Chicago Nightlife Guide

Spending St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago

Ingrid — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:14:41 +0000

If you’re in Chicago during St. Patrick’s day, watch the river turning green because of green vegetable dye (which lasts for several hours). The dyeing of the river takes place around 10:45 in the morning, and you can witness this event by standing at Columbus Bridge or at Michigan Avenue, or in alternative streets like Dearborn, State, and LaSalle which also offer good views of the green Chicago River.

Chicago also hosts a St. Patrick’s Day parade that has been going on every year since 1843. As part of the city’s Irish cultural background, the parade happens to be one of the biggest happening yearly and starts in Columbus Drive and Balbo Avenue, then goes towards Monroe. The parade is festive; enjoy marching bands, colorful floats, and bagpipers.

After the parade, you can head over to some of the bars and restaurants in Chicago where you can continue your celebration with Irish cocktails, a serving or more of Guinness, corned beef, and other Irish food. Chicago is home to several Irish pubs and restaurants serving authentic Irish food and drinks that you can enjoy not just on St. Patrick’s Day but on any other occasion throughout the year as well. If you want to enjoy Irish specialties immediately after the parade, you can visit establishments near the parade grounds, such as the English Bar and Restaurant in La Salle Boulevard, which will serve specials on bottled beer and draft for the entire day.

St. Patrick’s Day is a yearly event celebrating the feast of Saint Patrick, one of Ireland’s most important religious figures. The celebration traditionally takes place on March 17, considered a national holiday in Ireland. St. Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated even in other countries like New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and in the United States.

Chicago’s version of St. Patrick’s Day is fun and energetic; the holiday is celebrated even by the non-Irish. One final reminder: Be sure you are wearing green.

March – Chicago Nightlife Must-Do’s

Ingrid — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:34:16 +0000

There’s a lot going on in Chicago in March, and if you’re one of `em night dwellers, you might find yourself partying weekend after weekend this month. Here is a quick glimpse on the highlights of the city’s night scene in the next 30 days.

Forever Green

The 35^th Annual Forever Green Celebration is touted as the largest St Patrick’s Day party in Chicago. It is widely participated by drink and food vendors and Irish dancers performing with live music courtesy of Missing Ted, the Larkin and Moran Brothers and Shannon Rovers. The Annual Forever Green is going to be on March 5 from 5pm ‘til 10 pm at the Grand Ballroom of the Navy Pier in Streetville. For inquiries and ticket reservations, call 312-595-7437.

Chicago’s Top Singles Party

If you’re single and you want to meet new friends in the Metro, make your way to Enclave in River North on March 12 for the Chicago’s Top Singles Party. The event will feature singles from the February 2010 issue of Today’s Chicago Woman. This will include Fabrice Calmels, lead dancer for Joffrey Ballet, Kip Lewis, anchor for Comcast Spotsnet and attorney Kimberly Egonmwan among others. The party will feature an open bar, appetizers, a dessert buffet and a silent auction. Entertainment will come from a live DJ. For inquiries, contact 312-951-7600 ext. 171.

Night of Sight and Sound with Saul Williams

It’s going to be a night filled with live hip-hop music, poetry readings and live painting and graffiti art exhibitions courtesy of Saul Williams at the Kinetic Playground in the Uptown area of the city. The event will showcase great music, eccentric art and a happening party until midnight. Book and CD signings by the renowned artist will follow after the party at midnight. The event is slated on March 27 and starts at 6pm. For more inquiries, contact 773-769-5483.

International DJs Hit the Chicago Club Scene

Ingrid — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 02:11:01 +0000

Chicago is the city to be in this love month as the night scene is more vibrant than ever with international DJ’s partying in various entertainment spots all over the metro. The nights heat up as bars and clubs in the city host some of the most popular DJ’s from all over the world, offering their own blend of house music to night walkers. Here is a peak of what the Chicago club scene has in store for partyphiles.

Gareth Emery with Row & Wahi

On February 20, Gareth Emery with Row and Wahi will party at Vision Night Club. Gareth Emery is known for his highly acclaimed debut on BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix back in 2008 and has a string of world class production and chart topping hits everywhere. Emery’s DJ sets continue to attract crowds of house music fans all over the world and now, the famous DJ is invading the Chicago Club Scene. Joining Gareth Emery will be Wahi and Dino G of Fundamental, one of the most prolific producers and DJs in the city.

Doors will open at 9 PM. For interested fans and house music lovers, the password to use at the door will be “PURE.”

