Category: Live Music

Ah yes, the Cubby Bear, where the party is sure to continue whether the Cubs win or lose, the Miller runs $5 a can (though no one complains out loud), and it seems that everybody in there needs to have their ID's double checked, due to the overwhelmingly young crowd. Even with its frat boy and trixie flaws, this bar is a must do after the game and has been a local institution for decades, even way back in the day when Wrigleyville was far from a hip place to see and be seen. Nice big tvs dot the overhead landscape, so no matter where you are, you can be sure you can see the game, just in case you left the bleachers a couple innings early. The bar staff knows a thing or two about mixing a decent drink, but don't expect the service to be exceedingly swift. Even so, it still is a pretty cool sports bar overall.

The Cubby Bear is also legendary as hosting some great underground bands of all genres and calipers. The intimate stage allows folks to get up close and personal with their favorites. Now while I personally find it to be a badge of honor, it can get pretty loud in there, so be prepared to have that after show ringing going on in your ears after a show.

If you want to actually feel your legs and hold a decent conversation with your buds, stop by on an off season weekday. The food is nothing special, but the people in there will be a little more mature (on all levels!) and it really is a great sports bar. This is also one of the places in town that hosts live band karaoke on Wednesday nights, which really knocks up the rock star status a few notches for the daring few, and it tends to make mediocre singers sound a whole lot better.

So yes, make no mistake, they're definitely open year round, because the Cubby Bear does not believe in waiting 'til next year to have a good time.

Now here is a place that, yes, is in massive need of a rehab, because The Congress sure does look like it's ready to fall apart at any second when the lights are on. But when the lights are down and people are hopping, the flaws are hidden and its old school charm really shines through.

There are quite a few other pluses worthy of mention that cancels out the negatives and makes this place great to catch a show and shake your money maker! The high domed ceiling is a true piece of art which provides great sound when the place is full. The floor below is sloped at just the right degree, making any place you stand or dance not only comfortable but also a great spot to see the raised stage. The mezzanine theatre seating upstairs is first come, first served, so early arrivals who aren't there to mosh or dance can enjoy the show in comfort and provides a spectacular view of everyone below. And the bathrooms may not be the most tidy but the lines even to the women's rooms aren't all that bad.

Now while catching a cab on this stretch of Milwaukee is still a rarity, The Congress has really stepped up on the parking issue by utilizing the big lot down the street at the CVS, and it's only a few blocks away from the all night Blue Line, which is a couple short stops away from the happening Wicker Park scene. Also, one of my favorite Mexican restaurants, El Cid, is right down the street, which provides free parking at that same CVS lot, so crafty show goers could go there first for great food and margaritas!

Now since the place is so much bigger than even the mighty Metro, big name bands have been venturing over to this venue instead of even the House of Blues downtown. That is really a blessing, because people who want to park on the street can do so within a few blocks. With any luck, the bigger shows will put some money into that rehab coffer and help revitalize the surrounding neighborhood. Also, while beer may be on the pricey side here, the last time I was there, the guys were coming back from the bathroom with beer in hand, due to witty vendors selling two by two to guys waiting in the urinal lines. Now if that doesn't add to the convenience, than the cheap coat check available certainly does!

Humboldt Park is a neighborhood that is in a constant state of change, but there are some things that never will. One of its many main stays is the California Clipper, a place that has really rolled with it but firmly holds onto its roots. And hey – where else are you going to find a bar that has grape soda on the fountain gun and has a bingo night? Seriously! That cool grape goodness makes for some fun vodka and gin mixes!

This place screams retro, but it's really not, because all that vintage red decor and lighting has been around about as long as that rusty lighted sign out front. It's about as jazzy as the Green Mill but with a mix of rockabilly and other fun styles blended together to make for a fun night. This is one of the few places where you can order something from the way back machine like a Tom Collins or a bourbon mixer and the bartender can do it without dusting off a recipe book, and yet are equally talented to whip up a flirty Cosmo all the same. People who frequent the lounge come from all walks of life, from hipsters to And since its location is right by the huge park itself, those wanting to start off when the sun is still out can chill out there, too. Snack on some tamales or corn from the outdoor vendors beforehand and go with it.

