North Chicago Bars
Looking for a great place to catch a live musical act while you're in Chicago? Look no further. There are two great bars on Chicago's north side shilling out original live music daily.
Schuba's, located at School and Southport in West Lakeview, is a bar, restaurant, and a cozy musical venue. They have a different live act every night of the week. Check out the schedule here. You can purchase tickets ahead of time online, or you can buy them at the door. I love Schuba's because the stage area is intimate, and separate from the bar. If you go to an all ages show, this means that you have to leave and come back to get drinks (unless you are lucky and flag down a waitress), but it also cuts down on the idle chatter of bar goers who have no interest in the music. The menu is different at the bar, but for bar food, it's pretty awesome. They have a fantastic veggie burger and a great pulled pork sandwich. Sides are interchangeable, too, so you're not stuck with french fries if that's not your bag. If you're looking for a fancier dinner, you can go to the Harmony Grill (same building, same owner, different door). The Harmony Grill has an excellent wine list and very attentive servers. The food is a little fancier and pricier, but it is also delicious.
Martyr's, located at 3855 N. Lincoln Ave. (near the Lincoln Square neighborhood), is all about the music. The bar and the stage are in the same room. In fact, there are two bar areas in the venue, which really cuts down on the wait for drinks. Again, you can buy tickets online or at the door. Martyr's stage is larger, and they have more equipment, making the act louder, which is nice, because it drowns out the chatter from bar goers. Also, Martyr's is geared towards the live act, so you won't have random bar patrons wandering in just to drink and take away from your musical experience.
Both venues have been a hit for me. I have no doubt that you will enjoy yourself at either! I hope you are inspired to catch a show on your next visit to Chicago.
