Frat parties. Dive bars. Your grandpa's lawn chair. These have long been the natural habitats for easy-to-drink, cheap beers, but at two Chicago bars, Miller High Life and Pabst Blue Ribbon have achieved gourmet status. Whether it's silly or serious, it's definitely a novelty, but don't worry-no one's going to force you to hold your pinkie finger out while you sip.
Miller High Life bottle service at RM Champagne Salon
116 N. Green St. 312-243-1199
RM Champagne Salon has an extensive list of bubbles, but the West Loop lounge also toasts "the champagne of beers." Order a 40-ounce bottle ($10) of the fizzy stuff and it arrives at your table with all the trimmings-yes, that means a chilled ice bucket, accompanying glassware and, should you choose, a paper bag. If your wine-sipping friends stick their noses in the air, reminds them of the refined refreshment provided by a cold glass of the triple hops-brewed delicacy.
PBR Breakfast at Longman & Eagle
2657 N. Kedzie Ave. 773-276-7110
Remember what you learned during your college tailgates: Beer is the breakfast of champions. Order the PBR Breakfast ($8) and wash down a square meal of two eggs any style, Nueske's bacon or housemade sausage and addictive homefried potatoes with an ice cold PBR at this rustic-chic Logan Square bar and restaurant. Sure, the 100-plus bottle whiskey selection lining the bar shelves may be tempting, but trust us on this one, the darker spirits are best left until after lunch.
kbernot@tribune.com @redeyeeatdrink