Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Chicago to serve drinks after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933—and
the place hasn't changed much since then. In The Drake Hotel, 140 E.
Walton St. (at Michigan Ave.). & 312/787 - 2200. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago/
State.
Davenport's Piano Bar & Cabaret The youthful hipster
haunt of Wicker Park isn't the first place you'd expect to find a tried-
and-true piano bar and cabaret venue, but Davenport's does its best
to revive a fading art form. The piano bar in front is flashier than the
subdued cabaret in back, featuring a singing waitstaff, blue velvet
banquettes, funky lighting fixtures, and a hand-painted mural-
topped bar. The cabaret's sound equipment is first-rate. 1383 N.
Milwaukee Ave. (just south of North Ave.). & 773/278 - 1830. http://davenports
pianobar.com. Cover $10-$20. Subway/El: Blue Line to Damen.
Zebra Lounge The most wonderfully quirky piano bar in
town, Zebra Lounge has a loyal following despite (or maybe because
of ) the campy decor. Just as you would expect, black-and-white
stripes are the unifying element at this dark, shoebox-size Gold
Coast spot, furnished with black vinyl booths, a small mirrored bar,
and zebra kitsch galore. The place is relatively mellow early in the
evening, though it can get packed late into the night on weekends.
1220 N. State Pkwy. (between Division and Goethe sts.). & 312/642 - 5140. Subway/
El: Red Line to Clark/Division.
Finds
Finds
4 The Club Scene
Chicago is the hallowed ground where house music was hatched in
the 1980s, so it's no surprise to find that it's also home to several vast,
industrial-style dance clubs with pounding music and a mostly
under-30 crowd. Given the fickle nature of clubgoers, some places
listed below might have disappeared by the time you read this, but
there is an impressive list of longtime survivors—clubs that have
lasted more than a decade but continue to draw loyal crowds.
Berlin One of the more enduring dance floors in Chicago, Berlin
is primarily gay during the week but draws dance hounds of all
stripes on weekends and for special theme nights (disco the last Wed
of every month, Prince music the last Sun of the month). It has a
reputation for outrageousness and creativity, making it prime
ground for people-watching. The space isn't much—basically a
square room with a bar along one side—but the no-frills dance floor
is packed late into the evening. 954 W. Belmont Ave. (at Sheffield Ave.).
& 773/348 - 4975. www.berlinchicago.com. Cover $3-$5. Subway/El: Red or
Brown line to Belmont.
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search