Oh ya...the Kix! We always head here after working all night - it's nice to have someone else serve you a drink! The bartenders are always nice and they have DARTS!!!! read more

Pros: Karaoke Cheap Serves until 4am Plenty of Parking Cons: Karaoke A little trashy Slow service Bathrooms This place reminded me of a bar in a small town in Wisconsin. Inexpensive, full of wood paneling, astroturf-style commercial carpeting, very wide mix of ages/ethnicities/social backgrounds in the crowd. But it was pretty fun and again, cheap. read more

I love Sidekicks, but to give it 5 stars might be misleading. It's definitely a dive and I recommend if it you like Karaoke and dive bars! They have a great selection of songs (among the best I've seen) and the drinks are reasonably priced. The stage is spacious. The food is just ok, and if you're looking for just something to snack on while you sing and drink, it does the trick, but it's pretty basic/nothing special. The crowd is diverse and pretty convivial, at least when I've been there. Overall, I'd say it could use a few updates, which if they did it right, without loosing the charm, it could really be someplace special. read more

The Good: Parking Lot. Karaoke EVERY night. Kitchen is open LATE. Cheapppp drinks. Dart boards galore! The Bad: It gets REALLY stuffy after a while. Entirely carpeted. Talk about sticky-ness. ables aren't cleaned quickly enough or good enough. The Ugly: Bathrooms are beyond gross! Doorman asked for 2 forms of ID from me. Really? Karaoke guy is always RUDE!!! Sidekicks is OK. Not amazing and not bad. I love getting up there and singing and drinking till the wee hours of the morning! It's a stress reliever and always a good time with the girls! But, lately, its been getting a little too much with grabby guys, pushy shot girls and the bathrooms looking like they've never been clean! =[ It's a good spot for a random karaoke night! read more

Burr gives this a 5 out of 5 because Burr likes the old school look, and thinks he might come up on some honeys. Bar is in the back, Burr sits in the front, and from time to time sings or orders wings, Burrrrrr read more

I had my 30th birthday at Sidekicks and it was a blast! My guests were a little apprehensive at first, but everyone ended up having fun. I mean how can anyone not have fun during my "pregnant" rendition of "Like A Virgin"? The crowed cheered each other on, and there were many times during the night when everyone crowded the dance floor. The staff was very accommodating. They let my friends bring in a cake and decorate a section of the bar. I also received a videotape of the performances. I do have one complaint. The KJ did not call out the performers in order. One of my friends waited all night to get up to sing even though we were some of the first people to put in requests. read more

Personally I would compare this kind of bar to that of cheers on tv. Friendly neighborhood atmosphere with that I don't know what that sticky spot is on the floor type ambiance. If your into crappy dive bars then this is a good choice. (personal note I can't believe I just spelled ambiance correctly!) read more

Last night was the first time I've been back since I was 19. Just as divey as I remember it! Cheap shots, fairly cheap beers, wood paneling, low lighting and a walk up window for food. SWEET! The karaoke was not raging, like I thought it would be, but it's cool because there was plenty of country and oldies pumping through the speakers. We were the only idiots dancing. I really wanted to play darts (they have a huge room with a ton of boards devoted to darts) but no one wanted to play with me. Sad. Not exactly the warmest or friendliest people though. Staff or patrons. Not mean or rude, just nothing to give you the warm fuzzies. Also, saw a couple sweet mullets, some big teased hair and some acid washed jeans. Not to mention the underage table. Great diversity, which I always appreciate! read more

This place is ridiculous. If you like karaoke - just try to ignore the outdated wood panelling and the occasional strange crowd and you'll have a blast. I've been here many times with a small group of friends and have always had fun. They have a huge selection of songs, reasonably priced drinks, a kitchen that stays open late, and fairly friendly staff. My only suggestion would be to try it out on a weeknight if you can - weekends are PACKED - i've enjoyed the few times where we've basically brought the crowd on a weeknight - the stage is all yours! read more

