visit. Brunch costs $65 for adults, $15 for kids 7-12, and free for kids 6 and younger. Shaw's Crab House Schaumburg is at 1900 E. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, (847) 517-2722 or shawscrabhouse.com/events/ugly-sweater-brunch-december-23/.
Udder Chaos
Take a break this busy season to enjoy RAM Restaurant and Brewery's limited-time release Udder Chaos Imperial Milk Stout. The brew has hints of fresh roasted coffee and notes of dark chocolate. Pair Udder Chaos with items off the Steakcation menu and/or the bread pudding or cookie skillet. It'll be available through December only. The RAM is at 9520 Higgins Road, Rosemont, (847) 692-4426, and 700 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, (847) 520-1222. theram.com/.
Winter warm up
No matter the weather, O'Toole's of Libertyville has you covered in its new enclosed, heated four-seasons patio. The renovation added 18 more seats, new speakers and infrared propane heaters to keep guests warm during the winter. As an added bonus, leashed dogs and service animals are allowed on the patio as well. O'Toole's Libertyville is at 412 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, (847) 984-2599 or timothyotooles.com/libertyville.
<i> Email clinden@dailyherald.com with suburban dining events.</i>