Because I saw such an awesome show here the other night, it's hard for me to differentiate it from the venue itself. I saw Dead Confederate here Friday night, and they were absolutely amazing, I can't remember the last time I was so blown away by a live show (Whigs were there and good too). All the members of DC are great, but Hardy Morris' voice was intoxicating.. Seriously, if I could have hot, sweaty, freaky sex with a voice, it'd be his FASHO... all night long, baby. Anyway....Oh, and the space is small enough so that you can get up really close, always nice. I did wake up feeling nearly deaf in one ear, but it was worth it 110 percent. On the other hand, my drinks weren't very strong and the bar itself isn't that appealing if you're not immersed in the music. But- for a band you're realllly into, it's perfectly enjoyable. Also, gotta give them props for booking talented bands since there's so much garbage out there. Dead Confederate- 5 SUPERstars Bottom Lounge- 3 stars Guess I'll have to average it out. read more

Bottom Lounge - Dead Confederate @ Bottom Lounge - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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So my cousins' band was performing here so I decided to check them out. I walked into the restaurant and it was way cooler than I anticipated. I really liked the layout and open feel. The service was not good though. The three of us all managed to order a drink that was on the menu but that they were out of and she didn't know this ahead of time. She was also quite slow despite the fact that it was not busy in there. However the food itself was actually really good. Two of us got the sausage plates (awesome) and one got the schnitzelwich, which was unique and pretty solidi as well. The tots and mashed potatoes were good. I actually would go back there just to eat. The venue itself is really cool. Decent acoustics for such a small place. It's an intimate spot so don't expect radio regulars here. I think someone hit it on the head when they said most people there are friends of the band performing and they mingle with them beforehand in the restaurant. read more

This is a Public Service Announcement...with guitars... New venue for music slated to be opening in the next few weeks.They are the successor to the shuttered namesake on Wilton. I'm excited about this place and can't wait to update this review after its opened. Article from Sun TImes: http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/835067,newclubs031108.article Shows announced: 4/19 PEGBOY 5/01 BOUNCING SOULS 5/02 URGE OVERKILL 5/17 JON LANGFORD & THE PINE VALLEY COSMONAUTS 5/30 MUDHONEY 6/14 CHRISTIAN DEATH read more

Bottom Lounge - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Came here for a wedding. Place located in the middle of a warehouse district. There are two floors with a bar/dining room on ground floor. We had the roomy space upstairs - also has a bar - enough to fit 14 round and rectangular tables for about 150 guests with a bar and a vey nice outdoor deck with high tables and rattan couches - only thing to note: it's west facing so in late afternoon you get the sun hanging at eye level with no umbrella able to provide any shade. Service was good. Food was decent for our customized menu - spinach salad with nuts and goat cheese which was excellent, followed by fried potatoes - very crispy, lasagna, baby carrots and chicken with cream sauce. For pass arounds we had chicken skewers and spring rolls - chicken dishes not the best, as both skewers and entree tasted half cooked and tough at the same time. However a very nice space for weddings with a big hardwood dance floor. And the elevated train tracks outside level with the window provided additional atmosphere - even though it could be loud at times - nothing like having the backdrop of trains passing by every few minutes during the ceremony! read more

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The inside... the way inside where the acts perform is much different in appearance than the outside and bar area might lead you to believe. I've been here a few times, and I can't say that's ever bothered me. The back area is basically just a loft sort of warehouse area that's all black and the band performs on a sideways sort of facing stage. Hard to explain. The only shows I've seen here are electronic based shows and two of them were all ages and unfortunately it really draws in the "kids that try and act like they're 20-something" crowd that brags about being high, drunk, wasted, whatever... but never really have... and experience it for the first time that night. read more

