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 Committed to the development of gays, lesbians and bisexuals |
3212 North Broadway Avenue Chicago, IL 60657 United States +1 773 549 7943 faceline1@aol.com |
This small theater only holds 97 people, but that only makes for a cozier night of entertainment without unruly crowds. Founded in 1995, this theater group features artists who are committed to the creation of performances that, examine and participate in the development of gay, lesbian, and bisexual communities. Past productions garnered critical acclaim in both mainstream and gay theater circles. Such productions included a Chicago revival of "Cloud 9" by Caryl Churchill, and a wonderful adaptation of "A Home at the End of the World." Other popular stage events have included "Xena Live!," in which swashbuckling, star crossed, mythological Amazons fight monsters, men and "a desire that dare not speak its name." Admission is $18 to $20. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Visceral theater company |
731 W Sheridan Chicago, IL 60613 United States +1 773 871 0442 |
This theater is the home of a hard-hitting, visceral theater company named Mary-Arrchie, whose artistic director Richard Cotovsky has staged such productions as Sam Shepard's "Curse of the Starving Class" and David Mamet's "Edmond." Every August, the theater company performs "Abbie Hoffman Died For Our Sins," a marathon festival lasting three days. The annual event provides fuel that fans the fire of Chicago's most experimental theaters. Admission: $10. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Pizza, beer, live music |
2100 W Belmont Ave Chicago, IL 60618 United States +1 773 281 4444 http://www.beatkitchen.com |
A slightly under rated place to have a drink in Roscoe Village, the patrons here belong in the suburbs and act like they are just visiting the city for the night. The food here is a standard mini-pizza for $6 and when you are done, you can hoof it to the back room to watch a band play for a small or sometime not so small cover of between $3 and $8. But check the calendar because this place books every garage band in town. Pared down to its essentials, this is somewhere to go for inconspicuous crowd watching. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Kamil Krawczyk  |
 Photo: Eric Davis |
 Photo: jon hamblin |
 Photo: steve sleeve |
 Photo: Iain Hinchliffe |
 Photo: ajisarocker |
 Photo: sal garro |
 Photo: fifthdisc |
 Photo: nakatomi.plaza |
 Photo: lewdd_33 |
 Photo: Erica Sigler |
 Photo: Jenna Marcum |
 Photo: cody dematteis |
 Techno Funky Bar Get Down & Rowdy |
954 West Belmont Avenue Chicago, IL 60657 United States +1 773 348 4975 http://www.berlinchicago.com/ info@berlinchicago.com |
The heyday of Belmont Avenue's punk scene is long since gone, but Berlin is somewhat of a holdover from the area's Bohemian past. No longer punk, Berlin has a gay and lesbian clientele and holds attraction for many others, as well. If you like dark, loud and eclectic, this is a safe bet. There's a disco night once a month, so you may want to call ahead to see if you should wear your bell bottoms. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Outstanding neighborhood theater |
3133 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60657 United States +1 773 348 4000 |
Tucked into Lakeview, the Briar Street successfully combines the best features of a small neighborhood theater with the more popular aspects of the Loop's grander showcases. This is a fine line to tread and for many years, it has done so successfully. The theater tends to present a mix between mainstream and more controversial fare. The popular Blue Man Group has been playing to sold-out crowds for over a year and continues to be held over. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Heather A. |
 Photo: Seung Woo Shin |
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BBQ and southern fun |
2909 North Sheffield Ave Chicago, IL 60657 United States +1 773 528 0888 |
This bar offers it all: cheap drinks, great food, live music, bar games and more sports than you can imagine. Known for its barbecue, the place features a different special every night. Try the all-you-can-eat ribs on Sundays or the fried chicken on Tuesdays. The weekends bring local bands, or check out sports on the big screen. Brother Jimmy's is a Carolina bar, so make sure you stop by for a Duke or UNC game, if you are brave enough. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Ka-ching! |
11999 Avenue of Emperors Elizabeth Chicago, IN 47117 United States +1 877 237 6626 (Hotel)/ +1 866 766 2671 (Reservations) http://www.caesars.com/Caesars... |
