Chicago

2211 W North Ave, between Leavitt and Bell; Bucktown; 773.276.2100

From three Pastoral guys, this 45-seat, counter-service spot's specializing in artisan sandwiches like au jus Mint Creek lamb braised in Piece brew, and a roast beef job w/ brandy blue cheese, caramelized onion, and Dijon. They're also making their own in-house mozz, and offering a weekend brunch with everything from polenta w/ fried egg, pine nuts, Manchego, and roasted red-pepper relish, to a croque madame -- so much better than the monsieur, it'll make you comfortable with cross-eating.

This Chi tee emporium just dropped six holiday newbies: “Keep on Truckin” (a Transformers/Grateful Dead hybrid); “Yeah, I'm Famous” (Kenny Powers shout-out); “Snuggies: Helping People Not Get Laid Since 2008”; the Tina Fey headshot'd “I Want To Go There”; “I Put The Syn In Synagogue"; and the Moses-graced “Beards Are Recession Proof” -- true, but unlike with Moses, they'll keep you from ever using your Staff.

2047 N Milwaukee Ave, between Campbell and Maplewood; Logan Square; 773.252.1122

Maximally festive with a 45ft bar and photos of Mexican movie stars and tequila emblems, this mole-loving 300-seater mimics its 'burb sister with fatty staples (enchiladas, fajitas, beer-battered fish tacos), elevated fare (braised lamb shank w/ three-chili sauce; cilantro red snapper), and 20+ specialty margs -- beef yours up with a $3 Mezcal shot, it'll really worm your heart.

6-8:30pm Wednesdays at 660 N State St, at Erie; River North; 312.202.6050

Typically a brutal beatdown with reservations and prices, aja's now pwning you marginally less hard on Wednesdays: the first 60-70 people who walk in (no res needed) get to plow through a $25 prix fixe that tonight includes a sweet glazed bacon'd iceberg wedge, a sharp cheddar/roasted onions 8oz prime burger, and an Oreo ice cream sundae. Simultaneously, Vertigo's offering a DJ-fueled night of drink specials, w/ heavily slashed “Verão Batida" cachaca-tails, $15 prosecco bottles (down from $52…damn), and half-price Jameson airplane bottles, complete with a garnish of some fat dude's rolls swallowing your armrest.

This South Side-loving, Bill Swerski-cadenced rap vid showcases a heavily mustachioed 16-inch softball game, and rapid-fire shout-outs everything from Brian Dennehey, laser discs, and Portillo's, to Judge Mathis, Buick Skylarks, Dave Corzine's retirement, and O'Doul's -- though clearly something much stiffer was needed the day "Mr. 8.5ppg" left the NBA.