I came to this venue for a friend's art show which also comprised of a fashion show, singers, art booths, etc. that was located in the back of the venue. I truly enjoyed myself. It was literally like the beginnings of Williamsburg in there...Hipster galore with so much talent. The guy who sung on stage was amazing. He did a whole set and tore it up!!! The space was sufficient and didn't feel stuffy. Before entering that area, my friends and I got food at the bar in the front. I got the three cheese grilled cheese with tomato soup. Whoa... Hands down the best grilled cheese and tomato soup I've ever had. No lie. Flavorful, appetizing, and had mucho character. They seasoned the hell out of the soup. It was amazing. The grilled cheese even had fresh tomatoes in it. Omg... And the three cheeses they used? Blended perfectly. No one cheese took over the other flavors. I want to go back just for that dish! The venue was great though. I had a good time. read more

Haven't been here in a bit, but it seems that they don't hold any tickets from the presale for the regular sale. Show sold out in like five minutes and tickets were on secondary sellers immediately. Smells like shenanigans.. but then what do I know... read more

We came to a special blues benefit held upstairs. I was really surprised by this place - both the main floor and the upstairs are large and spacious, if just toeing the line on grunginess, which is to be expected to give a place like this some cred. Upstairs there's good sightlines to the stage, and a small dance space in front, with a raised balcony area at the back of the room. I ordered a pretzel which was chewy and fresh, and chicken strips, which were fine. I would come back to see more music here. read more

Bottom Lounge - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I've only been here for one concert so far and, before going, I didn't exactly plan to ever go back because it's not really in a convenient place for me but the experience of going there changed my mind for sure. I'm not so sure how to explain it but the place is just very well organized. The bathrooms are nice and clean, you can go out to the big restaurant area (and re-enter!) with chairs when you get tired of or overwhelmed with the concert area, the bar and merch tables are in places where they're convenient yet out of the way, and the lady working the bar was the best. read more

Bottom Lounge - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This has to be one of the best bars that I have ever been to in Chicago. Very good drink list, not too expensive, and had a good mix of music, sports, hanging out, and concert type of bar all in one! I would give it 5 stars, but they did not control the smoking on the outside area, the bathroomswere very tiny for a large bar, and it is a so so area with nothing much around it. Still, I enjoyed it and will be going back to try the food. One part that really stood out for me was the cleanliness of it all, especially the bathrooms. Very good since bars tend to get dirty a bit fast! read more

I dig this place. It's a bit different and unique, but worth it's time. I went here for a friend's boyfriend's concert (no it wasn't Ferris Bueller). The sassy lass had such an idea as to hear her boyband play. They were good. Meanwhile, the location is kinda interesting. It has a good atmosphere, two floors, a nice outdoor area, and awesome pretzels with a decent beer selection. I can see why plenty of people would enjoy this place. If you listen to metal, this is the place to go. read more

For a lounge named after one of Shakespeare's more annoying characters, this music venue delivers adequate live music, decent drinks, and solid food (although it is across the street from a McDonald's and nothing could top McNuggets after a concert). It's terrific that there are two spaces to move through- the restaurant half of the venue and then the concert stage part. The cavernous music space reminded me of being in a public school gymnasium back when I was 11, at a middle school dance. However, there were zero basketballs and my sweaty middle school crush was not, in fact, abandoning the dance floor to shoot hoops. Nor was there any Usher playing. Bring a sharpie to write on the bathroom wall as legions of Bottom Lounge frequenters before you have. My bathroom stall was adequately encouraging. Anyway, I feel guilty for writing a lie on the internet. This isn't named for a Shakespeare character. Which begs the question what it is named for. read more

Dear Bottom Lounge, You keep me coming back for more and more! Really, you do! Drinks, "Less Than Jake" and food brought T and I here not too long ago. It's always a treat to watch a great band with great company at a place that never lets you down. Finding parking is a bit of a hassle here but well worth the search when you have: A.) A designated driver and B.) An amazing beer selection waiting inside. The crowds are usually pretty great. Occasionally though, you will get pushed or shoved near the mosh-pit BUT it's always fun to shove right back and get away with it =] The sound in the room is good! Never a disappointment. The bartenders are quick, attentive and cute too! Can't go wrong there. Food selection is great. Tater-tots are delicious and the alphabet soup is kick-ass! Keep it up boys! Love, Me!!! read more

