Even if the band is fabulous, a crummy venue can damage — or even ruin — the concert go-ing experience.
You might not remember the set list the next day, but it’s hard to forget driving around for hours in search of parking, paying double what you expected for tickets, dealing with a surly door person, waiting in long lines for a stinky bathroom or never finding a place to sit.
But since we don’t always have the space in our music reviews to address these aspects of the concert experience, they often get overlooked. That’s why we recently polled many of our staff and free-lance music reviewers to determine the best and the worst Chicago music clubs — as well as all those that fall in between.
Our ratings are based on the opinions of 12 reviewers who regularly attend shows at the venues and have had more than their fair share of good, bad and ugly experiences along the way. They evaluated the clubs’ sound, comfort, sightlines, affordability, staff attitude, parking, bathrooms and ambience (which encompassed everything from the feel of the room to the people who hang out there) on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 as as the best. Those scores were averaged and rounded off to the nearest whole number.
Comments at the end of each rating reflect our reviewers’ strong differences of opinion about some clubs. Still, there was one venue on which almost all agreed: FitzGerald’s in Berwyn, which came out with the highest overall rating (33).
We concentrated on clubs and other venues of a certain minimum size that present a variety of popular music. The list does not include blues and jazz clubs because we consider them a category unto themselves and will review them on another day.
If you have questions or comments on our ratings or would like to send us your picks for the best and worst music clubs (based on our eight categories) for later publication, please mail them to ArtsWatch, baiduhai, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60611 or check out our Rating the Venues message board at chicago.tribune.com.go/venue
ABBEY PUB
3420 W. Grace St.
Sound: …………………….. 4
Comfort: ……………………. 3
Sightlines: …………………. 4
Affordability: ………………. 3
Staff attitude: ……………… 5
Parking: ……………………. 2
Bathrooms: …………………. 3
Ambience: ………………….. 4
Total: ……………………. 29
Comments: Great place for Irish folk music.
ARAGON BALLROOM
1106 W. Lawrence Ave.
Sound: ……………………… 1
Comfort: ……………………. 2
Sightlines: …………………. 3
Affordability: ………………. 3
Staff attitude: ……………… 2
Parking: ……………………. 2
Bathrooms: ………………….. 1
Ambience: …………………… 3
Total: …………………….. 17
Comments: Beautiful dilapidated old theater with a crummy sound system.
ARIE CROWN
McCormick Place
Sound: ……………………… 3
Comfort: ……………………. 4
Sightlines: …………………. 3
Affordability: ………………. 2
Staff attitude: …………….. 3
Parking: …………………… 2
Bathrooms: …………………. 3
Ambience: ………………….. 2
Total: ……………………. 22
Comments: Improved acoustically over the old Arie Crown but still only about average; slightly improved but still an anonymous cavernous space.
BEAT KITCHEN
2100 W. Belmont Ave.
Sound: ……………………… 4
Comfort: ……………………. 3
Sightlines: …………………. 4
Affordability: ………………. 3
Staff attitude: ……………… 3
Parking: ……………………. 3
Bathrooms: ………………….. 3
Ambience: …………………… 3
Total: …………………….. 26
Comments: Great local band showcase.
CHICAGO THEATRE
175 N. State St.
Sound: ……………………… 4
Comfort: ……………………. 4
Sightlines: …………………. 5
Affordability: ………………. 3
Staff attitude: ……………… 3
Parking: ……………………. 2
Bathrooms: ………………….. 3
Ambience: …………………… 4
Total: …………………….. 28
Comments: A pretty classy place.
CONGRESS THEATER
2135 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Sound: ……………………… 3
Comfort: ……………………. 3
Sightlines: …………………. 4
Affordability: ………………. 3
Staff attitude: ……………… 2
Parking: ……………………. 3
Bathrooms: ………………….. 2
Ambience: …………………… 3
Total: …………………….. 28
CUBBY BEAR
1059 W. Addison St.
Sound: ……………………… 3
Comfort: ……………………. 2
Sightlines: …………………. 3
Affordability: ………………. 3
Staff attitude: ……………… 3
Parking: ……………………. 1
Bathrooms: ………………….. 3
Ambience: …………………… 1
Total: …………………….. 19
Comments: Awful-sounding room full of drunk boys; recently booking good reggae and hip hop; frat party masquerading as a music club.
DOUBLE DOOR
1572 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Sound: ……………………… 4
Comfort: ……………………. 3
Sightlines: …………………. 3
Affordability: ………………. 3
Staff attitude: ……………… 3
Parking: ……………………. 3
Bathrooms: ………………….. 3
Ambience: …………………… 3
Total: …………………….. 25
Comments: Too cool for words, which can be a problem; bartender at Eleventh Dream Day show was a jerk; good bands but can be Wicker Park hipster hell; nice spot to see a small band.
