Location: Central
Top Things to do in Central
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Top 10 Nightlife in Central, Illinois (IL)
The windy city is a cornucopia of modern art, fine dining, cutting edge comedy, and die-hard sports fans. Snap a photo of your reflection in the silver Cloud Gate sculpture at Millennium Park before heading to Grant Park to get hit with the refreshing spray of Buckingham Fountain. There are dozens of museums and theater companies in Chicago, so a cultural experience is never hard to find. You’re sure to laugh your head off at the Second City Theater, the professional launch pad of many famous comedians.
Restaurants in Chicago
1. Drunk Shakespeare
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 116 reviews
"The best thing to ever happen to the theater" Slate Magazine "A live action Drunk History" TimeOut Magazine "Zany, rowdy and debaucherous" New York Times. One actor has 5 shots of whiskey and then attempts to perform in a Shakespeare play. There is a hidden library at 182 N Wabash Ave with over 10,000 books. Running Time: 90 minutes. Food & drink available. 21+ only. Photo ID required.
Reviewed By 366kg - Chicago, United States
Shakespeare and Chicago Improv, I’m in heaven. Shout out to a hard working and talented cast. They have No fear. Small and intimate space. No bad seats. Easy to get to Loop location. Drinking highly encouraged.
2. Buddy Guy's Legends
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 861 reviews
Buddy Guy's Legends include his own reputation, plus the amazing array of local and national blues performers drawn to this music hotspot.
Reviewed By Lwoodweil - Chicago, United States
Disclaimer: I have been to this joint several times. We went to celebrate our 40th Wedding Anniversary on Monday night because: a) it was our anniversary b) the Buddy Guy's Legends Monday night jam is the best music value I have seen anywhere in the US. $10 gets you in the door to see Brother John Kattke lead the Legends House Band for a 60+ minute set, followed by local musicians. This is a continuation of the Checker Board Lounge's Monday Blues Jam from back in the day. Last night was a Fat Tuesday New Orleans blues evening, but about 80 minus into it, the MC, Robert, introduces the owner of the establishment, Buddy Guy, who comes on and performs with Brother John for another 30 minutes!!! Pictures, social media posts, autographs, drinks for the house, you are damn right it was Buddy Guy! Half the audience was from South America.
3. Jazz Showcase
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
Jazz Showcase is the most historic jazz club in Chicago, founded in 1947 by Joe Segal, and now owned and operated by Wayne Segal (Joe's son). Segal's national and international honors include being declared a "Master of Jazz" by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). "It is a great honor to be placed in the same company with so many of the wonderful artists I have presented all of these years!" Joe Segal, 88. The greatest names in jazz have played at Jazz Showcase including the likes of Count Basie, Herbie Hancock, Sun Ra, Sonny Stitt, Dizzy Gillespie, Dexter Gordon, and Art Blakey. Having changed location numerous times since its founding, the club relocated again in 2008 to Dearborn Station, in Chicago, Illinois. Today, Jazz Showcase continues to thrive and bring in top local, national, and international talent. Jazz Showcase presents live music 7 nights a week. Our famous 4 pm Sunday Matinee is geared towards families (Free admission for kids 12 and under). The 170-seat venue is available for group outings during any of our live performances and for private events during the day.
Reviewed By Koakie - Apple Valley, United States
A really great listening room for jazz - outstanding acoustics - and a really warm and friendly vibe, and a place with so much history (live jazz club since 1947!). The cover charge was reasonable, attentive service and a really fun musical experience with family!!! Can't wait to return!!!
4. Blue Chicago
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 542 reviews
Reviewed By adamparks - Port Saint Lucie, United States
Found Blue Chicago with a group of friends that were in town for a business event. Spent a few hours at the bar listening to some great blues performances. The places gets crowded wall-to-wall, but the sound is good from anywhere in the place. The live act on stage was great and really had the crowd engaged the entire set. Impressive and really enjoyed the night there.
5. LUXBAR
6. Three Dots and a Dash
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Welcome to Three Dots and a Dash, Chicago’s premier tropical tiki bar and craft cocktail destination hidden below the bustling streets of River North. The secret hideaway – named one of The World’s 50 Best Bars by Drinks International – is led by cocktail expert Kevin Beary. Our team has researched tirelessly to source and create the best possible tiki cocktails using the freshest exotic fruits and spices, the finest rums and distilled spirits, and juices and elixirs that are cold-pressed and concocted in house every day. Surrender all your cares and let Three Dots and a Dash whisk you away onto a rum-soaked tropical excursion. Our bar is temporarily closed due to COVID-19, but we are offering cocktail kits and spirits for delivery and pickup!
Reviewed By Hoops70s - Wisconsin, United States
Three Dots & a Dash was one of many things I had planned for a girls weekend and it didn't disappoint! I liked everything from the entry way to the décor, and the overall vibe. It was really fun having a 'different' experience. We made a reservation for 7, were seated immediately, enjoyed many of the fun drinks that were offered along with the Grand Pu Pu Platter. The food was good! We never felt rushed and I would do it again in a minute!
7. Farmhouse
8. Public House Chicago
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By KatherineFrench - London, United Kingdom
We loved Public House! I wanted to go after seeing the boozy cake shakes and they didn’t disappoint. Food portions are large! Great for a pint and to watch a game
9. The iO Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
The Legendary iO Theater has helped train and develop the talents of an entire generation of America's best and brightest comedic entertainers for over 35 years. Located in the heart of Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, the iO Theater features 4 theaters (with shows 7 nights a week), 2 bars, a kitchen, beer garden, and Event space.
Reviewed By iTravelKY - Shepherdsville, United States
Very talented group of improv actors. Audience participation was a must and the stage did not fail to impress. Very clean act.... some innuendo and the only F bomb thrown out was an appropriate comment. Lots of laughs
10. Kings Dining & Entertainment Lincoln Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Kings Dining & Entertainment is an award-winning gathering place for people to connect, play, eat, drink and laugh together. With locations across the country, each is designed with unique offerings of community-inspired social experiences such as luxury bowling, live music, larger-than-life sports viewing, nostalgic retro video gaming, and over-the-top food and drinks. Kings is the trusted backdrop for first dates, birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette celebrations, corporate outings, community fundraisers, engagements and more. No matter the occasion, the talented and motivated Kings team sets the stage for great times and lasting memories. Visit Kings-DE.com to learn more about the Kings location closest to you.
Reviewed By f14b - Chicago, United States
Fun spot with nice bowling alleys, shuffleboard, billiards, good beer and great service. Enrique, Cory, and everyone else on staff was fantastic.
