Posts by Lori Dake

While the bulk of their business stems from their banquets and pizza delivery, La Villa does an excellent job at serving up wonderful, authentic Italian dishes, and the only thing inflated is their portions.

This dimly lit restaurant, complete with a full bar and tucked away, high backed booths sets the tone for a casual night out, more on the quiet side on later week nights. White linen table cloths and napkins adorn the well used tables and booths, lit by small candles, accompanied by quality olive oil for bread, setting the tone for something a little more special. Though the d?cor is very much a 70s throwback and could use a little sprucing up, there is a certain little bit of charm here that really doesn't seem to require they act all that fast on a total gut rehab.

Even when the adjacent banquet hall is booked up solid, the service is quick but not pressured, and everything prepared is fresh and home made. The basket of hot bread and focaccia is simply divine, the minestrone soup has a lot of flavor, and the pasta dishes are top notch. Their vast menu of steaks, ribs, chops and seafood are all grilled to perfection, and the small, fresh salad bar is quaint yet very tasty.

Of course, it's their pizza that made them a local favorite, and this is just the sort of place folks enjoy dining out for a pie. Sausage lovers will especially love their home made variety, and the sauce is right on time, even for picky Chicagoans who love their saucy pizzas! A decent selection of wines and brews are available, and the bar staff do a fine job of mixing just about anything guests could ask for.

It's little wonder folks have made this charming Italian restaurant part of their regular routine. La Villa makes folks feel right at home and even know their regulars on a first name basis. Just be sure to dine there after 7pm to ensure the families have already cleared out.

Joe's on Weed Street is almost synonymous with live bands, since they book a lot of happening, traveling acts of different styles and has that fun, vibrant atmosphere everyone loves for both dancing and rocking out. Then again, sports fans will argue this is their place, due to the five rooms filled with 120 TV's plus 14 ten-foot screens hooked up to the satellite to catch the game du jour. Whoever wants to claim it is fine by the owners, just as long as the people keep coming back for more!

Besides the bands and shows, what brings folks in droves are all the beer specials on off nights. How can anyone go wrong with $2 pitchers and half priced pizzas? However, be sure to stick with the beer, because the drinks are really weak on the liquor, making those Sour Jack's awful sour. Also, make sure to pull a double check on their band schedule before heading out, because folks who are not interested in checking out the bands in the back area might get charged a cover charge after a certain time or be set up on a drink minimum. It's also a good idea to bring cash, as busy wait staff may not bring back a credit card as quickly as one would like. As far as the food goes, stick with the pizza, or perhaps the pork sandwich.

No mistaking, this place is huge and can get very crowded on the weekends or when an important game or killer act is playing. The back bar can get really warm and loud as well. The rest of the time, the setup is pretty flexible and casual, making for a decent place to kick back and hang out up front, either for catching a game or an acoustic set.

So yep, Joe's patronage is fairly polarized, depending on what people are going there to do. When it's good, it's great, but when it's bad, it's well… it is what it is.

Off Broadway meets Blue Collar Wedding: that’s the general synopsis of Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding, but tattoo’s even begin to describe the two and a half hours of non stop laughs! The accents are thick, the makeup is gaudy, the hair is big, the clothes are tacky and the cast of characters are bigger than life - the perfect recipe for disaster… or in this case, happily ever after!

No two shows are alike, as each one depends on the audience participation, so guests are encouraged to truly be themselves and let the cast feed off it! The entire show is set up as an actual Italian wedding, complete with a complete reception banquet dinner and wedding cake. Door ushers greet the audience as though they are invite of the bride and groom, and it goes from there, with performers chatting and interacting with the crowd as their own. The scenario is very blue collar on the groom’s side, while the bride’s family is a little more on the up and coming level, setting the stage for some good in fighting throughout the show.

The wedding is hysterical in its own right, especially the boisterous hollering back and forth during the ceremony. Cast members include a drug addict and a pregnant bride’s maid, marking two of the audience’s favorites. However, it’s the reception afterwards that most folks really enjoy. While the all you can eat buffet is only so-so and is served on Styrofoam plates, it’s the conga lines and bunny hopping that makes it a very memorable experience. The characters encourage folks to get up and dance with them, who are all equally talented in getting even the most meek into joining in the act.

This ad lib performance is an absolute must see for engaged and married couples alike, especially for those who love to live it up while praying they never have to deal with such a beautiful catastrophe in real life.

Whether folks need a place to mull over what they did the night before over pancakes and coffee or a quick bite of good old American fare, The Hollywood Grill is the place hipsters and locals hit anytime of the year, day or night. This vintage 50's roadside diner is decked out in pink and teal vinyl, with the walls nearly covered with classic black and white glossies of popular celebrities like Marilyn and Humphrey. is located just up the street from all the hottest bars and night clubs in the Bucktown / Wicker Park scene.

