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: (c/o Flickr) Tuuur

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/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

Established in 1959, the exterior of Moody’s looked a bit like a ’60s bank, I thought. Once through the heavy wooden door, I had to let my eyes adjust. It was dark in there! I noticed that there were paintings and decorations on the walls, but it was so dark, I couldn’t even make out what they were. There is a large, multi-level beer garden outside that the restaurant is known for, but my guest and I opted to sit indoors, where it was much less crowded.

We seated ourselves at a booth… uf. I’m not a small guy, so it was a bit of a tight fit. We switched to a table instead. The dark wooden tables are tightly packed together; there was another table only inches away from my elbow. I was grateful that there weren’t more people sitting inside.

I looked over the small menu. It’s obvious that burgers are the way to go here. The smell of the grill in the back permeated the rustic space. The barely lit bar serves out a handful of draft-only beers (Michelob, Michelob Lite, Anchor Steam, Becks, Berghoff), half a dozen wines, cheap pitchers of sangria, and plenty of cocktails. We decided on what we would order, and waited for an available waitress… and waited… and waited. As much as I wanted to like this “secret” spot in Edgewater, I was yet to be impressed.

Our waitress finally arrived, and she looked like she had stepped right out of a Vegas diner. You know what I mean… pencil behind the ear, hand on her hip, I was surprised she didn’t belt out, “Wadda ya want?” Instead, she greeted us with, “Hey guys, let’s talk food, let’s talk drinks, what can I get ya?” My friend got the Moody Bleu burger. I’m not a fan of bleu cheese, so I opted for a Moodyburger with cheddar. Each came with fries. I’m usually a beer guy, but I decided to try something different: the Summer Crush-a mix of vodka, orange juice, and 7-Up. Mmm… tangy.

When our half-pound burgers arrived, nothing else mattered. The darkness, the sardine-packed tables, the long wait for service… all was forgiven with one bite of that burger. Cooked to perfection and full of a flavor that only comes from a decades-old grill, it’s no surprise that these burgers have earned themselves the title “Best Burger” from the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Reader, and the Chicago Sun-Times. The fries were delicious and greasy, long-cut with the skin on. Granted, our waitress never did come back to check on us or offer refills, a “must” in my personal expectations of service. Regardless, I had no problems clearing my plate basket, and Moody’s is the best burgers-and-beer joint I have encountered so far. If I had to give it a rating, I would give it four out of five stars.

For more b5media Travel & Culture reviews, check out “Reviews, Reviews, Reviews” at The Paris Traveler.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) rixmail99, Somewhat Frank

Moody’s Pub ($): 5910 N Broadway St; 773-275-2696
Mon – Sat: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Sun: 12 noon – 1:00 a.m.
Free parking lot
Public trans: Bus # 36 or Red Line train (Thorndale)
http://www.moodyspub.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler