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 Wide variety of wine |
2856 North Southport Avenue Chicago, IL 60657 United States +1 773 404 5886 |
Leather couches and a warm and inviting fireplace make this an excellent winter hideout and a great place to recline with a glass of fine wine. Or in the warmer months, sip your wine in the outdoor seating area. Choose from a varied selection of Mexican, Chilean, South African and Italian wines at reasonable prices, available by the glass, flight or bottle. The 404 Bar seeks to take the pretension out of wine. Salut! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Techno Funky Bar Get Down & Rowdy |
954 West Belmont Avenue Chicago, IL 60657 United States +1 773 348 4975 http://www.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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Ghostly Fun |
1002, N. California Avenue Chicago, IL 60622 United States +1 773 384 2547 http://www.californiaclipper.com/ |
This reportedly haunted building has been in Chicago since 1912 when it was a movie theater. In 1937 it became the California Clipper Tavern, and while enjoying a stiff manhattan you can play bingo on Monday nights for inflatable rabbits, among other fabulous prizes. On the weekends, patrons are serenaded by a wide musical selection- from rockabilly to the blues. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Super Hot-Spot for Progressive Music |
1543 North Kingsbury Street Chicago, IL 60622 United States +1 312 266 1900 |
This "alternative" club is housed in a bleak-looking warehouse, with a bleak interior that matches quite well with the outside. The dark interior features a guillotine and music that no one outside of Crobar's domain will hear on the radio for at least a year. The music played is progressive and fresh, but it is extremely difficult to get in to listen to it. More than half the people who show up are turned away at the door, unless you happen to be gay and have brought your lover along with you. Straight people are welcome - just don't show up dressed in khakis. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Harper Reed  |
 Photo: Bucky Skeel |
 The definitive sports bar |
1059 West Addison Street Chicago, IL 60657 United States +1 773 327 1662 http://www.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 |
 Photo: Brad Bradley |
 Photo: Karen Cohick |
 Photo: Rudy Villa |
 Photo: cjboulier5 |
 Photo: Kirsten Aronoff |
 Photo: benjamin badyk |
 Photo: Sean McDonald |
 Photo: metropulos.com |
 Photo: Beverly A. Leighton |
 Photo: Deebage |
 Photo: vicki.peterson |
 Photo: Jeff Baynham |
 Photo: Alan Steffen |
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Authentic rock and roll venue |
1572 North Milwaukee Avenue Chicago, IL 60622 United States +1 773 489 3160 http://www.doubledoor.com/ |
This is perhaps the most authentic rock and roll venue in Chicago. The cover usually ranges anywhere from $5-20, so you should call ahead to find out what the charge is. Performances are held on a medium-sized stage on the main floor. Not much dancing happens here, though there is room for it, and acts tend to be of the strictly rock and roll variety. Big name acts are known to favor this club, including the Rolling Stones, as well as lesser-known virtuoso acts, such as the Magnetic Fields. If music is not your gig, head downstairs to the poolroom or hang out in the second-story seating area and sip beers while watching the crowd glide by. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matt Clare |
 Photo: Matt Clare |
 Photo: Jeffrey Barszcz |
 Photo: Matthew Morrison |
 Photo: Rick Lyter |
 Photo: Kirstie Shanley |
 Photo: Michael Goldman |
 Photo: Bettina Neuefeind |
 Photo: polksalad aka polkdog |
 Photo: John Zeratsky |
 Photo: Christian Birmele |
 Photo: Adam Shanley |
 Photo: Buckwheaticus |
 Photo: Liz Schwartz |
 Photo: kathy |
 Photo: Chicagoist Photos |
 Photo: mike downey |
 Photo: Todd Zimmer |
 Photo: David Anjo |
 Photo: George Grauke |
 Photo: lukurocks.com |
 Photo: subbu arumugam |
 Photo: miss lisa g. french |
 Photo: Mark Igleski |
 Classic Pub |
495 North Milwaukee Avenue Chicago, IL 60610 United States +1 312 563 9631 http://www.emmits.com/ |
This gem of a place offers Irish specialties such as microbrews, shepherd's pie and Irish stew. Dark wood and forest green are the primary color tones, with a lighter tile floor and brick walls. There's a varied selection of scotches that you can enjoy while watching a game or listening to the piano player. They also have branches at Milwaukee, Grand and Halsted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Adam Spain |
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Hipster bar |
