We thought we'd save a little off the fairly steep American Music Festival prices by arriving for the 5:30 discount. The woman at the door denied us the discount even though we arrived at 5:30. We decided to eat elsewhere, and will likely go back but it's really put a negative buzz on the evening. read more

Cutting a rug here at Fitzgerald tonight. This hidden gem in Berwyn is da boom dot com. Rico band playin tonight. So happy I came out. Happy birthday Pat read more

Will I be the first reviewer to give Fitgerald's a less than stellar rating? Yes. Am I happy to do this? Not at all... but after the sad sack service, bad/incorrect drinks, and members of our group being assaulted/groped by someone who was either a staff member or friends of the bartender, 2 stars is all I can cough up. I'd love to splurge and give it 3 stars based off hearsay and the good time I know I could have had, but this past Saturday night, in the Sidebar portion of Fitzgerald's it was an NG (not good) sort of time. We ended up at the sidebar because there were was no way all 10 of the members of our group were going to pony up $12 cover to hear the end set of a band we'd never heard of when we just wanted some drinks after a rockin' little shin dig just a half block up at the amazing Horrorbles. We walked in and there were 5 people in the small bar area and the barkeep... aka the world's worst bartender. As soon as we got in he looked at us with a puzzled face like he wasn't expecting any customers that night. It took him a while to greet us but once he did it was with a "what's the occasion?"... like it was a total freak thing that people had actually come in. I told him that we'd just come from the store up the block and wanted to get some drinks. He said he hadn't heard of the store... even though it's seriously likes 150 paces West of Fitzgerald's... how can you be so unaware of your surroundings? Ah well, that really has nothing to do with this review. First I ask him what one of the *maybe* 8 beers they have on tap (Mighty Arrow) tastes likes, and he just replies "I don't know." I try to dig a little deeper and ask if it's a cider, or lager, or porter or just fish for any kind of descriptive word he can offer. He lets out a bunch of stressed erms and uhms and then says "I dunno. D'ya just wanna try it?". Sure! That would be way more helpful that you just telling me you don't know and blinking a buncha times. After trying the beer, I decided that is tasted a bit too metallic for my tastes and that a bar where the bartender knows NOTHING about the beer is prob a place you should just get a mixed drink in. I went with a peach vodka and soda and my girl Alicia B went with a citron and soda. At this time, these were the only 2 drinks the group had ordered. A few minutes passed and the bartender puts one drink on the bar in front of us and asks Alicia "what did you want again?". She repeats her order and he then turns to me and says "oh, then what did you order?". I repeat my order and he comes back a few minutes later with what is NOT what I ordered... I'm thinking it was just well vodka and soda. I discussed with Alicia and she agreed that her drink was also not what she had ordered... but we didn't bother trying to explain that to him since he never came back after we paid the $19 for the 2 short mystery vodka somethings and one Anchor Steam. He ignored us the rest of the time we were there, besides the few minutes he acknowledged my other friends (we were the only people in the bar at this point) when he humored us by telling us about the bar being in 'A league of their own" and a Bon Jovi video. I almost considered giving up a 3 star rating for this but then I remembered that we were trying to find a late night food option and asked if he knew of anything. He first said that he didn't know anything (reminiscent of when I asked him about the bar's beer selection) but then he replied that there was a great little Mexican food place open 24 hours up the street. The place was Awful (capital 'A' awful) and there was a disgusting hair in our food... I think he set us up. What really kicked this place into the 2 star category was the creepy guy who we *think* may have worked there as he kept going behind the bar, he went through a side door that only employees were using and would leave his little back pack thing over by us while he chatted behind the bar with the world's worst bartender. This guy continually pushed his way through our group of friends, even though the rest of the bar was empty and there was plenty of walking space to not have to push. He literally rammed my friend off his bar stool while he rampaged around the corner of the bar and then he didn't even turn around to acknowledge or apologize. Then, maybe a minute and half later, he pushes through again (even though there's a clear walk way and nothing he needs on our side of the bar) but this time he grabs/gropes Alicia's bare leg (it sort of seemed like he was trying to move her leg as to to uncross them... and she was wearing a skirt) and then creepily smirked. Gross. We decided to down our awful drinks, round up the group, and get the f*ck outta there. Not cool. I'll never go back to the Sidebar portion of Fitzgerald's but I would consider going to the main Fitzgerald's for a show, since based off the ravings of my friends and the other reviews, my experience was (thankfully) not a typical one. read more

