Entertainment in Great Lakes
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A
Red Lion Pub
A British-style pub run by gen-u-ine Brits, this cozy spot features UK brews, the best onion rings in the city and regular literary events. The fish-and-chips were a favorite of film critic Gene Siskel.
reviewed
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B
Landmark’s Century Centre
This seven-screen high-tech cinema is a big bucket of popcorn better than typically roughshod art houses. It has stadium seating just like the multiplexes and a gourmet snack bar for the fanciest filmgoer.
reviewed
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C
Carol’s Pub
The closest thing Chicago has to a honky-tonk, Carol’s Pub offers (at times ironic) boot-stompin’, Bud-drinkin’ good times to patrons, who come out on weekends to dance like crazy to the house country band.
reviewed
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Windy City Rollers
The bang-'em-up sport of roller derby was born in Chicago in 1935, and the battlin' babes here will show you how it's played, bruises and all. Matches take place monthly at UIC Pavilion, west of the Loop (take the Blue Line to Racine).
reviewed
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D
Athenaeum Theatre
November holds the Chicago’s biggest dance event through, Dance Chicago, which brings dancers from across disciplines to the Athenaeum Theatre for a month-long series.
reviewed
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E
Severance Hall
The acclaimed Cleveland Symphony Orchestra holds its season (August to May) at Severance Hall, located by the University Circle museums. The orchestra's summer home is Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, about 22 miles south.
reviewed
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Oprah Winfrey Show
The self-help queen's TV show is extremely popular and the free tickets are difficult to come by. Try the studio number if the ticket number isn't working. Last-minute tickets sometimes surface on the website.
reviewed
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F
Filter
Linger over good coffee at thrift-store tables and couches along with all the laptop-toting writers tapping out their screenplays. The in-house roasting system uses oil from the coffee beans to run the machine.
reviewed
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G
Facets Multimedia
Facets’ main business is as the country’s largest distributor of foreign and cult films, so it follows that its ‘cinematheque’ movie house shows interesting, obscure movies that would never get booked elsewhere.
reviewed
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H
California Clipper
Chicago’s literary scene might be small but it is feisty, featuring locals and out-of-towner readings in comfortable (often boozy) DIY settings. The California Clipper host reliable events.
reviewed
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I
Zebra Lounge
The piano in the tiny, dark and mirrored room can get as scratchy as the voices of the crowd, which consists mainly of older folks who like to sing along. The ivory strokers here are veterans who know their stuff.
reviewed
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J
Rosa’s Lounge
Rosa’s is an unadorned, real-deal blues club that brings in top local talent and dedicated fans to a somewhat dodgy Logan Square block. The location is isolated from easy public transportation, so be sure to take a cab.
reviewed
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K
Music Hall
The acoustically pristine Music Hall is where the symphony orchestra, pops orchestra, opera and ballet hold their seasons. This is not the best neighborhood, so be cautious and park nearby.
reviewed
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L
Charleston
The resident cats curl up on your lap at this laid-back favorite of Bucktown locals. When the occasional folk and bluegrass acts set up in the middle of the narrow room, it gets crowded, but it’s definitely worth it.
reviewed
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M
Leg Room
The Leg Room wins few points for originality, with safari-print stools and schmoozing, scantily dressed singles, but the laid-back vibe and friendly staff make it the most inviting place to gawk at the Rush St pick-up scene.
reviewed
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Blue Chicago on Clark
The talent lives up to the club’s name at this branch of a mainstream blues club, Blue Chicago. If you’re staying in the neighborhood and don’t feel like hitting the road, you won’t go wrong here.
reviewed
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N
Logan Square Auditorium
Logan Square’s legions of gentrifying scene-makers need some place to catch grimy, DIY, underground rock, and this spacious former ballroom answers the call. The gigs here, like the neighborhood, are a work-in-progress.
reviewed
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O
Chicago Moving Co
Known for gutsy, energetic performances, this exciting group was founded over 30 years ago by Nana Shineflug, a pioneer of modern dance in Chicago. The works and performers are all local. Shows are at the Hamlin Park Fieldhouse.
reviewed
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P
Fireside Bowl
In the not-so-distant past, the Fireside Bowl was a premiere venue for up-and-coming rock, punk and hardcore shows. The remodeled bar remains a great place to enjoy the time-honored marriage of frosty pints and clattering pins.
reviewed
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Q
Comerica Park
The Detroit Tigers play pro baseball at Comerica, one of the league's most decked-out stadiums. The park is particularly kid friendly, with a small Ferris wheel and carousel inside (per ride $2 each).
reviewed
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R
Gold Star Bar
A vestige from the days when Division St was ‘Polish Broadway,’ the Gold Star remains a divey winner, drawing a posse of bike messengers – and people who dress like them – for cheapie libations and a great metal-and-punk jukebox.
reviewed
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S
Kelly’s
DePaul students and fans can get elbow to elbow at this classic pub that’s been family owned and operated since the day after Prohibition ended. It’s directly under the El, so hold onto your glass when a train goes by.
reviewed
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T
Map Room
At this map-and-globe-filled 'travelers' tavern' artsy types sip coffee by day and suds from the 200-strong beer list by night. There's free ethnic food on Tuesdays at 7pm.
reviewed
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U
Beer Bistro
This bar near United Center fills with Bulls and Blackhawks fans, and it even runs a shuttle to the arena on game days. Ninety global beers (most in bottles) comprise the swill, and TVs flashing the requisite games circle the big room.
reviewed
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V
Murphy’s Bleachers
Getting well lubricated before the big game is the prerogative of Cubs fans at this well-loved, historic watering hole, only steps away from the entrance to Wrigley Field’s bleacher seats. They jam this place like sardines on game day.
reviewed