Nightmare or Nightclub? Rumor has it that TAOChicago is haunted by ghosts.
If you frequent the club scene in Chicago, you’re bound to have heard of TAO or at least seen the red-carpet entrance and line. You can’t miss this gargantuan stone building with spire-like posts on its four corners.
TAO is not just another hip, nightclub of the present day. It’s also the home of a couple of ghosts. As some would say, TAO Chicago is haunted.
Let’s back up here. Before this granite building was TAO, it embodied a different venue for various nightclubs from the 1980s through the mid-2010s. From nightclubs like Castle Chicago (where there were three nightclubs housed under one roof) to other clubs like Excalibur and Vision, this place has always been where trendy socialites dance, drink, and climb the social ladder.
But what if we went even further back in time? All throughout the 1900s up through the ’60s, the building traded many hands. This all-purpose structure has housed publishers, design institutes, and even recording studios. Let’s put it this way: TAO’s building is like the hot potato of Chicago.
Photo Credit: TAO Chicago
But why? Could it be the tumultuous economy from the ‘80s through the mid-2000s? Or shifting trends in nightclub-goers preferences? Or might it just be the ghosts of Chicago’s past?
All those theories sound like the perfect start to an economics class. But the ghost theory is particularly curious (and doesn’t require as many graphs with supply and demand).
In 1892, this granite building was home to the Chicago Historical Society—you know, since there was a fire, architect Henry Ives Cobb constructed a fire-proof building. Fast forward to the Eastland Disaster of 1915. Legend has it that 632 N. Dearborn was a pop-up-morgue (if you will) for the bodies that had drowned from the sinking of the SS Eastland. This theory is plausible, but considering that no bodies were actually ever brought there, it’s a little far-fetched. However, in 1931, just 16 years later, the Chicago Historical Society moved to Lincoln Park — for no known reason.
Years passed before the whole nightclub era of this historical society building-turned-pop-up-morgue takes over. When Excalibur was in business was the first hint that something was off about this place. There are plenty of stories from previous employees speaking to the usual ghost-stuff, i.e. candles being lit and then extinguished… Faucets or taps running — without any cause. Things, like bottles, breaking. Maybe an apparition here or there.
Photo Credit: TAO Chicago
Turns out, one of those apparitions happens to be Mary, a girl from the Southside of Chicago who dances with people and then suddenly disappears upon catching a ride.
Enter: Neil Tobin. Neil is a purveyor of all things paranormal, specifically in Chicago. He used to host a Supernatural Chicago show on Fridays back in the mid-2000s. During these shows, Tobin would share the infamous stories of this famed granite-building. Note: there are some stories that don’t line up chronologically speaking with this building (i.e. the Chicago Fire happened before this building was constructed). That being said, the story of Mary is extremely enticing (and maybe even believable).
Here’s how the story of Mary goes: Mary’s proper title is Resurrection Mary. Supposedly at a Supernatural Chicago seance with Tobin, a volunteer would hear two whispers: a name and a number. The name, in this particular seance, was “Mary” and the number whispered was “8.”
Don’t worry. It goes on.
With an envelope in hand, Tobin explains that there should be a message. Upon opening this letter, there’s the exact prediction of this seance’s events: the spirit of Mary, who died eight years before, would contact Tobin that evening.
All you need to know is to look out for yourself when you walk down the stairs (as previous employees have said they’ve fallen down without reason). And if candles start extinguishing themselves or Mary dances with you and then disappears, perhaps you should lay off the absinthe.
What do you think? Is TAO Chicago haunted? Let us know if you have a ghost story to share in the comments below!
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It’s no secret that every month, Chicago puts on amazing events that will seriously upgrade your weekends. But it’s not always easy to decide what to do and where to go! What are a couple of fun things to do in Chicago this weekend? That’s where we come in.
We have the inside scoop on all of the latest events, festivals, and parties happening this February. Finding parking can be a hassle, but we got you. Other than that, we’re just here to show you fun Chicago events this weekend, which happens to hold a lot of festivals related to theater!
Returning for its seventh year, this week in February celebrates the city’s amazing theater scene with over 100 different productions taking place throughout the city at discounted prices. Tickets start at just $15 and will be announced soon. Don’t miss one of the best things to do in Chicago this February!