No matter what time it is, and no matter how crowded the after hours people make it, some way, some how, everyone gets seated relatively quick. And no matter what size the group is, the food comes out just as fast as it was ordered - the cooks must be clairvoyant! Also, the wait staff must have been sent there by God Himself, because they are so saintly when it comes to handling the after hours people. Quick, prompt, polite and able to tackle any attitude with none of their own. These are lifers and not the Trixie twenty somethings that always screw up the orders. Big thumbs up for the service alone!

Stick with the breakfast specials like the 2222 or the pancakes or omelets, which have just enough carbs and grease to coat any ornery tummy. The coffee is average diner blend but always fresh and hot. Burgers are decent, and they side them with crinkle cut fries! Just be sure to steer away from the Mexican stuff and anything that sounds out of place. Not good.

Of course, since its location is perfect for the party goers, Hollywood makes that pending hangover worth it with all the people watching that comes with the territory. Sure the place is a bit on the load side and perhaps a little too bright, but it's just so much fun to check out everyone there! It's definitely a place to be seen at 3am!

You know what they say: if a place is always busy, there's got to be a reason for it. Just remember they only take cash, and be sure to tip your waitress. She earned it.

The Green Mill just oozes with history, with Jazz enthusiasts from ALL walks of life, from homeless talent to urban hipsters and just about everyone else, all congregating at this landmark lounge. Pass the thresholds and enter into a bygone era of bebop and jazz that was once a speakeasy for Al Capone and has hosted some of the world's most influential artists.

Jazz bands perform nightly, with Friday nights featuring the house band that allows folks to come on up and join in, many times famous notables in the scene. Amateurs are more than welcome to join in, but just be sure to get down there early to register. In fact, it is well advised to get down there before 8pm to ensure a great seat up front by the stage. Sunday nights also host the famous Poetry Slam The Green Mill invented, driving in folks from all over to speak their minds about current events and more.

The bar staff is well versed in classic drinks like Manhattans and Martinis, as well as more contemporary concoctions. In spite of the fact spots near the bar are hard to come by, the staff are very good about getting orders out quickly, which is a rare talent! Patrons are very friendly, so striking up a conversation with complete strangers is easy and relaxed, as bar trolls are kept at bay.

Be advised to avoid running a tab here, as the only card they take is American Express. Non smokers are also forewarned the place is usually very packed, especially later in the evening, and almost all of the patrons are heavy smokers. Another word of caution involves the cardinal sin at this establishment: guests seated up front who speak or even whisper to each other during a performance, be it a band set or slam. It is no secret management will publicly correct these infractions, as it is seen as a major sign of disrespect to the artists. Therefore, folks are well advised to keep their thoughts to themselves and to turn the cell phones completely off. Just keep that in mind and enjoy the experience!

The Double Door gets its name from the two entrances it has (the main on Damen, the other on Milwaukee) and By far, this is probably the best place to catch a small show in Chicago! They feature promising up and comers all the way up to the likes of the Rolling Stones, and therefore is undoubtedly a highly sought after venue by local acts and traveling musicians alike.

Due to its direct proximity to the Blue Line train and tons of great hangouts just steps away, folks tend to pack this intimate venue on Friday and Saturday nights no matter who's on the bill. The stage is decently elevated, allowing just about everyone to catch a good view of the bands no matter where they happen to hang out, and the long bar allows for the drinks to pour without missing a beat. Even on extremely crowded nights, folks can find an escape by hitting the smaller bar downstairs below the stage, and is where the bands tend to congregate after their gigs.

What's nice about The Double Door is the large variety of acts they book, offering up an eclectic mix of music that attracts folks from all corners, be it Alternative or Metal, Hip Hop or Funk, and just about anything else folks could want to hear. The scene is dark and gritty, which most people find to be the perfect element for concert going, leaving the pompous arenas to eat their dust.

Concert goes should take note that parking in the vicinity can be pretty hard to come by at night, especially on the weekends. Also the traffic in that immediate area can get really tight, due to folks bar hopping and darting in and out of traffic. So do like the locals do and either hoof it a few blocks or take advantage of the all night train running overhead! Folks driving in just need to be wary of the permit only parking on many of the side streets to avoid getting ticketed or towed.

Looking to take in a night of classic Italian food and follow it up with the best mixed drinks in town? Want it all wrapped up in a swanky supper club lounge that The Chairman would approve of? Then head to Club Lucky - serving up the absolute best martinis in town, right alongside some wonderful food at gastronomical portions!

Located off the area's main streets, this former speak easy embraces its heyday by keeping it real, mixing up fantastic concoctions like their Killer Martinis, garnished with either bleu cheese or anchovy stuffed olives made right there at home. This noisy, dimly lit 50's era establishment would make Tony Soprano proud, and is just as welcoming to the eclectic locals and politicians alike. While the upbeat scene may make some folks wary of pushy, in and out service, they can be rest assured knowing that taking their time to enjoy their drinks with pleasant company is perfectly fine.

For those deciding to go ahead and order up some food, the Sicilian menu is sure to please. The grilled calamari always needs to be boxed up due to its large servings, but comes in at a close second to their pasta, steaks and chops. The d?cor begs folks to enjoy twirling that enormous plate of spaghetti they offer, complimented of course with a nice Chianti as the likes of Sinatra croon through the air. And yes, heavenly tiramisu is featured on their dessert menu and is always a favorite!