Bottom Lounge - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Looking for somewhere to eat before a concert?! Bottom Lounge is not the place to do so. I almost feel bad writing this review since the level of service we received could only be a product of a bad day, first day, or your parents fault for never teaching you how to act properly around other humans. Charging for items that weren't received, bringing out wrong orders, food coming out 10 min apart, snooty attitudes, etc. If coordinating two meals is rocket science, our server was in charge of the 1986 Challenger launch. When I pointed out that she charged us for items we did not receive, she stared at the receipt with a clueless gaze, made a weird Tenacious D devil noise, and asked if we would settle for a couple dollars back. No apologies or anything, just threw some money back at us on the table. If I were there alone, you would have received a 0 dollar tip. Im sorry if you were having a bad day Jasmine. The only thing worse than your failed attempt at service was your shit manners. ( Venue itself is fine, not sure if $19 for a vodka RedBull and $10 for a PBR is appropriate, but thats a whole different issue with Chicago venues ) read more

Wow ! First time here. Great bar and restaurant in front portion of building before entering stage room. Good food and beer ! Had a fantastic time at jinjer concert. Staff was nice and helpful ! Parking was easy and I would definitely come back for another show !! read more

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This is a premier venue in Chicago for music acts. Very intimate and personal stage setup. The sound quality is phenomenal and drinks are reasonable. Went to a show last night I had no idea what to expect, and they far exceeded any expectations. We sat at the bar and had some food prior to show. The kitchen was fast servers wrre great I can't speak highly enough of this place. Thoroughly impressed keep up the good work! read more

I received a message from Kent asking "did you not think I would see your message on yelp?" My response: YES! Of course I wanted him to see it and he should have too. Anyone who is looking for business should take feedback and be able to utilize it to improve. Unfortunately, he blamed his management for giving him such a "LOW BUDGET" for my poor experience. His statement was unfounded and unfortunate because no where in our conversations did we speak of a budget. My review was about his inability to communicate. In addition, I would like to add that reading comprehension is important and he needs to work on that. Another person affiliated with this business sent me a harassing message. These people need to grow up and learn that when you run a business, you should remain professional and that the consumers opinion maters most. read more

In the words of Axl Rose, "I used to love her." Emphasis: past tense. I get it, bartender: someone ditched out on their tab. And yes, that sucks. But please don't come to my friends and me (more than once) and ask us about the tab... because we already told you, we took care of our business. I hate to say it, but as a former server, always ask for a credit card to start a tab especially in a venue of Bottom Lounge proportions. It's just smart business. Making us feel like we did something wrong? The exact opposite. What I still like: great acoustics, rooftop deck, insane beer list, their rum tastings. What I don't like: feeling like the accused... and I don't drink cranberry and vodka. read more

Bottom Lounge is a giant warehouse bar in the middle of the meat packing district with overpriced beer and tacky decor. It did feel like walking into a bad movie from the 90's. I don't know how else to put it. I really think it's personal preference. Some others in my group loved it here. I'm not basing my review on the service or food (which I didn't try), just the bad vibe and poor ambiance of the place and overpriced beer and lack of public transportation around. No thanks, not a fan...Nothing bad happened that turned me off, I just didn't like anything about this place read more

Took the free Party Bus here after a Windy City Rollers bout, which alone was worth a laugh and all the stars. For my tastes, this place is just OK. It was a Saturday night, and while busy, it wasn't super packed. Five of us had no trouble getting a big booth at 10:30pm, which is great. Lots of beer selection, and the falafel sandwich was pretty darn good (if not HUGE and hard to navigate). Service was a little slow, but friendly, and they were busy. My only complaints really were the location (a trek from where I live) and the VOLUME LEVEL. I DON'T LIKE BEING PLACES WHERE YOU HAVE TO SCREAM AT YOUR FRIENDS AND CAN'T HEAR HALF OF WHAT THEY SAY! I SAID.... I DON'T LIKE... BEING PLACES... NEVER MIND; WE CAN TALK LATER! YES I JUST USED A SEMICOLON WHILE SHOUTING AT YOU! I hear The Weakerthans are coming here in late September. So I will absolutely be back. read more

