EAT
Wood you?
Rustic House, 1967 N. Halsted St. 312-929-3227
Feeling a little wilted from all this heat? Refresh yourself with chef Jason Paskewitz's new wood-grilled oyster appetizer—three to four large bivalves topped with Cajun spices, fresh lemon juice and Romano cheese ($15-$16)—which you can pair with a light Cliff Lede sauvignon blanc ($12 per glass) or a chilled bottle of New Holland Full Circle Kolsch ($7). 5-10 p.m.
DRINK
In the cards
The Drinkingbird, 2201 N. Clybourn Ave. 773-472-9920
The mid-century-themed cocktail den continues its '60s traditions with the launch of Card Night, where you can play euchre with your foursome using new retro-styled card decks. Meanwhile, sip $12 six-packs of Bud and Schlitz or signature cocktail punch bowls including the tequila and Cointreau-based Paloma Punch ($27) and bourbon-based Kentucky Cooler ($25). 7:30 p.m.-2 a.m. No cover.
Tiny bubbles (free!)
Pippin's Tavern, 806 N. Rush St. 312-787-5435
Learn everything you ever wanted to know about bubbly—and sample a few to boot—at Pour on the Knowledge, which includes tastings of Rotari Talento Brut, Mumm Napa Cuvee M, Santa Margarita prosecco and Nicolas Fuillatte Brut, plus appetizers and takeaways. 7:30 p.m. RSVP required: rushanddivision.com
DO
BYO sense of humor
Netup Cafe, 528 E. 43rd St. 773-299-8103
Vocalo.org "Morning Amp" host Brian Babylon hits the stage for his Bronzeville Comedy Show, a BYOB outdoor laugh-fest that also features local comedians Marlon Mitchell, Natalie Jose, Will Miles and Erica Clark plus "Morning Amp" co-star Molly Adams as DJ. 7:30 p.m.
Shrine time
The Shrine, 2109 S. Wabash Ave. 312-753-5700
Hip-hop ground zero occurs at the South Loop club as duo Smif n Wessun—who are part of the Brooklyn-based hip-hop supergroup Boot Camp Clik and whose first release helped launch the legendary underground Duck Down record label—arrive in Chicago in support of their latest album, "Monumental." 8 p.m. $20.
REDEYE TIP OF THE DAY
From 7 a.m.-7 p.m., get half-price tickets for the Joffrey's "Nutcracker" ballet with discount code CIJ (Christmas in July): ticketmaster.com.
Julia Borcherts is a RedEye special contributor.