Calling all gamers! wndr After Dark is back and this time, they’ve partnered with I Play Games to bring you a gaming experience through the decades. Enjoy arcade machines from the 80s, retro home-console games from the 90s, and 2000s gaming and beyond. The usual wndr museum experience is included. The first entry is at 6:30pm and the last entry is at 9:30pm.
The region’s largest cider festival featuring artisanal ciders from around the world takes place at Navy Pier, with general admission and VIP tickets available online. The festival takes place in two sessions, from 12 pm – 3 pm and 5 pm – 8 pm, with VIP passes extending that session another hour. Attendees must be 21 and over.
Tim and Eric come to The Chicago Theatre on Saturday, February 22 for their 2019 Mandatory Attendance World Tour. Expect more spoofs, goofs and insanity, including some very special surprises they can’t talk about right now.
From 4 – 8 pm, enjoy wine and whiskey tastings, live music, small bites, and meet and greets with Animal Ambassadors at the Brookfield Zoo. Tickets for general admission start at $95.
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When it comes to Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductees, few artists seem to be as beloved by fellow inductees as Cheap Trick. A true rock band’s rock band, the music of Cheap Trick has been covered by dozens of notable artists, including Pearl Jam, Marilyn Manson, Kid Rock, Green Day, and the Foo Fighters. It has been over 45 years since the group formed in Rockford, Illinois, and Cheap Trick remains one of rock’s hardest-working touring acts, having played over 5,000 gigs and counting.
Yet Cheap Trick guitarist and principal songwriter Rick Nielsen still stays busy as a musician in his off time. During a rare month or so off, Nielsen will be hitting with the roading with The Nielsen Trust. A true “family band,” The Nielsen Trust also features the talents of Daxx Nielsen (Cheap Trick’s stellar full-time drummer since 2010), Miles Nielsen (frontman of Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts), and singer/songwriter Kelly Steward, wife and frequent musical collaborator of Miles Nielsen. That tour kicks off in a few weeks in Wisconsin Dells, just outside of Rockford:
I had the pleasure of speaking with Rick Nielsen by phone on February 14, 2020, about the upcoming dates for The Nielsen Trust, future recording plans and more, as embedded below; the chat will also air on a future edition of the Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz podcast.
On the rumor of him being involved with bringing a Hard Rock Hotel to Rockford:
Rick Nielsen: I’ve been working on that for 12 years. I went down to Springfield and tried to let the state know… Firstly, I don’t need a job but a lot of people where I live do. To have some company as big as the Hard Rock willing to come there, I hoped to be a good spokesperson for them, and it worked.
On having his own chair at the Coronado Performing Arts Center:
Rick Nielsen: I helped raise the money to help rehab that place. I think we raised $17 or $18 million dollars a number of years ago. Being on the National Register, you couldn’t actually install something like that. For my work in helping organize all that, they said, “Rick, we’d like to have something for you. Would you like a front-row seat?” I said, “Heck no, if I’m going to get something, I’d like one where I used to sit, next to the last row up on the balcony.” It’s a regular seat, but I go, “Make a checkerboard seat.” It fits over and they had to lock it because someone tried to steal it. That’s where I wanted something and that was my “thank you.”
On being on the latest and greatest of Rockford like the Urban Forest Craft Brewery, Fire Dept. Coffee, 15th & Chris, and Pigs Mind Brewery:
Rick Nielsen: I’ve been to 15th & Chris a bunch of times. I don’t want to have a big article about me, but I’ve promoted the stuff in town for years. The Nielsen Chorale is a vocal thing that my father [Ralph Nielsen] started from the Mendelssohn [Chorale] Club which he helped years ago. So that’s now been named the Nielsen Chorale. It’s not like a cowboy corral, you know?
See over 80 life-sized dinosaur models, including a T-Rex and a Megladon, on display at Navy Pier from March 6 – 8, 2020, when Jurassic Quest takes over Chicago. The largest and most time expansive dinosaur exhibit in North America features walking dinosaur animatronics from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Late Cretaceous eras.
Photo Credit: Jurassic Quest
You won’t believe your eyes when you embark on this Jurassic Quest; life-like dinosaurs, like the adolescent T-Rex and Spinosaurus, tower over you as they walk by. You can pet and cuddle interactive baby Triceratops, Camarasaurus, and more, at the Baby Dinos exhibit, and even get a ride on one of the special animatronics dinosaurs, designed to walk on their own! Jurassic Quest now also features an Ancient Oceans attraction, which gives you a first-hand look at now-extinct, prehistoric sea turtles, the earliest discovered dolphins, and, the crowning jewel of the exhibit, a 50-foot Megladon, the largest shark known to mankind.
