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    Cole's Bar

    4.0 (214 reviews)
    InexpensiveBars, Music Venues
    Open 4:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    Cole's Bar Photos

    COLE'S BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Divey
    Classy
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - Cole's Bar

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    Inside
    Steve A.

    Good old dive bar that used to be better but is still okay for a drink or a few. It also has live music but it's not really a great place for being able to hear. Cole's Bar is kind of dirty and nasty but that's a part of the character. On that note there's also a few characters in this bar, mostly intoxicated. The bar also accepts credit cards so it's surprisingly not one of those that are cash only. A good thing about this bar is the location is convenient. It's close to the California Blue Line. The street is hard to find parking on, so coming by train you won't have to worry about it. Also no need to worry about driving drunk. This bar doesn't have food but you can bring in some. Lots of restaurants around it. The drinks and the music are the main things. It's $6 for well drinks. They also have a few specials. It's $6 to get an Old Style and Ten High. The bar has other forms of entertainment such as a pool table. Can be kind of dirty. It's still not that bad though. The drinks are pretty cheap, and while it's not cash only, there's a minimum for cards and there might be a cover for a show or whatever.

    Drink Menu (01/04/19)
    Luis G.

    Cheap drinks, live music, chill atmosphere. A great place to stop by during a Logan Square / Wicker Park bar crawl. This is what Dive bars should aspire to be like nationwide.

    Me , my parental unit, and our phones
    Denise U.

    Well hello. Nice to see you. Not that we have the formalities out of the way, I'll give you my two cents. Here's two cents. There ya go. Sorry, sorry, I'll get on with it already. So, I have reviewed Coles previously. It was kind of my home away from home pre-pandemic. Tis a comfy old shoe. Bartenders are always nice and the humans which it attracts are kind of awesome. Every one. It's a bit of a mish mash of 20-26 ish year olds. Some mishy, some mashy. Pool is available if you don't feel like conversing. Beer options are on point. Music is kinda consistently insanely superb. My Dad even likes it here. It might be like the last place in the northern hemisphere where you need to show your vax card. I do not hold this against them. It might just keep out the riff raff. Ok, well here's some photos . Denise U out.

    Grant A.

    Went briefly on New Years eve. There is no debate about this one dive or not. It's a dive bar! Lack of pretense, didn't seem to be many gentrifiers. Had a Pabst! There was live music the night I was there and no cover.

    a pool table in a dark room

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    2 years ago

    10/10 drag show on Thursday night drinks were good and the staff was phenomenal! Will be back soon!

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    3 years ago

    Good prices. Attentive service professionals. Fun vibe inside. Great spot to watch a performance or just take it easy. Also pool table!

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    Review Highlights - Cole's Bar

    I discovered it earlier this year thanks to the comedy open mic on Wednesday (best you'll find!)...

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    The Bassment - Chicago - The Bathtub

    The Bassment - Chicago

    (246 reviews)

    $$

    River North, Near North Side

    The Bassment in Chicago is a hidden gem that combines sophistication, style, and incredible live…read moremusic in one unforgettable experience. From the moment you descend into the intimate, speakeasy-style space, you're transported into a world of elegance and charm. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with dim lighting, plush seating, and a touch of vintage glamour that perfectly complements the lively energy of the performances. The musicians are top-notch, the cocktails are expertly crafted, and every detail -- from the décor to the acoustics -- is designed to create an exceptional night out. What truly makes The Bassment stand out is the seamless blend of entertainment and hospitality. The staff are attentive and personable, ensuring every guest feels welcome and well taken care of throughout the evening. Whether you're there for date night, a celebration, or just to unwind with great music and drinks, The Bassment delivers an experience that feels both exclusive and comfortable. It's one of those rare Chicago spots where the vibe, sound, and service all come together perfectly -- a must-visit for anyone who appreciates quality nightlife and unforgettable live performances.

    Really happy to have found this spot for live music on a Saturday night. We arrived right around 8,…read morewhen doors open. Musics starts at 930ish so it's a bit of a wait if you get there that early, but potentially worth it to snag a lounge/table until reservations show up. Reservations are pricey, but with a group would be super fun and worth it. Workout having reservations, we gave up our seats and headed to the front to hang around the bar near the stage. Really awesome staff, and a coat check if you need it. The bar tenders were friendly and attentive. The music was fabulous. Fun crowd. The drink list was super fun with pop star nmes, the Taylor Swift was the fav, and not just bc I am a Swiftie. The bathtub drink is cute, get one for the photo and move on. The cream didn't work for me. Highly recommend for a fun live music experience and vibe.

    Jazz Showcase - The photos alone are worth the visit!

