This place has a nice neighborhood feel to it, but the music is pretty tame. If you're into pseudo-acoustic classic-esque rock, then this place may be for you. Granted, I like to wind down at the end of the week, but The Empty Bottle is too slow even for my tastes- and It's cash only. *The cover is always only $3 on Sundays; the bands not always local. The Hoyle Brothers, a country/bluegrass group, play pretty much every Friday for free (early, 6 pm.ish). No direct train access, but the Western bus runs 24 hours. read more

Went to Empty Bottle to check out the art sale they had going on by local merchants Sunday afternoon. It was very cool and they had a nice selection . Had a Shiner Bock and made a couple of purchases. Nice to support the artists. Can't wait to go back to see some bands again. Great place. I'm a little biased because it's walking distance from home. read more

The Empty Bottle - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

To enhance your Empty Bottle experience, I highly recommend my personal m.o. for getting off: going on an off night and seeing an off band and standing in an off corner while drinking an off brand of liquor. Once every few months, if good luck rubs off on you, you'll hit the jackpot and maybe an actor in exile who is off the clock and on the make will buy you a beer, tell you that you are exotic, and make you laugh. That's the worst that could happen... read more

Pretty boss place to jam rad jams. The decor is pretty awesome. Its classy clutter. There's loads of little shxt to look at, but it doesn't feel cramped. The prices are pretty good for Chicago bars. I'm not used to paying as much as I did, but that's only because I live where there's only hick bars and beer is like 50 cents. They have loads of eclectic beer choices and not so much of your average pub fare, which is sort of a blessing and a curse. Forces you out of your routine, I suppose. Place has pretty exceptional acoustics for the types of bands that come through there. We went to the Brain Idea/Craft Spells/Beach Fossils show and it sounded incredible...I may have been a little drunk, but I didn't notice any weird sound issues. Everything everyone said about it being a hipster bar is true...but so what? At least hipsters are interesting, have shxt to talk about and aren't in predator, date rape mode. The old photobooth is cool. If I lived in Chicago, I could see going there pretty regularly. Good bands, good people, good atmosphere. Place rules. read more

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Fucking nasty drinks and they kicked us out for no reasons. Other people were getting riled up and they drag us out for no reason. I'm pissed. Never fucking going back again. read more

The Empty Bottle - They scratched the shit out of us dragging us out. I think they had knives on them??? - Dive Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

You don't like The Bottle and you're no kind of person in my book. Shitty band? Who cares, it was probably a free show. Who cares, go shoot pool. Who cares, go play Ms. Pac Man. Who cares, the Tamale Guy is here. Who cares, you're shitfaced. Good band? Awesome. It was probably a free show. Awesome. And you got to shoot pool. Awesome. And you got a handjob in the photobooth. Awesome. They're probably staying at your house later. Awesome. You're shitfaced. I have passed out on the couch here, the entire time drifting into unconsciousness going "Am I on a couch? That's lovely." I have been rescued from the brink of alcohol poisoning by luscious, lava-hot tamales with multiple salsas. I have gotten into fistfights here, only to end up trading shots of whiskey with my attacker and discussing Flameshovel Records. I have gotten into handjobs in the photo booth. I have seen more bands at the Empty Bottle than I can count and I can count really high. (Honest. Like, in the thousands and stuff.) If you're having a bad time here you are doing something exceedingly wrong and you should knock it off. If you're grinning like an idiot and holding your overflowing beer in the air and kind of shouting incoherently and your mouth is all pulled up at the corners in what the old folks call a "shiteating grin" you should glance around for a minute. I'm probably standing right next to you. read more

You can have all the bottle service and sparkler bars you want, just means more Empty Bottle for me. I don't need much to make me happy. Beyond the bar necessities (food, water, shelter), if you give me a dive bar, live music, and maybe a free bus ride from Penn Station to the Maury Povich show, that's about all I need to live a fruitful life. At least 2 of the 3 basal elements of eternal happiness reside here in Ukrainian Village. I know they host amazing live shows with up and coming artists on the regular, but during my recent trip, a bunch of 12 years olds were covering Fleetwood Mac songs. An odd mix of tiny children and their proud grandparents, but a fun time nonetheless. Rockin' an above average bloody mark while rubbing elbows with both 8 and 80 year olds on a Saturday afternoon is what makes life worth living. Make sure you don't leave without scoring some Empty Bottle merch. They've got some rad keepsakes. read more

