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!
Looking for someplace different than "just another bar" but is just as happening? Then head over to the Diversey Rock N' Bowl! While families and leagues tend to dominate the daylight and evening hours, party seeking couples will want to lace up their numbered shoes and hit the lanes at night, thumping along to some of rock's most legendary artists. Requests are taken by the DJ, so be sure to put them in right away! The place revvs up with a cool light show, setting the scene for a fun night out.
There's plenty to do while waiting for a lane to open up, so hit the arcade and bar! Brew connoisseurs will rejoice in finding both Guinness and Hacker Pschorr on tap, highlighting a dozen of the most cherished imports and domestics around, on top of two dozen other bottled varieties. The wine choices are meager at best, but top shelf liquors more than make up for it, ensuring that Cosmo can indeed be mixed with Grey Goose, and the Jaeger is well chilled! Big screens dominate the walls, for those wanting to go down while catching the big game.
One big thing that differentiates the Rock N' Bowl from other alleys is the surprisingly good food available through their adjoining Kegler's Pizzeria and Grille. Sure, bar food like wings and burgers are on the menu, but with entrees like succulent Shrimp Scampi and tender Beef Medallions listed, there is no mistaking these folks have really thought of everything. A large portion of the choices are vegetarian and even vegan, so those wanting to watch what they eat can easily place an order, with knowledgeable staff at the ready for requesting adjustments.
So take a pass on the standard scene and cruise on over to the Rock N' Bowl! If anything can be said, it's that this ain't your daddy's bowling alley!
Located just beyond Chicago’s western boundary and next door to the dry town of Oak Park is this popular Irish pub and grub that is sure to win over any sweetheart! With an inviting country atmosphere, its large beer garden complete with its own bar and plenty of fun and friendly locals, Horan's Snug is a place where anyone is welcome, from business professionals to blue collared laborers and just about everyone in between.
The main bar is well-stocked with a large variety of top shelf libations and a nice selection of brews, hosted by very talented and knowledgeable bar staff who can concoct anything desired. Not to be seconded is its homey menu, which features nightly specials of both contemporary and traditional Irish fare. Some of the biggest requests include the shepherd’s pie, the steaks and the Big Snug, a burger so large the meek should not even consider ordering. In the summer months, people from all walks of life enjoy the charming beer garden out back, with dim lighting and delicate theme, making patrons feel as though they’re spending an evening at a good friend’s back yard.
In addition to the wining and dining is their popular karaoke nights starting at 10pm, comprising of over 35,000 song selections from every genre imaginable, guaranteed to keep the night hopping! People are known to travel from the city and outlying suburbs just to croon! Also, because Horan’s is located on Forest Park’s main strip, marauding party-goers frequent this establishment and tend to hunker down in the later hours, making last calls hard to enforce!
This combination undoubtedly makes for any kind of evening a couple could want, from a casual dinner and drinks to a wild shindig later at night. It’s little wonder Horan’s is so popular, and why I highly recommend it to all of my friends!
