There are plenty of things to feel guilty about when dining in Gilt Bar.

For one, there's the restaurant's carb-laden handmade ricotta gnocchi. There's also the savory pork and duck liver toast. Oh, and did we mention the bone marrow, or the cooked-to-perfection 16-ounce porterhouse? We won't even get started on the desserts, as those would surely require redemption.

But enough, you're here to indulge and Gilt chef and owner Brendan Sodikoff — who has held for at such lauded places as the French Laundry, Alain Ducasse and Per Se — is here to help. Located in the former Aigre Doux space just across from the Merchandise Mart, Gilt Bar evokes a sense of Hollywood glam with its vintage vibe, pre-prohibition cocktails and old-fashioned food. The bar's interior sets the mood with its 100-year-old brass bar top, brass-framed mirrors, antique street lamps, reclaimed folding theater chairs and rustic leather-tufted lounge seats.

Gilt's mixologists are well-versed in classic drinks, like the old-school sazerac, and their martinis — made with local Wisconsin vodka — are as stiff as they come. If you're in the mood for something a little less posh, Gilt will gladly serve you a PBR for just two bucks.

Average cost: $10-$20

Centerstage Reviewer: Stacy Warden