The Chicago Traveler

Evil Olive

by Matt B on May 19th, 2007

The bar known as evilOlive looks great, both backward and forward. That’s because evilOlive is a palindrome, meaning it reads the same no matter which direction you read it. The name was inspired by the fact that the building’s street number (1551) is also a palindrome.

Less formal than other martini bars, patrons are relaxed and casual beneath the white-draped ceilings. They can enjoy cleverly-named drinks like Dr. Awkward and Yo Banana Boy (both of which are also palindromes) or take a shot of premium silver tequila with a flaming “evil olive” resting on top. The bar serves olives hand-stuffed with blue cheese, jalape'o, cactus, or four cheeses to munch on, but if you find yourself needing something a bit more substantial there are three Mexican restaurants by the name of “La Pasadita” right around the corner on Ashland.

There are plenty of U-shaped booths and high-top tables, and a jukebox and old-fashioned photo booth (only $2) help add to the fun. Upstairs is more lounging space as well as a pool table, and the back room emits a bit of a red glow. This last room is nicknamed “the Pit,” named for, what else, the pit of an olive. The palindromes never cease; written on the walls, “Murder for a jar of red rum” and “If I had a hi-fi.” Fun, eh?

A live dj sits high above the crowd, spinning rock and hip-hop tracks Thursdays through Sundays. There are three separate bars, which keep waiting time short, and there is an impressive collection of quality tequilas, scotch, bourbon, etc. Keep an eye out for specials during the week like half-price everything (even top shelf!) on Monday.

What’s your favorite palindrome? “Race car”? “Solo gigolos”? “Step on no pets.” “Man, Oprah’s sharp on A.M.” Or something else?

Photo credit: (c/o SXC) Richard Sweet

Evil Olive: 1551 W Division St; 773-235-9100
Sun - Fri: 9:00 p.m. - 4:00 a.m.
Sat: 9:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m.
Street parking difficult; valet available
Public Trans: Bus # 9, 56, 70 or Blue Line train (Division)
http://www.evil-olive.com/

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POSTED IN: Bars and Clubs