Raising a future paleontologist? Get your young ones interested in fossils at the dig site, where they can uncover dinosaur bones in the sand. If you’re interested in a guided tour around Jurassic Quest, one of the many dinosaur experts on site can give you the inside scoop on these prehistoric beasts, including the most complete T-Rex skull ever found. There are plenty more attractions for your kids to enjoy at Jurassic Quest, including craft and science stations, face painting, a bouncy house, and more!
Photo Credit: Jurassic Quest
When you buy a regular kids ticket, your child gains access to The Dinosaur Exhibit, The Baby Dinosaur Show, The Walking Dinosaur Show, The Dino Tour, Dino Cinema, Science Station, and Crafts & Coloring Station. But, if you upgrade to the VIP ticket, your kid gets unlimited access to rides and activities, and includes a whole lot: The Dinosaur Exhibit, The Baby Dinosaur Show, The Walking Dinosaur Show, The Dino Tour, Dinosaur Rides, Dino Bounce Houses, Bungee Pull, Fossil Dig, Jurassic Jeeps, Dino Scooters (for ages 3 & under), Excavation Station (One Turn Per VIP Ticket), Dino Cinema, Crafts & Coloring Station, Science Station, and more! The only activities NOT included in the VIP ticket are Face Painting and Green Screen Photography, which require Activity Tickets that are purchased at the Tickets For Activities booth inside the event.
Located just 1.5 miles west of this year’s NBA All-Star celebration is the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boys and Girls Club of Chicago. Founded in 1953, the club has played an important role in supporting underprivileged children in the city’s west side communities. And their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.
In an effort to provide a safe place where kids can stay active, Nike and the Boys and Girls Club partnered together to refurbish the club’s basketball court. But they didn’t stop there. The partnership also includes the launch of the Nike All-Star Academy, which will provide both on and off-the-court programs to members of the Boys and Girls Club. Nike officially announced the renovations this past Wednesday, and the results are breathtaking.
Photo Credit: Nike
The New Court
To design the new basketball court, Nike teamed up with the founder of the NikeLab Chicago Re-Creation Center, Virgil Abloh. The court highlights the commitment Nike and Virgil made to the community while shining a light on the city and its youth. Virgil commented on the new space, saying, “This new court and programming not only extend our community work with the NikeLab Re-Creation Center, they provide a positive, free space for kids to engage in activities rooted in sport that will lead to an active healthy lifestyle and teach teamwork and the determination to succeed.”
Photo Credit: NikeNike All-Star Academy
After the NBA All-Star weekend concludes, members of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boys and Girls Club will have access to the Nike All-Star Academy. At the academy, children will learn through the game of basketball and beyond it. The programming includes skill-building on the court as well as hands-on learning in the areas of sport design, sport science, coaching, and journalism.
The NBA All-Star weekend will tip off tonight with the All-Star Celebrity Game and Rising Stars game. The skills challenge, 3-point contest, and dunk contest are all scheduled for Saturday and the NBA All-Star game is set for Sunday night!
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Chicago is home to some of the most outrageous, delicious food in America, not all of it being healthy. It can be hard to find food that’s tasty and good for you but more options continue to pop up and below are some of our favorite healthy places to eat near you in Chicago.
The owner of Left Coast came up with the idea of a convenient, healthy spot after noticing the lack of flavorful, healthy restaurants in Chicago. The California-inspired menu includes plenty of greens, grains, and juices.
You’ll find no lack of flavor in the food at Clever Rabbit. This healthy place to eat near you in Chicago makes healthy dishes that feature ingredients such as Thai chili, cilantro, mint, miso, and lemongrass.
With one goal in mind, to create flavorful dishes with clean ingredients, Fare is a great quick-service healthy restaurant option when looking for meals that support a healthy lifestyle.
Centre Street Kitchen not only uses locally sourced ingredients to create delicious dishes, but also has a focus on philanthropy in addition to eating well, doing well, and being well.
Handlebar specializes in making vegan and vegetarian comfort food from scratch. We recommend visiting this healthy restaurant to try their Nashville Hot Fried “Chicken” served with mushrooms, pickles, hot sauce and slaw on a ranch brioche bun.