728 West Grand Avenue Chicago, IL 60610 United States +1 312 666 1695 http://www.funkybuddha.com/ |
Low-key antique lighting and muraled walls serve as backdrop for what many describe as the city's "coolest" and "premier" dance club. It encompasses the yin and yang of musical and dance styles offering patrons classic jazz, modern cosmopolitan, hip-hop, bhangra, underground, funk and soul. DJs spin each night, and there are live performances throughout the week. Call and ask about the entertainment, as it changes weekly. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lester K. Spence |
 Photo: Keith Harris |
 Photo: Jennifer Wang |
 Photo: Greg Haus |
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Swinging former speakeasy |
4802 North Broadway Avenue Chicago, IL 60640 United States +1 773 878 5552 http://www.greenmilljazz.com/ |
The best place for jazz in Chicago. Period. Run by the old Capone outfit, the Green Mill was a speakeasy during Prohibition and gained nationwide notoriety as the place where comedian Joe E. Lewis got his throat slashed. The interior is dark and old. It has not changed much since Al Capone frequented the establishment, and the jazz is just as hot as ever. Cover is free on Friday and Saturday nights after 1am. Come at that time to hear the thundering Sabertooth Jazz Quintet, or head in earlier to catch one of a number of other acts, from big band to sultry torch singing. The Mill also hosts the popular "Poetry Slam," where would-be bards read their poetry and brave the heckling of the audience. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lynda |
 Photo: Marcela Ewert |
 Photo: Anne Liao |
 Photo: Jessica Jones |
 Photo: Jerome Pierra |
 Photo: greg kellerman |
 Photo: Andy |
 Photo: Jonathan Janego |
 Photo: Chris Lea |
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Drink up at this Chicago tradition |
658 West Belden Avenue Chicago, IL 60614 United States +1 773 348 8899 http://www.johnbarleycorn.com/ |
Since 1890, Barleycorn's has been running strong, even though it had to hide as a laundry during Prohibition. Once inside, you may never want to leave. The woodwork is warm and cozy, the beer and liquor selection is great, the burgers are terrific and all for a price that almost anybody can afford. Even if the summer evening is pleasant, skip the patio and spend your time soaking up this Lincoln Park favorite. Another location resides in Wrigleyville at 3524 North Clark Street, +1 773 549 6000. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dave Ventre |
 Photo: Bucky Skeel |
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Very unsports lounge in Wrigleyville |
1401 West Irving Park Road Chicago, IL 60613 United States +1 773 477 3330 http://www.joyblue.com/ |
This bar offers a casual atmosphere, geared toward the under-thirty trendsetters. The traditional main bar serves 100 domestic and imported brews, as well as liquor and wine. Those looking for a break from the Wrigleyville sports bar scene will find it here while gazing at art work and sipping a martini on a velvet sofa in the Lounge. Private parties of ten to 300 are catered in the Blue Room. The jukebox and a weekend D.J. spins jazz and blues only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Down 'n' dirty blues |
2548 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60614 United States +1 773 477 4646 http://www.kingstonmines.com/ |
While Dan Akroyd's House of Blues may have taken away some of its bluster, this is still one of the oldest and best blues clubs in town. As you listen to the likes of Jimmy Johnson, Eddie C. Campbell and Billy Branch, you can also eat a variety of Southern-style food from the kitchen. And, if you cannot wait for the next band to start, you just have to cross rooms to the second stage where another band is sure to already be underway. By evening's end, the rowdy crowd sometimes has a hard time navigating from room to room, but that's all part of the down-to-earth atmosphere in a club that encourages its clientele to be as loud and rambunctious as it pleases. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: jaa9972 |
 Photo: Reid Stratton |
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Rollicking Wrigleyville bar |
3655 North Sheffield Chicago, IL 60613 United States +1 773 281 5356 http://www.murphysbleachers.com |
As promised by its name, Murphy's Bleachers lies just across the street from venerable Wrigley Field. On game days, massive crowds jam into the open-air bar and spill out onto the sidewalk before and after the game. Cub fans, yuppies and tourists alike enjoy cold beer, hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken sandwiches. The roof can be rented out for groups to watch the game. At more sedate times (like October), visitors can examine the extensive collection of sports memorabilia that adorns the walls. For those wanting to take something home other than a hangover, Murphy's Bleachers has an extensive line of memorabilia like nice bulky sweatshirts adorned with the club's logo. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Christopher Skillman |
