Nightspot newbies heat up Chicago’s chilly winter club scene
By Misha davenport mdavenport@suntimes.com January 26, 2011 3:32PM
Chicago club called the Mid.
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Updated: April 28, 2011 4:46AM
Recession? What recession? Sure, our wallets are a little lighter these days, but that doesn’t mean we’ve lost the will to groove, pony up to a bar or make the scene to be seen.
And that also doesn’t mean there aren’t a host of new hot spots beckoning us like a siren to get out and enjoy the nightlife. A sampling of the relatively new kids of the block:
You gotta have heart!
It’s the 1980s meets the New Millennium as a stainless steel dance floor awaits you at the Goose Island neighborhood bar Hearts. Resident DJs spin Thursdays through Saturdays. Attire is fashion-forward on Thursdays and “dress to impress” on weekends. Average cover is $20. The club has 23 tables that need to be reserved by Wednesday for the weekend. Table reservations have a minimum bottle service of one bottle per every four people. Bottles range from $250-$3,500. The club’s general manager, Rafael Mendoza, says there’s plenty of space around Hearts’ rectangular bar, too.
“We didn’t want to create a situation of haves and have-nots by offering bottle service,” he says. “You can still have a good time here without reserving a table.”
Hearts, 1115 N. North Branch. Call (312) 915-0734; heartschicago.com.
The proof is in the cocktails
Formerly Level, the tony Proof quickly is becoming the place to people watch, especially pro athletes and celebrities. Open from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays and 10 a.m. to 5 a.m. Saturdays, it features hand-crafted specialty cocktails and bottle service on its two floors. Attire is high society meets urban chic.
Proof, 1045 N. Rush. Call (312) 397-1045; proofchicago.com.
They got your number
Just because “True Blood’s” sexy werewolf Joe Manganiello, “Entourage” actress Sasha Grey and various Cubs, Bulls and Bears have all partied recently at the West Loop’s 8fifty8, that doesn’t mean it’s not the perfect place to discover your own inner-celebrity.
“We treat everyone as if they are famous,” says club manager Sonrisa Hubbard.
Sure, it’s slightly intimidating to see the door staff managing the guest list on an iPad, but once inside, the club employs three dancers to make sure someone is always on the dance floor, so you won’t feel awkward because you’re the only one out there busting a move. The club is currently open from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. Saturdays, with plans on the horizon to add Thursday nights. RSVP online for no cover before 11 p.m., otherwise it’s $20 at the door. Tables have a one-bottle minimum and attire is “dress to impress” (no tennis shoes or torn clothing).
8fifty8, 858 W. Lake. Call (312) 455-2776; 8fifty8.com.
Amid the crowd
One of the most recent clubs to join the Chicago scene, The Mid is just finding its groove. On Mondays from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., the club is home to “The Freak Boutique” featuring Chicago house music, old-school club kids and an industry-friendly crowd. Fridays from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., DJs and live bands play electro-indie rock and club favorites. Saturdays from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., the hipster crowd makes this a great place to see and be seen. The club also is open occasionally during the week, where it functions as a music venue for live bands. Cover varies from free to $25, depending on the night. Table reservations are available ($400 bottle minimum).
The Mid, 306 N. Halsted. Call (312) 265-3990; themidchicago.com.
London calling!
Blokes and Birds isn’t just British slang for guys and gals, it’s now the name of one of the latest pub entries in the crowded Wrigleyville neighborhood. This British pub sets itself apart from its neighbors by actually feeling like a British pub. The joint features two fireplaces, exposed brick and long communal tables. Traditional British pub food like bangers and mash ($10), shepherd’s pie ($12; vegetarian option is $10) and the Soho London staple chicken tikka masala ($18) are available. We’re not certain, but it also may be the only restaurant in Chicago that serves the traditional Scottish dish of potato, cabbage and onion called rumbledethumps ($6; trust us — one of the world’s best hangover foods). All-you-can-eat fish and chips on Tuesdays from 5 to 10 p.m. will set you back $12. And we couldn’t forget Firkin Fridays. That’s when Blokes and Birds proprietor Daily Webb taps a special, limited-edition firkin of ale (that’s a quarter barrel to us Yanks). Ales tapped vary from Friday to Friday and cost $8-$13 a pint.
Blokes and Birds, 3343 N. Clark. Call (773) 472-5252; blokesandbirds.com.
To the B cave!
Sure, B Bar’s low ceiling will challenge anyone over 6 feet, but the below-ground Lincoln Park tavern has a speakeasy vibe, is open late (4 a.m. on Thursday and Fridays, 5 a.m. on Saturdays) and definitely caters to a college-age crowd.
B Bar, 1909 N. Lincoln, lower level. Call (773) 270-1227; bbarchicago.com.
A tip of the hat
Yes, the Prohibition-era, gangster theme of River North’s Fedora Lounge is a bit of a head-scratcher, but it seems like forever since we were drinking in a joint with honest to goodness chandeliers (our cousin’s big Italian wedding at a reception hall doesn’t count). Besides, you have to love a place that features a burger called “The Hangover” (half-pound of beef, turkey or veggie with Pepper Jack cheese, bacon, jalapeno and an egg served sunnyside up, $12). A pint will set you back $6-$8. Music on Mondays and Thursdays (the latter featuring acoustic performers) with DJs on the weekends. Open from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday.
Fedora Lounge, 712 N. Clark. Call (312) 624-9008; fedoraloungechicago.com.
The ice man drinketh
No, the Vertigo Sky Lounge isn’t a new place exactly, but the 10-foot bar made from 3,000 pounds of solid ice is. If the roaring fire pits, heat lamps and bar-provided blankets can’t take off the chill, the liquor-filled snow cones, chilled vodka cocktails and a selection of hot, spiked beverages will. Weather permitting, the bar is open from 6 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Wednesday, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday and Friday and 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday. Business attire or dress to impress. (How can anyone tell when you’re bundled up? But we digress.)
Ice Bar at Vertigo Sky Lounge, Dana Hotel rooftop, 2 W. Erie Call (312) 202-6060; danahotelandspa.com.
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