Archive for December 2007

Feeling like every bar you plan on hitting is pretty much going to be the same experience? Want to make an escape to the tropics but can't afford the time off? Then take a quick ride out to the nearby western burbs to River Grove's world famous retro tiki-themed bar, Hala Kahiki! It's a little sliver of paradise this side of Maui.

Regulars and first timers agree, there is just no other place around that's quite like it! The decor is very reminiscent of kitschy old school Polynesian night clubs, complete with tiki torches, palm fronds, bamboo awnings and wicker furniture. Sweet and exotic drinks fill the menu, complimented with music pumped through you just won't find anyplace else. There's even a gift shop where you can pick up cute little toys, leis and other novelty items. With all that said, this place most obviously serves as a great place to hold a luau, or in us mainland layman's terms, a girl's night out! Then again, there are some pretty dark and tucked away corners that you might want to consider bringing that special someone to!

Of course, no bar's layout matters if the drinks aren't able to live up to the ambiance, but anyone who has ever had a Mai Tai here can assure you it does! Tropical fruits abound, mixing coconut milk and pineapple juice with just about every mixer. Go with the flow and skip the standard orders. You know you've always wanted to order a drink served in a coconut, perhaps with those cute little umbrellas, so here's your chance! If it's warm outside, be sure to hit the patio deck – it's very lush and laid back.

So if you've never been, be sure to check out Hala Kahiki. Besides: Where else are you going to find exotic drinks so sweet it hurts your teeth and can knock you on your keister at the same time?

From Indie to Metal, if it rocks on the south side, then Champ's is the place to go. Bands like Disturbed cut their teeth here, in which many speculate it was because of this small stage and the regulars who hang out here that made them what they are today. Many will remember their original location as being in a strip mall parking lot with very limited parking. Now that they've found a banquet hall to call home, the parking has gotten lots better and the floor space was gotten a whole lot wider. What has remained the same is the superior sound and the good, cold beer at their full bar.

On almost any given night, local regulars find their way in, no matter which bands take the stage, rarely ever giving them a hard time. The sound guys hired do an excellent job of taking care of them as well, which of course helps in delivering a fantastic show. On Thursdays, patrons can take advantage of that stage themselves ala karaoke.

As far as the bar itself, there are plenty of brews to choose from, and the fun and frolicy bar staff are more than eager to please, mixing up drinks with a sassy Cheshire grin. Food is also available, including some pretty good pizza that comes fairly recommended at a reasonable price. After all, if there's one thing Chicago is known for, it is good food for big appetites!

So, whether you're heading out with a date or your buddies, be sure to check the schedule to see who's playing at Champ's. Or not! Because no matter who's playing, everyone is guaranteed to have a good time!