We came here to the 9:30 show to see James Austin Johnson. I can't believe I haven't been to this theater before. I've walked by so many times through the years. It's so much nicer than I imagined. The lounge is beautiful. Lots of seating. 2 bars for drinks. We were in the main stage & all of seats are fantastic. We had middle back & it was perfect. You can order online & the attentive staff delivers. There were 3 opening comedians. All were so funny. James was so great. I love that we were at the last show of his Chicago gig. I felt like he was so relaxed & hilarious. I can't wait to come back here. read more

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The Den Theatre hosted what could have been the worst performance I have ever seen, The Peep Show. I left at intermission and only want to warn others. The best entertainer was the magician but yet the burlesque dancers made me and others disappear. They were unapologetically lethargic and not enthusiastic. Nothing sexy or entertaining... The Den is a staple of Milwaukee Avenue but this show was a complete miss. Go see a movie instead of seeing this show. It will be better entertainment for your hard earned dollars. read more

Great place to see stand up comedy. I drove or walked by this place for years and it always looked uninviting because the outside looked so dark. I was very surprised to see the interior when I went to see James Austin Johnson. The venue is beautiful inside. There was not a bad seat in the venue. The main floor has cocktail tables and seating while the perimeter seating is banquet style cushioned seats with wooden armrests. Perimeter chairs are elevated and tiered so there are great views for all. They make it super easy to order drinks and snacks from your phone. Pay right from your phone and the order is brought right to your seat. read more

The Den Theatre - View of main stage from perimeter seating - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went to see the Native Garden play on a Sunday matinee. Nice interior, clean and I love the labyrinthine layout upstairs. Lots of seating places to hangout before and after a show. There is a bar downstairs as well as on the 2nd floor. read more

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We saw two shows at the Den Theater in Chicago over the weekend. It is a small venue, but very stylish. The bathrooms are pretty clean (even at a late show). The seats are comfortable. It is an intimate venue. The drink service is great. The drinks are good. I had a "Dirty Shirley" which is a Shirley Temple made with vodka. The standout is the service though. The box office staff is amazing. I am not going to share how they saved my bacon one evening, but it totally blew me away. The security folks are nice and helpful and the servers are wonderful. If there is a show you are interested in, go see it if it is at the Den! read more

The Den Theatre - The Den Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was at The Den Theatre for the first time for the #ChicagoTheatreWeek kick off party where I got to sample new to me food and cookies, sip on a complementary Shirley Temple, take a commemorative photo, and see a sneak preview of 4 shows and hear about the impact of the theater. The venue was nice, although parking at 5:30p even on a Tuesday was hard to find. I did a SpotHero spot a good 7-8 minute walk away. I felt safe walking, for there were a lot of people walking to the variety of businesses in the area. The eclectic mix of chairs in the mainstage area were comfortable and my party of 2 shared a table with another party of 2 without feeling overcrowded. The acoustics were good and I suspect no matter where I was sitting, I would be able to enjoy the show. I did not use the restroom. The bartenders were nice when making my Shirley Temple. They didn't just have plain cherry grenadine, they had pomegranate cherry! (...I didn't taste the difference, though). It looks like a lot of famous comedians and entertainer come through the Den based on their walls and it looks like I just missed America's Got Talent favorite Darci Lynne by a day. I would definitely consider seeing another show at this venue! read more

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I came on a Sunday evening to enjoy the jazz room tribute to soul. There is meter parking in the area, but get there early to find parking. This area is very popular with businesses, restaurants and other entertainment. Sometimes parking is hard to find.. Nice intimate setting, good view of the stage no matter where your seating ad comfortable seats. It was required to purchase a 2 minimum drink purchase while enjoying the show. I guess they didn't press the issue, since the show started a little late. The Tribute to Soul was amazing. I had a wonderful time surrounded by good music and positive vibes. The staff was helpful, polite and assisted everyone to their seats in a nice fashionable manner. The Den Comedy Venue is added to my list of places for a night out to come and enjoy a comedy show or some Good Ole entertainment grown up style read more

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Love this local venue and the great acts it brings to Chicago for viewing at in an intimate setting. The interior is old school glam and pretty and the people so nice and friendly... after the show I recommend hitting one of the Korean BBQs or the interesting Chinese place across the street on these warm summer nights. read more

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One of my favorite theaters in the city. Everyone you want to see is here, the space is gorgeous, and it's close to mass transit and great food spots or bars for before and after. Love love love read more

This theater was great for a comedy show! Loved the vibe of the place and the staff were super nice. Didn't get any drinks, but I'm sure they're Chicago prices. read more

