Under-21 crowd, rejoice: These spots won’t ask for ID
College is supposed to be the best time of your life. But if you can’t get into bars, a lack of nightlife options can leave you feeling like a grade-schooler. If lame dorm parties and movie marathons on cable are growing old faster than you are, check out these spots. And hang in there.
Music Box Theatre
Arguably the best arthouse theater in the city, the Music Box screens cult, independent, classic and foreign films on a daily basis, along with midnight shows every Friday and Saturday night. Adding to the theater’s charm is the famous vintage organ, which plays tunes in between shows on the weekend. 3733 N. Southport Ave. 773-871-6607.
Some Like It Black
Tucked away in the massive stone Swift Mansion, this small, cabaret-style club opens its doors on select Saturday nights for open mic. You’ll find a diverse community of listeners and performers at this South Side hang–come to express yourself on stage or simply listen to others. Besides local talent, the club has hosted the occasional big-name performer, such as Wynton Marsalis and Roy Hargrove. Free, including refreshments.
9 p.m.-1 a.m. Swift Mansion, Lower Level, 4500 S. Michigan Ave. 773-374-2660.
Fireside Bowl
Underage punk fans across the Midwest shed some tears when owner Jim Lapinski decided to turn the all-ages music venue back into a bowling alley. Even though most of the action now consists of knocking down pins instead of rocking out to punk bands, expect the occasional live show. Check metromix.com for details. 2646 W. Fullerton Ave. 773-486-2700.
Los Recuerdos
It’s less pomp and more romp at one of the city’s only 18-plus nightclubs, which features DJs spinning salsa, hip-hop and merengue four nights a week. Bonus: The bar serves virgin pina coladas and more cocktails sans the booze–a much cooler alternative to juice or soda. 2315 W. Fullerton Ave. 773-278-4479.
Cafe Hookah
Hookah bars are popping up everywhere, but we like this spot, which offers 30 unique tobacco flavors including mango, peach, rose and jasmine and serves late-night Middle Eastern eats such as tabbouleh and kebabs. The cafe is open ’til 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4:30 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 726 Davis St., Evanston. 847-475-2233.
ImprovOlympic
Chicago is chock-full of improv comedy, but if you’ve exhausted the Second City scene and aren’t sure where else to go, check out this spot, one of the city’s best comedy theaters. The players here create often-elaborate “scripts” from audience suggestions almost every evening of the week. Find the full schedule on metromix.com. 3541 N. Clark St. 773-880-0199.
Chris’s Billiards
Thanks to sporadic appearances by billiard world champions, this 18-and-over pool hall has built a respectable name for itself over the years. Although you can choose from 47 tables, amateurs should stick to the back room–the front room is designated for serious competitors only. 4637 N Milwaukee Ave. 773-286-4714.
Heartland Cafe
A unique Rogers Park institution, this spot is part restaurant, nightclub, community center, newsstand and general store. The menu is largely vegetarian, and the atmosphere is always warm and inviting. Plus, the dining room also serves as an art showcase, featuring changing displays by local artists. Don’t miss the general store–which features everything from leftie zines to Guatemalan clothes. 7000 N. Glenwood Ave. 773-465-8005.
Quimby’s
This temple to counterculture stocks a selection of books and magazines not found on the typical newsstand. Find tattoo and body-art background, punk rock profiles, alternative lifestyle insight, and fiction by writers such as Acker, Algren, Bukowski and Burroughs. Plus, authors and poets often stop by for readings. 1854 W. North Ave. 773-342-0910.