    Jazz Showcase

    (235 reviews)

    $$

    South Loop

    This place has a magical feel IF you're into jazz. If you aren't a jazz lover, you just may become…read moreone here. Well, I love jazz and it's a great place to be. I came here for the first time knowing my grandparents started coming here in the 50's for date night jazz. This place was founded in 1947 and you can see they've preserved this place to keep that same feel with all the greats from the past... Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, George Benson, Lonnie Liston Smith, Hugh Masekela, Dexter Gordon, etc. (those are my favorites!). I saw the Kyle Swan Quartet. They were absolutely amazing. You see young and seasoned musicians that are so talented. I usually go to Birdland in NYC but this place, Jazz Showcase, is better to me because it feels more welcoming and like home here versus a production at a theater. We interact with the artists here-- well, they interact with us and make us feel like we are at home and like we are supposed to be there with them, not a performance transaction. $25+ for a show and booking online was a breeze. It's comfortable here, chairs are good and there's sofas in reserved areas but the whole seating area has a great view of the stage no matter where you're sitting. The staff seems gracious and kind of everyone who visits and genuinely wants you to have a great time. They see very selective in their talent that performs here... but why wouldn't they when they've been here for so long and had the best artists perform here?! I came the night that The only downside that may be for some people is they don't have food... only drinks. Me personally, I ate before and don't come for food, I come for the jazz... but they've got beer, cocktails, and other spirits. Macallan and Laphroaig for those who need a good whiskey. Come here if you're ready to relax and listen to great jazz with artists who know their craft. I'm coming back with friends... or even alone. Yeah, it's cool like that. ***Side note: the GPS may take you to the Main Street and you may not see the sign right away and actually have to turn the corner on Plymouth and walk down that side street to get to the end of the block (where the dead end/no outlet is).

    Great time! The performance was really good and the venue was huge! Random comfortable seats in the…read moreform of chairs, sofas, couches, and loveseats. A little on the expensive side for a one hour show! Shocked that a complementary drink was not included in the fee.

    Thalia Hall

    Thalia Hall

    (178 reviews)

    Pilsen

    Fantastic venue in an old, vintage building. Loved the coffered ceilings and the intimate setting…read more We saw a string quartet play tribute to Metallica and even the balcony seats were great. Bathrooms are all genders with multiple stalls, so pee with all your friends. There are no urinals in that bathroom. Just private stalls They have a bar. Heavy pours. Need I say more?

    Went to Thalia Hall for the first time for wave to earth's lollapalooza after show and had an…read moreamazing experience! This is a small, intimate avenue in Chicago that hosts concerts, opera, and plays. There really isn't a bad seat in the venue! We were able to snag one of the larger opera boxes, which I highly recommend, especially if you're going with friends. Ours was on the left side and perfectly angled toward the stage, so we were incredibly close. The box seats up to six people and they even provide water for you, which was a nice touch. The venue also has a bar area and a balcony. For this show, the balcony was general admission. There are four large balcony boxes and two smaller two-person boxes, which would be super cute for a date or going with a friend. The staff were extremely friendly, and parking was surprisingly easy! We found street parking within about five minutes. They do serve food and drinks, though we didn't get any this time. Overall, the show was intimate, fun, and such a great experience. If I come back for another concert at Thalia Hall, I'll definitely try to get an opera box again.

    Sleeping Village

    Sleeping Village

    (84 reviews)

    $$

    Avondale

    Sleeping Village is a great spot! I came here for a concert a few weeks ago and it was an awesome…read moretime. The building is pretty unassuming on the outside and looks a lot smaller than it actually is. Once you're in, the main space indoors is a big open bar with some tables/booths and places to sit but also a lot of standing room. There is a big drink menu that is projected onto the wall that is pretty beer heavy, but there are some other options for non beer drinkers! I got a jalapeno ranch water that was really good. There is a large patio space that looks so fun for the summer. The concert venue is in the back. It's pretty small, but perfect for more intimate shows. We had so much fun!! This place really is such a gem, and I can't wait to come back for some drinks on the patio when the weather warms up.

    The name of this bar and venue is adorable. So nicely done right off the bat! Lots of seating for…read moresmall-medium sized groups. Two of which were having a great time when we arrived. We sat at the bar, because it's my default settings or my AuDHD need for routine. Very attentive bartender who greeted us right as we sat down. I'll be honest. I ordered a gin and tonic. My estimation is that this G&T was 75% tonic. I didn't say anything because I don't know what to say. I also do not like confrontation. The venue itself is fantastic! We were there to see KING MALA. ADORE EVERYTHING ABOUT HERE. My boyfriend sprung for VIP tickets. I have no money but meeting her was amazing. Highly recommend seeing a chow here. Intimate, great sound, and a bar inside who made me an on point G&T!

    Cole's Bar - bars - Updated May 2026

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