Nightlife in DeKalb

Inspired by the art-deco elegance of the 1940s, Olive Black Martini & Wine Lounge entertains guests with a refined roster of classic cocktails, specialty martinis, soft lighting, and live jazz entertainment. Located less than two miles from the Wisconsin border, mixologists wield jiggers and shakers to conjure potions such as the Creme Brule and Blood Orange N.A. Groni. Selections of authentic tapas dishes settle stomachs after a few drinks, with bite-sized eats such as cajun bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin or seared shrimp served with fresh mango salsa. Meals end sweetly with such succulent desserts as the salted caramel truffle or homemade pistachio mousse.

Up to 1,200 fans can dance and sway to the legendary sounds at Durty Nellie's. Planted across the street from the Palatine Metra station, the venue is easily accessible by public transit or private piggyback, the better to explore a 30-tap, 120-bottle beer list full of potions from Three Floyds and Goose Island as well as from France and Germany.

Abraham's Bar & Grille hosts casual gatherings fueled by burgers and steaks. Whether dunking chips into spinach-artichoke dip, sipping beers, or tucking into a plate of shrimp scampi, guests at Abraham's have a slew of weekly events to choose from. Those who work late can conclude a long shift at 7 a.m. when Abraham’s opens just for third shifters, welcoming nighttime employees and billiards-loving lions with a full bar, hot food, darts, and karaoke. A DJ spins tunes on Fri-Tini Nights, when the bar becomes a dance club facilitated by discounted martinis and free appetizers. The restaurant is connected to the Hickory Grove Banquet & Convention Center, which houses five rentable halls.

Chicago Limo Net ushers its office-, nightlife-, and airport-bound clientele about the Chicago area in a fleet of luxurious, custom buses and limousines. Twenty-four-passenger party buses bedecked in low-level lighting, leather couches, dancing poles, and mirror-laden roofs bestow a nightclub-like feel minus the acute stares of gargantuan doormen. Smaller 6- and 10-passenger limousines present many of the same creature comforts in a more aerodynamic package for airport or around-town trips. Each party conveyance is piloted by a professional chauffeur with extensive knowledge of downtown Chicago, who will gladly take the fastest or most scenic route and can offer unique insights into the city, such as how to differentiate between the Willis Tower and the pier's ferris wheel.