130 gaming tables and 2000 slot machines await both, the seasoned player and the novice at this sparkling casino. Great promotional offers, cash and other contest prizes keep patrons eager for more. A 33 table poker room, with a gamut of poker games, such as Gow Poker, Crazy 4 Poker, Three Card Poker, Caribbean Stud poker grabs the most attention. Blackjack and roulette are the other major attractions. Arcade games draw the youth and adults alike, thanks to the jingling names like Fort Knox. Caesers also has a bunch of themed casinos, where one can choose to play according to one's tastes. Try out the movie and music houses for some unbeatable casino adventure. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 The definitive sports bar |
1059 West Addison Street Chicago, IL 60657 United States +1 773 327 1662 http://www.cubbybear.com/ stacey@cubbybear.com |
What to say about this raucous, noisy, Wrigleyville institution? How about this: squeeze your way in after a Cubs game and join fellow fans as they whine about how God-awful-rotten the team is. If you do not like sports, stop by on the weekend when the place is even more packed with people jumping up and down to the sound of live rock music. Cubby Bear is huge. It is noisy. It is like a college bar on speed. It is multi-leveled and filled to the brim with beer. And it is here to stay. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Brad Bradley |
 Photo: Karen Cohick |
 Photo: Rudy Villa |
 Photo: cjboulier5 |
 Photo: Kirsten Aronoff |
 Photo: benjamin badyk |
 Photo: Sean McDonald |
 Photo: metropulos.com |
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Diverse music, great atmosphere |
2871 North Lincoln Avenue Chicago, IL 60657 United States +1 773 549 5549 info@elboroomchicago.com |
This is one of Chicago's most eclectic clubs, and, accordingly, it is also one of the most popular. Jazz, poetry readings, country and rock are all performed here, making a phone call a must if you plan on stopping by. It is also good to ask about the cover charge as it can vary night to night. Forget about the game room on the second floor and head to the basement, where all the action is. Admission is $5-$10. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Cynthia Duke |
 Photo: Cynthia Duke |
 Photo: Kyle Wilken |
 Photo: Christopher Baxter |
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Get down to a reggae beat |
3477 North Clark Street One block south of Addison/Wrigley Field Chicago, IL 60657 United States +1 773 348 3998 http://www.exeduslounge.com/ exeduslounge@yahoo.com |
That's right, come on in and jive to the beat of the live band at the front of the bar, but better leave the herbal stuff behind. This is a very popular reggae bar that pretty much sticks to the adage, 'What you see is what you get.' It is loud, unpretentious and lots of fun. Grab your Red Stripe beer and cram your way into the dred-locked masses. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Swing, eat, dance or smoke |
3400 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 60657-1606 United States +1 773 528 4033 http://www.flymetothemoon.net |
See what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars at this Wrigleyville restaurant/club. Inspired by Casablanca and the songs of Sinatra, this Italian restaurant offers a nice menu of food, a long list of drinks and a selection of fine cigars. There is live music seven nights week, adding to the romantic atmosphere and making this a special spot for dining and dancing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Great selection of frames |
1809 Webster Chicago, IL 60657 United States +1 773 929 1010 http://www.framefactory.com/ info@framefactory.com |
With over 1400 styles to choose from, your chances of finding what you need are pretty good. This store has the largest selection of picture frame moldings in the Midwest. If you cannot find what you need for that special framing project, you can supplement your choices through the store's vast catalog. Museum quality framing, acid-free materials and conservation glass are all available here, along with pick-up, delivery and installation. Free parking. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Piano bar catering to upwardly mobile gay men |
3320 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60657 United States +1 773 348 1053 http://www.gentryofchicago.com/ |
Give your regards to Broadway—in Chicago. This has been a popular Halsted Street experience for years for a more professional sort of clientele not wanting to pose at the Manhole and many of the other Boys Town gay dance bars. Live entertainment is featured daily, with the singers relying heavily on show-tunes and other standards. Another downtown location is at 440 North State Street, +1 312 836 0933. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Jennifer Gregory |