The company I work for chose to have our holiday party here. With an anticipated attendance of about 1,000, I think this venue was a great choice. We were able to have free range of two floors, plus an outdoor area. I didn't check the outdoor area out because 1) it was 8 degrees and 2) I don't smoke. The staff I encountered were very nice. They were swamped trying to keep up with the very thirsty crowd, but remained friendly. If I had to tend bar at an event like this, I would hide in the back. So kudos to the bar staff. Since it was an extremely cold night, the coat check filled up fast. And then some of my coworkers had to keep their coats since it was at capacity. Not a big deal, but with such a large crowd, I would assume they would have added space to accommodate the coats. Just an fyi, it's very difficult to find a cab in this area. I was lucky to find one on Randolph. read more

Bigger space than I was expecting. Wide and cavernous, with black walls and no real character to it. I saw a great show here but the venue didn't really add or detract from the experience. Beers were expensive but cocktails were decently priced. Of course it's hard to hold a cocktail when you're getting your face rocked off by King Khan and Mark Sultan. This venue gets some good gigs, so I'm sure I'll be back. I just wouldn't go out of my way to see anything other than a sure thing here. read more

Bottom Lounge. I've had mixed experiences here, but one was so negative that it will color my perception of the place forever. I was short on cash this particular night, and I asked the bartender what the minimum was for credit cards (seriously, I am sick and tired of vendors refusing to take cards under some 'minimum'). It turned out that I had exactly enough cash for the beer itself, but not for a tip. As a former waitress and barista, I wasn't *not* going to leave a tip. So I dug around my purse and found 10 times. Okay, so no one wants tips in change, but at the same time, a dollar's a dollar and if you have access to a cash register, you obviously have access to cash that you can exchange with, oh, say, dimes. I put the dimes on the table after placing my order. As she swept by, she noticed the money and said, "We don't really take change here." Her voice was scornful, contemptuous. And then she slammed the beer down on the bar surface. I collected my money and shrugged. You won't get anything next time, honey. I understand not wanting change. But I do not understand being willing to at least appreciate the fact that I was trying to give her exactly what I would have tipped her had I bills on me, that I wanted to ensure that she was making money. She did not need to be rude or behave in such a self-entitled manner. Bottom Lounge, you're obnoxious and you need to have a conversation with your staff. I'm not planning on returning, which is shame, because I used to come so often. read more

I went here recently to meet up with some old grammar school friends as it was centrally located for the city people and suburbanites. It's a decent little spot: good, extensive beer list, friendly service, dark, comfortable atmosphere (read: not loud). Everything one would need in a spot to reminisce. And we did just that. I didn't love it, I didn't hate it. I probably would not even know about this place if not for our get-together. It's a bit off the beaten path for me. May just earn a spot on our rotation. read more

The security (and management) at this bar is atrocious. Just imagine, you mistakenly walk into a bar past the bouncer without showing your ID and instead of the bouncer asking you to show your ID, GRABS your purse/wallet and gets it out for you. Rude? Unnecessary? Illegal? The exact opposite happened to me -- I mistakenly walked out of Bottom Lounge with a drink in my hand. I was outside for about two minutes, when out of nowhere the bouncer attempts to GRAB the drink out of my hand. When I turn around to see who is snatching my drink, (its a sketchy neighborhood), I see its the bouncer and say "excuse me??" At which point I hear "YOU CAN'T TAKE A DRINK OUT OF THIS BAR!!!!!!!" while he still is attempting to snatch my drink. Good thing I wasn't drunk; I had a good hold on it and therefore it didn't spill. I walk inside calmly to finish my drink and ask for the manager to discuss the bouncer's rude behavior. His name is Joel. Once the manager shows up he is also extremely rude to me stating that I violated the law and it doesn't matter how rude they are. My point about how they don't snatch wallets when people mistakenly walk past their security staff when checking for ID's, and therefore they should verbally address the person prior to grabbing a drink if they leave with it in hand was IGNORED. Maybe the management was too simpleminded to understand this logic, I'm not quite sure. In the end the management was completely unreceptive to my complaint about their security staff and instructed me to leave. I was leaving already remember? Although the show was good, if you choose to frequent this bar I hope you do not have any run-ins with the management or security staff because they're complete assholes. read more