Range is the epitome of farm-to-table. Using only the most sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, this healthy place to eat near you in the city creates seasonal, small-batch, fresh meals for dinner and brunch.
Don’t let the name fool you, Chicago Diner is meat-free, serving healthy, delicious vegetarian meals. Try the Cajun Black Bean Burger at this healthy restaurant or the Buddha’s Karma Burger made with a curried sweet potato-tofu patty, grilled pineapple, and chimichurri sauce.
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We, like you, are not made of money. And while we personally love going out to get a fancy cocktail – or, like, 4 fancy cocktails – from time to time, our wallets are not always quite so enthusiastic. Given that drinking anywhere in Chicago is often times soooo damn expensive, we’re guessing that you might feel the same way. So, in a last-ditch effort to give your bank account and ours a much-needed respite, here are the various destinations to get cheap drinks in Chicago.19
2013 West North Avenue – 1/2 off everything 5pm–7pm M-F, $5 Tito’s cocktails on Thursdays
Estelle’s is one helluva neighborhood bar – and it’s definitely got the drink specials to match. It is one of the cheapest bars in Chicago that offers daily happy hour specials that run from 5pm–7pm, Mondays through Fridays, and offers half off EVERYTHING but food and shots, meaning your average cocktail is only gonna cost you about five bucks. As if that wasn’t enough, Estelle’s also offers $5 Tito’s mixed drinks on Thursdays, $4 Ferent Branca shots on Monday (for when you’re feeling fancy), and a $7 High Life + Four Rose combo on Sundays. I mean, why would you ever spend more than $10 on a cocktail when this exists?
Okay, so I get that $9 might not seem like a cheap drink, but in a city where specialty cocktails regularly cost us upwards of $11, nine bucks is a miracle and you know it. Not only does Antique Taco offer a $9 classic marg at each of its three locations, but they also do a mean rosemary and seasonal option for the same price. As an added benefit for all my cheapos out there, margarita pitchers at Antique Taco are also just $30. Gimme, please.
Okay, deep breath – Kincade’s offers: $3 Miller Lite and Coors Light drafts on Tuesdays, $1 domestic bottles on Wednesdays, $10 domestic PITCHERS on Thursdays, a $4 draft o’ the day on Fridays, AND, last but not least, $6 Tito’s cocktails, Bloody Mary’s, Jumbo Screwdrivers, and White Trash Mimosas on Sundays.
Did you catch all that? ‘Cause this perpetually full sports bar is pretty much the cheap drink Mecca.
2771 North Lincoln Avenue – again, so many specials
Delilah’s is Lincoln Park’s resident beer bar and features nearly 200 different drafts and bottles for you to take for a spin. In a concerted effort to get you to drink as much awesome beer as humanly possible, Delilah’s offers up cheap-as-hell daily specials such as $1 beer and $2 Jim Beam on Mondays, $3 High Life bottles on Tuesdays, $3 PBR longnecks and $3 Evan Williams White Label Bourbon on Wednesdays, $3 Schlitz Bottles and $3 Lot 40 Rye on Thursdays, $3 Labatt Blue and $3 Maker’s Mark Bourbon on Fridays, $3 Molson Canadian and $3 Four Roses Bourbon on Saturdays, and $3 Hamm’s Premium Lager Pints and $3 Redemption Rye on Sundays.
Why you would ever buy another beer for more than $3 again, I don’t know.
122 West Monroe Street – $8 Disco Punch, $6 Beer, and $5 Anticuchos during happy hour
There is nothing we love more than getting a sweet deal at an expensive restaurant — and happy hour at Boleo is just that. This swanky rooftop bar is usually mixin’ up $12 cocktails, but starting at 4:30 pm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights, that price is slashed nearly in half to accommodate cheap drinkers like yours truly. Plus, Boleo’s happy hour goes until about 7 pm, meaning I can have my deal with dinner this time around. Order up a $5 Anticuchos for a traditional Peruvian street skewer.
2521 North Milwaukee – 1/2 off cocktails and beers from 6 pm – 8 pm
The Owl is Logan Square’s original hipster haven. Serving up good drinks, excellent beer, and uber-chill vibes (if chill vibes can even be “uber”), The Owl’s Sunday – Friday Early Bird Special is a must for anyone trying to save a couple of bucks with half-off cocktails. What’s more, this laid-back watering hole also offers $5 Absolut wells on Sunday, $2 – 3 beers on Tuesday, and so many more.
