EAT
Meaty Meals
Tavern on Rush 1031 N. Rush St. 312-664-9600
If the cold weather has you craving heartier fare, order up some comfort food from the Gold Coast restaurant's new winter menu featuring Italian beef and giardiniera pizza ($12.95), pot roast with giant noodles ($27.95) and crispy half duck ($28.95). 11 a.m.-midnight.
DRINK
Cheer Up
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap 41 E. Superior St. 312-266-0400
Shake off your winter blues at the Near North bar's second annual Local Beer, Local Cheer tasting, which includes drinks from 10 breweries and homebrewers complimented by house-smoked barbecue and snacks. The event benefits the Chicago Fire Department's widows and orphans fund. $35. 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Oskar's Takeover
Rockwell's Neighborhood Grill 4632 N. Rockwell St. 773-509-1871
The Lincoln Square bar will not only host a number of Oskar Blues beers on draft, but there will be a special tapping of a firkin of Ten Fidy stout spiked with winter-appropriate flavors of Mexican chocolate, chilis and cinnamon. 5:30 p.m.
DO
Roll the Dice
Ada Street 1664 N. Ada St. 773-697-7069
Put your luck and skill to the test by competing to win a $250 DMK Restaurants gift card at the Bucktown bar's monthly backgammon tournament. You're guaranteed to play at least two games and a drink and snacks are included. $25. 10 p.m.
Gut Check (FREE!)
Powell's Bookstore 2850 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-248-1444
Essay Fiesta creator Keith Ecker and blogger Samantha Irby host Guts & Glory: Live Lit for the Lionhearted, a monthly BYOB storytelling showcase where performers take personal and creative risks while telling true stories. Donations benefit One Tail at a Time and 826CHI. 7 p.m.
REDEYE TIP OF THE DAY
West Loop restaurant Sepia has opened reservations for Valentine's Day, featuring a four-course, $90 prix-fixe dinner: 312-441-1920.