| June
2006 |
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Parties, Festivals Await Cyclists Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Bike to Work Week Master Biking in Traffic, Biking with Small Children Bicycles, Bakeries and Beyond – Get the Most Out of Your Membership Discount Benefits |
Nightspots for the Bicycling Set With so many bars and nightclubs in Chicago, it isn’t difficult
to find one to ride a bike to. But what about places that welcome
your bike, as well? Chicago has a couple of eating and drinking establishments that cater to bicyclists and they’re both top notch. Handlebar Bar & Grill has been feeding and watering Chicagoland Bicycle Federation staff and members since 2003 at 2311 W. North Ave. We love the smoke-free atmosphere and the backyard beer garden complete with bike racks. They also serve up excellent seafood entrees, in addition to bountiful plates of veggie fare. Look for daily specials on micro-brew and import pints, cocktails and the ominous “car bomb.” Run by a group of bicycling activists, the Handlebar hosts monthly CBF happy hours. It’s also is a meet-up spot for lots of informal rides, which sometimes occur spontaneously. At any rate, this is one spot where closing time often means asking the question, “Your bike route or mine?”
Greg Wynne, owner of Leila Jane’s, 1008 W. Armitage Ave., is a bicyclist who opens his doors – literally – to bicycles. Wynne let our group bring four bicycles right inside this chill DePaul neighborhood bar and eatery. Depending on how busy it is, Wynee said, bike parking is accommodated on the main floor, otherwise in the basement. At either level, Leila Jane’s is a warm, inviting alternative to the frat-bars that permeate the neighborhood. Silky brown curtains, intimate tables and a portrait of Elvis behind the bar help set the tone for Wynne’s selection of cutting-edge music and eclectic menu with plenty of veggie offerings (The veggie pizza and hummus plate were fresh and tasty.) Leila Jane’s also hosts twice-monthly bike races that start and finish at the bar. Stay tuned for some CBF events in partnership with Leila Jane’s. David Callahan is Bike Traffic managing editor
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