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Party Like It's 2016

No matter who wins the Olympic bid, you'll have a place to celebrate.
Friday Oct 02, 2009.     By Centerstage Chicago Staff
Centerstage Chicago Nightlife City Guide Arts

SushiSamba's happy box.

Well, we're finally to Judgement Day. The host city for the 2016 Olympics will be announced sometime before noon from Copenhagen, and Chicago is on the edge of its collective seat out. The good thing about all the mixed feelings about bringing the Games here? There's gonna be a party regardless. Here are some possible places to get your global party on, depending on who gets the Games.

Rio

SushiSamba Rio
Yeah, it'll be chilly, but if you don't think this River North favorite will open up its popular rooftop deck for a Carnaval-worthy celebration should Rio take it home, well, you'd better go back to restaurant-management school.

Texas de Brazil
What better way to celebrate a feast of sport than with an all-you-can-eat meat marathon? Skewer after skewer of animal flesh will punctuate a party atmosphere as you watch the "wine angels" do their work at this lively Streeterville restaurant.

Cuatro
While not a Brazilian spot per se, this South Loop restaurant/bar/dance club serves a wide range of South American- and Latin-inspired drinks and dishes (not to mention occasional music from a Brazilian jazz band), and it's always a good bet for a global party to break out.

Madrid

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba
Café Ba-Ba-Reeba was Chicago's first Spanish-style tapas bar when it opened in 1986, and this Lincoln Park spot (with a sister location in Las Vegas) is still ahead of the curve. We're guessing the locals will be looking for any excuse to party, and there's no better way to start than with a platter of pintxos.

Cafe Iberico
This tapas hot spot in River North is almost always packed; if the Spanish city wins the Games, well, watch out. Grab a glass of the famed sangria ($14) and wait it out. It'll be worth it.

People Lounge
Great beer list? Check. Eclectic live music? Check. Solid tapas menu? Check. Can't see why this Wicker Park spot won't be packed should Madrid bag the bid.

Tokyo

Murasaki
This Streeterville lounge, in the old Cafe Shino space, is the perfect spot for a refined celebration, what with all the sake offerings and creative cocktails (there's some food, too). But after awhile, you're gonna want to let loose - and the karaoke room in back should suit you just fine.

Hot Woks Cool Sushi (Loop)
Want to celebrate with sushi, but got friends who don't dig raw fish? This fresh spot on Michigan Avenue should do the trick, as it has a best-of-both-worlds menu with everything from maki to teriyaki. Now that's a great way to let friendship shine.

Sushi X
Is it a nightclub or a sushi restaurant? Once you've had a few sake bombs, you won't be able to tell the difference (or care).

Chicago

Ravens
Sure, there are more classic Chicago bars you could hit up tonight to celebrate/drown your sorrows, but are all of them offering $3 Bud Lights 'til 4 a.m.? We didn't think so.

HUB 51
The Olympics are all about disparate countries coming together, and you'll find a veritable melting pot of cuisines on the menu here. Choose from between burgers, sushi, Mexican and more - and then head downstairs to party all night at the SUB 51 lounge.

Billy Goat Tavern
This seems like as good a spot as any to gather with the grumblers to talk about how we don't need those stinkin' Olympics to make our city great. Plus, the cheezborgers are pretty good.

 

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