Essay Fiesta @ Book Cellar

Come out to the Book Cellar for the December edition of Essay Fiesta, with co-hosts Keith Ecker and Alyson Lyon. This months readers include: Story Club founder Dana Norris; Gapers Block's own J.H. Palmer; Chicago Story Collective's Jen Bosworth; author Bill Shunn; and writer and biking enthusiast Eric Bjorlin. As always, the show includes a raffle with all proceeds going to the youth literacy organization 826 Chicago. Show starts at 7pm at the Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln), and is free. For more information visit Essay Fiesta.

Spirit Dinner @ Mercadito

Mercadito is opening up their Mexican sauna-esque private room downstairs for a series of Spirit Dinners. Four course sharing menus are developed by infusing the "spirit of the evening" into each dish, then pairing it with a cocktail using the same spirit. Get the walk through of the spirit's development from a local rep and sip yourself to better knowledge of El Tesoro Tequila tonight.

Tickets are $55 each. For reservations call: 312.329.9555.

Blue Monday @ Double Door

Double Door, 1572 N Milwaukee Ave., is going totally 80's tonight for its monthly Blue Monday. The retro dance party promises nothing but the greatest songs from the era that brought the likes of Madonna, MJ, and Prince at their best. A $5 cover gets attendees one free Old Style. 21+