Under 21? Try These Nightlife Options

Chicago’s bars and clubs require patrons to be at least 21 years old.  There are still plenty of options if you aren’t old enough to legally “hit the sauce.”  Here are some of our favorites:

Smoke a Hookah

Samah

3330 N. Clark

(773) 248-4606

Best way to get there:  Take the Clark Street bus.

For $10, patrons are presented with “more hookah than they’ll know what to do with,” says a Samah server, and a round of drinks (coffee, tea, etc.).  A reasonable $20 will buy a hefty amount of tobacco (mix any two), a round of drinks, an appetizer and dessert. Add an entree and individual dessert for $30. Menu items include beef, rice and vegetable dishes, as well as amazing chicken plates, hummus, tabouleh, vegetarian appetizers and falafel.

The interior features rich reds, golds and earth tones with turquoise accents along with cushy couches, each surrounded by exaggerated drapery for comfort and privacy. Plush pillows perfectly placed around a table top provide great floor seating with plenty of room for passing and sharing.

Hints:

-Make a reservation.  The weekends can get very busy.

-Wear socks.  You’ll be shoeless if you wish to sit in the comfy pillow areas

-Ask about the party packages when making a reservation.

-Go after another excursion.  Samah is open until 1am during the week and 3am on the weekends.

Get A Laugh

The Second City

1616 N. Wells

(312) 337-3992

Best way to get there:  Take the Clark St. bus and get off at North Ave.  Walk a couple of blocks to Wells St.

Seminal comedy troupe named after Chicago’s inferiority complex spawned the definitive Saturday Night Live cast, as well as clubs in Toronto & Detroit, and elsewhere in the Chicago area (including the next-door Second City ETC). Alumni include Dan Ackroyd, Alan Alda, John Belushi, John Candy, Chris Farley, Shelly Long, Gilda Radner, Martin Short, George Wendt, and even the voice of Homer Simpson (Dan Castellaneta).  Tickets range from $12-$19.50; you’ll be hustled for food and drink before and during the show. The cast improvs post-show every night but Friday, which you can stay and watch for free…Or show up (free!) just for the improv…

See a Play

Chicago has more theater troupes than you can imagine.  To see what is playing,  click here.

Click here to read reviews.