What is probably the smallest, most under rated night club in town for twenty- and early thirty- somethings, the Liar's Club is a place to go when the notion hits to do something a little different. Its unassuming exterior seems to beckon those looking for a little anonymity, but takes on all comers.
Every night brings on new types of people and music, depending on who is spinning the tunes. And, every night tends to have a decent crowd, since many regulars work odd shifts. Also, the crowd splits up between the upstairs and downstairs, depending on who feels like taking advantage of the dance floor, and who would rather just jam out and throw back a few drinks.
Weekend nights have a meager $3.00 cover, and the joint fills up really fast! Those wanting to score one of the coveted secluded loveseats or bar stools should get there by 9pm. The music is loud and non stop, the bar staff are fast and quick as a whip, and the d?cor is an eclectic mix of Punk meets Moose Lodge, with fez hat logos tucked away just about everywhere. This is the corner bar that dad and his Shriner friends would rather go sober than drink at!
Since Trixies and sports bar fans are not the target audience here, what's usually on the screen is either rock videos (they're big KISS fans there!) or old school porn. The place has a good mix of couples, groups and singles on the prowl, wearing pretty much whatever is clean that particular night, or whatever looks somewhat presentable from the hamper. The brick walls are painted red and decked out with old velvet Elvi icons (the plural of Elvis!). And the dance floor? It's really small but fun, with these disco lights on the floor with a ball overhead. It is definitely the place to do a little people watching while having a good time!
Sphinx Cafe is by far one of the most original and delightful establishments around Chicago! Delicious food, beautiful atmosphere, charming staff and oh yes - belly dancing! Customers get to watch the sexy Haflas after a sumptuous meal while they sip robust Turkish coffee and hook up with a hookah while gearing up for the big dance party afterwards. Where else but in the land of the Pharaohs can this be appreciated? In Niles, of course, just outside of Chicago's northwest side.
The best time to take in all of what the Sphinx has to offer is on a Saturday night after seven, and plan on making a full evening out of the deal. Be prepared to take a virtual journey to the Middle East and enjoy the richness of the culture, dressing for a casual, exciting night out.
The service is somewhat laid back, so take advantage of it! Order up the Veggie Combo as an appetizer, as well as a plate of those tasty Stuffed Grape Leaves! A great compliment is their fresh Mint Tea, so be sure to try that out as well. Dinner suggestions include their tender Lamb Chops, the Kefta Kabobs as well as the Couscous Plate. Of course, polish it off with their wonderful Turkish coffee and some sweet Baklava.
After eating and just as you feel you can stand no more, have your staff bring a Hookah to your table while your food digests - be sure to ask for the apple flavoring, which is the patrons' favorite! Its sweet smoke is invigorating and not at all like cigarettes. It is at this is where the fun begins, as the belly dancers take to the floor! If anything can stir up those wild and crazy suppressions, this is it! But hey - don't be in a hurry to leave, because at ten, the Sphinx transforms into a night club, complete with popular disc jockeys of the area. Work off those lingering calories and dance the night away! Their full bar hosted by very talented staff can mix up a mean martini and also have a decent spread of brews and top shelf selections.
The Sphinx closes at four, so you and your date will have just enough time to hit a pancake house on the way back home before the sun rises and the Sunday paper hits the curb. It might be hard to snap back into reality after a night like that, but it will definitely be worth it!
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!
What is probably the smallest, most under rated night club in town for twenty- and early thirty- somethings, the Liar's Club is a place to go when the notion hits to do something a little different. Its unassuming exterior seems to beckon those looking for a little anonymity, but takes on all comers. 