Funky bar in river north
Downtown and River North area have some great bars and nightclubs, but many of them are decidedly upscale. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that but for people like myself who like a slightly more grittier setting for relaxation, downtown can sometimes be slim pickings. That's why the Underground Wonder Bar (10 E. Walton) is such a treat. It is built around the talents of owner Lonnie Walker and her Big Bad Ass Company Band a raucous R and B band with jazz overtones. They usually play at least once a week and are well worth catching. They also feature straight jazz acts like Kimberly Gordon, reggae acts, and a wide range of other good music.
The bar is well stocked but be warned, this place is tiny, the capacity has to be about 100. It is so small that you actually have to walk through the "stage" while the band is playing to get to the bathrooms. As a four AM bar, it is a great place to end the note on a high note.