940 West Weed – $9 domestic pitchers, $19 domestic buckets and $8 Bloody Marys on Saturdays & Sundays
A classic sports bar, live music venue, and country hot spot all rolled into one, there should be no doubt in your mind that Joe’s is offering some sweet drink deals on the cheap. Though their specials rotate pretty regularly, the best deal we could find was the bar’s Saturday/Sunday/Game Day special, which lists pitchers for under $10, buckets for under $20 and loaded Bloody Mary’s for the low, low price of just $8, in the mornings only.
The Irish know how to drink. This is just common knowledge. So it really shouldn’t come as a shock when I tell you that The Kerryman – an Irish pub – has some of the best damn cheap drinks in town. Their specials include, but are not limited to: $4 Corona, $4 Corona Light, and $4 Michelob Ultra on Mondays, half-price BOTTLES of wine and $6 glasses on Tuesdays, $4 Truly Cans and $4 White Claw Cans on Wednesday, $8 Old Fashioneds on Thursday, $4 Guinness, $5 Jameson shots, and $6 Tito’s cocktails during Happy Hour on Friday, AND $5 mimosas, Bloody Marys, and Chambord Kir Royales on Saturday & Sunday. Whew.
2421 North Milwaukee – cocktails usually start around $6
The Whistler is a relatively upscale stage/gallery/bar/restaurant in Wicker Park where they could easily be charging you 12 bucks a drink. And they totally do. That being said, being the kind, gentle souls that they are, The Whistler’s daily drinks menu usually includes at least one drink under the $8 mark, meaning that even the brokest (broke-est?) of folk can swing by and enjoy this cool space.
2048 Armitage Ave – daily drink deals, $5 Jack and Gingers DAILY!
Jack and Ginger’s is one of our favorite neighborhood dives, through and through. Stop by any night of the week to cash in on some of their fantastic deals :
Monday: $4 shots, $10 domestic pitchers
Tuesday: $4 flavored vodka, $1 off ALL DRAFTS
Wednesday: $4 Revolution beer, $3 “J” shots (Jim, Jack, Jose, Jager, even Jepson – you get the idea)
Thursday: $5 all bombs, $14 domestic buckets
Friday: $4 well drinks, $2 off Bulleit Whiskey
Saturday: $5.50 Tito’s drinks, $4 Bloody Marys and mimosas, $9 (for 3) or $14 (for 5) retro cans
From 4 pm – 7 pm, Mondays through Fridays, Roger’s Park Social is serving up a $6 happy hour specials. The menu features house wines, $1 off Illinois draft beers, and a “pick yer mule” deal that lets you choose whatever, whether your feelin’ vodka, tequila, or bourbon that day.
5024 North Sheridan – select drinks for $6 and under all week long
Big Chicks is a no muss, no fuss LGBTQ-friendly bar offering squeal-worthy drink deals all week long. Stop by on Sundays for $4 vodka lemonades, $2 off pitchers of draft beer and $5 Well Vodka + Select Mixers on Mondays, $7 “Kick Ass” Mezcal Mules and $5 bottles of Corona on Tuesdays, $1 off all local craft beers, and more specials, on Wednesdays or, if your feelin’ extra cheap, $6 Absolut cocktails on Thursdays.
343 South Dearborn Street – late night and happy hour specials 5-7 pm daily
This speakeasy and karaoke lounge offers cheapskates like ourselves both happy hour and late-night specials on a daily basis. Some of Brando’s best deals and steals include $4 Moscow mules, $5 Bulleit Rye Old Fashioned, $5 Bombay Sapphire G&T, $5 Boiler Maker with Carlsberg and Jameson Caskmates, and $4 3 Floyds bottled beers. Did we mention that’s all daily?
Last, but certainly not least, the piece de resistance – the $1 beer $1 wines, and $3 martinis at The Franklin Room. Though it may only be served from 11:30 am to 2 pm, Mondays through Fridays, this standard bar and restaurant does offer a full menu of drinks for just one dollar apiece. We should probably mention that you have to buy lunch in order to cash in on the deal, but who cares? $1 drinks are worth it.