"Hey Ang. Wanna go see Rhett Miller at FitzGerald's in Berwyn?" Ummm... Two questions. 1. Who is Rhett Miller and 2. Why would I want to go to Berwyn? Answer to question one would be that Rhett Miller is the incredibly charismatic lead singer of the Old 97s who also has a few solo records out. If you haven't seen him, check it out. He's tops. Answer to question two? Even though FitzGerald's is geographically undesirable for a city girl like me, it's AWESOME. Let me explain: FitzGerald's is a phenomenal place to see a live show. The sound is amazing, not too loud, no shrieking speakers and perfect tone. You can get a word in to your neighbor if you're so inclined without straining your voice, but the volume is high enough to get into the groove and feel the music. Drinks? Criminally cheap. I paid $18 (not including tip) for 2 shots and 2 Effen vodka drinks. And the mixed drinks? Not small. Heavy pour. Tasty. Excellent. Mmmm! The bartenders were friendly and service behind the bar is super-quick. So quick that I never waited more than 30 seconds for a bartender to approach me to get my drink order. Lightening quick is key. The clientele is a bit of a mixed bag. My friend actually said, "There's a lot of old balls in here," but I think it really depends on who is playing at the bar. Old balls or not, I found it to be some of the best people watching around from the guy in light wash Levi's with a button-down tucked in who was foot-tappin' the whole time to the awkward swayers in front of me to the cute guys in plaid shirts sippin' their brews. The bar itself is cute, too. I got a vaguely country vibe, probably due to the overabundance of wood paneling, but again, I'm sure the atmosphere changes depending on the band playing. If you're over standing in the venue area, you can walk outside for a cigarette or slip into another bar room with lots of cafeteria type tables where you can pop a squat and rest your tired toesies. Now I'll NEVER scoff at heading to Berwyn on a Saturday night!!! read more

This is a review of the St Patrick's Day party on the 19th and what a disappointment. We've gone every year since our kids were born to this beautiful community event until covid stopped it. How exciting it was to find out it would be back! While I appreciate how the new owner has survived and generally maintained the Fitzgerald vibe and culture despite huge challenges, this was a bust. I am all for change but it should be for the better, this tradition just took a big dive. We had a party of 14 that paid $15 each to sit in a leaky, cold tent with broken space heaters and no service. The music was confined to the sidebar, ( normally in the tent, main room and sidebar) and while the band was good, there was no room to dance or hang out together and the main room was inexplicably closed for a separate private event. Even the door person was confused, turning away some friends because they were ' sold out ' despite a half empty tent. After an hour or so we found another venue and started planning an alternative for next year. Editorial: If you're going to have a community event, go all in, trying to push it into the corner sterilized the connection and really hurt the tradition. Side note: the Babygold BBQ was a nice upgrade. Bottom line: We will be back to Fitzgerald's for other concerts and wish them success but sorry to see such a cool community event and family tradition downgraded to the sidebar. read more