Last week's week of Christmas parties culminated here. For the bf's company party, we came to Bottom Lounge. The party took place in the upstairs room. It's a large, loft room with a full bar setup and DJ booth. The room was cold, seriously cold. I got some wine to start off the evening of mingling with his coworkers. Later, I switched to French martinis. My first one was weak on French and pineapple. My other french martinis were mixed well by a different bartender. They had the perfect balance of sweet and vodka. For appetizers, they served small pastry wrapped brie bites, mushroom tartlets, and crab cakes. The pastry wrapped brie bites were really good and the crab cakes were also tasty. Soon after, they served us dinner. The dinner had a number of options: carved steak, stuffed chicken and salmon. I opted for salmon not having a real taste for chicken that night. The salmon was decent. For sides, they served potato chunks, mixed winter veggies, salad,and a pasta. I liked the winter veggies but they should have been cut to a smaller. It wasn't very manageable to eat gracefully. For dessert, they had a wide array of cakes and cheesecakes. I tried a chocolate graham cracker crust chocolate cheesecake. It was tasty. Overall, I had a nice time there and would return for a show because it seemed nice. read more

After reading my original review, I'm not sure why I went with three stars; it's probably more like 3.5, but I'm going to bump them up. It is VERY LOUD with both a Blackhawks game in the main room and a rockin'-and-a-rollin' show in the back room, but otherwise this place was just as comfortable and friendly (and not crowded) on a Wednesday night as it had been on a Sunday afternoon. Three very attractive bartenders/servers, too, all with very disparate styles. Love that beer selection...(Hello, New Holland Cabin Fever. How lovely you are this evening, how rich and satisfying. I'd like to get to know you better. Shall we move into that secluded corner for a bit? Mmm, yes.) read more

I was thinking this place was going to be sticky. Boy, was I wrong. The place is clean, cool, and comfortable. The bars had ice water and cups already set out, the beer selection was impressive, and the service was very good. Despite the show being 17+, the only kids that were in attendance managed to get themselves kicked out less than an hour after arriving. Gotta love a bar that enforces the rules! read more

Probably my favorite venue in Chicago for live music. I think the sound quality is usually pretty good and a lot of my fave bands seem to always come here. It's not a big venue, so that's great. I always found those size of venues to be the best when it came to rock/metal shows. I see people say the area isn't the greatest. I've walked alone a few times after couple shows up to the Chicago Ave blue line and I've not had any problems. From my experience biking, Lake Street gets rough/ghetto when you're riding west on Lake Street past Western. Oh, and the tixs are always a fair deal. I don't think I have paid for than 30 bucks for a show here. Definitely check this place out if a band you like is coming! read more

It was my first concert at this venue. We arrived about 1.5 hours before the doors opened and found free parking right around the corner-sweet! We went in and there was already a line for the concert-bunch o' fools waiting in line for standing room only. We chose to sit down and have a drink rather than stand waiting. Our waiter was super attentive and kept coming by to check on us. We had just eaten dinner at a restaurant beforehand, but the specials of the day were reasonably priced- a burger and tots for $6- not bad! It was a huge space inside as well- booths/tables on one side and bar seating on the other. At 8 PM the doors opened and we made our way to the queue to go into the back concert venue. There was another bar inside there as well. We waited, and waited, and waited-so glad that we sat and had that drink beforehand. It was over an hour before the opening band came on-I am glad I wore my flat shoes! Wish I remembered my Dr. Scholl's inserts. Opening band was great-and then a very loooooong sound check before the main band (Biffy Clyro) came on. I'm a nerd so I wore earplugs to protect my ears (which everyone should do...) and both bands sounded great to me. The clientele were also hilarious to watch-dude in front of me dancing a mix between Ray Charles or Stevie Wonder playing the piano and Elaine from Seinfeld. I was dying with laughter. I would definitely return for another concert-and remember to bring my Dr. Scholl's inserts for all the standing. The area Bottom Lounge is in has always fascinated me because it is very industrial/has lots of meat packing facilities including rows of empty delivery trucks with open doors. Spotted in between all of these factories are swanky restaurants/night clubs. It reminds of something from a Mafia movie. I always picture myself getting kidnapped into one of those trucks-so I always go with another person or a group of people. You should probably do the same as well. I've never had an issue with anyone bothering me at night, but always better to stay on the safe side folks! read more

