If you want to try an Illinois brewery that is truly unique, then you need to put Eris Brewery & Cider House in Chicago on the top of your must-visit list.
At Random in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a great place to get cocktails any time of the year, but their summer Ice Cream Social is what really gets people talking.
Here are a few local watering holes around town that don't offer much more than a barstool, a refreshing drink, possibly a jukebox, and most importantly people that aren't your family.