The Chicago Traveler

Hideout

by Matt B on August 11th, 2007

When I was a little kid, I had my own “secret” space where I felt safe and where I thought no one would find me unless I wanted them to. The Hideout is appropriately named; it’s a spot where you can be among friends and listen to great music, and people not in the know will have a heck of a time finding you.

In fact, the first time I was brought here, I was so turned around, there’s no way I would’ve been able to explain to anyone where I was. A couple of young patrons on cell phones stood in the bar’s gravel parking lot, trying to give directions to lost friends on the other end of the line. The fact that the Hideout is off the beaten path is part of its charm. Most of its regulars are glad that not everyone knows of this little gem. I don’t even recall seeing a sign of the bar’s name anywhere until I was already well inside. Instead, an old, glowing Old Style beer sign hangs out front over charming wooden benches and picnic tables.

Inside, the bar was crowded but comfortable. A long bar lines one side of the room, a deer’s head looking over the cash register. The paneling and holiday lights had me feeling like I was in my grandparents’ basement. The cheap, unpretentious booze would certainly have been something my grandfather could appreciate: cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon, Tecate, Becks. Across from the bar, numerous newspaper clippings and photographs of musicians who have played there since 1934 were displayed on the wall. Beer cans rested on three small tables while the “indie” crowd talked and laughed on the red leather bench.

The back room was mostly bare, a handful of tables and stools along the walls leading to a small stage where national and regional rock bands play on a regular basis. The music is usually alternative, somewhere along the lines of bluegrass, rock, indie, etc. There may not be any flashing lights, fog machines, or fancy speakers, but this still makes for a great space to dance your heart out.

Photo credit: Tuuur, fifthdisc

Hideout: 1354 W Wabansia Ave; 773-227-4433
Tues: 7:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Wed - Fri: 4:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Sat: 7:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.
Free parking lot
Public trans: Bus # 72 or Metra train Union Pacific North/Northwest Line (Clybourn)
http://www.hideoutchicago.com/

acid jazz, acoustic, alternative rock, bars, beer, bluegrass, blues, cash only, chicago, country, country western, dive bars, ethnic, folk, funk, jazz, lincoln park, live music, music venues, neighborhood bars, outdoor seating, pubs, punk, punk rock, r&b, rhythm and blues, rock, soul, spirits, taverns, wheelchair access, world

Related Stories

Weekend Quickies
Weekend Festivals

POSTED IN: Bars and Clubs