Slightly off the beaten path just west of where Elston meets Montrose, Sidekicks is where you'll find classic karaoke action all night long. This isn't a bar that happens to have karaoke a few times a night; rather, the whole point of being there is to butcher your favorite song to a wide variety of revelers. A quick survey of the seating area makes you wonder if the place is a confused pizza parlor, but as soon as somebody mumbles the lyrics to Metallica's 'One,' you stop caring about the wood panels, or spanish style mirrors, and focus on the entertainment. The drinks are reasonable, the staff is generally nice, and their inexpensive bar food goes great with the hefty servings of "nine women on stage screaming the lyrics to 'I will survive.' Good times, my friends...good times. read more

Love sidekicks. Good vibes, good people, good staff. Only thing that sucks is the wait for your song. But place is normally bumping a good atmosphere read more

I ended up choosing Sidekicks, last night, at the last minute. As, I pulled up outside the building my friend moaned. I quickly asked, "What's up? What's wrong with this place?" Her response, "Well, I've been here before not only was it a hillbilly hangout but the place was dead." I thought about it for a second and then told her that I was still interested and if all else fails we can go somewhere else. We enter the place. I was very happy to see a very diverse crowd. Ahhh relief. After getting over our initial jitters, my first pick was "Big Spender"... I needed to try it out someplace other than my shower, we were getting down with the crowd. We even jumped up and line danced with a few ladies during a rendition of "Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy." After 3 hours we called it quits, our comrades praised our performances and we bid them farewell. This place is a diamond in the rough, and yes, we will be back! read more

I am a Fan of the doorman. They are really nice people, friendly, and respectful. esp. Mike. However I am NOT a fan of the owner. I lost my ring in there, and he helped look for it, when I walked outside for a second to look for it there. The owner was waiting by the door. As I walked back into the bar because the ring wasn't outside, the owner was by the door and accused me of having it the whole time! "Duh, If You thought I had it the whole time, why did you help look for it?" My friend had found my ring and had it but the owner was rude and blamed me for stealing my own ring! What? Have another drink there owner! Who steals their own ring. Omg have another drink. Anyway, when I walked in the owner like I said blamed me, and kicked me out, without letting my friend tell him, she found the ring! What a jerk! Before I even lost my ring and dealt with the owner. The owner was at the bar drinking it up. I ordered food from there and the kitchen is the size of a bathroom. The food was so so and warm. Yikes. The place is small and run down. Not really inviting. read more

Sidekicks--the venue and its patrons--have character. Great for a birthday bash, including the pink champagne toast and complimentary video. It can get crowded on weekends starting around 10pm. So if you're there to belt it, get on the play list early, or just try a weeknight. Earlier in the week it's like you have the place to yourself (if you're into that sort of thing). P.S. Don't miss the amazing '80s European videos that accompany most of the songs. Words cannot describe. read more

This was the best day of my life I was so happy to come to this place. I Google this cause I wanted to find a place that has karaoke and fun plus a fun evening for my birthday. Wow! I got all that plus more special thanks to the 2 security guys extra polite and friendly also thank you to the manager or owner mr Chris for making my birthday so special love you guys from the bottom of my heart thank you guys from your boy JJ and company read more

Sidekicks-a place you feel comfortable at. Whether you are country folk, a pop diva, or have a "gangsta" side, you will fit right in at Sidekicks. From cowboy hats to cornrows, you'll find all walks of life at Sidekicks. They have karaoke 7 days a week and their drinks and food are both fairly priced. Did I mention it's a late-night bar? read more

Have been to sidekicks a few times over last 5 years and it gets dirtier, stinkier and less appealing all the time. A tiny investment in cleaning up the place would be good...I get "dive" but "disgusting" is going too far. Staff aren't very responsive, mics are iffy to hear anyone sing and one of the bouncers made a comment to my friend that bordered on threatening sexual assault. Won't be going back. read more

Sidekicks is pretty cool! I went for a girls night out and I have to say we were kind of skeptic. We gave it a chance. The staff is friendly. The food, well we ordered the nachos. Never again. It wasn't bad though. * Drinks are affordable * The karaoke was so awesome. We never did it and let's just say we are coming back with a bigger crowd and soon. Overall, fun & chill place to have a great time. Here I am. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152491349361285&set=vb.615691284&type=2&theater&notif_t=video_processed read more

