Nightlife
Best Winter Bars in Chicago
**Warm up with some food & spirits at any of these cozy Chicago taverns….
Simon’s of Andersonville
In a neighborhood to the north, lies a comfortable watering hole called Simon’s. Not only voted for the best jukebox in all of the town, during the cold season they serve delicious Glögg (traditional Swedish mulled wine with spices served warm), the wine comes in both classic red and white. Check out a local favorite in the charming neighborhood of Andersonville. 5210 N. Clark St.
Essential Chicago Theater
It is no secret that Chicago is rich & excellent with theatre venues, production, & acting, visit one while you are here….
Steppenwolf
A Steppenwolf Production.
Home to many great actors like Gary Sinise, John Malkovich, & Laurie Metcalf, Steppenwolf has been an iconic Chicago Theater Company since 1974. The theater operates as a not-for-profit organization that presents up to 16 productions a year on their 3 stages, don’t miss a chance to see a truly professional performance while you are in Chicago. Click here for discounted tickets and a description of their new play: The Birthday Party. 1650 N. Halsted Ave.
Chicago Dance Clubs
Lace up your dancing shoes & hit up some of the best Chicago clubs our city has to offer…
Smart Bar.
Renovated and made nightlife worthy sleek in 2006, Wrigleyville’s Smart Bar is always a trendy dance-infused option. Jukefest, House, Electronic? You name the genre and chances are it floods out the club’s speakers. Smart Bar also gets a reputation for being a haven for great local underground djs. Also, factor in a lazer floor and smoke machine adding to the basement club vibe, this place represents Chicago House Music very well. 3730 N. Clark St. Average cover: $10.
Chicago Theater.
Here are some recommendations for stage driven entertainment, comedy or drama, Chicago has a wide variety of theatrical shows & venues…
SECOND CITY.
Historic. Comedy. Iconic. Chicago. These words are synonymous with the legendary Second City. Here is a list of current shows, we highly recommend the highly recommended We’re All in this Room Together. Located at 1616 N. Wells St., the venue is 15 minutes by train or a 25 minute walk from our hostel.
Secondy City Discounts!
**Discounted Performances For Guests of The Chicago Getaway Hostel**
*The Second City Training Center offers a weekly dose of fresh talent every weekend. Top Notch actors/Conservatory graduates give rise to original comedy in the form of several different performance models.
Chicago Comedy Clubs.
laugh (definition):
Second City Mainstage
Never heard of Secondy City? Ha, yes you have. The classic improv place packs the seats & delivers laughs to the masses. This is the establishment that put both sketch and improvised comedy on the map while launching the careers of many distinguished comics including Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Chris Farley, John Belushi, Joan Rivers, Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell. 1616 N. Wells Street.
Lincoln Park Nightlife
We know Chicago’s downtown area has some must-see attractions during the daytime, but it is a business district & it does hold the stigma of shutting down quite early. However, at Chicago Getaway Hostel, you’re in prime location for some of the best nightlife…..
First, peep the multitude of Lincoln Park Bars & Clubs.
Secondly, join us every Thursday evening at 8:45pm for our weekly pub crawl.
Here are some of our favorite neighborhood spots:
The Lion’s Head Pub is a continuous favorite among our guests, you get the bar type atmosphere (with great bar food ie: burgers, wings, & appetizers) on the ground floor, and then the dancy atmosphere of a popular nightclub in The Apartment on the 2nd floor. Located in less than a 1o minute walk from our front door, check out the action at 2251 N. Lincoln.
Delilah’s is our neighborhood lounge with an attitude. A distinct personality, well-known for punk rock DJs on Mondays, one dollar American Beers, & over 400 different whiskeys, this place will surely leave a memorable taste on your nightlife’s pallet. It’s just a 15 minute stroll from us at 2771 N. Lincoln Ave.
Our first stop on our pub crawl, this is one of the most comfortable neighborhood taverns around, The Burwood Tap. A friendly staff, free popcorn, a pool table, and inexpensive drink options goes a long way. See for yourself at 724 N. Wrightwood Ave. (a 5 minute walk from the hostel).
Duffy’s Tavern & Grille can be overlooked as just another loud irish-stylized bar, BUT their Sunday Brunch is a great morning event, $20 all-you-can-eat-&-drink-mimosas flowing consistantly, this place is a perfect pit stop to wind up your weekend. A 15 minute walk at 420 W. Diversey Pky.
Great Sports Pubs in Chicago
The Globe Pub
Bask in the revelry of your favorite team & see why this pub always seems to make the Best Football Bar Lists of North America. The highly-rated Globe Pub has become well-known not only for being soccercentric but for its exceptional service, immense & cultured beer selection, & ambience. 1934 w. Irving Park Rd.
Chicago…The Brew City!
Beer, it’s here. . .
We’re here to put the myth of terrible AMERICAN beer to rest. Chicago offers many great home-grown breweries and best off all, they’re all over the city! If you’re heading out to enjoy the many wonderful neighborhoods of Chicago; we would suggest hitting up these great AMERICAN CHICAGO breweries!