 Photo: Vernon Balanza |
 Photo: Jeff Woelker |
 Photo: art.bikes |
 Photo: Don W. Ward |
 Photo: Adam Jordan |
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Champagne, caviar and beautiful people |
710 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 60610 United States +1 312 787 2675 http://www.narcisse.us |
Come for the scene...and to be seen. If you did not already guess from the name, there are a lot of "beautiful people" here. And the lighting is the dim and seductive kind that casts romantic shadows across your face (and keeps the blemishes at bay). Narcisse goes out of its way to create an indulgently delicious ambiance. Gold mirrors, red velvet chairs, curving enclaves - you get the idea. But there is more to this place than looks. The champagne is great, and the caviar is beautiful. If you are with a group, try to call ahead to secure a booth. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Hot club bar |
2326 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 60614 United States +1 773 348 1774 |
This popular Lincoln Park bar is built for self-entertainment, complete with darts and shuffleboard bowling. The TV screens are always playing the latest sporting event, and there is an outdoor patio if you need to get away from the cigarette smoke for a while. Hot dogs, burgers and pizza are on hand in case you get hungry. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nate Moore |
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Dance and drink |
3159 North Southport Avenue Chicago, IL 60657 United States +1 773 525 2508 http://www.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 |
 Photo: rocketjim54 |
 Photo: Mike Gonzalez |
 Photo: S Jones |
 Famous theater and improv group |
1616 North Wells Street Chicago, IL 60614 United States +1 312 664 4032 / +1 312 337 3992 http://www.secondcity.com/ |
Not only a beloved Chicago showcase, Second City is now treasured by the world, as well. Many a legendary comedy career began here; perhaps you will catch tomorrow's star in tonight's revue. This is the birthplace of sketch comedy, the type of humor that spawned such shows as "Saturday Night Live" and "The Kids in the Hall." In fact, many favorite SNL comedians got their start here. John Belushi, Bill Murray, Jerry Stiller and Elaine May are just a handful of those who went on to national fame. Be sure to check out all the photos on the wall while you wait to be seated - cabaret style, of course. The drinks are good, the price is right, the comedy and satire is unbeatable. This is an unforgettable end to an evening out in Old Town. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Amy |
 Photo: Monika Nevis |
 Photo: Wendy Shulik |
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Wonderful neighborhood watering hole |
3258 North Sheffield Chicago, IL 60657-2211 United States +1 773 281 4989 http://www.sheffieldschicago.com |
This is a wonderful, sit-down-and-take-your-time kind of pub located just off busy Belmont Avenue. Word is out about this place, so weeknights are better for fighting off crowds. Relax at the vintage bar and pick from more than 80 beers, and make sure to pet the cat that has lived there "for a long time." Also, make sure to try the "Bad Beer of the Month." During the summer, there is a pleasant garden in back for drinking, smoking and just plain schmoozing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: dreamerofmeaning |
 Photo: Carrie |
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Food & Late Nite Funk! |
1240 North Wells Chicago, IL 60610 United States +1 312 642 5522 http://spoonchicago.com |
Spoon, with its loft-like interior, has an atmosphere that is hot and inviting, the twenties-30-somethings crowds mixing it up. While not entirely a meet-market, Spoon is a place where anything can happen if you want to make new friends or just hang out with old ones. Food and drink are along strictly traditional lines. But, hey, the scene is great and the friendly crowd and dj music make Spoon a good night out. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: jane |
 Photo: lisa zielke |
 Concerts & Films |
3145 North Sheffield Chicago, IL 60657-4416 United States +1 773 472 0366 / +1 773 472 0449 http://www.victheatre.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 |
 Photo: Tim Lau |
 Photo: Amy Cissell |
 Photo: Kyle O'Bannon |
 Photo: F.C. Vugts |
 Photo: Gina Stepuncik |