I've only come here for concerts, but there seems to be a decent bar space in the front that I wouldn't mind checking out before/after a show in the future. The bathrooms have been clean, there's a separate vanity area for ladies touching up their lipstick or "powdering" their noses. The sound has been great and my views have been fine. The staff has been friendly and efficient when I've gone in. There's an atm outside right before the venue, if you need cash. There's a McDonald's if you really need some fries. I've never had an issue finding parking, and this location is walking distance from the green line. read more

Lame... Super lame...Hyper lame... Dang. Entering the venue is surreal. It's not like walking to a club at all. It's more like walking into a bad movie from the late 90's that takes place in a club. The main bar acts as a beacon to the typical west loop choad and they seem to be drawn like moth to flame. The beer selection is ok but pricey. No beers under $4, not even the PBR... It's saving grace is good sound, and somewhat decent booking. This is the only reason it gets more than one star from me. I'm sure I'll go back sometime, but only for a band that I really don't want to miss. The place is really god awful. read more

Why do they even serve food? Is it to be cruel? It was a nice evening so we got here at 6:20 thinking we could enjoy the sun on the patio for a bit and have something quick to eat. Wrong. Being the only people eating on the patio and one of two tables I kept thinking as time passed... how long can it possibly take to make a black bean burger and a pulled pork sandwich? As the sun disappeared behind clouds and it got a bit chilly we went inside without knowing. It was now over an hour since we'd ordered. So the food finally comes and as I bite into my bean burger I cut the top of my mouth. WTF, right? Was it even worth it to wonder why my burger was so burned in some parts that it was rock like? Then I had a bit of the pulled pork. I chewed and chewed and chewed. I don't think pulled pork should be crunchy. This was just totally nasty. And the potato salad was what you get if you slice an almost cooked potato into ten slices and goop on mayo. I had four bites of it and I feel totally disgusting. I hate the Bottom Lounge. Gross. read more

While still I miss the old location, there's a lot to like about Bottom Lounge's present incarnation. The fabled beer menu rivals that of Kuma's, but without the wait (no Trippel Karmeliet, though). They have a small but good menu, with food for people of many tastes and dietary habits, plus sometimes there are even tater tots. We were able to get service despite the place being packed for a sold-out show, and the server was friendly. You can't get much closer to the CTA than this--the location is very convenient for those planning on enjoying all that beer responsibly and not driving. The coat check is located in a great place--you have to walk past it to leave out the main door, making it easy to remember that yes, you did indeed bring a coat, which you must retrieve. Heck, it's great that they have a coat check, period. On the other hand... ...if you do drive, parking can be a little tricky. Unlike some other Chicago music venues, there aren't any pay lots in the area, and sometimes the patrons of a nearby wine cellar take up a lot of the best street parking. We haven't been burgled parking here, but we have seen a car with its windows broken in the vicinity. The sound is good, but not great, from most places in relation to the stage. In some places, it's not even very good. While this is probably a result of having only been to the Bottom Lounge for sold-out shows, it kind of sucks being a short (5'3) person here. The stage seems a bit low, the regulars seem really tall, and there always seems to be some jerk who wants to shove his way up to the front, but he either doesn't know or doesn't care that his elbow is at the level of many people's faces. I will definitely be going back here, especially because there are some bands I'll go see regardless of where they play. I don't think I'd show up randomly one night and hang out just to see who's playing and grab some fries. If two bands you like are playing on the same night and you can't decide which one to see, I'd say let the choice of venue decide and come to the Bottom Lounge if: *you want food that's better than the crappy pizza at the Aragon *you feel claustrophobic at the Abbey Pub *you want better sound than at the Riviera *you want a coat check, not to be found at Schuba's *you are too far from the red line to want to go to the Metro *your broke ass can't afford to see a show at the United Center or at Soldier Field read more

