Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
RUSH & DIVISION STREETS
Around Rush Street are what a bygone era called singles bars—although the only
singles that tend to head here now are suburbanites, out-of-towners, and barely
legal partiers. Rush Street's glory days have long passed, but there are still a few
vestiges of the old times. Division Street is filled with party-hearty spots that
attract a loud, frat-party element. The bars lining Division Street include
Shenanigan's House of Beer,
16 W. Division St. (
&
312/642-2344);
Butch
McGuire's,
20 W. Division St. (
&
312/337-9080); the
Lodge,
21 W. Division
St. (
&
312/642-4406); and
Mother's,
26 W. Division St. (
&
312/642-7251).
Many of these bars offer special discounts for women, as loud pitchmen in front
of each establishment will be happy to tell any attractive ladies who pass by.
OLD TOWN
The center of nightlife in Old Town is Wells Street, home to Second City and
other comedy clubs, as well as a string of reliable restaurants and bars. You're not
going to find many trendy spots in Old Town; the nightlife here is geared toward
neighborhood pubs and bustling restaurants, filled mostly with a late-20s and
30-something crowd.
Corcoran's
Owned by the same family for 30 years, this is one of Old Town's
favorite local hangouts, and it makes a good stop before or after a show at Sec-
ond City (right across the street). The cozy, wood-lined interior and hearty pub
food (bangers and mash, shepherd's pie, fish and chips) will put you right at
ease. In nice weather, check out the beer garden in back.
1615 N. Wells St. (at North
Ave.).
&
312/440-0885.
Subway/El: Brown Line to Sedgwick.
Goose Island Brewing Company
In the up-and-coming Clybourn Cor-
ridor on the fringes of Old Town, the best-known brewpub in the city features its
own Honker's Ale on tap, as well as several other beers produced here and at an
off-site distillery. Ask for a tasting menu to try them all (you can sample three
glasses for $5). Goose Island has the added benefit of a casual full-service restau-
rant with more than just bar food. A brewery tour is conducted on Sunday at 3pm
(including a free sample). Goose Island also has outpost in Wrigleyville, 3535 N.
Clark St. (
&
773/832-9040
).
1800 N. Clybourn Ave. (at Sheffield Ave.).
&
312/915-0071.
Subway/El: Red Line to North/Clybourn.
Old Town Ale House
This is one of Old Town's legendary saloons, a dingy
neighborhood hangout since the late 1950s with a fading mural that captures the
likenesses of a class of regulars from the early 1970s (John Belushi commandeered
the pinball machines here during his days at the nearby Second City improv
club). Put some quarters in the jukebox that's filled with an eclectic selection of
crooner tunes, and just hang out. Open daily from noon to 4am (until 5am Sat).
219 W. North Ave. (at Wells St.).
&
312/944-7020.
Subway/El: Brown Line to Sedgwick.
Spoon
The closest Old Town has to a trendy nightspot, this combination
bar/restaurant pulls in an attractive, professional crowd on weekend evenings.
The modern, loftlike space would be right at home in the River North neigh-
borhood, but it's a novelty in tradition-bound Old Town. Weeknights are a little
less frenzied, when locals are able to sip their Mucho Mango martinis in peace.
1240 N. Wells St. (at Division St.).
&
312/642-5522.
Subway/El: Red Line to Clark/Division.
Tilli's
A favorite gathering spot for good-looking 20- and 30-somethings,
Tilli's is an upscale version of the neighborhood bar. In nice weather, the entire
front is opened to the street; when it's chilly, try to snag a table near the brick
fireplace in the main dining room. You can snack on appetizers or order a full
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