Des Plaines' Night Life, Seven Days a Week

Those snobby urbanites just east of us like to think the big city is the only place to enjoy a decent night life, but that simply isn't true. In fact, Des Plaines is actually a pretty fun place, assuming you know the right spots to hit.

Why would you bother driving an hour in traffic, cursing the world over the lack of parking spots, being ignored by some staunch bartender or having to scream conversations over blaring music? Yeah, just stick around the old DP. 

Des Plaines Patch has found something fun and affordable to do every day and just minutes from home.

Mondays at the Rand Road House -- If you're partying on Monday nights, it may be time to start attending weekly meetings.  But fear not, there are others like you and they are all hanging out at the Rand Road House, 864 Rand Rd.  Patron Coffee liqueur shots for $5 and $1.75 Miller Lite and Old Style beers make this old dive bar the perfect place to talk smack about the boss after another high-stress Monday. The kitchen stays open until 3 a.m.--an hour before closing--serving the bar's famous grilled cheese, tomato and bacon sandwich, barbecue ribs and burgers.

Tuesdays at Lalo's Mexican Restaurant -- It's a long drive to the border, but Lalo's brings the fun of Mexico to the suburbs at 1535 Ellinwood St.  The fiesta atmosphere, mariachi and salsa music over the speakers and, of course, the half-price margaritas make you forget you're in the northwest suburbs.  Boasting a full line of Sauza tequilas, Lalo's blends up many unique concoctions such as the Azul (Sauza Hornitos, Blue Curacao, sweet 'n' sour and fresh lime juice) and the Don Lalo's Ultimate Margarita (Sauza Tres Generaciones, Cointreau, sweet 'n' sour and a squeeze of fresh lime). 

Wednesdays at Club Casa Café -- Many pass by this little gem, thinking it is only a hangout for golfers.  While it is located in the Golf Center, 353 N. River Rd., anyone who enjoys great food, an eclectic drink menu and friendly service will feel right at home.  Every Wednesday, Club Casa Café customers can get half off the price of an entrée with the purchase of another full-price dish.  Some interesting option are Norwegian Salmon Vesuvio or the Black and Bleu Strip Steak.  Daily drink specials are always changing, but the top-shelf liquor and beer selections make this a choice watering hole.

Thursdays at Cheeseburger in Paradise -- How can a burger joint established by Jimmy Buffet not be a blast?  At Cheeseburger in Paradise, it is literally always happy hour, with $2.75 American draft beers and $3.75 well drinks being served all day, everyday.  Thursdays are especially sweet, with $4 Sangrias, live reggae music from Jamaica Me Crazy and crab racing. 

Fridays at Beacon Tap -- Beacon Tap, 1374 Lee St., may be one of the most beloved drinking spots for Des Plaines natives.  Good food and drinks, an awesome outdoor area and the cozy neighborhood feel has made the bar a choice spot for people of all ages.  Fridays offer an $8.95 All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry, $3.25 Long Islands, $4 Blue Moon pints and $4.50 Cherry and Grape Bombs.  You may have some gastrointestinal issues in the morning, but the great night you had will make it worthwhile.

Saturdays at Tiki Terrace -- Dinner theater is a dying art form, which makes the Tiki Terrace's dinner and show packages even more unique.  Experience the sights and sounds of the Hawaiian islands at this family-owned and operated restaurant at 1591 Lee St., while dining on authentic island cuisine and tropical cocktails, all without leaving Des Plaines.  Dinner and show packages start at $22.50 a person, but we recommend bringing some friends and taking advantage of the group package.  For $53.75 a person, guests receive appetizers,  a salad, an entrée, a desert and two drinks as well as the entertainment.

Sundays at Grazie Ristorante -- Sunday is a day of rest, but don't expect Des Plaines to be sleeping.  Assuming the majority of us won't be staying out all hours of the night, that doesn't mean some fun can't be had.  Grazie Ristorante at 1050 E. Oakton St. offers a Sunday Champagne Brunch from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. every week.  Classic brunch dishes like lox and bagels, French toast and made-to-order omelettes are paired with gourmet entrees like Cavetelli pasta with basil pesto cream and sautéed chicken breast Vesuvio.  Oh, and did we mention the free-flowing champagne? All that for only $21.95. Enough said.