The Den Theatre - Comedy show - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Step into the Den Theatre and you can enjoy a variety of live performances. You can see stand up comics, music and eclectic theatre performances here. Although I have only been in 2 of the 7 performing venues, it has been a wonderful experience every time. Have a drink and a snack before or after your preformance to extend your evening out. All of their spaces are available for rental, think meetings, receptions, etc. Be warned! It's in Wicker Park and only street parking (if you can find it) is available. read more

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We'd been to the Heath Main Stage Theater at the Den Theatre a few times before we realized that there are actually 7 different performance venues. It's actually a multi-level. Live entertainment performance venue that offers plays, stand up comedy, music and more. When you walk in, you are greeted by the elegantly decorated lobby and bar area where you can relax either before or after your performance. If you want to experience live entertainment with local stars to national names the dentator is for you! read more

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I think my biggest issue with this place is you are forced to buy two "items" after paying heavy VIP ticket prices When you don't drink - you buy soft drinks. They fill the glass with ice and one shot of sprite and charge you four bucks. The menu says 4 bucks a can. They actually charge you four bucks for a shot over ice. Worst value in the city - ever. I know I am old an dI expect a lot - but when I order a soft drink - I expect to be able to drink it. Also just about everyone on the waitstaff thinks they are better than you because they wear all black and display pracitced grimaces. I have never felt more uncomfortable in a space in my life. I won't be recommending or returning. Great show - crap venue. read more

I love this theatre. I have been here about 20 times now. It's easy to get to. A cosy room where comics do well. And they bring in lots of great Irish talent. The staff are so helpful and friendly. There are lots of spots nearby to grab dinner before the show. read more

The Den Theatre is a quaint theatre, and I saw Joe Dombrowski for the first time there. The lobby area has a bar with some seating. The drinks were reasonably priced. They say there's a 2 drink minimum but there's really no way they are monitoring this so don't stress. Within the theatre you order via a QR code (kind of annoying, but whatever). I really enjoyed the lay out but the reason it can't be five stars is that there are seats they call "box" seats and are not box seats and some have an obstructed view. Tip: Do not buy seats other than general seats. The show was great and staff was friendly so not a bad experience but how they sell tickets is slightly shady. read more

The Den Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Saw Irene Wu there and the place can't be beat. Small revenue which is excellent!!! Highly recommend. W

Went to see Nataly Aukar and really loved my experience there. It's a well maintained property and the decor created an amazing intimate atmosphere. Staff is very kind but the entrance/ticket check in process was messy and a little bit frantic.. Might just be part of the vibe! Very prompt and convenient drink orders during the show - a much appreciated service. Will definitely come back as it seems they host some amazing artists. read more

First time visiting the den theater and cannot wait to go back! We came for the Lucy Darling show and everything was perfect. Bartenders at the front bar were a little snobby but didn't let that ruin our experience. Drinks were good and the people helping find seats were very helpful! read more

Seen some great comedy at this place in the last year or so. Love the layout and the revamped bar space is super nice.

Great place!!! Loved the show! Theater was nice size, clean, staff were great as well. read more

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FYI - This is just going to be a review of the bar! So my friends and I decided to get drinks while waiting for food at another place so we decided to go to the Den Theatre's bar to grab a quick drink and was happy with the amazing service and drinks! They sold snacks as well (like chips and fresh popcorn) For drinks we got mango masala spritz and the bartender made me a virgin margarita with pineapple juice and and hibiscus! It was so refreshing and sweet! We loved the atmosphere! read more

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Beautiful place! Very intimate settings. The staff is helpful and amazing! We came here for Dragos show and were very impressed with the venue. read more

Overall very cool place. Seen a few good shows. However, I went to a show advertised as being horror, and NOWHERE is the description does it suggest: 1 Domestic Violence 2 Suicide 3 Loss of *multiple* children including a baby 4 Gun Violence / a School Shooting 5 Alcoholism It says people under 16 are allowed a parent / guardian to come but DONT. THIS IS NOT FOR KIDS. Also, they say "dont touch the actors and they wont touch you" but I personally was touched multiple times, sometimes specifically on purpose like a woman tapping my knee with her hand for no apparent reason. They also had a string of caution tape that cut across our row and got basically everyone at the neck and we had to duck under it. I feel bad for the performers because what are you supposed to do? The writing in general was just poor too. I love the den but jesus christ they need to have better descriptions and TWs. We ended up leaving early. Its called "Cornered" for anyone wondering. Look at the description and come back to compare PLEASE. The comedy shows are good but DO NOT GO TO THIS ONE. read more

The Den Theatre - The *horrible* description for the show - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cute little comic den. Drink service a little slow but seemed they are under staffed. I'd comeback for sure read more