First time doing karaoke, came w/2 other friends and we LITERALLY had so my fun! The drink prices, oh my goodness gracious! We will be back w/a group hahaha! read more

You know its pretty late and we're pretty drunk when we roll into Sidekicks ready for some karaoke. The karaoke guy (dj I guess?) is a pretty big jerk, but if you can get your song played it is a great time-heck, even if you can't its still an amazingly awesome trainwreck of a time. Everyone gets into it and cheers you on-unless, like my boyfriend once made the mistake of, you start singing a Bob Seger song that nobody in the place knows and then its pretty much just crickets. Standard fried bar food, karaoke every night until 4am, and some really amazing people watching make "kicks" a great late night guilty pleasure. read more

Sidekicks - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The goods: Only bar open very late, karaoke every night of the week, Italian sausage sandwich w/red sauce The bads: cash only, drink prices change throughout the night, food is a hit or miss, you wait forever to sing (due to bad organizing, not big crowd), the kj performs more than he should, the microphones don't always work Off and on for about 10 years, this has been a place we have ended up at when wanting to keep the party going. Other than being late night, there really is no reason to go. read more

Tuesday nights will now be spent at Sidekicks. I'm not sure how it's usually set up, but a few weeks ago I felt like I was on the North Pole. Christmas lights--everywhere. Unreal! Cynthia the chef and Alan the bouncer were a hoot. I got chicken tenders. They were big, greasy, cheap, and amazing. I sang my heart out (it was karaoke night) and the 4 biker chicks and dudes at the bar were very kind when I went slightly off-key in Lil' Kim's "The Jump Off". Lil' Kim was definitely the highlight of the night, but Missy Elliott, Robyn, Madonna, and Alanis Morissette made it a night to remember. Perfect! read more

The place has potential. Too bad it doesn't live up to it. The waitress's are great but the DJ leaves a lot to be desired. The Mic's all have so much duct tape on them that your hands stick to them while you're trying to hold them up. They put tables on the stage that crowd the people trying to perform. A lot of the stools have rips and the sound system could use some upgrading. Or maybe just someone with an ear that knows how to use it. Like I said the place has potential, I keep stopping by in hopes that they wake up. Perhaps if they had a cover charge they could afford new mic's and mic stands. I'd pay the price. They already charge a dollar per song request. some of that could go to maintain equipment. Great location, ample parking, Late weekend hours and friendly staff. Get rid of the fake DJ and they'll be a line to get in at all hours. read more

This place fits the definition of a dive bar. The highlights are the cheap beer and the large amount of steel tip dart boards. The weird part is the fact that every night is karaoke night. Yikes. Yes that's right I said every night. The good part is that if you are playing darts in the back room they actually pump in other music to help drown out the singing. Yes I did say drown out because unfortunately you can still hear some of the voices and wow American Idol judges would have a field day critiquing those singers. They do have a parking lot which is great and they do sell a large variety of dart supplies which is also a plus. The only way I will be back is if I am forced. read more

Can't say enough good things about this place. I recommend it all the time for a good time. Decent priced drinks and good vibes. I come here with friends often to unwind during the week and to have a nice evening on the weekends. read more

Sidekicks is definitely not a fancy place. It's more of a neighborhood bar. Those loud whaling noises you hear... Karaoke, my friend. You think you're just going to watch, you decide to have a couple of drinks while watching, then BAM! You're up there singing your little heart out. The staff is very nice (I'm assuming possibly deaf by now too), the drinks are cheap (pre-made shots are $2 & premium drinks are about $5.50), & the atmosphere is casual and laid back. It's an interesting place for good times with good friends. read more

Came for a birthday party - probably wouldn't have ever stumbled there on my own - had a SUPER great time. The karaoke was a blast - the drink prices great - good amount of space, all that jazz. My ONLY issue was that the Karaoke man totally bit my head off for no reason later in the night. I innocently inquired if a tip would help move my song up the queue and he was really nasty to me - undeservedly. And I know was NOT being one of those annoying people - I used to RUN a karaoke night at a bar I worked at in college, so I know what it's like. Sorry you're having a bad night, dude - don't take it out on me. So maybe just don't ask him that question and you'll love the place even more than I did :) read more

