Chicago Speakeasies

Here’s a few most historically excellent bars, pubs, taverns, and lounges to quench your summer-stricken thirst…

Burwood Tap

“Operated as a speakeasy in the last year of prohibition, 1933, and was one of the first 20 bars in Chicago to obtain a liquor license after it was repealed.”  The Burwood Tap is a brief stroll from the hostel and is always our first stop on our renowned pub crawls.

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Lincoln Park Bar Crawling

Our Chicago neighborhood has a ton of well-known & worthwhile pubs, taverns, lounges, and bars.  Here are a few suggestions within walking distance of our hostel for your bar-hopping adventures:

Small Bar

Small Bar, you’ll remember it for the antique decor, as it’s filled with old clocks & tables made from the buildings floorboards.  Two other bonuses, this place has a HUGE BEERLIST as well as an EXCELLENT MENU.  Have a cheeseburger, trust us and head to 1415 W. Fullerton Ave.

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New Year’s Eve Chicago 2011

Making plans for New Year’s Eve? Make them with The Chicago Getaway Hostel, and find a party….

Here are a few suggestions for cheaper celebrations that will let you party for under $50.  You can also check out the popular Rush & Division area, a sprawling center for bars & clubs.

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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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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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Delightful Dive Bars Near Our Hostel

If clubbing the night away or screaming loudly in sport’s bars just ain’t your thing, check out some local dive bars that just might have you addicted to a dimly-lit setting & sipping cheap booze with the regulars….

Roses Lounge

Rose's Lounge

Oh Rose’s, thank you for existing so close to our hostel.  You are a remaining relic in an increasingly modern neighborhood.  We love your old sofas, cheap drinks, and pool table.  In fact, we even love the way you smell at night.  Check this place out.

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Lollapalooza 2010 is Coming.

And its coming sooner than we think.

Our rooms are selling super fast, so if you need accomodations…make them quick.  We are just a quick trip from the music.  We had a crazy weekend for Lollapalooza ’09 and we expect a wild time for 2010 as well.  The 2010 lineup is ridiculously fueled with awesome talent.

Experience an epic concert hostel style. 

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.

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