Chicago is one of the most exciting cities in the Midwest when it comes to nightlife. Whether it's a live concert at a club, a music festival, a delicious restaurant or the performing arts, whatever the traveler desires can be on the agenda in Windy City.
The Second City comedy club is a Chicago staple. This is the spot where comic stars such as John Belushi, John Candy, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Stephen Colbert and Chris Farley got their starts. The club has two stages and comedians regularly take to them. Tickets are readily available and affordable (visit secondcity.com for information). Chicago also boasts top-notch performing arts such as ballet, symphony and opera, and is known for its small theater-house productions. The Goodman Theater is a fine place to take in independent theater, but a performance from the artists at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is the place to go if there's time for just one.
Chicago is also known for blues and barbecue, and Buddy Guy's Legends club is a great spot to partake of both. Indeed, some nights audiences are treated to Guy and his legendary guitar on stage. The food is tasty--BBQ and Louisiana soul food are on the menu--and the entire club features bluesy-themed decor. The House of Blues chain's largest location is in Chicago, and it boasts a variety of blues acts, as well as pop, rock and alternative acts. There's not a bad seat in this house, and the retro decor always pleases. Kingston Mines is another of the city's best blues bars, and there is a show every night starting at 9:30. Get a snack from the kitchen, which stays open late.
For the sports fan, Wrigleyville is the place to be. Comfortable bars surround the home of the Chicago Cubs, and two of the best are the open-air Murphy's Bleachers Irish Pub, across the street from the stadium, and the Dark Horse Tap and Grille, where hungry fans can grab a bite. The River North neighborhood has some trendier options, including the Signature Lounge, on the 96th floor of the Hancock Building, and the 10Pin Bowling Lounge, where revelers can aim for a strike over a cocktail.
There are so many dining options in Chicago that it's probably best if diners target what they're in the mood for and find a restaurant that will hit the spot. There are an amazing amount of top chefs in the city, including Chef Charlie Trotter and his namesake restaurant, chef Shawn McClain's Custom House and chef Carrie Nahabedian at Naha. For the less discerning crowd, a slice at Pizzeria Uno--Chicago-style deep dish, of course!--can sometimes be just as satisfying.