Food: small menu. excellent atmosphere. preemo (i'm a neologist) service. clever menu holder (an old play or book) crafty seating and old diner feel to boot. boot it down to the bar/rock'n'roll club and you're in for an evening. Club: the type of bar turned venue that artists like Jonathan Richman would be super-duper ex-site-ed to play @. read more

Everyone in Chicago knows The Empty Bottle. Maybe they aren't into local or independent music enough to catch a show here, but they have at least heard of the place. The sound is great and the list of past bands to pass through here is kind of ridiculous. So I am writing this to those tourists looking to catch a great show in the awesome venue-filled city I call home. 1) There is a burger place across the street called Lockdown. It's good. 2) The Empty Bottle is cash only. ATM inside. Bar prices are totally reasonable 3) There are some great local breweries featured... check them out! 4) It is hard to have a bad view, whether you are early or late to the show 5) Not accessible by eL train, but transfer to a bus ($0) and you'll get dropped off practically at the door. If you are driving, parking isn't too hard to find. 6) Wear closed-toe shoes ladies. We're a rowdy bunch. read more

I forgot how much I love Empty Bottle. It's amazing if you like live music. The acoustics are incredible and the bands they bring in are some of the best that you've probably never heard of. You won't see a minute of the mainstream stuff, and you'll almost always leave humming a tune from a totally new act you never knew existed. If you like seeing bands before they're big you'll totally dig it. The layout of the venue is sick with a stage that peers diagonally towards a set of steps that turns into some pseudo-bleachers. The bar is cash only, but cheap none-the-less with a beer special or two almost always offered. There's usually a cover, but it's definitely reasonable considering the quality of music talent. Other than that it's just awesome...Go check it out, and see for yourself. read more

We're pretty fortunate to have such an awesome venue in our city. PROS * It's an intimate setting. * They don't sell tickets through Ticketmaster * In as many years as I've been seeing bands here, I've never paid more than $18 to see a band. * It's never all-ages. * Drinks are cheap. * It's next door to Bite. * If you drive, parking is easy to find. * You no longer smell like an ash-tray when you leave. * Sound is pretty damn good. * Bartenders are nice. * The women's bathroom is lit enough that you can kinda see the toilet when you pee. * They have a monthly indoor Farmers Market. CONS * The crowd talks through a lot of openers and even some headliners. * They run out of toilet paper fast. * A whole lot of annoying frat boy douche bags have been stumbling in here lately. Usually they hang out in the back. Be careful not to get a fist pump to the side of the head. read more

If it wasn't for it's location I would be here all the time but then again maybe it's appeal and coolness comes from it being out of the way. Most people that come here for the first time (and reviewers) are always going to say that 1. the sound rocks 2. drinks are cheap. Well these people are CORRECT!!! The layout is a little unique, whoever designed it must have been a master in sound and aerodynamics. The entrance is this fairly large room with a pool table, couch and a photo booth (I know how you yelpers like your photo booths, just a tip it only works sometimes), if the crowd is too heavy you can always hang here and still hear the music perfectly. The bartenders are quick and drinks are cheap, you can't beat a combo like that. I don't know who gets the bands in here but he/she should be given there own review with five stars, killer bands from Athlete to Handsome Furs. All at a decent ticket price, I don't know how they do it. read more

Disclaimer: If involved in the Chicago music scene, you most likely already know about the Empty Bottle. No need to read this review except if your looking for some humor. If you're not involved in the Chicago music scene read on my friends. Came here one night to see a band and sling back some brews. What I gained from the experience was a good buzz a new appreciation of the Chicago Indie music scene. I felt like the normal Martha was now under cover and going by the alias of Deck Martha. In case you don't know what deck is please refer to http://www.hipsterhandbook.com/glossary.html. I have to do this: Came here one night to bust a mobey and drink a bronson with a cronkite after we heard a clothesline about a band. We saw a lot of jerry's and drank a jug (or two!) and had some shots. We saw a lot of chipper's, frado's and shitter's and eventually paid some kale and headed to our next fin party. With all that being said, I need to state the facts. Cheap drinks (bring cash), reasonable ticket prices, great bartenders, fabulous wall decor and good people. Overall it was a great experience! I can't wait to head back and experience a rock show. Who knows what my new nickname will be?! read more

Oh Radley, I'm going to miss you. I guess the only things that will keep me coming back now are the great shows, and incredible drink prices and unpretentious staff. Darn it, you were so handsome and sweet! I hope you haunt this block good, too. read more

