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Chicago's entertainment varies from loud and loose to sophisticated and sedate. You'll find classic Chicago corner bars in most neighborhoods, along with trendier alternatives like wine bars and lounges. The strains of blues and jazz provide much of the backbeat to the city's groove, and an alternative country scene is flourishing. As far as dancing is concerned, take your pick from cavernous clubs to smaller spots with DJs spinning dance tunes; there's everything from hip-hop to swing. Wicker Park/Bucktown and River North have the hottest nightlife, but prime spots are spread throughout the city.
Shows usually begin at 9 pm; cover charges generally range from $3 to $20, depending on the day of the week (Friday and Saturday nights are the most expensive). The list of blues and jazz clubs includes several South Side locations: be cautious about transportation here late at night, because some of these neighborhoods can be unsafe. Drive your own car or ask the bartender to call you a cab.
This welcoming, female-owned tavern has been serving the city's craft beer scene since opening in 2011. The ever-rotating draft list focuses on local breweries from around Chicago like Spiteful Brewing and Half Acre, while also exposing patrons to more exotic beverages like the puckeringly sour Duchesse de Bourgogne from Belgium. A small array of wines and spirits supplement the drinks list, and patrons regularly pack the place for trivia nights and Euchre tournaments.
It's probably just our imaginations, but somehow the sunlight that streams over the vintage tiles and velvety banquettes in this easy-going Humboldt Park cocktail bar seems to glow. An equally dreamy side patio has a second bar and a brick fireplace flanked by lots of low seating for basking in the firelight once the sun sets. Dogs are very welcome here.
