Entertainment in North America
-
A
Atlantic Trap & Gill
Hanging on to the end of Robson St, this cheery East Coast tavern is a great spot to indulge in hearty seafood pub grub and a pitcher or three of Trap Lager, the house beer that's usually on special. The interior is comfy roadhouse but, in summer, make for the large patio and soak up some of the sunshine: you'll still be able to hear the Celtic-inspired bands that keep the party atmosphere going on Thursdays and Saturdays.
reviewed
-
B
Sunburnt Cow
Wannabe surfers and their would-be hangers-on flock to this Aussie pub and eatery, with its friendly vibe and cheery decor, complete with big sky lightboxes and an orangey outback-like glow behind the bar. In addition to thick accents and short haircuts, SC serves up juicy burgers and a celebrated all-you-can-drink brunch (at only $18, things get messy) – best enjoyed on the back patio when the weather is warm.
reviewed
-
C
Village Vanguard
Possibly the city's most prestigious jazz club, the Vanguard has hosted literally every major star of the past 50 years. It started as a home to spoken-word performances and occasionally returns to its roots, but most of the time it's just smooth, sweet jazz all night long. Mind your step on the steep stairs, and close your eyes to the signs of wear and tear – acoustically, you're in one of the greatest venues in the world.
reviewed
-
Kazimierz
With an entrance through the alley and a sign saying only ‘The Truth is Inside, ’ this wine cave feels like a swanky ’20s speakeasy, only the air here is rather genteel, grown-up and devoid of debauchery. The sofas are as soft as the music and the wine list as long as a Tolstoy novel: with 3000 global bottles to choose, you’ll want to (and happily can) rely on your server’s recommendation.
reviewed
-
D
Albuquerque Isotopes
About those Albuquerque Isotopes. First of all: yes, the city’s baseball team really was named for the episode of The Simpsons, ‘Hungry, Hungry Homer, ’ when America’s favorite TV dad tried to keep his beloved Springfield Isotopes from moving to Albuquerque. The ’topes sell more merchandise than any other minor (and most major) league team. They sometimes win, too.
reviewed
-
E
Roxy
A raucous old-school nightclub that still has plenty of fans – including lots of partying youngsters who seem to be discovering it for the first time – this brazen old hussy is downtown's least pretentious dance space. Expect to be shaking your booty next to near-teenage funsters, kid-escaping soccer moms and UBC students looking for a bit of rough. On Sunday, don your buttless chaps and drop by for a wild western night out.
reviewed
-
F
Wally’s Café
When Wally's opened in 1947, Barbadian immigrant Joseph Walcott became the first African-American to own a nightclub in New England. Old-school, gritty and small, it still attracts a racially diverse crowd to hear jammin' jazz music 365 days a year. Wally’s is the kind of place where someone on stage will recognize a high-caliber out-of-town musician in the crowd and convince them to play.
Berklee students love this place, especially the weekend jam sessions (6pm to 8pm Saturday and Sunday).
reviewed
-
G
Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant
This place sticks out in Chinatown like James Joyce in Shanghai. Somehow the Chinese restaurants are not so conducive to drinking, so Fadó packs in the thirsty, especially after games at the nearby MCI Center. Every room in this Disney-esque pub is decked out in its own unique Celtic style - country library, medieval castle etc. The place is old-school; its clientele remember when this was still considered in the 'hood.
reviewed
-
H
Air Canada Centre
The 13-time Stanley Cup–winning Toronto Maple Leafs slap the puck around the Air Canada Centre in the National Hockey League (NHL). Every game sells out, but a limited number of same-day tickets go on sale through Ticketmaster at 10am and at the Air Canada Centre ticket window from 5pm. You can also buy tickets via the website from season ticket-holders who aren’t attending – expect to pay around $80 and up.
reviewed
-
I
Spamalot
Lovingly ripped off from the movie Monty Python & the Holy Grail, the stage version of the misadventures of King Arthur will keep you guffawing at the scatter-brained knights in tights, the feisty Frenchmen and the buxom damsels in distress. VIP ticketholders get to keep a souvenir grail and take a 45-minute backstage tour after the show, with opportunities to take photos with the cast, crew and the unique props.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
J
Pravda
If you couldn’t guess from the name, Pravda trades in on a Soviet-chic theme. But while the lighting, all dark and red and sexy, would probably make a KGB officer happy, the vintage furniture and inked-up bar staff are distinctly New Orleans. The soft atmosphere belies a fun-loving clientele sipping (or shooting) off the best vodka and absinthe menu in the city; if strong spirits are your thing, this bar is a must-try.
reviewed
-
K
Bridge Theater
One of SF's last single-screen theaters, the Bridge screens international independent films from yakuza gangster thrillers to film-festival sensations.
reviewed
-
L
Ice: Direct From Russia
It’s a classed-up variety show of wildly unrelated production numbers – some better than others, but all expertly executed by Russian athletes. A constantly changing line-up of risky acts are thrown together on a frozen stage, where ice skaters twirl hoops, juggle balls, ride unicycles and seem to float through the air. If only the performers weren’t so serious, and the tickets so provocatively overpriced.