I've been a Berwyn resident for many years and have been in once or twice before. In the past, my experience was nothing stellar but nothing poor prior to this weekend. As a person in the performing industry myself, I can really appreciate any bar that supports musicians. And my friends/family and myself are all passionate about supporting other artists. That's why my husband and I thought this would be a great place to take our friends and family out to in our neighborhood last weekend. But Fitzgeralds MAJORLY disappointed. Not only was the service incredibly slow but the cover was quite high for later in the evening when we had missed most of the entertainment. And by later in the evening, I mean 9:30 pm. Because that's when the place starts winding down on a Saturday night. But worst of all, it felt like an exclusive club that outsiders were unwelcome too. The evening ended on a very sour note with one of the owners (in my opinion) discriminating against one of the members of our group for being a little too joyous due to an incident. I spoke with him and explained that not only was the incident an accident, but that we've lived in the area for many years and are mostly artists ourselves who are passionate about supporting places like his. I did not want to leave a venue like that feeling so upset. But he LITERALLY shrugged his shoulders at me and said our friend needed to leave and proceeded to tell me that he didn't care if any of us returned to his establishment. SO...1) a warning to other artists out there. Beware. I can't imagine that an owner who treats his patrons that way is going to treat his artists any better. 2) If you are under the age of 50 and/or of any "different" type of demographic, be prepared to be treated poorly and have to wait a very long time for service. The owner doesn't have to worry about us returning because we won't. I'm not sure how they hope to continue growing their business if all young people and anyone who may be deemed as "different" are treated poorly or less deserving of service. I won't support an establishment run by someone like that. Really disappointing... read more

Saw a great show here on Saturday. It's so small, so there is a great intimate setting. The sound was perfect and there seemed to be a decent amount of seating. Added bonus, it's a smoke free venue. I was the designated driver so I can't comment on the price of drinks, but all in all, a great place. read more

Easily my favorite club for live music. Decent sight lines, fantastic booking and the drinks are reasonable. They recently forged a relationship with Wishbone who sells food on occasion. Music choices range from jazz to twang with a lot of New Orleans and Texas-based artists, as well as local faves. On occasion it can get a little nutty (St Patty's Day, anyone) but that adds to the fun. Best music fest in the area takes place for 4 days (typically) right around the 4th of July, with stages indoors and out. Audience tends to be people 25-55, music lovers who pay attention to the performers. Good mix of singles as well as couples, depending on who's playing. read more

Wow, the sound inside is surprisingly good. I guess they put new speakers under the stage, somewhat recently? Highly recommended.

This is a great local venue. The shows I've seen here are always great. THey cater to an older audience (30+) but sometimes you can find a show that might transcend the usual audience. read more

People really jam into this place for the live music. They have a sister restaurant attached that will deliver you New Orleans style grub. My suggestion is if you want a table arrive 30 mins before the band is scheduled to start. Very friendly staff and crowd and always great music. read more

You can't beat this place for real Americana! The American Music Fest is my favorite part of Summer. Do yourself a favor and check out this gem. We are lucky to have such a great venue so close to home! read more

Still love Fitzgerald's, sure do miss the Wishbone being part of the Fitzcomplex. They still could do better with the local brew, they need to ditch Blue Moon, a Coors product. read more

Great small venue to check out both established and up-coming bands. Drinks aren't as pricey as the city and their festivals are all great! They don't call this place the "Best Little Roadhouse in the Midwest" for nothing! read more

I have been coming to Berwyn to FitzGerald's for about 20 years. They get great musical acts in all my favorite genres--rockabilly, country, zydeco, surf and rock. When I lived in Chicago, it was pretty easy to get to. Now I moved to Berwyn (coincidence?). Friendly staff, great sound, clean bathrooms, and a good beer selection--what more could a girl ask for?! Oh yeah. Food. Capri (and previously Wishbone) right next door can provide dinner to accompany your music. read more

What a disappointment!!! We were looking for a place for an evening with music and good food/drink. The food was horrible, catered by an outside vendor. First of all there was a cover charge of $15 per head. We didn't mind to pay for to cover the cost of the band. Then we found out they did not server their own food and had to buy it from an outside vendor who was selling food on site. They were charging $17 for a piece of boiled fish and a few pieces of boiled potato. The food was cold and tasteless. Then came the music. The place is a fire hazard. They had fit as many people as they could in a small bar with no room to sit or move. It was so bad that the drinks were knocked off the waiters trays three times by the crowd and when we found a table to put our drinks on, it was knocked off by the passing patrons. The place doesn't worth the gas in your car to driver there. read more