ELBO ROOM
2871 N. Lincoln Ave.
Sound: ……………………… 4
Comfort: ……………………. 3
Sightlines: …………………. 3
Affordability: ………………. 4
Staff attitude: ……………… 4
Parking: ……………………. 3
Bathrooms: ………………….. 2
Ambience: …………………… 3
Total: …………………….. 26
Comments: Has a basement rec room feel; overwhelmingly average; yuppie cave.
EMPTY BOTTLE
1035 N. Western Ave.
Sound: ……………………… 4
Comfort: ……………………. 4
Sightlines: …………………. 4
Affordability: ………………. 4
Staff attitude: ……………… 5
Parking: ……………………. 3
Bathrooms: ………………….. 3
Ambience: …………………… 4
Total: …………………….. 31
Comments: No pretensions, cheap drinks, slacker heaven; Wicker Park cult of hipness finds its throne here.
FIRESIDE BOWL
2646 W. Fullerton Ave.
Sound: ……………………… 4
Comfort: ……………………. 2
Sightlines: …………………. 4
Affordability: ………………. 5
Staff attitude: ……………… 4
Parking: ……………………. 5
Bathrooms: ………………….. 1
Ambience: …………………… 3
Total: …………………….. 27
Comments: Gross bathrooms and whole place is grotty, but a great breeding ground for young bands; only bathrooms where I’ve ever gagged; parking is easy, but don’t bring your best wheels.
FITZGERALD’S
6615 Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn
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Sound: ……………………… 4
Comfort: ……………………. 4
Sightlines: …………………. 4
Affordability: ………………. 4
Staff attitude: ……………… 4
Parking: ……………………. 5
Bathrooms: ………………….. 3
Ambience: …………………… 5
Total: …………………….. 33
Comments: Best little Texas roadhouse north of Texas; a swell joint; full of people who love music.
HEMMENS CULTURAL CENTER
North Street and North Grove Avenue in Elgin
Sound: ……………………… 4
Comfort: ……………………. 4
Sightlines: …………………. 5
Affordability: ………………. 3
Staff attitude: ……………… 4
Parking: ……………………. 5
Bathrooms: ………………….. 4
Ambience: …………………… 2
Total: …………………….. 31
Comments: Not much ambience in the Elgin venue but good country bookings.
HOUSE OF BLUES
329 N. Dearborn St.
Sound: ……………………… 4
Comfort: ……………………. 4
Sightlines: ………… ……… 4
Affordability: ………………. 2
Staff attitude: ……………… 3
Parking: ……………………. 2
Bathrooms: ………………….. 5
Ambience: …………………… 3
Total: …………………….. 31
Comments: Possibly the most controversial room in the city; a shame that they bring great music for people to talk through; fabulous bookings and nice bathrooms but too many cigar smokers.
INTERNATIONAL AMPHITHEATER
4220 S. Halsted St.
Sound: ……………………… 2
Comfort: ……………………. 3
Sightlines: …………………. 4
Affordability: ………………. 3
Staff attitude: ……………… 1
Parking: ……………………. 3
Bathrooms: ………………….. 2
Ambience: …………………… 2
Total: …………………….. 20
Comments: Rodeos work better than concerts here; hated it.
LOUNGE AX
2438 N. Lincoln Ave.
Sound: ……………………… 3
Comfort: ……………………. 1
Sightlines: …………………. 2
Affordability: ………………. 4
Staff attitude: ……………… 4
Parking: ……………………. 2
Bathrooms: ………………….. 2
Ambience: …………………… 4
Total: …………………….. 22
Comments: Despite the lack of amenities, a great place to see a show; hipster hangout in need of a new home; totally uncomfortable if crowded.
MARTYRS
3855 N. Lincoln Ave.
Sound: ……………………… 4
Comfort: ……………………. 4
Sightlines: …………………. 4
Affordability: ………………. 4
Staff attitude: ……………… 4
Parking: ……………………. 4
Bathrooms: ………………….. 4
Ambience: …………………… 4
Total: …………………….. 32
Comments: Some occasionally excellent bookings.
MEDINAH TEMPLE
600 N. Wabash Ave.
Sound: ……………………… 4
Comfort: ……………………. 3
Sightlines: …………………. 4
Affordability: ………………. 3
Staff attitude: ……………… 3
Parking: ……………………. 2
Bathrooms: ………………….. 4
Ambience: …………………… 4
Total: …………………….. 27
Comments: A warm feel and fine sound at the Steve Goodman show.