Great sound. Great sightlines. What more do you want in a venue? I've seen some of my favorite shows ever here -- Dismemberment Plan, Frightened Rabbit, Arcade Fire, Promise Ring, Modest Mouse and a thousand others I'm forgetting. Probably because of the cheap drinks. All hail the cheap drinks. And that weirdo layout? I love it. For me, it's all about the side room. I can never not see, which is something I couldn't say about my previous Chicago favorite, Lounge Ax. And I appreciate that they don't pack 'em in like they could. Even the sold-out shows aren't unbearable like they are elsewhere. I'm looking at you, Metro. I agree with Andrea L. and the "phantom pepperoni" smells. But in Chicago, I smell phantom pepperoni at the club, at the movies, at the park. It's a sausage fest, this town. I haven't been back since the remodel. Here's hoping it's not *too* clean. This girl digs a down & dirty bar for her indie rock needs. read more

I have seen a few concerts here and I like this place. Best reason, Cheap tickets !!! I have not paid more than $15 for a concert here. I just saw Occidental Brothers Dance Band International for $10. Small room, looks like a basement, where ever you stand you have a great view of the performers. Nice bartenders, decent bar, great drinks and pretty cheap. So why 4 stars ? The bathrooms !!!!! I heard there was no paper towel in the men's room and it was pretty dirty. The ladies room was probably clean, but looked dirty. The mirror was covered with stickers and I couldn't use it to fix my contacts. This also stopped me from having more drinks. So Empty Bottle if you are listening, please fix those bathrooms ! Just fyi No credit cards, so bring cash read more

I don't know guys and gals. I keep putting the whole experience on repeat. A great mixtape that has no markings. No masking tape or labels. I went early. I figured I needed a drink as a buffer for any ackward circumstances. Though (I admit), I did try to look my best. Doors were locked so I headed to the cafe right next door. Grabbed a two-person table sans second person. Struck up a convo with the waiter who recommended I sneak over to the bar for a drink. Was it that obvious? I walked through that ackward passage and into a black chapel. Grungy and wreaking something of a lowkey CBGB's. Or so I thought. I loved it. The band Frightened Rabbit (my preacher for the night) just happened to be hanging out by the bar. I looked back over at the stage and the empty venue. Like a quiet church. Not a sound. Looked down the bar at the 10 or so people surrounding me and thought, "I'm knee deep in this." Ordered a Guinness. Got a Beamish. $4.50. Not bad. Said hi to the guys and trotted my way back to the soup that awaited me. Back at the Bite, some dude had taken my table. I was rerouted to a four-topper. 3 empty chairs makes one feel like a loser. It was at least 20-30 minutes before I actually got my soup. I didn't care. The staff was really sweet. I snarfed the alphabets down because they had several parties waiting on a table. As I got up to pay, they said, "Don't worry about it. Have a great night." I still left it and a tip under my bowl. Onto the Bottle. The venue reminded me of the Showbox or the Crocodile. An intimate place where everyone who's anyone should see a show. The way live music is meant to be heard. Cool coat hooks, sloppy decor and the patchwork of concert flyers gives this place soul. That and they bring in great music. You could pass all this off as cliché. But try not to with this place. Perhaps I was drunk off the whole experience, the band and the moments in-between. It often works that way. No matter. The bartenders were attentive. The clientele just as cool as the 60 year-old couple I rubbed elbows with for a bit and who asked me, "So is this band any good? We think we should stay for them." I said, "Yeah. You should stay." They said, "Where's your date?" Taking a step back, I had to smile. So go. Have that experience or something close to it. Make it good. Hear the music. Be a snowflake in the crowd. Feel ackward. Find the courage to just say something. Share coat hooks. Meet new people. Thanks Empty. No way "I'm forgetting this." read more

Had the opportunity to come here to see a fantastic Canadian band with which I've recently become enamored (thanks, music snob boyfriend!) It was everything I dreamed it would be: Loud. Boisterous. Full of flannel and ironic tattoos (hi, banana tattoo on the back of the arm). They do sell earplugs for $1 with the eversowitty remark: "You're not old, it's just loud in here." Indeed it was. Next time I'd probably suit up my ear drums...lesson learned. WHAAAAA? Oh yeah, the music was pretty bitchin' too. Couldn't hear you, having ringing ears and all. (Kidding. Sort of.) So, yea, I did have an embarrassing moment where Ben Stiller's less cute doppelganger attempted to school me on music. Oh, alright, he kinda did, but no worries, I think he saw the light after I gave him my "eyes that burn like cigarettes" look. No one will mess with me after that. Beers were cheap (take note, CASH ONLY), the dancing was abundant, and the band I had come to see was fantastic. I definitely would jump to attend another show there. (p.s. Skinny jeans are mandatory up in here. Just sayin'.) read more

