The Bristol
2152 N Damen Ave, between W Webster and W Shakespeare; Bucktown; 773.862.5555
For most men, "from scratch" means assembling Lunchables components and trying not to squirt mustard on your naked crotch. Outsource your "scratch" to The Bristol.
Booze-wise, Bristol's stocking 60-70 selections each of wine and beer (Two Brothers, Three Floyds, etc), and'll be using house-made bitters, grenadine, and ginger beer in classic cocktails like Dark & Stormys and Moscow Mules -- a drink you can enjoy without incident, as opposed to those whose pouches must be pierced with a pointy straw.