Lakeview

Sheffield's 3258 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-281-4989 Enjoy slow-cooked barbecue and sample a staggering lineup of craft beers in the shade of this secluded beer garden's iconic cottonwood tree. Casey Moran's 3660 N. Clark St. 773-755-4444 Only the most masochistic Cubs fans would stay inside to drink with both beer garden and rooftop space to choose from at this Wrigley Field-adjacent fan favorite. Vines on Clark 3554 N. Clark St. 773-327-8572 With patio seating just steps from Wrigley Field, this place is all about location.

Debbie Van Ooteghem didn't plan to pop into a toy store. But on a Friday, the Chicago resident was on her way to get a pedicure when she noticed the Godzilla, Star Wars and super hero toys plastered on the walls of !Ka-Pow!! Collectibles like the world's coolest (and nerdiest) wallpaper . So Van Ooteghem, being the vice president of an ad and marketing agency, did what anyone in her position would do: walked out of the store with a giant, neon orange, fully automatic NERF Gatling gun . "At work, we collect all kinds of fun stuff," Van Ooteghem said.

Chuy Valencia, one of six Chicago chefs to compete on Season 9 of the Bravo reality TV show"Top Chef," is taking a “sabbatical.” Valencia said he is selling his shares of Chilam Balam (3023 N. Broadway), the seasonal, small-plates Mexican restaurant where he's been co-owner and chef since 2009, to pursue other interests, which include a new restaurant and a book project. Valencia is teaming up with coffeehouse entrepreneur Philip Tadros (Dollop, Kickstand) on a new concept that he describes as “a really hearty, Midwest, but kind of modern-day Chicago take on diner classics and cafeteria food.” The spot will fresh-roast coffee up front, operate a two-kettle brewery in back, and serve up old-school dishes like buttered noodles, lasagna, patty melts and meatball sandwiches, cafeteria-style (and undoubtedly updated)

SEAFOOD Fish Bar 2956 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-687-8177 This speck of a seafood shack cooks up decadent lobster rolls, crunchy fried clams and oysters on the half shell, plus punchy cocktails served in Mason jars. Parties of three or less should head to the first-come, first-served counter seating, while parties of four can call ahead to reserve one of a handful of booths. Parties of more than four, unfortunately, are outta luck. BOWLING Southport Lanes & Billiards 3325 N. Southport Ave. 773-472-6600 What looks like your average corner tavern actually houses a four-lane bowling alley under the same roof.

Looking for a local bar to cheer for your alma mater? This guide will help you zero in on where to stake out some space on college basketball gamedays. Bar owners and alumni groups: Don't see your bar included here? We'll be adding to this guide throughout the season. Send your affiliation and specials to RedEye nightlife and events reporter  Kate Bernot  for consideration. RedEye's college sports bar guide includes official partnerships with alumni associations in addition to bars owned by alumni and unofficial affiliations declared by bar management.

Crain's Chicago Business reports:  After settling in as president of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs, Theo Epstein will be settling into a 7,800-square-foot home not far from the bricks and ivy. Mr. Epstein, who joined the Cubs in October, bought a five-bedroom, six-bathroom new-construction home in Lakeview last month, a source said. Read more here .

CBS Chicago reports: Brown Line riders in Lincoln Park and South Lakeview will have to hoof it to Belmont or Fullerton Wednesday and Thursday, as the Chicago Transit Authority closes the two stops in between to accommodate the demolition of the charred remains of Roy's Furniture Company. From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. both days, Brown Line ‘L' trains headed toward the Loop will not stop at the Wellington or Diversey stops. Get the fully story at CBS Chicago .

Following changes in ticket prices, the Cubs are now considering more afternoon start times for Friday games, as well as additional Saturday night games. The organization is asking East Lakeview residents to help them make the decision. In a survey issued to Lakeview residents, the Cubs wrote, "On such an important issue for the Cubs, we believe it's important the voice of the entire community is heard and would appreciate your feedback. " The Cubs said 3:05 p.m. start times on Friday would allow more fans to attend games after work and provide the team additional time to prepare after Thursday night trips.

Ald. Tom Tunney misses the Elaine Place giraffes, too, everyone. The sculptures of two giraffes and a nanny goat, by artist John Kearney, had been a fixture in Lakeview until their removal two weeks ago from their location on Elaine Place after the sale of a nearby property. But Tunney, the alderman for Chicago's 44th Ward, says he would like to get the statues back. Tunney wrote an update on his Facebook page that said his office got in touch with Milton Zale, the previous owner of the property, and discovered that the pieces were not part of the building's sale.

With high temperatures in store for another few months, it's time to get serious about which frozen dessert you're going to pledge allegiance to this summer. Are you an old-school ice cream fan? Or do you prefer a smoother, creamier gelato? What about a tricked-out frozen custard blended with a handful of toppings? If you're still on the fence, a ride from west to east along Belmont Avenue (hop on and off the #77 bus) provides all the taste-testing you need to come to an informed decision.