Chicago Nightlife
With a variety of entertainment venues, which vary from the boisterous (dance clubs) to the serene (wine bars), Chicago's nightlife swings. Most bars close 0200 Sunday through Friday, and 0300 on Saturday, while some have late-night licenses allowing them to stay open two more hours. Outdoor gardens close at 2300.
Check www.chicagoreader.com,www.cityofchicago.org, or www.metromix.com for comprehensive reviews and details. Useful booking numbers include the Jazz Hotline (tel: +1 312 427 3300). Tickets for rock concerts can be purchased from Ticketmaster (tel: +1 312 559 1212; www.ticketmaster.com).
Bars in Chicago
Gold Star Bar
On the edge of Ukrainian Village and near Wicker Park, this classic dive bar with a tile-fronted façade has a free pool table in the back, and retro touches include a pressed-tin ceiling, ancient wood floors and a jukebox offering punk and alternative favourites.
Address: Ukrainian Village, 1755 W Division Street, Chicago, 60622Telephone: +1 773 227 8700.
Goose Island Brewpub
This is Chicago's most famous brewery and has over 50 different beers on tap made at its own brewery. Dating back to 1988, the company was set up in order to encourage interest in craft beers and has been such a success that a second location opened in 1999 close to Wrigley Field.
Address: Ranch Triangle, 1800 North Clybourn, Chicago, 60614Telephone: +1 312 915 0071.
Website: http://www.gooseislandbrewpubs.com
Hopleaf
A laid-back neighbourhood joint, Hopleaf bar in Andersonville has a vast array of Belgian and Midwestern craft brews on tap, and serves up delicious Belgian-inspired pub fare. The mussels are considered by many to be the best in town, and the steak frites aren't bad either. There's a beer garden for warmer months.
Address: Andersonville, 5148 N Clark Street, Chicago, 60640Telephone: +1 773 334 9851.
Website: http://www.hopleafbar.com
Pops for Champagne
Set in the River North area, this elegant champagne bar offers over 250 champagnes, some by the glass, and creative cocktails made from top-shelf liquors. There's also a seasonally changing menu of small plates designed to accent the drinks (such as oysters and charcuterie). Live jazz performances take place most evenings.
Address: River North, 601 North State Street, Chicago, 60654Telephone: +1 312 266 7677.
Website: http://www.popsforchampagne.com
Clubs in Chicago
Primary
Open from Tuesday to Saturday and featuring the city's top DJs, this club offers a massive 10m-long (30ft), L-shaped bar, a huge dancefloor and has a reputation for spinning hip tunes.
Address: Near North Side, 5 W Division Street, Chicago, 60610Telephone: +1 312 888 2471.
Website: http://www.primarychi.com
Spy Bar
With bare walls and barely enough room to bust a move or two, Spy Bar is basement clubbing at its finest. Expect a host of world-class DJs and plenty of local talent too as the musical output sways from house, techno and bass to live acts as well. Just don't expect to leave before 4am.
Address: River North, 646 N Franklin Street, Chicago, 60654Telephone: +1 312 337 2191.
Website: http://www.spybarchicago.com
Live music in Chicago
Blue Chicago
The place to go to hear live blues in a relaxed, friendly setting, Blue Chicago is small and battered in a cozy kind of way. Expect plenty of traditional blues, a few big names and late last orders. Tickets aren't sold in advance – turn up at the door from 8pm.
Address: River North, 736 North Clark Street, Chicago, 60654Telephone: +1 312 661 0100.
Website: http://www.bluechicago.com
Elbo Room
At the Elbo Room, sounds range from rock and acid jazz to funk, soul and pop, seven nights a week. With good cocktails, decent local brews and enough bourbons to unbalance a bluesman, this place can get busy, so arrive early.
Address: Lake View, 2871 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, 60657Telephone: +1 773 549 5549.
Website: http://www.elboroomchicago.com
Green Mill
People from all walks of life gather at the nearly century-old Green Mill to listen to live jazz, blues and big band orchestras, or spin a rare classic from the jukebox. The bar's famous (or infamous) past patrons include Al Capone and Frank Sinatra, it's been featured in movies such as The Untouchables, and is rumoured to be haunted… the venue itself is laid-back, with kitschy décor and rickety chairs set around simple tables.
Address: Sheridan Park, 4802 North Broadway, Chicago, 60640Telephone: +1 773 878 5552.
Website: http://www.greenmilljazz.com