The Golden Age of Burlesque may be over; but Vaudezilla is intent on bringing it back with fervor.

As Velicity Metropolis, the boisterous blonde drag queen and host of Hamburger Mary’s weekly Bingo, will be sure to tell you, this really isn’t your grandma’s church basement Bingo.

When thinking of great BBQ in Chicago, Smoke Daddy is one of the first places that comes to my mind.

Hagen’s Fish Market has operated in Portage Park since 1946 and is home to Chicago’s last natural hardwood smokehouse. They sell a variety of fresh, smoked and fried seafood, all prepared with a care and skill unrivaled in the city.

Tucked into a residential street in Ravenswood just a few blocks from the center of Lincoln Square, this is the type of place at which I could see myself becoming a regular. It’s Italian. It’s BYOB. And it’s inexpensive. A triple threat in my book.

Do like we did and post up at a table with some good friends, good beer, and watch as the graphic wall art turns funnier with each drink you put down.

Wells on Wells is a fairly low-key bar, with two flat screens, plenty of tables and a proudly displayed Iowa Hawkeyes flag.

Situated directly behind the Pritzker Pavilion, the Harris theater is one of the gems in the Millennium Park crown and, as of 2003, one of the great venues in Chicago for viewing dance and music events.

This small 4am dive bar is the perfect way to end an evening in Old Town.

The underground lairish style of Old Town Pub feels classic, the wooden walls are welcoming and unpretentious.

Oprah’s famed personal chef, Art Smith, is still taking the Gold Coast by storm with his restaurant, Table Fifty-Two.

The Purple Pig’s slogan sums up the experience perfectly: “Cheese, Swine & Wine.” This Magnificent Mile restaurant is for the adventurous meat lover who enjoys sharing a great meal with friends over many bottles of wine. Sound up your alley? Yeah, we thought so.

If you’re on the south side of Chicago and you’re a wee bit thirsty for a pint, Western Avenue’s got you covered.

Located next to the Cadillac Palace Theatre, Encore Liquid Lounge is great place for theatergoers to grab some pre or post show cocktails.