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Irish settler |
1638 West Belmont Avenue Chicago, IL 60657 United States +1 773 472 5139 http://www.gunthermurphys.com/ scott@abbeypub.com |
The owners of this Irish bar named the place "Gunther" Murphy's to memorialize the German restaurant that used to occupy the building. It's a sight more authentic than the tourist-trap Irish pubs that seem to be springing up around Chicago. Local rock and Irish bands play on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. It has great pints of Guinness, Bass and Harp. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Soumit Nandi |
 Photo: Prize Beagle |
 Photo: Chuck Sudo |
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Inviting Atmosphere |
1920 West Irving Park Road Chicago, IL 60613 United States +1 773 348 7592 http://www.katerinas.com |
Katerina's is an exciting nightclub that offers delicious Southern European food, along with a warm atmosphere and live music. This is a hot spot for any music lover, as jazz, funk, Latin, blues, and many other styles of music are played daily. Private parties are also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Harvard Avenue |
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Sports and spirits and music too |
3206 North Wilton Avenue Chicago, IL 60657 United States +1 773 975 0505 |
This giant, two-story sports bar features live music on the weekends, tons of TVs, and every bar game imaginable. Try out the shuffleboard or pop-a-shot, or have some cheap food from the kitchen. And do not miss Thursday nights, when $1 beer is available. There are private party rooms available as well. Cover varies depending on what band is playing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Gallery, classes and more |
4401 North Ravenswood Chicago, IL 60640 United States +1 773 769 4226 http://www.lillstreet.com/ lillstreet@lillstreet.com |
This complex offers a gallery, a studio, a shop and even art instruction. You can make a vase, learn how to use the pottery wheel, or hand sculpt a figurine. Aspiring da Vincis can take oil or acrylic painting classes. Kids take classes that will show them how to sculpt, paint, draw and work with multimedia and even metal. All of the adult courses are accompanied by liberal amounts of studio time so students can refine and polish their skills. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Brian Armknecht |
 Photo: www.anafernandez.com |
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Go for the thrills |
3435 North Sheffield Avenue Chicago, IL 60657 United States +1 773 281 0824 http://www.linkshall.org/ info@linkshall.org |
If you are seeking something a little off the beaten path and can catch this place on a night that somebody has decided to throw together a production, drop in and enjoy the spectacle. Past performances have included such troupes as the Baubo Performance Project and the Breakbone Dance Company. The downstairs area of this facility closed in 1997, and now the upstairs studio is the only space left to be rented out by various dance troupes and other performance groups. Admission varies but prices are usually under $10. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Important neighborhood theater |
3914 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 60613 United States +1 773 871 1212 http://www.livebaittheatre.com/ |
Artist, playwright and actor Sharon Evans founded this innovative theater with her husband John Ragir in 1988. Many of the so-called progressive theaters in town show works that merely try to be outlandish and crazy. This theater, however, presents truly substantive and thought-provoking theater of the highest caliber. Evans also rents out the space to other companies, making the choice of shows even more eclectic. Prices are right, too, at about $12 for tickets. Shows and show times vary, call for details. Call for show times. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Out of the rabbit's hat |
821 N Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611 United States +1 312 337 0665 http://www.lookingglasstheatre... |
While "Friends" star David Schwimmer is perhaps the most famous member of the theater company, no one in this troupe could be accused of riding on Schwimmer's coattails. The genesis for the company was a 1986 acting class at Northwestern University. There, seven students met to produce an adaptation of Andre Gregory and the Manhattan Theatre Project's "Alice!" Shortly after graduation in 1989, the students formed the company in 1989. Now, over 30 premieres, four Joseph Jefferson Awards and 26 Joseph Jefferson citations later, the theater is still going strong. Past productions included "The Idiot," "Metamorphosis" and "Her Name Was Danger." While the group's front office is located in the historic Athenaeum Theatre building, it currently has no permanent performance space (although a permanent space has been designated for construction). Instead, productions are staged at various locales throughout Chicago. Please call for schedule and locations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bands, burgers and booze |
