Chicago Blog & Travel Guide

Nightlife

Summer Festivals in Chicago

Wow.  It’s already July, but the good news is that we still have a ton of cool events for you.  From food to live bands and airplanes, check these out:

Mmmfood, let’s celebrate summer by eating and drinking outside.  Luckily, we have The Windy City Ribfest  as well as the new Roscoe Village Burger Fest to check out. These events are free to attend, include live music, and some great barbecue.  The Ribfest is going on from the 16th-18th of July, but the Burger Fest is from the 10th-11th.

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Fun & Unique Places to Eat in Chicago

If you are traveling to Chicago any time soon, you will realize how truly diverse our city proves to be.  What better way to celebrate these different cultures than with an ethnic dinner?  Here are just a few suggestions for a hungry traveler in the market for something new…

 San Soo Gab San is a Korean BBQ that is a great place to experience with friends.  There is a table-top grill on the center of the table where you grill your own meat, there is something very rewarding about cooking the seasoned steak, chicken, and pork and then dishing it out to your friends.  Included with the order is about 3 dozen little garnish plates to try with your food.

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Quick Q & A w/ a Guest.

guestq&a
 
I recently sat down with returning guest and awesome guy, Scott Frankcombe for an informal interview.  Scott’s hometown is Sydney, Australia, but while in Chicago he plays with the DePaul Blue Demon Marching Band.  As you may see, Scott is extremely photogenic.   He has grown quite fond of Chicago entertainment, and has shared his recommendations with us….
 
 

Festivals, Feasts, Fiestas & Fun in Chicago

Wow.  We are on the brink of a ton of festivals in Chicago.  Its high time to give you the heads up on the fun to come, book your room with us and party your heart out….

Mayfest in Lincoln Square

Mayfest in Lincoln Square

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Next Stop: Wrigleyville, Chicago

Looking for a Chicago landmark and an awesome experience?  Look no further than historic Wrigley Field.  Looking for diverse and entertaining nightlife?  Look no further than the bar & club sprawling neighborhood of Wrigleyville.  Whether you’re in the mood for a Cubs game, a cold drink, or a memorable picture, this neighborhood delivers in a myriad of different ways.  Recently, a couple staff members attended a ballgame, here are some pictures they took….

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Small Music Venues in Chicago That Deliver Big Sounds

The Empty Bottle

The Empty Bottle

The Empty Bottle is a cozy little venue that offers an intimate experience for any music lover.  Don’t expect Lady Gaga, but do anticipate a diversity of cool stuff from this place including: Farmer’s Market events, indie rock, DJs, and Windy City Soul Night. Read more

Off the Radar: Alternative Things to do in Chicago

Have a cup at the Pick Me Up

Pick Me Up Cafe

Pick Me Up Cafe

This is a local favorite.  They’re  open 24 hours on weekends and boast excellent coffee with free refills and amazing cheese fries.  However, as the owner would love to defend, they do not want to be strictly categorized as a “coffee-house.”  In fact, this place mostly resembles a creatively decorated diner that serves up favorites like: Vegan French Toast, Kalhua Pancakes, The Garlicious Breast Sandwich, and of course their signature Cheez Fries.

Catch a Flick at The Music Box

The Music Box Theater

The Music Box Theater

This movie venue is a real northside relic that proudly projects indie films, foreign hits,  and old favorites.  They have a cool special event section that annually includes The Music Box Massacre, a 24 hour horror film extravaganza.  They also have midnight movies for us nocturnal creatures.  The venue itself is worth the trip.

Watch a Show at IO

IO Chicago Improv

IO Chicago Improv

You probably have heard of Second City, but Improv Olympic in Wriggleyville has comedic bragging rights as well.   Tickets are priced from $5-15 bucks and you will get your fill in laughs.  Inside tip: guys from the Sonic commercials do a Wednesday evening show for $5 dollars and really bring on the hilarity for the cheapest cover.

Have a Drink at Delilah’s

Delilahs

Delilah's

There’s nothing wrong with sports bars, and Lincoln Park hosts quite the array of them.  However, there is an abnormal gem often overlooked by the norm.  Delilah’s dark decor sticks out at once as defused wires and cables stick out from walls and strange and interesting art looms plentiful.  The menu offers around 90 different beers and 120 different whiskeys.  The specials include $1 dollar beers on Mondays, $2 dollar whiskey shots on Tuesday and other great specials throughout the week.

Spring Break in Chicago

Whether your break falls in early or late March, there’s a trillion and ten things to do in Chicago.  Instead of listing a trillion ideas for your Chicago excursion, here are a few worthwhile stops we think you should make…

Chicago River on St. Patricks Day

Chicago River on St. Patrick's Day

If your vacation coincides with St. Patrick’s Day on March 14th, we advise you to check out the Chicago River being dyed a vibrant green that day.  This occasion is followed by the annual parade that rolls through the downtown area and consists of heavy amounts of floats, shamrocks, acrobats, and drunken hecklers of all shapes & sizes.   Admission is free. Read more

Meet the Staff & Our Favorite Chicago Spots

We love Chicago.  You want to see Chicago.  Let’s meet and maybe our interests will give you some hip ideas on seeing our beautiful town.  Also, this may give you some tips on experiencing cool stuff not usually found on the average tourist brochure.  Oh, and please don’t be intimidated by our good looks…

Charlie Lopez

Q: What is your favorite Chicago venue for music?

A: The Beat Kitchen (Food, Booze, & Music!)

Q: What is your favorite bar/tavern/pub?

A: Goldies (Cheap booze!)

Q: What is your favorite pizza place?

A: Bacci’s Pizza (jumbo slices for cheap in Wrigleyville).

Q: What is your favorite Chicago band?

A: Secret Agent Bill

Q: What is your favorite place to eat in Lincoln Park?

A: Five Guys ( a lil’ pricey for burgers but really good).

Q: What is one of your favorite Chicago pastimes/things to do in the city?

A: Frolicking through Navy Pier.

Q: What is your favorite place to shop?

A: Something Old/Something New

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Gangsters, Ghosts, and Boats: Take a Chicago Tour Today

You probably already know of Chicago’s rich legacy of gangsters.  However, if you’re interested in knowing more on the extensive subject of infamous criminals, hop on the tour bus and take a trip with Untouchable Tours!  You will gain knowledge of the 1920s and 30s Prohibition Era while visiting a vast array of landmarks including: the Biograph Theater, Holy Name Cathedral, as well as the site of the Valentine’s Day Massacre. Read more

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