Drinking at dinner is one quick way to shoot your tab through the roof. Thanks to Chicago’s quirky liquor laws, you can cut down on the expense at BYOB – bring your own beer and wine – restaurants all around the city. Here are some of the best places with no or low corkage fees.
Mixteco
1601 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
Featuring upscale Mexican food at reasonable prices, Mixteco is one of Chicago’s most-popular Mexican BYOs. Think carne asada and chicken in traditional Oaxacan mole.
Prices are reasonable at about $15 per entrée, portions are substantial and service is stellar, but make reservations or be prepared to wait indefinitely.
What to bring: Complement the smoky flavors of mole with a hearty red like a Spanish Rioja, or get festive with tequila and margarita mix or some bottled sangria