As a musician I have always heard great reviews about the Empty Bottle. I have played over 50 times in Chicago but this was my first time at the Empty Bottle and I have nothing but great things to say about it. It's kinda the ultimate dive bar! This is a place I would hang out if I lived in Chicago. As far as the staff goes they were second to none! Everyone was super nice and talented at what they did whether it was running sound, doing lights, running the door, or slinging drinks! They have tons of cheap beers to choose from and since I was playing I got a discount on the already cheap beer selection. So lets just say I bought a few rounds! Anyway I will be back for sure and hope to play here again sometime! Keep up the good work! Empty Bottle! read more

When I lived in the suburbs I thought the Metro was cool. Then I became a hipster elitist snob and will only go the the Empty Bottle. Kidding, mostly. It's just... you get older... and you start to hate going to concerts. The large crowds, expensive beer, and disconnection with the band. The Empty Bottle is so small that the crowds can't get that big (oh, it can get wicked crowded, but there is always a chance to move to the front, go to the bathroom, and reclaim your spot). The beer is cheap, the bartenders friendly, and the music is more... interactive. A lot of smaller acts play here before moving to bigger venues... so see them here while you can. And support local music. If you're not from Chicago, hook up with a cute boy/girl and come back for breakfast at Bite (see my review). read more

I've been to this venue 3 times and I've hated every single of minute of it... maybe it's not my kind of music, maybe it's because I've always felt out of place and unwelcome, but yeah... You couldn't pay me to step back in there... AND I a have car. Ick. read more

Nice selection of beers including Tiger Beer which I have never seen outside of Singapore but the female bartenders are the most unfriendly I have seen in a long time. I don't expect more than a hello and maybe a smile but these bartenders don't even say a word let alone smile when they pick up their tip. They just scoop it up with a dead paned face. The score is three out of three so far. read more

I think I'm in love with everything here. My friend had an extra ticket to the Alexi Murdoch concert and he invited me to come along. I'm so glad I went, because the concert was amazing and the venue was equally as entertaining. They have a nice open arcade area with pool tables and couches. There are cats that live in the bar and don't pay the least bit of attention to anything going on. They just chilled on the couch all night and waited to be petted by the customers. Bathrooms are covered in graffiti and notes. It makes going to the bathroom a real treat. I got caught up in reading the different arguments, poetry and viewing all the pictures. But ladies have no excuse to spend too much time "refreshing." The mirrors are completely covered in stickers. It reminds me of Minneapolis' First Ave. meets The Cedar Cultural Center. A real treat for concert viewing and getting boozed up. I'll be back ASAP! read more

Oh the Empty Bottle. I've now been here plenty of times, and still love the venue with all my heart. They have a cute photobooth in the front room, which is nice to force a friendly musician into, or just commemorate an excellent night out with friends (infinitely better than instagrams and snapchats). There's a little bench, a pool table, a pinball machine, and rotating arcade games, when you'd rather entertain yourself. (Though, I guess we have smartphones for that now.) The ladies bathroom is just what you'd expect of a dive bar, full of genitalia and other assorted graffiti. The best part about this venue is that there are always an assortment of free or cheap shows (with/without RSVP). If you recognize the band for a free show, be sure to get there early. So many plans rerouted because of EB reaching capacity. Most of the free shows are on weeknights, but going out on the weekend is overrated anyway. They have a little cooler at the end of the bar for self-serve water, which I definitely appreciate when I'm out at a show til 2am and have work at 6am the next day. This place is generally standing room only, though grabbing a seat on the stairs to the left of the stage is still a great way to see the show. Aside from awesome music, Windy City Soul Club is there about every month for your dancing needs. There's also a pretty great book club with friendly discussion and banter about cool books. The awning says MUSIC FRIENDLY DANCING, and the Empty Bottle definitely lives up to that. Parking can be a hassle on busy nights, but you can always take CTA or uber/lyft/pedicab/taxi. If you hear some whispered purring, say 'fancy feast' three times fast in the bathroom mirror to resurrect the ghost of the greatest venue cat in Chicago, Radley (RIP). read more