2133 South Halsted Street – $7 mojitos on Tuesdays, $4 Latin beers on Wednesdays, $5 well drinks on Thursdays
You can’t go wrong when you stop into this Mexican haunt. It’s located a little off the beaten path in Pilsen, but well worth the trip, especially during their daily specials. Every day holds something new, like Latin Wednesdays with $4 Latin beers and $7 margaritas, or $5 well drinks on Thursdays. Topping it off with $7 mojitos on Tuesdays, Del Toro knows how to bring all the boys to their yard.
Chicago has fantastic museums. From the Museum of Science and Industry to the Art Institute of Chicago, there are a variety of different museums available. Luckily, you can continue to explore many museums even after the sun goes down. These after-hours events are a fun way to experience the exhibits long after everyone else has left and gone home. Here are some of the best museums after dark events in Chicago.
Photo Credit: Stoptime Live
After Dark at the Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago hosts regular After Dark events that are 21+. Each event will focus on a specific exhibit at the museum. You’ll be able to appreciate art while listening to live music, eating appetizers, and drinking the event’s signature cocktail.
Photo Credit: Adler Planetarium
Adler After Dark
Welcome to anyone over the age of 21, Adler After Dark has recently been relaunched and is bigger and better than ever. At the after-hours events, you’ll get access to all the exhibits and galleries, as well as unlimited sky shows and guest lectures. When the weather is nice, you can also check out the Doane Observatory!
Photo Credit: Shedd Aquarium
Shedd After Hours
Shedd Aquarium After Hours is for 21+ who want to see some of the unique animals at the aquarium. During this Chicago museum after dark event, you can listen to bands or DJs while sampling snacks and cocktails. Tickets to the event also give you access to all permanent and special exhibits.
Photo Credit: Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo will occasionally host after-hour events for both families and adults only. During the summer, you can enjoy craft brews, live music, all while roaming the zoo and checking out the animals.
Photo Credit: Field Museum
Dozin’ With The Dinos at the Field Museum
Kids can spend the night at the Field Museum, learning more about dinosaurs, doing hands-on activities, and exploring the museum after dark with flashlights. They can also learn from some of the top museum scientists.
Photo Credit: Museum of Science + Industry
Museum of Science + Industry After Hours
The MSI After Hours lets adults explore the museum and exhibits after the door. You’ll be able to drink cocktails and beer while nibbling on snacks and enjoying the programming put on by the event. The events take place on Friday evenings from 7 pm to 10 pm.
Photo Credit: Museum of Science + Industry
Science Snoozeum at the Museum of Science + Industry
MSI also offers kid-friendly evening events on select Fridays and Saturdays. Kids aged 6 to 12 can have an unforgettable night watching movies in the Giant Dome Theater, making science toys, completing a scavenger hunt, and then spending the night at the museum.
Photo Credit: wndr museum
wndr After Dark
wndr hosts after-hour events, where you still can get the full museum experience while dancing to the live DJ set. Other after-hour events will be themed. For example, you might be able to play games after hours, watch movies, or even participate in a speed dating event. Each month’s theme changes, so check out their event page to see what it is coming up.
Have you enjoyed Chicago museums after dark? Let us know how it was in the comments below!
At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.
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The best breweries in Chicago is a hard list to craft, since the Chicagoland area boasts over 160 breweries and counting. There are several that get lost in the mix, slipped under the rug, or even just forgotten, and it’s our job to keep those awesome breweries in the spotlight. So, these are the best local breweries near you in Chicago you might have overlooked in your thirst for beer, and ones you’re never going to forget again.
Photo Credit: Adams Street Brewery
Adams Street Brewery | 17 W Adams St
You’ve probably seen the old-school, bright lights at the Berghoff Restaurant in the Loop — how could you miss ‘em?! But nestled right under your nose is Adams Street Brewery. Family-owned and -operated, this local brewery near you brings the art of brewing alive with the deep-rooted family traditions. Come for their happy hour and savor their Bavarian pretzel with any of their brews. Fun fact: the brew-master is a third-generation Berghoff Restaurant employee and has been locally featured for his brews, most notably his stout!
Photo Credit: Lo Rez Brewing
Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom | 2101 S Carpenter St
First developing brews in a garage, this Pilsen, Chicago-born craft brewery near you is as community-centric and humble as they come. Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom is a gift from a garage: the founders poured their passions into their pours and, in doing so, developed the necessary skills through training and certification. In three short years, what was a passion project became a full-on brewery and taproom. But it’s also more: Lo Rez is a hand-crafted treasure for the community that goes back to developing strong connections.