3855 North Lincoln Avenue Chicago, IL 60613 United States +1 773 404 9494 http://www.martyrslive.com/ rayquinn@martyrslive.com |
The brick-walled and contemporary interiors of this bar may be nothing special, but the nights here are live and kicking. What sets this bar apart is the fact that it has been a concert venue for thousands of acts, such as John Hammond and Los Lobos, covering varied genres of music. Fresh talent can also contact the bar and arrange a performance. Diners can enjoy the music as they dig into the tasty spread of appetizers like Jerk Chicken Empanadas or Warm Goat Cheese Salad. Choose from the sandwiches, pizzas and hamburgers while you chug down your drinks. Martyrs' is known to serve a fabulous brunch on Sundays. Inexpensive and fun, this joint is a neighborhood favorite. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Garage-style music |
3730 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 60613 United States +1 773 549 0203 http://www.metrochicago.com/ metro@metrochicago.com |
This haunt is small, hot crowded and intimate. Add to that a lot of good shows and you have yourself something worth attending. Metro has helped launch a number of big-name careers, such as The Smashing Pumpkins. Some argue that this is the best place for shows in the city, and if you are a fan of the Indies, you might agree. The price is right, too. Ten bucks is usually enough to get you in the door. Metro's self-described mission is to bring a cross-platform of the best local, regional, and national emerging artists, and they have been successful thus far. Names like Liz Phair, the Smashing Pumpkins, Creed, Pete Yorn, Papa Roach, and more have all performed at the venue. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Dan Friedman |
 Photo: Nicole C |
 Photo: Kate Beeson |
 Photo: Gabby Hon, Chicago |
 Photo: Haijin Choi |
 Photo: Nadia Gaya |
 Photo: David Schmelzer |
 Photo: Smart Bar Photos |
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Independent theater productions |
4139 N Broadway Chicago, IL 60613 United States +1 773 327 7077 |
Housed in an old speakeasy, this theater has been on the scene since 1994. While the company frequently stages its own productions here, it also rents out its stage to other companies. The Prop Theater, Defiant Theater and the Wig Theater have all preformed here. "The Mystery of Irma Vep" and a revival of Stephen Dietz's "Ten November" are just a few of the plays these companies have produced here, while Kafka's "The Trial" was one of the more notable productions by the National Pastime Theater. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Cultural exhibitions |
300 West Superior Street, Suite 202 Chicago, IL 60610 United States +1 312 867 1930 http://www.friedlgallery.com |
Known for its wide range of cultural art, including the recent 'Mexican Abstractions' with work by featured artist Gilberto Lopez Gasca, this funky River West gallery is not to be missed. Visitors looking for some truly non-traditional sculpture, paintings and prints in a warm and inviting atmosphere will not be disappointed. Multimedia and installation aficionados consider the gallery one of the few, and best, venues for such pieces in the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The world's a stage |
144 East Wells Street Chicago, WI 53202 United States +1 414 286 3663 / +1 800 511 1552 (Toll Free) http://www.pabsttheater.org/ pbalon@pabsttheater.org |
Known as the best place in the city to catch a performance, Pabst Theatre's sound system is laudable. The acoustics, fireproof construction and state-of-the-art stage amenities make Pabst a favorite with audiences and performers alike. The interiors are old fashioned but romantic nonetheless; find love-struck couples at any time. On the performance front, comedies, folk artistes, lectures, plays, classic and contemporary concerts are held from time to time. Past performers include Rex Harrison, Itzak Perlman, Toots Thielemans, and Michael Martin Murphy. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Fine art |
2040 West Roscoe Street (at North Seeley Avenue) Chicago, IL 60618 United States +1 773 404 8790 |