I love, love, love Sidekicks! Have been going there regularly for a few months now (thanks to Yelp), and the place grows on me more and more each time. I sought it out as a better go-to place for 7 nights a week karaoke -- for those weekday fixes -- since the other places I'd been just weren't doing it for me. I've been to Sidekicks on both weekdays and weekends, and it never disappoints. Weekends can be crowded, but that makes for a fun and energetic karaoke audience. During the week there are fewer singers, which means more opportunity to sing and chat it up with the staff and regulars. They're good people. And on Wednesday and Thursday nights there are even props! (Instruments, jug, washboard, cowbell, wigs, pony on a stick, etc). All three of the KJ's love karaoke, and go above and beyond to keep their singers happy. They're likely to be seen there even on nights they're not working. The owner, bouncers, waitresses, cooks, and bartenders all go out of their way to make sure everyone in there is safe and having a fun time. Last but not least, the crowd is a great mix of folks. There are dart league nights as well, played in the big dart room behind the bar. Those who aren't there for the karaoke stay up at the bar and mind their own business. Nothing but love while you're up there. There will be no heckling. There will be cheering. There will be dancing. There may be laughing (with you, not at you). In short, Sidekicks is a great place to get your feet wet if you're a newbie, or to polish and show off your skills if you're a karaoke veteran. read more

Good Ole Sidekicks, I seriously laugh just thinking about being there. I'm not really into the bar scene but I love this place. They have a huge selection of songs to sing and i never feel nervous singing cause the crowd is so diverse and everyone is busy having fun getting lit off cheap drinks. The bartenders and staff are really friendly and know how to handle themselves around all the craziness. I can't believe this place doesn't have a higher rating.... Don't think about going there just do it and you'll have a great time. read more

Not my favorite spot for karaoke or beers for that matter but if you are a big karaoke fan, this place serves a daily dose of it. So if you want to go and practice your skills during the week and get a beer two, check this place out. Their food is typical of bar food a couple of good selections. Karaoke selection is not really up to date but like I said to get a few songs in and practice your singing skills, not bad. Don't try on a Friday or Saturday, usually very large parties come here to celebrate birthdays or reunions, anniversaries or whatever, so you will not get many songs in. read more

HEADS UP AND REALITY CHECK Be cognizant that this place advertises very late night hours yet every night they close down the karaoke hours before they close. My friends and I have stopped in on several occasions and found three middle-aged soused fellas melted onto the bar-rail in that darf bar room to the left when you come in the front door. I have also called before coming by to be told that Karaoke was closed "an hour ago". We have all concluded that despite the OPEN TILL 4AM BILLING, Karaoke here is really from 10pm until 11:30pm or something like that. (Sarcastic Aside: The karaoke may have ended long before but like a religion, the door guard, always a handsome dark haired guy from some local gym, sits to guard what we don't know. He really appears more to be a Adult Day Care Room Monitor for the inebriated in the next room. Maybe after we leave the station wagons with the mums will be pooling by the front door. ) read more

I have been to quite a few different karaoke places in different states and this was one of the worst, first it clearly states in their book that " you can't have your name in more then 2 times per rotation, the dj does not play favorites" well I sat there for 2 hrs or so watching the same people go up over and over some more then 5 times, my husband sang once in the 3 or mores hours we were there, and the place was not that busy that they had that big of o rotation, the dj needs to read the rules he has in his book the food is cheap, but u get what u pay for and I bet I waited at least 45 minutes for my food Extremely disappointing!!! I will not recommend or go back!!! read more

