Spectacular Chicago Nightlife

Chicago is a fascinating city.  It is the third largest city in the United States and is packed with shopping malls and boutiques, first rate-restaurants and captivating architecture.  But wait till the sun goes down and it starts to be really interesting.  Chicago may very well be one of the best in terms of its nightlife.  Come nighttime, another world comes to life – a world for the party animals and jazz lovers, culture vultures and art connoisseurs, those whose passion is food or those who simply want to relax and have a good time. Nightclubs and disco bars abound in the Windy City – each offering music you would certainly love to dance to.  If you are happy and gay, there is something here for you as well.  Indeed, Chicago’s nightlife and arts scene is very much alive!  The nightlife entertainment choices range from the classic and sedate to one that pushes over to the wide side! 

Chicaco is, after all, the birthplace of Urban Blues and the wild poetry slam sessions at Green Mill jazz club.  It is also known as the Blues Capital of the World.  Jazz icons like Gene Krupa, Benny Goodman and Eddie Condon broke new grounds for this musical genre and imbibed the city with its unique musical character.   Listen to the resonating rhythms at the Cotton Club, The Red Head Piano Bar and B.L.U.E.S.   Aside from the Blues, the music genres featured in the different piano bars and music bars include House music as well as Gospel music. 

In Chicago, you will find plenty of choices for those who want to witness world-class theater, music and dance performances.  The only problem is how you can cram it all during your limited stay.   

Spectacular!  Spectacular!  For excellent theater performances, head for Steppenwolf Theater in Wicker Pak, where you can watch awesome theater performances (John Malkovich is a regular performer here), the Goodman Theater or to the Chicago Theater.  The Chicago Theater is home to a number of theater favorites – Spamalot, Rent and Stomp.  Meanwhile, Joffrey Ballet and Lyric Opera hold their performances at the Loop.   For ballet, classical music, opera and folk music, look to the Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance at the Millenium Park.  Chicago also nurtures experimental work by fringe performance groups – it’s one of places where you can eclectic presentations that harness the creative passion of the mind and body.  One great example is the Looking Glass Theater in Michigan Avenue. 

Of course, if it’s a few laughs you’re looking for (or make that plenty), the place to be is at Second City Club, where comedy stalwarts such as Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi carved a name for themselves.  Other comedy clubs to check out are Zanie’s Comedy Club and Zanie’s Comedy Club.  These are just some of the places where you can experience hilarity in the comedian’s irrepressible humor about everything under the sun, political satire and improvs. 

If you’re looking forward to bar hopping and dancing the night away, head for the North Side, at Lincoln Avenue, Halsted Street and Clark Street.  Try the Ontourage Dance Club (which has a rockin’ dance floor and sound system), Avila (for those who want to do the salsa and the mambo), or Crobar (which is highly popular for its hip and happenin’ events).  There is also a flourishing live music scene (piano bars and jazz bars) in this part of the city. Encore provides you with excellent live music which you can enjoy as you sit amongst chic surroundings. For the fashion conscious, there is Club Moda at the River North District.  Those who are looking for the best gay bars and clubs should make a beeline for Lincoln Park.

Hankering for some beer? Outdoor beer gardens like John Barleycorn and Sheffield’s provide the fun-loving ambience that goes perfectly well with your pint. Chicago Ale House serves us the traditional American favorites – burgers and pizza – as well as a wide selection of beer.

Chicago nightlife is an exciting swirl of activities and experiences. It’s a perfect way to discover the level of fun you prefer, as well as having your fill of an intrinsic part of what makes Chicago what it is – a city filled with vibrancy and life.