This is a recently-opened gallery in Chicago on Roscoe Street. All kinds of art forms, from photography to sculptures and paintings, are on display at this venue. You have the opportunity to appreciate works of more than 30 local artists, Elizabeth Walker and Michelle May to name a few. And the average damage cost per piece is about USD75. A completely unpretentious ambience sans pomp is evident as you peruse through the black and white pictures or the vintage apron art. Proprietor Sarah Seyedin encourages fresh talent, which is a genuine boost - a trait not very common in the art scene. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Dance and drink |
3159 North Southport Avenue Chicago, IL 60657 United States +1 773 525 2508 http://www.schubas.com/ rucins@schubas.com |
This tavern is housed in one of the former Schlitz bars, but the Schlitz is gone. Instead, you will find a good collection of beer and a wonderfully eclectic variety of live music on a stage in an adjoining room. You can drink at the bar for no extra charge, but to hear the music, you have to pay a cover fee (usually around $10). Both parts of the tavern, performance and bar areas, tend to host a mix of locals from the Lakeview neighborhood and others from throughout the city who have come to check out this week's jazz, rock or folk act. If you get hungry, you can sneak away to the Harmony Grill, which is owned by the same person and attached to the bar. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: rocketjim54 |
 Photo: Mike Gonzalez |
 Photo: S Jones |
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Politically conscience theater |
3408 N Sheffield Avenue Chicago, IL 60657 United States +1 773 883 8830 http://www.stagelefttheatre.com/ kevin@stagelefttheatre.com |
This storefront theater attracts younger audiences than the average theatergoer, and does not shy away from the progressive or controversial subjects. Productions have included Caryl Churchill's "Mad Forest" and Tony Kushner's "A Bright Room Called Day," as well plays that depicted the siege of Sarajevo and former president Franklin Roosevelt's Federal Theater Project. The theater is cramped but offer good sight lines. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A Theatrical Experience |
3111, North Western Avenue Chicago, IL 60618 United States http://www.thehousetheatre.com/ |
A recent New York Times article that discussed Chicago theatre companies rightly highlighted this growing off-Loop (the Chicago equivalent of off-Broadway) company. Now finishing its fourth season, The House Theatre of Chicago has built a citywide reputation as a fearless fringe company with a self-aware style yet readily accessible. Much of the House Theatre mission is to involve the collaboration of the artistic process. As such House shows include singing, elaborate (yet tasteful) special effects, and many other elements that play to the best parts of the spectacle of theatre. If you plan on checking out something outside the world famous theatres (i.e. Steppenwolf and Goodman), the House Theatre is rapidly becoming a staple of the brilliant Chicago theatre scene. -Jordan Corson Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Concerts & Films |
3145 North Sheffield Chicago, IL 60657-4416 United States +1 773 472 0366 / +1 773 472 0449 http://www.victheatre.com/ victheater@aol.com |
The people who patronize the Vic Theatre do not seem to mind that it is somewhat rundown, dreary, dilapidated, dank and falling apart. It is all part of the charm of a crumbling once-luxurious five-story vaudeville house with floors and stairways of Italian marble. Customers pack in to hear various rock acts like Skinny Puppy, the Black Keys and Jackson Browne. On non-concert nights (which means three to four nights a week), the Vic is home to "Brew & View," an ongoing series of second-run and cult films (during screenings of which, moviegoers can drink cheap booze and smoke pack after pack of Marlboros. It is just like your living room back home, with a bigger screen, better acoustics, a balcony (with wonderful sight lines) - and a funkier smell. The Vic can easily accomodate 1400 people with seating for 1000. See Vic website for concert calendar. See Brew & View website for movie showtimes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Tim Lau |
 Photo: Amy Cissell |
 Photo: Kyle O'Bannon |
 Photo: F.C. Vugts |
 Photo: Gina Stepuncik |
 Terrific reggae bar |
3530 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 60657 United States +1 773 327 4273 |
For reggae music played to a crowd that sports real dreadlocks (not the phony, suburban brand), you cannot beat this long-standing Wrigleyville spot. Dance and sway seven nights a week to authentic bands straight from the Caribbean as you quench your thirst by tossing back rum drink after rum drink. The serving staff is very friendly, and everyone has a great time. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Jeff J. |