METRO
3730 N. Clark St.
Sound: ……………………… 4
Comfort: ……………………. 4
Sightlines: …………………. 4
Affordability: ………………. 4
Staff attitude: ……………… 3
Parking: ……………………. 2
Bathrooms: ………………….. 3
Ambience: …………………… 5
Total: …………………….. 29
Comments: The crown jewel of Chicago’s rock scene; bathrooms improved after House of Blues hit town; the best shows of the year are at Metro.
NEW REGAL THEATRE
1665 E. 79th St.
Sound: ……………………… 4
Comfort: ……………………. 3
Sightlines: …………………. 4
Affordability: ………………. 4
Staff attitude: ……………… 1
Parking: ……………………. 4
Bathrooms: ………………….. 3
Ambience: …………………… 4
Total: …………………….. 27
Comments: Often very good R&B acts.
NEW WORLD MUSIC THEATRE
I-80 and Harlem Avenue in Tinley Park
Sound: ……………………… 2
Comfort: ……………………. 3
Sightlines: …………………. 3
Affordability: ………………. 2
Staff attitude: ……………… 3
Parking: ……………………. 3
Bathrooms: ………………….. 3
Ambience: …………………… 1
Total: …………………….. 20
Comments: Chicago area’s version of the Titanic; no worse than most sheds but needs improvement; how about some decent affordable food; sheds kill live music; worst sound after Skyline Stage; too many tacky booths.
OLD TOWN SCHOOL OF FOLK MUSIC
909 W. Armitage Ave.
Sound: ……………………… 5
Comfort: ……………………. 4
Sightlines: …………………. 5
Affordability: ………………. 4
Staff attitude: ……………… 4
Parking: ……………………. 2
Bathrooms: ………………….. 4
Ambience: …………………… 4
Total: …………………….. 32
Comments: How did all these hippies turn into uptight yuppies?; warm friendly room with good snacks and a venerable history; good luck finding parking.
PARAMOUNT ARTS CENTRE
23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora
Sound: ……………………… 4
Comfort: ……………………. 5
Sightlines: …………………. 5
Affordability: ………………. 3
Staff attitude: ……………… 4
Parking: ……………………. 3
Bathrooms: ………………….. 3
Ambience: …………………… 4
Total: …………………….. 31
PARK WEST
322 W. Armitage Ave.
Sound: ……………………… 4
Comfort: ……………………. 4
Sightlines: …………………. 5
Affordability: ………………. 3
Staff attitude: ……………… 3
Parking: ……………………. 1
Bathrooms: ………………….. 3
Ambience: …………………… 3
Total: …………………….. 26
Comments: One of the best venues in town; can be crowded but usually comfortable; comfortable but cold in ’70s disco kind of way; city’s rendition of the Star Plaza.
PHYLLIS’ MUSICAL INN
1800 W. Division St.
Sound: ……………………… 4
Comfort: ……………………. 3
Sightlines: …………………. 4
Affordability: ………………. 5
Staff attitude: ……………… 3
Parking: ……………………. 3
Bathrooms: ………………….. 2
Ambience: …………………… 4
Total: …………………….. 28
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Comments: Not a palace but an OK neighborhood place.
RIALTO SQUARE
102 N. Chicago Ave., Joliet
Sound: ……………………… 3
Comfort: ……………………. 4
Sightlines: …………………. 4
Affordability: ………………. 3
Staff attitude: ……………… 4
Parking: ……………………. 2
Bathrooms: ………………….. 3
Ambience: …………………… 4
Total: …………………….. 27
Comments: Beautiful theater and a nice place to experience events.
RIVIERA
4746 N. Racine St.
Sound: ……………………… 3
Comfort: ……………………. 3
Sightlines: …………………. 4
Affordability: ………………. 3
Staff attitude: ……………… 3
Parking: ……………………. 2
Bathrooms: ………………….. 2
Ambience: …………………… 3
Total: …………………….. 23
Comments: Needs new paint job; prototypical never-fixed-up rock palace; comfy because it has seats.
ROSEMONT HORIZON
6920 Mannheim Rd., Rosemont
Sound: ……………………… 1
Comfort: ……………………. 2
Sightlines: …………………. 3
Affordability: ………………. 2
Staff attitude: ……………… 3
Parking: ……………………. 2
Bathrooms: ………………….. 3
Ambience: …………………… 1
Total: …………………….. 17
Comments: Even worse sound than the Aragon; as hockey arenas go, it beats the United Center.