WoOoW. This place is the most fantastic rock club I've seen in a damn long time. FIrst of all, the sound system appears to be state of the art. It sounds like god on wheels, it's appropriate to the size and composition of the room, the height of the stage is... I really shouldn't go on. They've attracted a really respectable mix of acts too- from international indie stars to local up-and-comers. If you get bored, you can easily spend 20 minutes with the beer list. It's formidably delicious. The menu has inviting options for vegans and rib-lickers alike. It's even open for lunch... serving up some damnable garlic fries that smell amazing. Be prepared to resist stealing one from a neighboring table. The staff can range from helpful and friendly to not terribly surly, but I didn't get hit with any doors on my way out, so no complaints there. I cannot wait to see many, many shows here. read more

When my bff has a birthday and says "show up here", I show up there. Destination: Bottom Lounge. The beer list, the amount of space to sit and hang out, the music, the fact that while it can be a little trickier to get to via public is nothing compared to the cluster eff that its sister-in-crime Delilah's is, and the super cool owner all keep me coming back. The beer prices range from $3 Schlitz on tap to a $14 framboise lambic, there are plenty of seasonal and micro offerings as well as your big name brands. Seriously, if you can't find a beer that you like on the wall, stop drinking beer because you shame me. The food is pretty decent, if not average, but the menu has something for everyone. There's brunch as well, with Bears game specials which differ each week. There's a swankier space up top for private events, a great patio when the weather holds, a room for the rock shows and the main bar area. There is space for everyone and plenty of it. Bring 20 of your favorite friends and a few you don't like all that much - then ditch them. You'll be able to successfully. Not that I'd ever do that to you... read more

Friday nights for salsa are the best. The upstairs has an amazing dance floor, great crowd, and access to the outdoor patio with an amazing view of the city. Some great signature drinks and pretty affordable (a huge "bachatarita" was $12, but my rum and diet coke's were only $6). The only thing I've noted is varying bar service. The guy bartender that's been upstairs every time I've been there on a Friday is super friendly and really quick. The girl that's usually there, however, is so cold it's mean. If you can even get her attention, she seems to be pissed off all the time. I think someone should rotate her off salsa duty..... If you get there early (like a little before 10), it's great to catch a drink, hang out, and dance, since there's room. But after 11:45, it's PACKED. You can barely dance. But at least you can go catch some fresh air and enjoy the view. Upstairs, most girls are in cute tops or dresses with heels (including salsa shoes), and guys wear nice tops and pants or nice jeans. Nothing too fancy though (not as dressy as a club). I've seen many a venue attempt to "own" salsa on Friday nights, and it's switched hands more times than I can count. But this one might stick! Been back weekly for months now, and I'm still loving it. One of the best dance floors for salsa (and cha cha, meringue, bachata, cumbia, etc.) in the city. Only complaint-parking around there is a nightmare. If you can commute or cab it, I would recommend doing so. If you're a seasoned salsero, just looking for a place to start (they have free lessons at nine-ish!), or just want a delivious guava margarita, a nice view, and a great place to people watch, I'd say check it out! read more

