The 26th largest metropolitan area in the world, Chicago boasts one of the most culturally diverse as well. In addition to the Steppenwolf Theater, the Second City Comedy Club and the Art Institute, the city hosts some of the country's great bars and jazz clubs. Chicago-style jazz tends to be more solo-oriented and faster paced. The city's bars tend to be focused on either side of the riverwalk. The Chicago Park has six public golf courses, but only one is an 18-hole course (Jackson Park on East 63rd Street). The South Shore Golf Course is a popular 9-hole range on Lake Michigan, and the Evergreen Golf Club, just outside of Chicago, is considered a professional-quality range.
The Sound Bar
The Sound Bar is a trendy bar on the north side of the riverwalk. At night, the bar features one of the exceptionally talented DJs in the area. The club's cover is high, but it has elegant décor. Unfortunately, patrons are usually dissatisfied with the service.
Sound Bar
226 W. Ontario St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 787-4480
sound-bar.com
Redhead Piano Bar
The Redhead Piano Bar combines the swanky bar concept with Chicago's jazz past. The fusion is an inexpensive and sometimes overcrowded venue. You might not be able to find a seat or get a drink very quickly. Having said that, live piano acts provide a nice, understated ambience for patrons.
Redhead Piano Bar
16 W Ontario St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 640-1000
redheadpianobar.com
Climax Lounge
Located north of the riverwalk, the Climax Lounge has quickly established itself as one of the city's best swanky bars. The Lounge is one of local developer Roman Sanchez's newest bars, but it's nothing unique. Though it doesn't offer live music acts, the bar attracts the singles crowd consistently.
Climax Lounge
324 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 280-9800
climaxloungechicago.com
Double Door Nightclub
At the northern edge of the city, the Double Door Nightclub is one of Chicago's trendy clubs. The management draws from the emerging Wicker Park alternative scene, featuring a number of up-and-coming local acts. As such, the shows are very inexpensive but sometimes of mediocre quality. The drinks are on the pricey side.
Double Door Nightclub
1572 N Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 489-3160
doubledoor.com
About The Author
John Yargo is a sports writer, living in Orlando, Fla. His work regularly appears in the "Jackson Free Press," and he has published articles on theater, fiction and art history. He has also received a master's degree in English.