Been here for a couple shows - nice intimate setting (although there is a pillar about 2/3 of the way back in the room that can lead to a blocked view if you sit in the back). Super cheap drinks (3 beers, one old fashioned, 25 dollars....), nice vibe. read more

If you are a fan of well made classic cocktails, definitely check out Side Bar on Wednesdays. I believe they offer their classic cocktails most nights but Wednesdays encompasses classic cocktails and some pretty awesome Jazz. The staff is awesome and the bar is normally populated with friendly people and quiet ambiance. read more

I'm a big fan of the cocktails served here. The bartender makes great drinks and will make something unique for you if you ask. Really enjoy this spot any time of year. read more

Awesome seeing a band out front of the bar, but the bar inside smelled like it needed a major dehumidifier and it could have used a few more lights. I'd suggest going there for music, but wouldn't go there just to hang. read more

This past Saturday our son's wedding was at Fitzgerald's, it could not have been more perfect! Josie, the event coordinator was outstanding, from the planning meeting back in March to the night of the wedding, superb service! The caterer was Autre Monde just blocks east of the venue, wonderful service and food, top notch!! Every guest that left while saying their goodbyes said it was the best wedding ever! Thank you Josie, Dan Pancake ( from Autre Monde) all your staff for making their wedding even better than they hoped it could be!! read more

If you're much of music maven and have visited many of the smaller music venues around Chicago then you know what a gem FitzGerald's is. For those uninitiated there is much to know about FitzGerald's. First there is the main room that has decent quality acoustics with a bar and seating and is reminiscent of a road house but there is much more. There is also the side bar that has a smaller performance room attached that is very nice for some of the smaller special shows that come thru town. Bill FitzGerald the proprietor is an innovative guy and has created an additional area between the buildings and tents this whole area off for festivals and the protection of his customers in the winter months. Did I mention the excellent list of draft beers they have on tap? That's right people FitzGerald's is configured like a compound as it actually occupies two or three buildings. In addition to the music stages and bar(s) there is a restaurant off to one side of the main building but it is a separate space from all the others. As I understand it Bill does not operate the restaurant, it is a separate business and I have to say that over the years there have been many different groups operating the restaurant. The current occupants are doing an Italian theme and I thought the food was pretty good So If your looking for a great music venue with much character and lots of out of town acts then FitzGerald's is your place; but what make it even better is having the restaurant so you can go early have a nice dinner with your date and just wander over and catch your music show. read more

Just rolled up on Fitzgeralds thinking that it was apart of Wishbones... Well ordered food and the Wishbone Staff actually brought the food to us inside of Fitzgeralds.. I hate that it cost $10 for my son to go with my BF but it was a spur of the moment. Reely Dan was there doing renditions to Steeley Dan ha ha. They were FANTASTIC!! with those Sistahs as back up singers Definitely something fun to do when you're bored.. I will go back read more

We came here on a Sunday to hear the Chicago Grandstand Big Band. The venue is old and classic. No food. Only drinks and music, and that's what we came for. They allow you to bring in food from local shops which is nice. read more

Awesome place to catch a show, and a surprisingly good beer list. Definitely a gem off the beaten path. The only shows I've seen there have been standing room only (with a few tallboy tables scattered around the perimeter) so don't go and expect to sit at a table every time. My only complaint is that bartenders are split 50/50 on incredibly friendly and attentive, and an attitude of they were doing me a favor by serving me. If some of the latter staff had a better attitude, this is five stars! read more

I've been here once to see a pretty popular surf guitar act and the place was pretty cool. Parking wasn't too bad but from what I here it can be rough sometimes. read more