So yes, Club Lucky is a must do, perhaps before taking in a show at the nearby Double Door or while on the hunt for a late night bar!

Probably the most popular Irish bar in all of Chicago and sponsors of the St. Patrick's Day parade and the annual Celtic Fest downtown. The Abbey Pub is also host to live entertainment with a nicely risen stage and a good shot from just about any vantage point. The sound is fairly decent as well, with a low ceiling, wrap around balcony that allows guests to enjoy traditional Irish fare while catching a show.

The decor in the venue area is very charming, with large rounded picture windows that take up both floors and exposed brick walls, helping to justify its namesake. Couples may want to venture upstairs during crowded shows, where the dim lighting and sense of relative spaciousness will allow for a more intimate experience. In spite of the big screen TV's and other sports bar regalia, this place has a classic homey feel to it. Service can be a little on the slow side with the wait staff, but with so much going on, only seriously hungry patrons will notice. The bars however are manned by squadrons of staff, ensuring everyone gets their pints in a timely manner.

As far as the food is concerned, this place really knows how to serve up some fantastic, authentic Irish fare. Go for the fish and chips - a huge, hearty portion that is also on the all you can eat special Friday nights. The shepherd's pie is undoubtedly the best in the city, and where else would anyone want to order up corned beef and cabbage on Saint Paddy's Day? An interesting addition is the curry fries, which is covered in a wonderful gravy. Of course, standard bar grub is also available and very tasty, like burgers, cheese sticks and hot wings, but it seems almost sinful to order that sort of thing here!

So head on down to the Abbey, grab a pint of the dark stuff and check out a great band!

One of the most beloved and notorious venues in Chicago, the infamous Aragon Ballroom hosts a large variety of concerts, sporting events, dance parties and performances, cloistered within a stunning layout unlike any other. While some of the facade may be a bit dated and well-admired, the brilliant scheme within the confines hearkens to a midlevel Spanish courtyard, as its original intention was for formal ballroom dancing.

Upon entering, guests are directed to climb the sweeping dual spiral staircases, leading up to the main level. At that point, early entrants are encouraged to climb one more set of stairs to the mezzanine, where a small amount of seating is usually available within the turrets gazing at the stage below. The imagery is absolutely breath taking, making folks feel as though they are actually standing outdoors on a warm, starlit evening, even in the harsh Chicago winters.

For quite a number of years, Uptown has been known to be a rather seedy part of town and is only now in the beginning of gentrification. Because many people were insecure about traveling to the location, it limited the styles of music that chose to perform at the Aragon. During the 80s especially, the majority of the performances were up and coming rock and metal bands, including METALLICA, ANTHRAX and SLAYER. It is because of those bands' (and others) rowdy audiences the Aragon earned the dubious moniker "The Scaragon Brawlroom", which still holds true today for many heavy acts.

Thanks to the neighborhood changing and the venue's restoration efforts, lots of different styles of music are making a comeback to the Aragon, bringing with it a large variance in audiences. There are a few rules to live by at this venue, no matter what performance people are there to see, so be sure to note the following:

No matter what time of year it is, this place can get HOT when it gets crowded. Use the coat check!

The seating and the mezzanine areas in general are highly coveted, especially later in the evening when folks start to wear down. Save that spot no matter what!

At the end of the show, everyone tends to herd like cattle down those winding stairs, meandering their way to the ground level. Folks who want to leave in a hurry really should skip the encores.

The bathrooms start out clean and shiny but end up filthy and disgusting by night’s end, in spite of the staff‘s best efforts. Just a forewarning.

People go there to see and be seen. It's certainly not for the acoustics!

Here's a movie theater everyone can agree on! Besides the fact guests get to kick back a few cold ones on huge comfy seats while checking out a favorite cult film, this place has incredible sound when the bands come into town! Five floors make up this early 20th century vaudeville, where some of its original brilliance still shines through. It's nice an dark here and extremely casual.

This is pretty much a movie theatre for people who like to treat the place like they are watching cable in their own homes, and that includes getting a little chatty and reclining back. It serves as a great alternative to staying in for the night, and guests get to mingle and meet new people, as the beer goes for a cool $1.50 and admittance for only $5.00. It is also ideal for new couples who may desire a dark scene but want to avoid a completely segregated area, especially those who want to put off seeing how the other half lives at the moment. This is casual at its finest. And by the way: the best seats are down in the front center, but pretty much anyplace is good!

Whether folks go there for a concert or a flick, The Vic is centrally located in a pretty great area for young couples of all breeds. The immediate neighborhood is very eclectic, from the punk and goth kids to the young socialites, all feeding from the same proverbial trough known as the intersection of Belmont & Clark. Shopping and dining are plentiful, as are cabs, trains and buses - a true feast for the eyes and lips! Just be very careful when parking anywhere in the area! Just about everything on the street not metered is permit only, with cops ticketing often, and store lots hire spotters to boot unauthorized vehicles. Using the pay lot or taking the train is a very wise idea!