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Staff 5 stars Entertainment 5 stars Venue 3 stars Value 3.5 stars Restrooms 5 stars VENUE: Number one complaint: This place is not ADA accessible. And seating is not fat-friendly. Number one shout out: Katherine at the box office is great! She did her best to accommodate my needs and was super friendly and helpful. It isn't her fault the venue is old and non-compliant. Also very cool: Gender neutral bathrooms where all genders are welcome. It's a bit of a shock at first but really liberating and inclusive. SHOW I went to see Comedy Sports and it was very funny and engaging. I loved the referee, the MC, the musician and the teams. One guy really reminded me of a young Bob Odenkirk. Everyone was very quick-witted and talented. I love their inclusive, non-demeaning take on things. Funny doesn't have to put people down! Only complaint would be that they allowed children into the show. Yes it's rated E for everyone, but...I don't go out on a Friday night to be coughed on by children :( Next time I will go to the later show in hopes of all the kiddos being in bed. read more

We've ben to Thw Den twice now, and have had nothing but great experiences. We have been lucky enough to score tickets for both Neal Brennan and Ron Funches. The theatre is very nice, with a cool ascetic. The staff is welcoming, friendly, and helpful. The seats are comfortable, though there are a couple spots that may have a partially obstructed view due to I beams. But I believe this is notated on the seating chart upon purchasing tickets. They have a small variety of snacks, that aren't priced too high considering this place has a higher end feel. They also have nice selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. We will definitely be back! read more

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Spicy | Engaging | Exclusive | Snacks -Spicy: Their storylines are not afraid to tackle tough topics. The Total Bent did not disappoint in highlighting disparities between blacks and whites in the civil rights area, struggles in the music industry and intra-black conflicts (family and religious). - Engaging: The actors consistently made eye contact, made vivid facial expressions, and interact physically with the audience -- for example passing out "communion" to the audience. - Exclusive: The theatre is small. The capacity is 60 people. This makes for a unique experience because every seat is amazing and you feel like you are in a private viewing. But, unlike most "private viewings" the price point is very accessible. - Snacks: The theatre has a cafe attached to it where you can get amazing homemade snacks (cookies, rice Krispy treats, etc.) and gourmet coffee options. You can bring these snacks to the theatre which makes it a place you have to stop before entering the theatre. Pro tip: You can purchase Alcohol at the cafe, so you should go 30 minutes before show time because you will be able to hear the band/musicians warm up as well as enjoy a nice cocktail/beverage. Pro Tip: Discounted tickets found on "today tix" app. read more

The Den Theatre - Red Carpet Photo in the theatre lobby - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is a very cool venue. From the outside it looks like you are walking into a store front, but once you cross the threshold, you walk into a cool Bohemian waiting area with plush velvet chairs around little tables. We went to The Den to see Haymarket by the Underscore Theater. The theater that the production was in was very intimate, with seating on three sides of the main stage. You enter the theater through a door in the Haven Lounge, a restaurant/bar and coffee shop. You can take drinks and food in from the Haven into the performance. The seating is tight in terms of the space between rows. You have to either stand or walk to the end of the row to let people pass. That aside, the production was first rate. The Den did a great job staging this production of Haymarket in terms of the lighting, sound and props. And the Underscore Theater did an amazing job of not only presenting this slice of Chicago history, but they did it with great music and lyrics. I am not prone to getting all cry face at most performances, but this one made me tear up at the end. The Underscore Theatre Company's "Haymarket," is a musical that tells the story of one of the bloodiest days in the history of Chicago dealing with labor issues, with bombs and guns ablazing. The book, music and lyrics are by Alex Higgin-Houser and David Kornfeld and they hit this out of the ballpark. The music is very folksy and bluegrass-style, with the exception of one number that covers the trial proceedings...it is very much a circus and it is done very well. It brought to mind the scenes from Chicago for Razzle Dazzle or We Both Reached for the Gun. The cast was stellar and multi-versatile, not only singing and telling their stories, but playing their own instruments as well. I am definitely recommending that you go and see this production before it leaves. It will be playing until July 22nd and runs about 2 hours, 15 minutes. Tickets are $30-$35, but $15 for students. If you don't know the story about Haymarket and live in Chicago, then get thee to The Den Theater to see The Underscore Theatre Company's "Haymarket" and hear some great music and see some great performances. read more

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Great show. Theater is so cute. Wish the table was better shown online as I thought we were closer to stage with less obstruction in front of us. read more

Love the rugged, antique layout of the Den theater. Every employee had a sunny disposition. The drinks hit the spot but there wasn't enough food options. Popcorn isn't enough so don't come hungry. Also parking is atrocious as is expected in Chicago. read more

I was soo happy I found this gem; have been living in wicker park for years now and always walked by hoping to go one day. The venue is a nice intimate space and there is a bar you can get drinks at prior to the show. Happy hour 5-7pm; we were able to get two cocktails for $16 (a steal!!). Recommend going a little early as seats are first come first serve and parking can be difficult read more

