THURSDAY FIRESIDE BOWL FULL
THURSDAY FIRESIDE BOWL MAC

Lake St.īack in September I wrote that Jazz Showcase’s current home in Dearborn Station has the chance to be a permanent one for years to come after a period of itinerant status. Add in a rooftop tiki lounge, its burger menu that's not half bad and prime location for Union Park-housed music festival afterparties and Bottom Lounge can pretty much fill any concert goer's needs.īottom Lounge is located at 1375 W.

THURSDAY FIRESIDE BOWL FULL

There's plenty of space to move around and find your ideal viewing spot even when it’s a full house. It's small and the standing room in front of the stage isn't staggered at all but the stage is tall and the room is wide. That's why I first fell in love with the Bottom Lounge. The Beat Kitchen is located at 2100 W Belmont Ave.īeing a person of average height, nothing grinds my gears more than a music venue with only a few choice spots from which you can, you know, actually see the band playing if it's even half full. For such a small space it has a good sound, and you leave feeling like you know a band better when you see them play here.

Shows here are intimate because they have to be, and some of my favorite moments soaking up the music have been here. Sure, you won’t have an arena experience here, but you will have decently priced drinks and a chance to get to see the band up close and personal. You’ll be surprised at the quality of bands that frequent The Beat Kitchen. It has that dingy, not quite-dive bar feel and that ends up being part of the charm. It’s the kind of place that you’re not quite sure about the first time you’re there, but it’s not hard for it to become a favorite. The Beat Kitchen has always been a favorite place to catch shows for me. Chuck SudoĬity Winery Chicago is located at 1200 W.

The size of the space makes for cozy performances between artist and audience in some cases it’s almost as though they’re performing in your living room. The seating places guests right next to the stage which can be intimidating if you’re seeing an engaging, theatrical singer like Bettye LaVette. As I get older I’ve grown fond of sit-down shows and City Winery has them to spare with a lineup ranging from rock and pop to comedy to folk music to jazz and soul. I saw A John Waters Christmas at City Winery Sunday night with my better half and the show only solidified my appreciation of the Randolph Street complex’s performance space, one of the most intimate venues in the city. For me the Metro will always be the signature Chicago venue. Sure, the drinks are a bit more expensive than my liking, but that is the perfect excuse to stop next door at The Gingerman before and after the show instead. The well booked list of shows doesn’t hurt either. I’ve also always had wonderful experiences with the Metro staff, both front and back of the house.

And after a show I can head down to Smartbar and dance into the morning, a great two for one venue deal. Or if I get there early a decent view from the balcony. The size is just right to catch bands on the cusp of breaking big and I can usually find a good spot around the sides of the stage for my short self. That isn’t the only reason it’s one of my favorite venues in the city. Lucky for me, my spot is reserved for the Metro. When you move to a new city, the first major attraction you visit will always hold a special spot in your heart. Both local up and comers and national touring acts play this cozy room and recent upgrades to the stage and placement of the sound system make have made it a small venue with big ambitions. With Township they finally have a permanent home base and while that doesn't keep them from still putting on shows at a variety of venues, it feels like the bills at Township are closest to their heart. Longtime promoter MpShows has bounced around many a venue in Chicago and have built their reputation as one of the longest lasting true independent promoters in Chicago these are the people who got their start booking punk rock bills at Fireside Bowl back when the place was literally falling apart around you.

THURSDAY FIRESIDE BOWL MAC

The mac and cheese-with toppings you select-is a meal within itself. Plus, Harmony Grill is right next door for your pre-show meal, but they also serve food in the front barroom of Schubas. They’re also connected to the local scene with a lot of Chicago artists on the bill. See some of the best up and comers before they move on to larger sister venue Lincoln Hall and up from there. As for the music, their booking is always top notch. Between the small size (capacity is only about 200 in the music room) and cozy wood work inside, the vibe here is comfy and friendly. Schubas was right away one of my favorite places to see a concert in the city. The Wrens are obviously super stoked to be playing Schubas.

Thursday fireside bowl