Chicago People & Culture

Jack's Bar and Grill: After Theatre Hangout

Jack's Bar and Grill is also connected to 404 Wine Bar. Although the two taverns are run by the same owner they are decidedly different pubs. Jack's is a tavern that specializes in hearty home cooking, sports and loud music. It's always crowded on the weekends - so you may have to fight for a table. They offer outdoor seating in the summer out back and feature the best damn chicken pot pie in the winter. The chicken pot pie is so popular that they often run out of it on a daily basis. It's huge. I recommend splitting it with a friend. The nice thing is you can order off the 404 Wine Bar menu even if you're seated in Jack's.

Phone: (773) 404-5886

Address: 2856 N Southport Ave

Directions: Located a block South of the Athenaeum Theatre. Website: http://chicago.citysearch.com/profile/11342405?cslink=search_name_noncustulink=search__searchslot1_520__0_profile_5_1

The Hothouse: World Beat

The Hothouse is a great spot to see some live World music. Conveniently located in the South Loop, parking usually isn't a problem. The space is large - and they sometimes feature local art in the back room. They offer plenty of tables to sit back, relax, sip a drink and listen to the featured band every evening. Or put on your dancing shoes and shake it on the dance floor. The entertainment changes nightly so check out their calendar to see what in the world they're playing tonight. We recently enjoyed the monthly Brazilian Samba night featuring a live Samba band and costumed Carnivale dancers. They also offered free Samba lessons during each of the band's breaks.

Phone: 312-362-9707

Address: 31 E. Balbo Website: http://www.hothouse.net/

Ravinia Festival      

Every Summer Ravina opens it's doors to the annual outdoor music festival. It's located north of the city - a relatively short train ride from downtown. The festival attracts a wide variety of musical acts, showcasing everything from classical to salsa. Look out for regulars ( crowd favorites) such as Lyle Lovett and Tony Bennett. Everyone from the Gypsy Kings to the B-52s, Norah Jones to the Beach Boys has played here. The lawn seats are actually a large park and although you can't see the musical acts from here the acoustics are great so bring a picnic, spread out your blanket and listen to melodies under the stars. People will come early and set up tents with china, crystal and candelabras. You think I'm kidding? So did I until I saw it with my own eyes. You can pack your own picnic dinner or buy it there (although food and drink there is on the expensive side). AND you are allowed to bring in and consume alcoholic beverages out in the open here. Lawn tickets run $10 to $15 US. If you prefer an unobstructed view of the visiting artists buy pavilion tickets (starting at $45 US) for an assigned seat with a view. Just be aware that food isn't allowed in the pavilion. The bigger name acts sell out so buy your tickets early. And if you’re attending a popular concert and have lawn seats I recommend sending at least one member of your party up to the park early to stake out a primo spot on the lawn. Cell phones don’t always get the best reception up here so you might want to bring an umbrella or other identifiable marker for your friends to find you as the park is large. Parking is available for a fee if you want to drive up. But it’s so easy to hop on the Metra. Take the North Line to Ravinia Park from one of three easy stops in Chicago: Downtown (Madison Canal), Ravenswood (Lawrence and Ravenswood) or Rogers Park. You can ride the “Ravinia Special” for $5 US RT. The train drops you off right at the park gates and picks you up shortly after the concert ends. A favorite Chicago event!

Phone: (847) 266-5100

Website: www.ravinia.org Other Contact: http://www.metrarail.com/