Blank & Jones

Blank & Jones rose to fame in 1997 with their hit single, Sunrise, debuting as a combination of DJs and musicians. They are also much-admired party movers, shakers and rave gurus. Since their debut, the German duo has attracted a huge following not only in their home town but also in various parts of the world. Blank and Jones will be partying the night away also at Vision Night Club on February 27.

The Un-Cheesy Valentine’s Day in Chicago

Ingrid — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 01:15:49 +0000

Valentine’s Day is a good opportunity for you and your loved one to spend a romantic day together, but let’s face it – you don’t want to be too cliché and corny. Make your spend Valentine’s in Chicago extra special – without the cheese – with these suave ideas.

Be adventurous

Who says you can’t get a rush of adrenaline while you get all lovey-dovey and romantic? Skip the champagne and chocolates or just share them later after going on the Chicago Ghost Tour. You can have your honey hold your hand or stay close to you each time you encounter something scary. You can also try the skydeck of the Willis Tower and brave the heights together. Consider going airborne – hop on the hot air balloon in Crystal Lake courtesy of Silver Lining Balloons.

A dinner for two

If you choose the right restaurant, Valentine’s Day dinner is never cheesy. Get a table at these establishments, which have been staples for Valentine’s in Chicago. They’re unpretentious, serve great food and drinks, and most of all, they are never over-the-top cliché.

Start your evening by visiting Bull & Bear at 431 N Wells, which has an upscale ambiance and masculine sports bar feel. If your date likes beer, perhaps its coolest feature are the taps on the tables, which you pay for by the ounce. Next is Excalibur, which is Located in the neighborhood of River North at 632 N. Dearborn Street. Here, you can enjoy late-night partying until dawn or a laid-back evening of eating your favorite food while playing video games.

Also in River North is the NV Penthouse where trendy crowds are prepared to spend money on a good bottle of champagne. This lounge is a good place to enjoy cocktails with bubbly tunes played by DJs. Consider stepping outside on the terrace to enjoy views of the Chicago skyline.

Super Bowl Sunday in Chicago

Ingrid — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:06:53 +0000

If you don’t feel like watching the Super Bowl Sunday in your couch, let the pros from these super Chicago bars feed and water you up from kickoff to game recap. Here’s a list of the best Chicago Superbowl sports bars and how much you should expect to pay.

Old Town Social – $$$

If you’re coming with five or more buddies, reserve a table and enjoy family-style meals and your very own mini-keg for $50 per person. Do goose-fat potato chips, beer-cheese soup, housemade pork rinds, steak chili, blue cheese coleslaw, and bratwurst sound good? They’ll taste even better with the bar’s signature beverages, such as the cherry brandy + gin + German pilsner + orange juice combo called “Knotted Pine” and craft beer.

John Barleycorn – $$

If you’re on a budget, then the $15 (domestic bucket) to $25 (buffet) Super Bowl treats from John Barleycorn are just for you. Perhaps the best thing about hanging out in this Chicago sports bar is “the view” – you get access to a 100-inch projection screen plus 26 flat-screen LCD TVs.

The Grand Central – $$

Enjoy the $10 southwestern-style Superbowl buffet in this “retro” sports bar, which got its design inspiration from the NYC subway. Expect to mingle with 20- to 30-something regulars who frequent this place to watch sports on plasma-screen TVs (all 22 of them!). Go for the fundido and the roasted pork quesadillas and fundido – both house specialties. The Grand Central offers halftime games, giveaways, and raffles. Get the $15 drink specials, or pay $5 more for import buckets.

The Hunt Club – $

Drafts are $4 and Bloody Marys are $5 a pop. The Hunt Club will offer Super Bowl parties on all three levels. Menu includes pizza, salads, pizza, pasta, and sandwiches. There are plenty of plasma TVs and one big giant projection screen – perfect if you don’t want to miss any second of the game.

Valentine’s Day in Chicago

Ingrid — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:43:34 +0000

Whether you’re loveless, casually dating, or are currently in a relationship, you won’t run out of options when celebrating Valentine’s Day in Chicago. In this post, we give you a rundown of some cool ideas for that special day.

Taking It Easy

Enjoy a nice Valentine’s Day in Chicago at Garfield Park Conservatory. There is an annual Valentines’ Day dance and a two-day chocolate festival held at the park. If you want to be more “traditional,” why not hit the movie houses? Coming in movie theaters this Valentine’s season are the “The Wolfman,” “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief,” “The Yellow Handkerchief,” and of course, that movie “Valentine’s Day.”