ROSEMONT THEATRE
5400 N. River Rd., Rosemont
Sound: ……………………… 3
Comfort: ……………………. 4
Sightlines: …………………. 4
Affordability: ………………. 2
Staff attitude: ……………… 4
Parking: ……………………. 3
Bathrooms: ………………….. 4
Ambience: …………………… 2
Total: …………………….. 26
Comments: A little glitzy but comfy; sound is consistently good and clear; good bathrooms.
SKYLINE STAGE
Navy Pier
Sound: ……………………… 3
Comfort: ……………………. 4
Sightlines: …………………. 4
Affordability: ………………. 3
Staff attitude: ……………… 3
Parking: ……………………. 2
Bathrooms: ………………….. 4
Ambience: …………………… 4
Total: …………………….. 27
Comments: A good idea poorly executed; should be nicer considering the location; how about some decent bookings?
SCHUBAS
3159 N. Southport Ave.
Sound: ……………………… 4
Comfort: ……………………. 3
Sightlines: …………………. 4
Affordability: ………………. 4
Staff attitude: ……………… 4
Parking: ……………………. 3
Bathrooms: ………………….. 3
Ambience: …………………… 4
Total: …………………….. 29
Comments: A cozy room with great rock, folk and alt-country bookings; prettiest room in town; tons of free parking at a lot two blocks west.
STAR PLAZA
I-65 and U.S. 30, Merrillville, Ind.
Sound: ……………………… 5
Comfort: ……………………. 5
Sightlines: …………………. 4
Affordability: ………………. 3
Staff attitude: ……………… 5
Parking: ……………………. 5
Bathrooms: ………………….. 3
Ambience: …………………… 2
Total: …………………….. 32
Comments: Perfect for a trade show; totally nerdy but a comfortable place to see shows; ideal place for a telethon.
UNITED CENTER
1901 W. Madison St.
Sound: ……………………… 2
Comfort: ……………………. 3
Sightlines: …………………. 3
Affordability: ………………. 2
Staff attitude: ……………… 2
Parking: ……………………. 3
Bathrooms: ………………….. 4
Ambience: …………………… 2
Total: …………………….. 21
Comments: Mean parking attendants and $4 sodas; a nice place for basketball games.
THE VIC
3145 N. Sheffield Ave.
Sound: ……………………… 3
Comfort: ……………………. 3
Sightlines: …………………. 4
Affordability: ………………. 3
Staff attitude: ……………… 3
Parking: ……………………. 1
Bathrooms: ………………….. 2
Ambience: …………………… 3
Total: …………………….. 22
Comments: Best of the converted mid-sized theaters; if I don’t have to go here, I won’t; clean, great sightlines.
THE BEST
SOUND
Old Town School of Folk Music: Crisp sound, especially for acoustic shows. Star Plaza: Not hip, but good sound.
COMFORT
Paramount Arts Centre: Comfort is paramount at this Aurora venue. Also: Star Plaza and Rosemont Theatre.
SIGHTLINES
Chicago Theatre, Hemmens Cultural Center, Old Town School, Paramount Arts Centre and Park West.
AFFORDABILITY
Fireside Bowl, Empty Bottle, Phyllis’ Musical Inn and Lounge Ax: These clubs keep good music affordable.
STAFF ATTITUDE
Abbey Pub: A friendly neighborhood club with no pretension. Star Plaza: Staff is very helpful.
PARKING
Fireside: But bring The Club to protect mom’s car. Also: FitzGerald’s, Hemmens Center, Star Plaza.
BATHROOMS
House of Blues: Not only sparkling stalls and friendly valets but hand-painted and marble walls as well.
AMBIENCE
FitzGerald’s: A warm, friendly roadhouse feel. Plus, free popcorn. Metro: The jewel of music cool.
THE WORST
SOUND
Aragon: Time for a new sound system. Rosemont Horizon: Great acoustics–for a monster-truck rally.
COMFORT
Lounge Ax: On a not-so-crowded night, this room can be fine, but forget seeing or breathing at a sold-out show.
SIGHTLINES
Lounge Ax: This venerable but shoebox-shaped club got the lowest sightline average (1.6) before scores were rounded off.
AFFORDABILITY
New World Music Theatre: Feel like sitting on muddy ground far, far away from the stage? Here, you can pay big bucks for the privilege.
STAFF ATTITUDE
International Amphitheater: Why do we always encounter mean-spirited security lugs here when we just want to find our seats?
PARKING
The Vic, Park West, Cubby Bear: Unless you want to get to know these neighborhoods very well, take public transportation or a cab.
BATHROOMS
Fireside: Strap on your wading boots before entering this bathroom. Aragon: Hold it till you get home.
AMBIENCE
Cubby Bear: Too many yahoos. Rosemont Horizon and New World Music Theatre: As intimate as a parking lot.