Photo Credit: Haymarket Brewing
Haymarket Brewing | 737 W Randolph St
Recalling the 1886 riot and bombing in Chicago’s very own Haymarket Square, Haymarket Brewing is a nod to the triumph of workers’ rights while also recognizing the present-day struggle of needing a brew after work. This local brewery is for the working folk — from white collar to blue collar and everything in between. This Chicago-born brewery pours their world-decorated and award-winning brews for all with everyone’s tastes in mind. Hats off, brews up!
Photo Credit: Metropolitan Brewing
Metropolitan Brewing | 3057 N Rockwell St
Metropolitan Brewing has come a long way since its inception in 2009. An original of Ravenswood, Metropolitan Brewing has since moved to Avondale with a taproom developed, designed, and crafted by local Chicago architects, developers, and contractors. This local brewery is all about maintaining the sanctity of Chicago’s spirit in every brew while still experimenting with modern techniques and tastes. Be sure to check out their growing list of beers and bring a Metropolitan home with you in a growler!
Photo Credit: Marz Community Brewing Company Instagram
Marz Community Brewing Co. | 3630 S Iron St
In all sincerity and love, if Marz Community Brewing Co. were a table in the middle-school cafeteria, it would be the most eclectic yet modern, refined yet approachable table. Really, this brewery is full of the most friendly, creative, community-oriented culinary connoisseurs of Chicago. They combine the rebellious spirit of their hometown with their reverence for connecting others. Bring your adventurous palate and sincere smile — Marz is bound to lift your spirits.
Photo Credit: All Rise Brewing
All Rise Brewing Co. | 235 N Ashland Ave
All Rise Brewing Co. has the ultimate biker aesthetic without being intimidating or gnarly in a scary way. This West Side local brewery puts the pride of Chicago in every pour while still maintaining its rough edges. Fit in or stand out — it doesn’t matter! As long as you’re here, you’re part of the biker gang!
Clean, sleek, yet whimsical and top-notch: welcome to Hopewell Brewing Co. Founded by three friends and graduates of the University of Illinois, whose paths diverged from nonprofit work to sales, this craft brewery near you in Chicago maintains its unpretentious spirit and recognizes the humble home-brewing beginnings that started it all. You’ll feel right at home in their taproom, where you can play a board game, stay a while, and have conversations with your newfound friends. The bartenders are approachable and friendly while still maintaining their brewing chops. Be sure to join for Hopewell’s 4 Year Anniversary on February 29th!
Photo Credit: Begyle Brewing
Begyle Brewing | 1800 W Cuyler Ave
In Ravenswood, there’s this hidden gem of a brewery that puts its beer where its mouth is. In other words, Begyle Brewing is the ultimate destination for merging rough and industrial with warm and communal. Featuring house-brewed pours with community events (vinyasa, anyone?), Begyle is a neighborhood and city favorite. You can find their pours in various bars across the city, but if you go directly to their taproom, be sure to learn about their Community Supported Brewery (CSB) Membership. The CSB concept, much like a co-op in agriculture and food, allows members to subscribe and pick up a growler each month along with monthly growler refills. Available in terms of six months or a year, CSB allows consumers and the community to grow while reaping the benefits of the harvest.
Photo Credit: Spiteful Brewing
Spiteful Brewing | 2024 W Balmoral Ave
Looking for an increasingly rebellious yet realistic approach to beer? Look no further than Spiteful Brewing. Conceived on a stove and named after an altercation during a childhood hockey game, Spiteful Brewing is a mighty team of nine, brewing and bringing you craft beers with relatable names. Bring a friend and join a tour to learn more about this local Chicago brewery, bringing you a dose of robust realism in a glass!
Support your local Chicago breweries — we’ll drink to that!
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Whether you want to feel the love or not this weekend, there’s plenty of recommended things to do.
Through 2/28: Bonny Nahmias’s first solo exhibition, “To Hold Space,”presents a project that she began in 2017. Stretching a tin can telephone over areas that are broken by geography, modernity, and politics, she has surpassed barriers and blockades. The project is accompanied by a book, The Orchestra Of Space Holders. Opening reception is Fri 2/14, 6-10 PM. Ground Level Platform, 2001 S. Halsted, groundlevelplatform.org, free.
