Sheffield's Beer and Wine Garden, Chicago

Sheffield's is a wonderful, sit-down-and-take-your-time kind of a pub located just off the busy Belmont Avenue. Word is out about this place, so weeknights are better for fighting off crowds. Relax at the vintage bar and pick from more than 80 beers, and make sure to pet the cat that has lived there "for a long time." Also, make sure to try the "Bad Beer of the Month." During the summer, there is a pleasant garden in back for drinking, smoking and just plain schmoozing.