Wining and Dining

If you know your way around the kitchen, make the day extra special by preparing a lovely meal for that special someone. Some of the delicious dishes suited for the Valentine season are steak in shallot Merlot sauce, shrimp with cocktail sauce, a melange of vegetables, and desserts such as cheesecakes, ice cream, red velvet cakes and chocolate chip cookies. If you haven’t got time to cook, then make a reservation in a nice restaurant – there are many of those in the city. Restaurants in Chicago usually have a special Valentine’s Day menu. The Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago in Delaware, Chicago Marriot Downtown in North Michigan Avenue, and the Lockwood restaurant and bar at Monroe Street are great options.

Valentine’s Day Nightlife in Chicago

You can also party the night away at the hippest clubs and bars in Chicago. Check out the coolest music in Cityscape Bar, or party hard at Enclave. Get those hips grooving at Manor. If you prefer the lounge, hit Chicago Avenue and check Martini Ranch. If you’re single, you might even meet a date at one of these bars/clubs.

A bit of everything this weekend

Ingrid — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:05:53 +0000

Chicago breezes along even after dark, no matter the season. The city’s nightlife is exciting and diverse – it has everything from acclaimed restaurants, laidback bars, sophisticated clubs, sports action, and even a theatrical scene. Here are some of the spots you shouldn’t miss while in the city:

English Bar – 444 N La Salle Dr

This laidback English gastro-pub is housed in a historical building and occupies three storeys – one for dining, one for drinking, and another for lounging. It’s great for beers and cocktails after hours, but the food is good, too. Try English crisps, the goat cheese fondue or the famous fish and chips. There are “drink specials” from Tuesdays to Thursdays. The owners of English Bar also run The Central Union Park, Bar Celona, and Grand Central.

Dragonfly Chicago – 832 W Randolph St

If you fancy an upscale Asian-inspired martini lounge, then Dragonfly will fit the bill. The eclectic Mandarin menu – lo mein or pan-fried dumplings paired with colourful martinis – has impressed many food critics. Expect to mingle with well-dressed young professionals as you enjoy the live Gypsy King-esque music. This lounge is reminiscent of the Shanghai supper club of the 1930’s, complete with lounge-cat attitude.

Level Nightclub – 1045 N Rush St

The newly renovated Level Nightclub is attracting a new set of crowd thanks to its facelift – plush lounges, clean lines, a cool stainless steel bar, etc. The numbered Martinis (as in numbered from one to ten) are a definite must-try here. The cover charge and drinks are a bit on the pricier side, but because it’s a hip club, that’s expected. Even club snobs used to the finest in Miami and LA find the DJ’s hip hop beats impressive. If you’re not into hip hop and would prefer a quieter hangout, try the other floors.

Ashley from Rock of Love and Charm School shows on Vh1 at Ontourage

Tom Groove — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:37:23 +0000

School Girl Party October 10th this Friday at Ontourage Night Club

** Back to School with Ashley from VH1 **

Come meet, greet, take photos and PARTY with Ashley from Rock of Love and Charm School shows on Vh1!

School girl contest – Sexiest Dressed school girl outfit will win $100 + Free Grey Goose party

Guys wear a teacher outfit or nerd costume

Contest will be at 1am… So all u ladys that want to win cash and a free goose party? Get to Ontourage EARLY

Winner of sexiest dressed school girl outfit contest will be decided by the cheer of the Crowd

ALL LADIES dressed in sexy school girl outfits get $5 martini’s and FREE entry all night long

Saturdays @ Sound Bar

Tom Groove — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:00:50 +0000

Sound Bar
226 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60610
(312)787-4480
http://www.sound-bar.com

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Soundbar presents another great Saturday night with their resident DJ’s and their sexy dancers. There will be three rooms with three different styles of music to accommodate your preferences. Sound Bar is a very stylish and modern night club. Inside you will find yourself in a jungle of great looking people and splendid high-tech environment. The surroundings include custom-made furniture, smoky glass and seven stainless steel bars. So dance and drink all night at Soundbar this upcoming Saturday!

More Chicago Night Clubs

Naked Sushi with Sarah Michaels

Tom Groove — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:42:03 +0000

Y Bar
224 W. Ontario St.
Chicago, IL

Friday, August 21 Global Adrenaline and Y Bar presents Naked Sushi with Sarah Michaels. This event is combination of sushi presentation and a party with a Playboy model.

Makisu Sushi Bar & Grill found a new way to present it specialty – sushi. Often referred to as “Body Sushi”, this unique presentation will satisfy your appetite and your senses! Complimentary Sushi and Nyotaimori will be served from 10:00-11:30pm.

Also, for those who haven’t met Playboy Model and Bad Girls Club star Sarah Michaels, will have a good chance to do that.

Complimentary VIP Champagne Parties and/or Discounted Bottle Prices will be available upon request.