EAT
Taste Test
Revolution Brewing 2323 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-227-2739
Six chefs-three amateur and three professional-vie for your votes at the Pros versus Joes Chili Cook-Off, which features samples of each with beer pairings, all-you-can-eat appetizers and a Bears versus 49ers viewing party (7:30 p.m.) and benefits Play for Life, which teaches teamwork through team sports to at-risk Chicago youth. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $40-$50. Tickets: playforlife.org.
Beer and a Burger
Weather Mark Tavern 1503 S. Michigan Ave. 773-588-0230
Wallet a little light after the weekend? Head to the nautically themed South Loop spot for a $7 burger served with two toppings and a pint of domestic beer. 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m.
DRINK
Twelve Days of Vintages
Cru Cafe & Wine Bar 25 E. Delaware Pl. 312-337-4001
12 days of Christmas? How about the 12 wines of Christmas? Sommelier Bret Heiar spotlights a dozen wines with optional food pairings, like a Clos Roilette Gamay Noir from France ($45) with crispy-skinned jerk salmon and a Forlorn Hope Semillon from California ($48) paired with Thai tofu curry and jasmine rice. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Open for Business
John Barleycorn River North 149 W. Kinzie St. 312-477-8700
The brand-new sibling to the Lincoln Park and Lakeview spots features crafts drafts ($7-$9) and flights ($10-$12), adult milkshakes including a Jameson whiskey-spiked Irish Root Beer Float ($12), lunch and dinner menus with kitchen hours until last call, views of the Chicago skyline from a second floor retractable roof and room for you to hang with 775 of your closest friends. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. No cover.
DO
Dinner and a Movie
Ada Street 1664 N. Ada St. 773-697-7069
Cult classics rule as the restaurant kicks off a cozy after-hours screening series with complimentary house-made gourmet popcorn and $11 craft cocktails. First up: "Planes, Trains and Automobiles," the 1987 John Hughes Thanksgiving season comedy starring John Candy and Steve Martin. 10 p.m. No cover.
REDEYE TIP OF THE DAY
Avoid holiday entertainment disasters with a Kendall College Cooking Experience class Dec. 5: cityswarmchicago.com.
Julia Borcherts is a RedEye special contributor.