Christina's Favorite Places in Chicago

Public House

Gastropub / Restaurant - River North
Map Room

Bar / Pub - Wicker Park / Bucktown
Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar

Bar / Restaurant / Wine Bar - Humboldt Park
The California Clipper

Bar / Live Music Venue - Humboldt Park

Name

Christina Williams

City

Chicago

What is your favorite part of the job?

The best part of this job is definitely stepping out of my comfort zone. I knew my favorite haunts before I started reviewing, but the job introduced me to some awesome dives I had never heard of, and it forced me to try out upscale spots I wouldn’t normally go to, which are totally worth the splurge. Now I just want to go out and explore (read: drink) all the time!

Short Story/Anecdote from your time on the job:

I was really pumped to visit California Clipper for the first time, and it totally lived up to my expectations. We spent the first hour just sitting in a booth and listening to some great live music, then moved to the bar later on to chat with the bartender. We ended up sitting next to a bartender from another bar, Jerry’s, who talked my ear off about the Chicago bar scene. Then he bought us a round of Jameson shots, and then the Clipper bartender bought us another round. I have never felt more comfortable getting drunk with strangers in my life.

Which Party Earth reviewer(s) do you resemble most and why?

Jonah is my homeboy. Dives, intimate concerts, and microbrews are my loves. Sometimes, though, I might throw in a little Lucas (who doesn’t love pounding beers and watching football every now and again?). And my Emma side often comes out to take advantage of Chicago’s absurd weeknight drink specials.

What is your perfect day in Chicago? What are you doing and where are you going from morning to night?

I would start with brunch at Lula Café, then head to the Lincoln Park zoo to make faces at the monkeys, and then enjoy some live music at a neighborhood street festival. In the evening, I’d begin with a classy cocktail at The Whistler, then head to Piece for pizza and beer. For dancing I’d hit up Danny’s, or for something more chill, The California Clipper for some honky-tonk jams and old-timey cocktails.

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