The Hangouts
While Govnor's -- a pub across from the ad agency on State Street -- is a popular spot for after-work beers, most people start their drinking in-house at StarBar, the boozery on the agency's 21st floor. With Beck's and Miller both clients, the brew flows freely. Fancy something fancier? Visit Butterfield 8, where the women sip chocolate martinis and the men down microbrews.
The Cause
Every spring, employees take part in "Give-Back Day," in which they fix up a neighborhood community center. The event is meant for employees only. No matter. Get the dope on the event locale with two calls: one to the Burnett receptionist, then one to the center. Appearing with sleeves rolled up "by coincidence" will show some of the creative initiative that makes Burnetters thrive.
Staying Pumped
At Burnett, working out is a corporate religion. If not at the company gym, Revisions, across the street, or the popular Crunch in Lincoln Park, employees still work 'working out' into their schedules. People bike to work or grab a Pilates class at the end of the day. The company also pays fees for any road race a Burnetter wants to enter. "We're pretty active," one agency source says. "Just the other day I saw two women rollerblading away with golf clubs."
Getup
Yes, it's an advertising agency. But leave the Prada at home -- this is Chicago, not New York. Men should aim for khakis or prepped-out Burberry-plaid slacks, a collared shirt, and Kenneth Cole leather shoes, no socks. Women? Throw on a cute pencil skirt from Anthropologie and a sweater set; complete your outfit with de rigueur pointy shoes and you'll blend right in.
Secret Handshake
Leo Burnett (the man) had a well-known fondness for green ink. Tuck a green felt-tip in your pocket before heading for Butterfield 8. When the recruitment manager offers her e-mail address, the pen might score you some points.