Incredibly horrible experience don't plan coming here if you live more than 15 minutes away. They do not care if you arrived late. Worst birthday experience ever. They gave away my tickets to someone else... some sketchy shit going on here! read more

No bad seat in the house. That's what I like about small venues. I came to watch La Havana Madrid. Make no mistake, even though this is musical, the issues they tackle are pretty serious. You may not agree with their point of view but these are true stories that forces you to confront immigration in this country. La Havana Madrid tackles uncomfortable conversations but in doing so it makes you think about immigration policy or lack of it. read more

They gave away my fiancé's birthday present to see Tom Segura because we were 15 min late.. Incredibly unprofessional and rude & we were very disappointed. That policy was not made clear when we bought the tickets. read more

Best place to see big names in comedy in an intimate venue. The ambience of a cozy den together with a great bar and several theatres producing their own shows in this building makes it a great place to see a different show every week. read more

Love, love this venue! Had never been to The Den & was a little hesitant due to some of the comments on Yelp. However, our experience this last weekend was great & we were pleasantly surprised. Attended a comedy show in the Heath MainStage on the first floor. Started with a drink from the beautiful bar and got in line for entry to the show. Both the line for drinks and entry to the theater moved fast. Plenty of helpful staff to keep things moving & show you to your seats. The theater itself is charming and well laid out. We were at a table in the front of the state and although some reviews said spacing was tight, our group of seven 50+ year olds we were quite comfortable in nice chairs. Couple of final notes: 1) The 2 drink minimum for our show was no problem. We were able to bring in the drink we bought at he bar on our way into the theater & that counted as 1drink. Before the show starts, staff comes around for another drink order (soft drinks, juice count too). About mid show, that 2nd drink is delivered, no worries. 2) Parking is indeed tight in the area but there are plenty of metered spaced & reasonable SpotHero, etc. spaces within walking distance. But BEWARE, we had a great reserved ParkWhiz space off the alley at 1200 N Ashland. It was tricky to navigate because it is tight & close to SpotHero spaces. When we returned after the show, there was a tow truck coming and literally had a car close to ours (in a SpotHero space) hooked up and towed before we even left our spot. 4) Lots of small casual dining places within 2 blocks of The Den. We ate at The Standard Bar & Grill & even though it was a wild night for College basketball playoffs, the food was great & the staff was wonderful. Could not have been more convenient to finish our meal and cross the street for our show. Enjoy! read more

The Den Theater leadership always takes the time to develop young talent and allow these artists to display their talents. I have never been disappointed with the important shows that have taken place at the Den It has a great location with may amazing places to eat/drink before or after the shows. read more

A storefront theatre on steroids, The Den is a very cool performance space. Three (3!) bars and multiple stages on two floors. (There are currently at least two stages and I think they are building more.) The furnishings are all vintage eclectic and its like hanging out in a bohemian salon. We saw At the Table last night in an intimate, theater on the second floor. It was configured in a "theater in the round" setting with seats on three sides of the performance space (no stage, as the seats are higher). We arrived early to take advantage of one of the bars, and my noble bourbon boozers will love it. Knob Creek Rye for your manhattans, and a value bourbon, too. They do have a manual elevator in the back if you require assistance in getting up to the second floor, and the staff was very friendly about meeting those needs. read more

This was my first time at The Den Theater, was there to see Trae Crowder who was absolutely hilarious. This was the smallest venue I've ever been to. I had VIP seating, seating was a little compact. I really liked the theater, great staff, nice decor, nice seating, very clean, nice bar, very good drinks and one extra perk they had was ordering drinks through their app and having them delivered to your seat. The snacks however were pretty expensive. They should have more snack options and lower the prices. It's located in an area where there are a variety of restaurants to eat at. Looks like street parking would be an issue, however I took a Lyft. read more

My friend and I visited The Den Theatre yesterday to see "Private Dicks: The Musical." I purchased a Groupon for this show. It stated to arrive an hour before to pick up tickets but since The House opens 10 minutes before the show, you can get the tickets 15-20 minutes before curtain. No line at the Box Office was nice and the attendant was friendly and welcoming. The theatre itself was fine, seating was comfortable. "Private Dicks: The Musical" was an improvised show with five actors. I love noir and musicals and the fact that it was improv made it more interesting (improvisin' takes work!). The band that was also improvising music was excellent and the actors were pretty good as well. When I checked the Groupon it said it was sold out but when we went to the show, I'd say at least 75% of the theatre seats were empty. After watching the show, I'm glad I purchased the Groupon because the show was good but considering the length and type, I wouldn't have been happy with spending more than I did. I'd be interested in seeing other shows at this theatre if the ticket prices were close to the Groupon price. I'll have a separate review for Haven Lounge which is the bar attached to the theatre. read more