Now yes, granted, Humboldt Park still has its very seedy side to it, so it's probably not a good idea to go wandering off California Avenue after dark, unless you travel in packs. Parking can be tricky later at night as well, but nowhere near as hard as around other popular hangouts. But fifteen years ago, locals said the same thing about neighboring Wicker Park and Bucktown, so the general synopsis states the trend towards a better neighborhood will definitely follow. I say, embrace that state of flux and revel in it while you still can!

From Indie to Metal, if it rocks on the south side, then Champ's is the place to go. Bands like Disturbed cut their teeth here, in which many speculate it was because of this small stage and the regulars who hang out here that made them what they are today. Many will remember their original location as being in a strip mall parking lot with very limited parking. Now that they've found a banquet hall to call home, the parking has gotten lots better and the floor space was gotten a whole lot wider. What has remained the same is the superior sound and the good, cold beer at their full bar.

On almost any given night, local regulars find their way in, no matter which bands take the stage, rarely ever giving them a hard time. The sound guys hired do an excellent job of taking care of them as well, which of course helps in delivering a fantastic show. On Thursdays, patrons can take advantage of that stage themselves ala karaoke.

As far as the bar itself, there are plenty of brews to choose from, and the fun and frolicy bar staff are more than eager to please, mixing up drinks with a sassy Cheshire grin. Food is also available, including some pretty good pizza that comes fairly recommended at a reasonable price. After all, if there's one thing Chicago is known for, it is good food for big appetites!

So, whether you're heading out with a date or your buddies, be sure to check the schedule to see who's playing at Champ's. Or not! Because no matter who's playing, everyone is guaranteed to have a good time!

Lordy, Lordy, look at all those brews on the chalk board! They're currently standing at 267 varieties to choose from, hailing from all parts of the world, and maybe even other galaxies! What is this, a geography lesson? Drafts change regularly, featuring stuff most people probably never heard of but fun to try out. Hey: with a name like that, they had BETTER have enough to drink!

Quencher's is a local hot spot for hipsters, locals and even lap tops that features great local acts almost every night of the week, with free popcorn to make folks even more thirsty. They even have a photo booth to capture that sweet, sweet drunken lapse of reasoning! And with the band area spaced out far enough away from the front, folks who want to just hang out and shoot the breeze can do so without blowing out their buddy's ear drum in the process.

Located smack dab on the corner of Fullerton and Western and away from most of the other scene sites, Quencher's plays hosts to some of the most eclectic crowds in town who go out of their way to get there, and hey, they serve up some darn good eatin' pub grub food as well. (Tater tots just plain rock!) Daylight hours tend to be on the mellow side, where the back room takes on a flair more like a coffee house than a bar, but at night and especially on weekends, this place can get really hopping with crowds from all walks of life.

What makes this place cool is the fact that anyone is truly welcome, even people pushing 40 and who sometimes may beg to get carded. Bar flies shackled to the stools are more than welcome here, and yes, the bar keep actually know their regulars' names. Of course, ample youthage on a scene night out are also prevalent, along with all those beer snobs this place just may have been built for.

So hey, come on down and try out something that's hard to pronounce, check out a band and chill out with some new friends. Just remember to bring a small wad of cash, because the only card that's accepted here is a driver's license.

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.

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.

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!

On the outside, this Mt Prospect pizza joint and bar adjoin its neighboring businesses in a reminiscent display of a classic European village. On the inside, Ye Olde Town Inn is a mish-mash of kitschy old school Americana can be found the walls, while the game area in back offers a glimpse of the kitchen preparing the pizzas that made this establishment a local standby.

Friday and Saturday nights feature hard rock and heavy metal acts, both local and touring, and an excellent selection of micro brews and imports are available at the adjacent bar. Free WiFi and large satellite TV’s are also present, making YOTI a great spot for catching the game while munching on wings, sticks and other appetizers. Those looking to avoid the fat can chow down on their pastas featuring their own sauce or the super fresh Ye Olde Garden Patch salad that serves as a meal in itself!

The thing that makes this place a stand-out above all of the hundreds of other pizza shops around Chicago is its unassuming and caring staff. Every customer is treated as an old friend, checking superficial and otherwise fancy nuances at the door. Also, an extension to their commitment to the community is displayed by donating all of their proceeds for shows, as well as collecting non-perishable food for the hungry.

So, for those who like it loud and proud, Ye Olde Town Inn (or YOTI as regulars affectionately like to call it) serves up a rockin’ good time while treating its guests to some of the best thin pizza and biggest burgers in all of Chicagoland!