Groupons tend to be offered by restaurants and businesses that are in trouble. If you've got a lot of customers paying full price, there's no reason to add a lot of customers who aren't. If only we had remembered this sooner... Several months ago, one of us picked up a $25 dining Groupon to Bottom Lounge, the West Loop music venue with a full kitchen and bar. The place has been open in the current location for a few years and both of us had great experiences there in its early days. At one time we would have put it among our favorite concert spots, both for their choice of musicians and their excellent pre-show pub grub, but over the last year or so, the gig calender had shrunk and decreased in quality; Bottom Lounge had more or less fallen off both our radars. So, when the two of us were pondering a quick, cheap dinner near the Loop, we printed out the Groupon and ran over, confident that our meal would be like the chow of yore. Spoiler Alert: One of us wanted to throw up on the train ride home. When we arrived and looked over the menu, our old favorites were gone... The Lady seemed to remember a hearty mac and cheese and the Fellow recalled a delicious plowman burger with ham, red onions and other tasty toppings. No matter. Even without the favorites, a few of the dishes being offered still sounded good, so naively we proceeded. We picked onion rings and a soft pretzel to start, thinking we'd get something homemade. The rings, fried with a nice cornmeal-like breading, lacked proper seasoning, but were tasty enough to keep us happy. This high point of the meal was fleeting though, since the pretzel turned out to be just that ubiquitous microwave kind, topped with a heart-stopping amount of salt. We couldn't believe it. For entrees -- It has to get better, right? -- we shared plates. A bacon/apple/goat cheese flat bread was dry and tasteless. Some balsamic (or any liquid for that matter) would have gone a long way to help this "cracker," but instead the only moisture came from the rubbery, soggy bacon. This was followed up by the three cheese grilled cheese sandwich -- greasy even by grilled cheese standards and probably the source of the night's later nausea -- and the tomato basil soup -- pedestrian at best, though quite possibly even canned. Oh Bottom Lounge, how far you have fallen! What happened to your nice high top tables and homemade bar bites? In their place, a worn decor and prepackaged meal. We can easily imagine you as an episode of Kitchen Nightmares where Gordon Ramsay comes in and explains to you -- tears in your eyes and jaw on the floor while America laughs at your delusions -- that of course no one wants canned soup and microwave pizza. "But fresh tomatoes are so expensive," you'll cry. "Do you know how much time it would take to make our own pretzels?" Maybe we'll quit kicking you while you're down, Bottom Lounge. No one actually threw up after all, but it was definitely the worst meal either of us had had in the past year. If we ever stop by again for a show -- a possibility becoming less and less likely with your thinning event calendar -- we'll just plan on grabbing a bite elsewhere first. At this point, you're making it hard to even trust the beer. http://tablefortwochicago.tumblr.com/ read more

It was eerie how clean and corporate-feeling this place was / is. Tried to go here for my buddy's g/f's band's show. First I came in and saw groups of well-dressed yuppies drinking glasses of wine. I then went to the doorman to ask what group was on. He had no idea. Just kept saying "Pay cover, go in, and find out." $10 cover for what is essentially a garage band in a trendy locale. I said no and joined my friends later that night after the show. read more

The first time I went to the Bottom Lounge, I thought. "pfft, new venues. who needs them. this place is too CLEAN." But then after seeing a couple shows here, I ask myself, why do I want bad sound (Empty Bottle) or shitty bathrooms with faulty doors (Metro)? I think I need to get my priorities straight in the concert space department. As far as shows go, the space is well, spacious, and the sound is excellent. A little too good maybe, bring your ear plugs. Since they are new I don't think that they are getting the bookings that the space deserves, so I think they need a little more time to develop a reputation. The restaurant on the other hand is lacking. First, on the upside the beer/drink selection is decent. I think what turned me off about the place the first time I went was the lack of authenticity. It has this cheesy Bret Michaels "Rock of Love" feel to it. "Yeah we're a ROCK BAR...please sit on our mondo King of Death booths and listen to bad metal while you chomp down on your hot wings." Too boot, don't go and get dinner/drinks here before the show. You could be late. On a friday night we waiting forever for drinks, forever for the food, and forever for the waitress to come back w/ our check. We figured an hour and a half to eat was more than enough time to reach our show that was 20 feet away, but I guess thats not the case.. I noticed that there were only 2 servers on the floor. Either get more staff or get some people who can turn a table faster. During Pitchfork weekend, I did however get a chance to go to the upstairs "private" room and I checked out the outdoor patio. What a magnificent view. When in doubt of Chicago, find a place where you can view the sprawling skyline and find reassurance why you're here. In conclusion. Go to the show, but don't come before or stay after. read more