reviewed
-
M
Clyde's
A true Georgetown warhorse, Clyde's has been around for almost 40 years. Back in the day, it used to cater mainly to Georgetown students, but Clyde's has gone upscale in recent years; now yuppies are more likely than students to drink in this classy saloon. The Railroad Bar, salvaged from a Baltimore station and tucked into the back of the bar, is the best spot in the house. It's famous for its half-price burgers at happy hour.
reviewed
-
N
DC Sanctuary
Check your attitude at the door. DC Sanctuary welcomes everyone - black and white, straight and gay - so long as they have an appreciation for soul-soothing house and garage, blue lights, disco balls and a mellow vibe; this is not a pick-up joint. Couches, paintings and a big dance floor fill the minimalist-looking space. The club is in a transitional neighborhood, far from any Metro stop, so you'll need to drive or take a cab.
reviewed
-
O
Ridge Theatre
A local community fave, mixing foreign films and Hollywood fare, this is a lively and convivial cinema in which to hang out with the locals. Check out the retro building's glass-enclosed 'crying room,' where parents can take wee noisemakers and still watch the movie without disturbing other patrons. Unlike most cinemas, where the food typically has the nutritional value of a hockey puck, the concession here serves organic fruit.
reviewed
-
P
Saloon
The Saloon takes a firm stand against packing patrons in like sardines, with posted rules against standing between tables. That’s great, because the added elbow room better allows you to enjoy a brew ordered off one of the most extensive beer menus in town. For a casual drink or place to start the night in the U St area, it’s arguably your best bet. Keep in mind the Saloon is usually closed for the month of August.
reviewed
-
Ravinia
In the summer the Chicago Symphony Orchestra heads to Ravinia, a vast open-air summer series in Highland Park on the North Shore. It’s certainly a hike from downtown, but if you go, avoid the traffic and take the 45-minute Metra/Union Pacific North Line train from the Ogilvie Transportation Center to Ravinia Station ($9 round-trip). Trains stop both before and after the concerts right in front of the park gates.
reviewed
-
Q
Ward III
Ward III channels old-school jauntiness with its elegant cocktails, vintage vibe (tin ceilings, dark wood and old Singer sewing tables behind the bar), and gentlemanly house rules (No 2: ‘Don’t be creepy’). Reminisce over a Moroccan martini, or line the stomach first with top-notch bar grub, available every day til close at 4am.
reviewed
-
R
Bar 821
Bar 821 has a noteworthy selection of Belgian beers, but seems to want everyone to know that it doesn't want to be discovered by anyone. There's no sign out front (look for a bit of decorative neon around the door), and the highly visible house rules instruct patrons not to tell anyone about the place. (This review violates Rule No 5.) Another odd twist: the doors close nightly at 23:00 for an 'after-party' that ends at midnight.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
S
Van East Cinema
This balconied old-school cinema shows an eclectic schedule of critically acclaimed new and classic movies (plus second-run blockbusters to keep the money rolling in), with occasional late-night screenings and special events such as moviemaker lectures. It's a handy five-minute stroll north of the Commercial-Broadway SkyTrain station; continue on up the road after the show and discuss the flick at one of Commercial's chatty bars.
reviewed
-
T
Marfreless
Behind a nameless blue door, it’s easy to miss off-the-radar Marfreless, a legitimately interesting bar that plays soothing classical music in a dim, candlelit room. It also happens to harbor consenting adults seeking discreet PG-rated action in the notorious balcony area. You’ll soon understand why there’s no sign. Order a cocktail, kick back on the leather couches, whisper sweet nothings and keep your pants on.
reviewed
-
U
Café du Nord/Swedish American Hall
You never know what's doing at Café du Nord, a former basement speakeasy, with bar and showroom. Rockers, chanteuses, comedians, raconteurs and burlesque acts perform nightly, and the joint still looks like it must've in the '30s. The hall upstairs, with balcony seating and Scandinavian woodwork, hosts miscellaneous events. Check the online calendar.
reviewed
-
V
Movida
Meant to look like a three-floor luxury yacht, and succeeding fairly well, Movida's a strange brew of deliberate glitz and rowdy bonhomie. Liberal entrance policies, a relaxed but hip crowd, and a real affinity for retro punk, post-punk, new wave, rock and electro have put Movida on the downtown map. The Robot Rock party on Saturday night is a favorite; a second happy hour when drinks are half-price runs from 02:00-03:00 nightly.
reviewed
-
W
DBA
Ever tried to pick up Led Zeppelin IV at an indie CD store? You’ll get the same jeers if you try for a Sam Adams at this testosterone-fueled, dark-wood bar built for beer nerds disguised as the hip. (We mean that as a compliment.) There are over 200 beers here, plus 130 single-malt scotches and a few dozen tequilas. There’s a tiny plastic-chair patio in back, but most action is near the taps.
reviewed