Chicago
Slices of Life
2008 10Best Bet - Award Winners
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LAKE VIEW. The reels usually run every night except when they host concerts on Sunday. First film starts at 8pm; second one follows; occasional midnight screenings also take place. What better way to watch a comic book, action, or comedy movie than with a beer in hand? Second-run movies are shown back-to-back. Screenings such as Spiderman 3, Grindhouse, and Anchorman encourage audiences to interact, shouting out obscenities and jokes. You won't see Oscar winners, though. Combining cheap beer and movies is simply genius.
Anyone can walk into a library and peruse the selection of Stephen King novellas, but what about locating back issues of the now defunct 'zine "Punk Planet"? The library's mission is "to create a location-specific archive of self- and small press-published works from the Chicago area." Thanks to their efforts, original works of poetry, magazines, and books are now archived forever.
UKRANIAN VILLAGE. Bands both local and national play every night of the week in this dank, nondescript bar. Cheap booze is served, and at least once a week, free shows are offered. One of the most eclectic venues in town, Empty Bottle showcases genres from indie to experimental. The stage is small enough to enable fans to be intimate with their fave performers.
These lanes opened in the 1940s when bowling was exceedingly popular, and the place still flourishes today. What's interesting about Fireside is that up until 2004, it operated both as a bowling alley and a concert venue – half the place hosted punk bands. Think The Big Lebowski with slightly less drama. When was the last time you spent a Friday night hitting pins and counting strikes? Find out again.
LAKE VIEW. With major record stores Virgin and Tower going under, independent chains seem to be more-than-plausible alternatives. Reckless presents a wide selection of DVDs, CDs, and vinyls that highlight surf, garage, Japanese, and both new and used releases. Can't find that obscure Swedish death metal album? They'll special-order it for you. Once in a while, they have free in-store performances, too. Other locations at 1532 N Milwaukee (773-235-3727) and 26 E Madison (312-795-0878).
OLD TOWN. Unless you're completely oblivious, you've probably heard of the world famous improv troupe that launched the careers of more than a few SNL regulars. Seeing shows at the theater's two stages or the annexed Donny Skybox can be pricey, but every night of the week except Fridays, the venue offers free improv shows. Watch Chicago's burgeoning comedic talents do what they do best, and take advantage of their generosity.
LINCOLN PARK. To unaccustomed worshipers, going to Sunday mass can sometimes be mundane. Add in attractive college students, however, and suddenly the whole dynamic changes. Planted right in the middle of collegey Lincoln Park, this church has become a popular place for religious, unattached students to meet. To some attendees' thinking, although God is urging us to a higher power, it never hurts to network with new people. Incentive, indeed.
The quest for inexpensive, quality produce ends here. Filled with an endless array of standard fruits and vegetables, the place offers plenty of good deals. (At times, for instance, it's possible to get ten plum tomatoes for $1.) They also cater to gourmet foodies, selling pine nuts, spices, and various cheeses. Instead of hitting up the chains, trek to this fiercely independent, anti-establishment grocery for healthy and affordable cooking and snacking.
DOWNTOWN. Summertime is the best time of the year to discover a new skill. Luckily, this yearly event can help you learn to lindy hop or allow you to pick up some bachata or ballroom moves. The city's free festival runs for 11 weeks in the summer, and professional instructors give one-hour lessons. After the tutorial ends, stay for two hours of live music and practice what was just taught.
CICERO. Chicago's only all-female roller derby league sure knows how to stir up excitement. Formed in 2004 and still going strong, four teams (Hell's Belles, Double Crossers, The Fury, and Manic Attackers) compete to win the championship held each October. The girls have fun nicknames like Val Capone and aren't afraid to get bruised and battered for the love of sportswomanship. As proof of their talents and dedication, the All-Stars are ranked #7 nationally. Instead of looking like a tourist, it's satisfying to blend into the background and experience the city like a local. Here, we'll let you know about the locales that city residents frequent. On the list are places like Saturday farmers' markets, summer music concerts, and even historic churches that pull folks in each Sunday. We'll direct you to bypass the tourist traps and get a feel for what it's like to live rather than to sightsee.
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Instead of looking like a tourist, it's satisfying to blend into the background and experience the city like a local. Here, we'll let you know about the locales that city residents frequent. On the list are places like Saturday farmers' markets, summer music concerts, and even historic churches that pull folks in each Sunday. We'll direct you to bypass the tourist traps and get a feel for what it's like to live rather than to sightsee.
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