This time of year there is not a lot you can depend on.  The March Madness Bracket that you were confidant was going to be a clear winner has gone to hell, and the weather is so wildly inconsistent that you have to leave the house in rain boots, sunglasses, gloves, and a scarf.  But, thankfully, you can always count on BYOB for a good time. I should note that I do not include places that charge you $10+ corkage fee as BYOB – seriously, when the bottle of wine I brought with me costs $10 I almost have to laugh at your attempt to charge me am equal amount to open it.  There is no better feeling than knocking back several bottle of vino with your friends after a long week and than receiving the gloriously low check.  Do you want appetizers?  Absolutely!  Dessert?  Why not.  You can rest easy (and full) when you didn’t spend $35 ordering the second cheapest¹ bottle of wine on the menu (which you know you can buy for $9 at your local grocery store).   Chicago is a city full of fantastic BYOB restaurants.  Besides the usual sushi and Asian route you can get Cuban, Mediterranean, BBQ, and some ridiculously good Argentinean steak as well.  So throw on your winter boots, pack your umbrella, grab your favorite cheap bottle of red and treat yourself to a great night out.  After this winter you deserve it.

By:
Rachel Ford