1. Goose Island
Goose Island is perhaps the best well know Chicago beer with brews such as: 312, Honkers Ale and the Green Line. When the first Goose Island Brewpub opened its doors in 1988, domestic, mass-produced beer was deeply ingrained in Midwestern culture. The craft beer industry was still in its infancy, with only a handful of brewpubs in existence in the Midwest. In his travels across Europe, beer-lover John Hall had enjoyed a distinctive local brew in each region he visited. Hall was convinced that Midwesterners could produce beers as good or better than those he’d tasted in his travels. Living on the shore of the largest system of fresh water on the planet Earth, in a city with rapidly evolving tastes – John decided that his hometown, Chicago, would be the ideal place to do just that.
Today, Goose Island continues to brew an innovative selection of over 50 craft beers at the brewpub, the best of which are then bottled at our Fulton Street brewery. Goose Island beers are now enjoyed in 26 states and Europe.
Goose Island is located at:
1800 North Clybourn
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 915.0071Brew Tours are also available:
A Goose Island brewer will lead you on a tour of our brewery– where it all began in 1988! Tours also include a tasting of 6 of our current beer selections and a souvenir pint glass!
Saturdays at 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm
Sundays at 1:30pm, 3pm, and 4:30pm
Duration: 60-90 minutes
2. Metropolitan Brewing
Looking to head a bit north to Andersonville? A must stop in this historically Swedish neighborhood is Metropolitan Brewing. They’re know for beers with industrial influence such as Krankshaft, Dynamo and the Flywheel. Metropolitan’s sole focus is on the production and packaging of Metro Beer…so you won’t find a store, pub or restaurant. Don’t be too sad, they do offer some brewery tours which are a ton of fun, and reasonably priced.
Metropolitan is located at:
5121 N. Ravenswood
Chicago, IL 60640
Find a list of places where you can purchase and drink Metropolitan:
Find out information on the Brewery Tours
3. Half Acre
Hanging out in Andersonville a little bit more? After checking out the brew tour at Metropolitan, head on over to Half Acre. Half Acre Beer Company began in 2006 with no experience and loads of optimism. Since then, they’ve come a long way and have had the chance to expand their skills and grow their brewing company. On August 10, 2011 they purchased their building and cemented their place in the mix of it all. At Half Acre Beer Company, they brew beers they want to see made, and encourage the interesting experiences the beer ride has to offer.
Half Acre doesn’t serve food, but their three pillar beers are: Gossamer, Daisey Cutter and Over Ale. The awesome thing is though, you can buy 4 pack cans, growlers and kegs directly from them at their brewery store.
Brewery Store Location:
4257 N. Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 248-4038Half Acre Tours:
- Time: 1:00pm
- Day: Every Saturday, except major holidays
- Cost: $10. Cash only. This gets you a Half Acre pint glass & sampling during the tour.
- Tour participants must be 21 or older with identification. No one under 21 is permitted without a parent.
- All tour goers must form a line outside the brewery. First come, first serve.
- Groups are 6o people maximum. If you’re number 61, then you’re out of luck…but you can go into the store and sample some beer
4. Revolution Brewing
After spending your afternoon in Andersonville at Half Acre and Metropolitan…head on down to a great spot in Logan Square called Revolution Brewing Company. Revolution is both a brewery, restaurant and bar…and is a favorite of Mat and Jason the managers of Chicago Getaway Hostel. The owner spent a few years working for Goose Island Brewery and opened a bar called the Handlebar. Revolution started in the late 2000′s and has been a huge success ever since. We’d suggest eating their Beer Cheese Soup…it’s honestly one of the best things you’ll put into your mouth. Wash it down with some Bottom Up Wit…a refreshing Belgian-style wheat and….. If you’re heading back to the hostel right after… don’t forget to bring some food for the desk staff..they’ll appreciate it immensely!
Brew Pub Location:
2323 N. Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 227-BREWWhere else can I drink Revolution Brewing?
Check out the LIST!
5. Haymarket Pub and Brewery
After spending your day drinking at Revolution, Half Acre, Goose Island and Metropolitan…close it out at Haymarket Pub and Brewery…located right off the #8 Halsted bus…and easily accessible getting back to Chicago Getaway Hostel! Haymarket is new to the Chicago scene, but has had a huge impact on Chicago’s brewery scene. Haymarket specializes in classic Belgian and contemporary American beer styles and their space is trendy, comfortable and vintage. Haymarket is ideal for watching sporting events and is located fairly close to the United Center (da’ Bulls and Blackhawks.)
Brew Pub Location:
737 W. Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 638-0700
Other Breweries we Like!
- Koval Distellery
- Hamburger Mary’s Brews
- Two Brothers
- Three Floyds
- Granville Island Brewery- Vancouver, BC
- Bold City Brewery- Jacksonville, FL
New Year’s Eve Party
Bring in 2012 with us at the best hostel party in Chicago…
2012 is coming & so is our New Year’s Eve Hostel Bash.
We’re selling bracelets for a night of highly-anticipated awesomeness. Here’s what is included:
$5 Bracelets: Appetizers, Party Favors, a Double DJ Set, Balloon Drop.
$10 Bracelets: Appetizers, Party Favors, a Double DJ Set, Balloon Drop, & Beer (must be at least 21 years of age).
