Chicago Nightlife Tips by Etoile2B

Nightlife Spot: Konak's

Konak's is a small bar/restaurant in the heart of Andersonville. The walls are covered with headshots from local Chicago actors. And a lot of Chicago actors pick this spot as their post-show watering hole. And a hole it is for sure. The drinks are cheap and so is the bar food but that's about all it's go going for it. I'm not entirely impressed by the place. (My ex is an actor in town that's how I was introduced to it.) The problem is not that's it's a bit of a pit (my favorite bar in town is) I just don't think it has any personality. They've got a jukebox and a pool table and a semi-cool little couch area with a TV and fishtank (you can't smoke in the couch area) but it's nothing special. There are lots of bars in the area - if you're looking for a theatre hang-out this is the place. But otherwise I'd pass.

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Dress Code: Casual. Anything goes here.
Address: 5150 N Clark St
Directions: In the Heart of Andersonville. Just South of Foster on Clark.
Website: (773) 271-6688

Nightlife Spot: Jack's Bar and Grill

Jack's Bar and Grill is also connected to 404 Wine Bar. Although the two taverns are run by the same owner they are decidedly different pubs. Jack's is a tavern that specializes in hearty home cooking, sports and loud music. It's always crowded on the weekends - so you may have to fight for a table. They offer outdoor seating in the summer out back and feature the best damn chicken pot pie in the winter. The chicken pot pie is so popular that they often run out of it on a daily basis. It's huge. I recommend splitting it with a friend. The nice thing is you can order off the 404 Wine Bar menu even if you're seated in Jack's.

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Dress Code: More casual than 404 Wine Bar. Really, anything goes here. It's Chicago!
Phone: (773) 404-5886
Address: 2856 N Southport Ave
Directions: Located a block South of the Athenaeum Theatre.
Website: http://chicago.citysearch.com/profile/11342405?cslink=search_name_noncust&ulink=search__searchslot1_520__0_profile_5_1

Nightlife Spot: Side Street Saloon

Side Street Saloon is a great little neighborhood dive bar. If you're looking for a place where the locals hang out, this is a favorite. It's dark and a little on the smoky side. They have a great jukebox, a pool table and darts in the back room. The drinks are cheap and they serve cheap bar food all night long. They also have daily specials - so check the board over the bar when you walk in. The front room is lined with old books in the window if you feel like sitting back and reading while you're waiting for your friends to arrive. And the back room also features a variety of board games. Just pick one up and grab a table with friends. The big screen is usually tuned to a local sporting event. Make nice with the bartenders and they'll treat you like family.

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Dress Code: Casual. This is a neighborhood dive. Come as you are.
Phone: (773) 327-1127
Address: 1456 W George St
Directions: Located only a few blocks from the Athenaeum Theatre.
Website: http://chicago.citysearch.com/profile/36792739?cslink=search_name_noncust&ulink=search__searchslot1_520__0_profile_5_1

Nightlife Spot: The Hothouse

The Hothouse is a great spot to see some live World music. Conveniently located in the South Loop, parking usually isn't a problem. The space is large - and they sometimes feature local art in the back room. They offer plenty of tables to sit back, relax, sip a drink and listen to the featured band every evening. Or put on your dancing shoes and shake it on the dance floor. The entertainment changes nightly so check out their calendar to see what in the world they're playing tonight. We recently enjoyed the monthly Brazilian Samba night featuring a live Samba band and costumed Carnivale dancers. They also offered free Samba lessons during each of the band's breaks.

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Theme: Live Music
Dress Code: Casual dress. But it really depends on the show you're going to see. Anything goes.
Phone: 312-362-9707
Address: 31 E. Balbo
Website: http://www.hothouse.net/

Nightlife Spot: 404 Wine Bar

404 Wine Bar is connected to Jack's Bar and Grill, in fact you need to walk through Jack's to get to 404. Although the two taverns are run by the same owner they are decidedly different pubs. 404 is a little more refined and a little less rowdy than Jack's. They feature an eclectic wine list and gourmet appetizers on the menu. You can sit next to the fireplace in the front room near the bar or walk through to the back and sit back on some luxurious couches - even outside on the patio in the Summer. The nice thing is you can order off Jack's menu even if you're seated in 404 Wine Bar.

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Dress Code: This is a little nicer than Jack's but since they're attached to each other anything goes.
Phone: (773) 404-5886
Address: 2856 N Southport Ave
Directions: Located a block South of the Athenaeum Theatre.
Website: http://chicago.citysearch.com/profile/11342405?cslink=search_name_noncust&ulink=search__searchslot1_520__0_profile_5_1

Nightlife Spot: Fulton Lounge

Fulton Lounge has a swanky, airy atmosphere. The drinks are a bit pricey but it's a bit of a hot spot. If you prefer a more quiet atmosphere head here after work and grab a couch. When the weather allows they have seating outside, and because of it's West Loop location you don't have to worry about competing with noisy traffic. It's got a cool scene and the drinks are good.

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Dress Code: I don't believe there's a dress code, but this is a hip joint. If you want to be seen dress like it.
Phone: (312) 942-9500
Address: 955 W Fulton Market
Directions: On the corner of Morgan and Fulton Market in the West Loop.
Website: http://www.fultonlounge.com/