As a Sidekicks vet, I can safely say it's one of the best bars to just go hang out at. They have karoake 24/7 in the main bar area. If that is getting to you, go sit at the bar which is separated by a partition or go to the dart room for some serious competition. I simply love this place. All the bartenders and staff are absolutly fantastic!! The owner gives you a bottle of champagne on your B-day and the food is better than average for a bar...more than enough TVs for the sports fan and the prime reason Sidekicks is awesome.....THEY ARE OPEN UNTIL 4AM EVERYDAY/5AM on SATURDAYS!!!! Yes, if you go here on a Tues or any weekeday, it's usually pretty quiet. But, the minute the clock strikes 2:01am, the place is packed with all kinds of people. I've had so many great times here, i can't even get into it. Join the Sidekicks cult...we'd love to have you!!!!! 1 star taken off for the price of beer. $3.75 for an Old Style is a bit much. read more

Great dive. I don't get out much these days, but we always have a good time when we come in. Karaoke​ every night​ of the week. Decent beer on​ tap, with clean lines. Great people watching. What more do you want?... Not the place for you if you want trendy $10-15 cocktails. read more

What a fun place. There are some great singers from all over the city who come to entertain the crowds. But mostly it's a hugely diverse crowd of students, birthdays, office mates and bachelorette parties just having a good time. On any given night you'll hear Indy Rock, Oldies Classics, Reggaeton, Country, Hip Hop and even The Chipmunks "Christmas Don't Come Late" The song selection is the largest in Chicago. If they don't have the song you're looking for, chances are you've got the name wrong! The food is great, served to your table piping hot. My favorite is the spicy Buffalo wings, served with blue cheese and crisp celery, of course! The mini-tacos come with salsa and cheese dippers and the French Dip bread was fresh, crisp and chewy while the beef was lean with savory au jus! read more

I'll admit I was somewhat wasted when I went into Sidekicks Saturday Oct 9. Liked the DJ, sound system not very good. There was a party so it was a bustling scene. I was there for a good time. The bartender was this short guy with glasses and a beard attempt. Ordered a drink and put down what I thought was a twenty. Got change for a five. Being somewhat out of it and knowing a confrontation would have been the end of the night for me, I didn't challenge it. After doing my song and leaving, I checked my wallet and it was short. I also recall after the fact that the bartender had specifically said, "Here's change for a 5" rather than just "here's your change". So it wasn't a mistake but an obvious con. read more

This place was absolutely terrifying. I was there this past Saturday and they had a man standing outside the bathrooms wearing a shirt that said police. Every time a guy went into the restroom, he would wait a few seconds and then follow them in. When my friend came back to our table and told us about his experience, the "officer" came over and threatened to kick him out very aggressively...simply because my friend relayed the "officers" behavior and creepiness. Later in the evening when I had to enter the restroom (hesitantly at this point) another gentleman came in as well and went into the bathroom stall but kept the door open ... instantly the "officer" bolted in and demanded the other man empty his pockets and harassed him. I quickly ran out and my group and I left the bar immediately. While this was my first time at this bar, I have a feeling this is not a one time thing. I'm not posting this to tarnish the bar...I'm posting this so they remove that "officer" and stop allowing such behavior to continue. People should know about this and the bar should respond by doing the right thing. read more

Pre-lube Yelp summerfest. It was so bland that I blocked it out of my mind. What can I say that hasn't already been said....except the waitress who was clearly caucasian had a shirt on that said 'Chocolate Slut.' Two lovely ladies in our parties exclaimed how awesome it would be if they had that same shirt for different reasons. Those ladies know who they are. That waitresses shirt was by far the best thing about this place. read more

The bouncer demanded that I break Chicago law by trying to force me to use a bathroom that doesn't match the gender marker on my driver's license. I showed him said license and he said, "I don't care". The staff is incredibly disrespectful and this business deserves nobody's patronage. read more

We visited Sidekicks tonight after celebrating our friend's 40th Birthday at Old Irving Brewery. When I noticed my husband wasn't at the bar with us I texted and subsequently called him. I found out the bouncers at the front hassled him because he looked "different" and wouldn't allow him in. My husband has a genetic eye condition and has a prosthetic right eye and they gave him such a hard time he had to remove his prosthetic eye to gain entry. Even after that they threatened him and said they'd only serve him water. We left shortly after that and I refuse to ever spend a dollar in such an establishment. read more