2/14-2/16: Violet Surprise Theatre presentsLez Beaus, a festival of 10-minute plays celebrating lesbian love through the ages. The dozen pieces, selected by artistic directors Iris Sowlat and Allison Fradkin, include stories about romance in an all-girls baseball league of the past and a “girl gets boi” love story set in contemporary times. Fri-Sat 7:30 PM, Sun 3 PM, the Martin, 2515 W. North, themartinchicago.com, $12.
Fri 2/14: Anti-Valentine’s Day is celebrating National Condom Week and has partnered with sexual health organizations to provide free condoms and sexual health education to teenagers. There will be music, dancing, crafts, pizza, cheese, games, and, of course, condoms. 6-9 PM, National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th, nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org, free.
Fri 2/14: Odd Pleasures: A Queer Valentine’s Day Event features a queer variety show hosted by Aunty Chan that includes live ASMR, drag, comedy, and short films. 6-9 PM, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E. Chicago, mcachicago.org, $10, $8 students.
Fri 2/14: Love is Stronger than the State: a Migrant Solidarity Benefit is a fundraiser for a family seeking asylum as well as a trans person who recently migrated to Chicago. Featuring food, drink, activities for children, nail art by Sharon, a Cupid Photo Booth, and a raffle with art by Rebel Betty and Audra Jacot. No one turned away for lack of funds. 7 PM-midnight, the #LetUsBreathe Collective, 1434 W. 51st, facebook.com/ChicagoIWOC, $5-$10 suggested donation.
Sat 2/15: The Marz Record Fair, organized by Marz Brewing and Mississippi Records, features vendors and DJs from International Anthem, Sonorama, Electric Jungle, Shady Rest Vintage & Vinyl, Black Pegasus, 606 Records, Delmark, Orindal Records, Tone Deaf Records, South Rhodes Records, Atlantic Posters, Maximum Pelt, DJ Leslie Deckard, and Mississippi Records. Noon-8 PM, Marz Community Brewing Taproom, 3630 S. Iron, marz.beer, free.
Sat 2/15: Author Angela Kenyatta shares her knowledge of journaling and writing during a workshop at the library for Black History Month. 2 PM, Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln, chipublib.org, free.
Sat 2/15: The one-night-only show The Witch Project looks at witches and queer icons through spoken word, live music, and drag. 7:30 PM, Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee, thedentheatre.com, $15.
Sat 2/15: The Half-Court Classic 3v3 Invitational is a celebration of basketball culture with a three on three tournament and complimentary food and beverages, hosted by Kyle O’Quinn and organized by Lululemon Chicago and Mob Rep with Cool Kids, Femdot, Qari, DJ Evie the Cool, DJ Cash Era, DJ Selah Say. 8 PM-1 AM, 454 N. Armour, bit.ly/lululemon-and-mob-rep-present-the-half-court-classic-tickets, $20.
Sat 2/15:Super Tasty is an inclusive, sex-positive talk show that is poppin’ off for a special Valentine’s Day weekend edition. Performers include Clitora Leigh and Lavender Vyxn, and interviews with Dr. Pia Holec about sexpectations. There will be a sensual massage demo and a panel with sex coach Tazima Parris and therapists Matthew Amador and Peter Navarro. Stay for the AfterGlow where the stage opens up for a shopping experience from local vendors. 8 PM, Constellation 3111 N. Western, supertastyshow.com, $25.
Sun 2/16: The Fox Club has joined with GMan Tavern to sell handmade and vintage goods at the Winter Sucks Market. Drink specials and vendors will be present with a free admission. Noon-5 PM, GMan Tavern, 3740 N. Clark, gmantavern.com, free.
Sun 2/16: The two-person event “The landscape reels back” features, curator, arts organizer, and Chicago artist Alexis Brocchi, who looks at how to search for information through nontraditional methods, and Tracie Hayes, an artist and ecologist. 4-7 PM, Roman Susan, 1224 W. Loyola, romansusan.org, free.
Sun 2/16: Stand-up Marty DeRosa hosts the Second Annual Davefest, a fundraiser for the David Carl Guastella Scholarship Foundation featuring comedy from Blake Burkhart, Cameron Gillette, Nate Burrows, and more plus music by Natalie Grace Alford and Sammy Arechar. 8:30 PM, Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western, emptybottle.com, $10. vRead More