Good spot to see rockabilly bands...when there is a rockabilly show going on, it's definitely rockabilly central! Swing dancing and PBR flowing read more

First time visitor and impressed. Classic venue with a nice bar and great stage to listen to music. The musicians that perform here are typically very talented. Easy going place with a nice sidebar and patio. read more

Great music, and an all around friendly neighborhood bar. Makes me wish I lived in Berwyn. Hey, did you hear the Latino population in Berwyn has soared from 8% to almost 40% in the last fifteen years! Wow. read more

They have been around for along time and have a great history. We go here several times a year and have seen some really great bands over the years. My personal favorite was "The Knitters". It's a nice small music venue that is general admission with a generous amount of seating. They have the usual domestic beers and a few craft beers. It's a fairly affordable night out. read more

Went here last weekend with some friends to hear some jazz and had a great time. Awesome music, friendly crowd, excellent server, great drinks and free street parking. What more could you ask for? Will definitely be back. read more

I've been going to Fitzgeralds for so long I can't remember. It's a comfortable place to hear great music from Beausoleil to Joe Ely, the Iguanas to Webb Wilder, Big Band, blues, Anna Fermin, Marcia Ball and many, many others. Now with Wishbone Restaurant next door, you can enjoy a full evening. The crowd is cool though (like me) a little older than at many other music venues. There's usually a little room in back to dance. Don't miss the July 4 festival; I still have my tee shirt from 1988. read more

Little bit of a dump but GREAT live music. One of my great memories is dancing to Clifton Chenier here til 4 in the morning, back when he was squeezing the box on this earth. read more

Open mic night in the Sidebar is a lot of fun. Jack is a great host and Dave the bartender will efficiently take care of you. There is a regular crowd here, but they are nice to new comers. The Side Bar has a nice feel and good sound. Enjoyed it! read more

Saw The Blasters here a little while ago and it was a great night. I always loved them since I purchased the soundtrack to From Dusk Till Dawn as my first compact disc when I got my first CD player. ("Dark Night" was the first song they played!) One of the other reasons that I wanted to visit Fitzgerald's was that since I was a kid I've always loved and (still do) the film Adventures In Babysitting. It's a Chicago classic (even though most of it was filmed in Canada) and it was cool, my being a huge movie buff and all, to visit a place with some cinematic history. (Bits of A League Of Their Own and The Color Of Money were filmed there also.) I kept screaming "Nobody leaves here without singing the blues!" as loud as I could but it didn't seem to illicit any response and Elizabeth Shue was nowhere in sight lol but it was a cool place with great visibilty and sound which lends to being able to interact with the performers. You probably won't recognize it from the movies (Hollywood set designers have always done a number on it) but it's a great gem of a joint for some smokin' music and a great time. I avoided their parent chow joint Wishbone mostly because everything on their menu sounded gross but the actual place and the side bar are cool and classy. Drop in even if you don't know the night's performers. read more

What's not to like?? Great music, great venue, the owner has a spectacular attitude and approach.

I really liked this place. Great staff. Great energy. They are clearly a huge part of the community, hosting events, hosting good music, even showing the Cubs series. We will return again and again. read more

For being a square room the acoustics are great. The volume of the bands is never too loud.

I had my husband's 50th birthday at Fitzgeralds! The two rooms, the Sidebar bar and party room were perfect. We had about 50 on a friday night. It was an intimate space with a little rock vibe. We played our own music with a simple ipod plug into their sound system. Josie the party planner was amazing. She took care of everything and had great advice. Very flexible and accommodating. She was there that night and was very helpful. Oscar and Emma, the bartender and waitress were friendly and fabulous. We got food from Capri next door and it was so GOOD! Everyone had a blast. Would highly recommend. read more

Great New Year's Eve party last night. Band was excellent. Service was quick considering the number of people attending