Great venue. Great sound. Good prices. Accessible. Free shows on Monday. Blah blah blah. But I'm not as much of a fan since I hit my anti-hipster phase. Oh well. read more

If you are looking for an interesting night filled with all kinds of people, head here on a Saturday. I went to the Empty Bottle last night to check out Windy City Soul Club with a few friends. We went around ten and walked right in after paying our $5 cover. The place was already pretty full and warm, so we checked our coats. The line was long, but it was so hot already, that we decided to wait and pay the two dollars per coat. It worked out because when we got up there we were able to pay for our coats and buy beers all at the same window. Within the next hour the place was packed with all kinds of people who were all dancing and having a good time. Everywhere you looked people were happy and dancing to the funky soul music played by the group of DJ's on the stage. People were friendly and the vibe was warm the night I was there. I am not sure how the crowd changes for all the different bands and events, but I would highly recommend checking it out. All the details are on the website with links and cover charges. Some of my friends tried to meet us around 10:30 but were faced with a line that was too long on such a cold night. I recommend coming a little earlier and bringing enough cash so you can avoid the long ATM lines and fees. read more

Just saw JEFF the Brotherhood and Juiceboxxx for New Years Eve. For sure one of the best shows I've seen in my entire life. The Empty Bottle totally nailed it. I forgot to post this review when I wrote it four months ago, but here it is: I had eaten some magic mushrooms earlier in the night, so naturally, I was a little bit nervous. Was the Empty Bottle going to harsh my vibes? I'd been there many times before and know it's "in your face" and I didn't wanna freak out. We arrived a little late and missed the first two bands. I was standing front row waiting around for the show to start. I had no idea that Juiceboxx was literally going to shred / melt / rap my face off. He was literally the best band I could have seen tripping on mushrooms at that moment. The entire universe deconstructed itself and rearranged the pieces so I could find the power inside myself to be the most awesome person I can possibly ever be. I'm not sure if this was Juiceboxxx or the mushrooms, I think it was a little of both. read more

The one thing this place has going for it is the staff. They are friendly and they are competent. Five stars for them! I wish I could import this staff to other venues. Now for the rest: The layout is poor. There are two rooms; the outer room contains a photo booth (ok, that's a plus), a pool table, and not much else. The inner room contains the bar and the stage. It does NOT contain any seating. Standing room only folks! I hope you didn't get dressed up to go out to a show or anything...oh wait, I see that most of you are wearing heels. (Another thing about standing room only - after just a few rows of people, nobody can see the band any more.) The crowd divides into two halves; the folks who came to see the show, and the folks who paid to see the show but are really just interested in hanging by the bar and chatting. The problem here is that the bar folks' chatting completely spoils the performance. Yes, you CAN hear them over the sound system. $15 show on a Saturday night seems like a good deal, but I am very willing to pay more to see a band play a venue where I can have a seat, see the stage, and actually hear the show. P.S. They have Ms. Pac Man. My fiancee scored an even 130,000. read more

This place books some good bands, and it's a good small venue to watch them. But because it's music staple in Chicago, white, post college, art school boobs flock here and live out their 2nd rate urban fantasies. The result? A whirlwind of buffoonery, delusion, and ignorance. Adolescent posturing, that a 14 year old could embrace. Like I said, the occasional band is what usually lures me here, but once the show is over, I run. read more

A nice little divey place to see a good show. The set up is a little strange but you can see the stage from most angles. There is a space in the front to play pool, or boy-watch, if you are into skinny-jeaned-scarf-wearing-asymetrical-haircut-having-hipster boys like I am. The ladies room is pure entertainment if you like reading stall walls. Cheap beer, photo booth, good bands, cool vibe. read more

Reminds me of the favorite place to see music in Baltimore. Small, intimate, divey, and place filled with quirky decor (i.e. a picture of Jesus hung on top of the ceiling). I felt quite comfortable there. Having "the small person syndrome," I usually have to face the obstacle of not seeing the performers on stage. At Empty Bottle, that problem was easily overcome as I was able to easily find spots to stand without having tall people in front of me. Also, they have good bands going there, so I would certainly go there again to catch a show. read more

Poorly accessible by public transportation, a schedule that includes free/improvisational jazz shows, and housed in a space that has all sorts of weird angles that don't make for the best view of the stage, the Empty Bottle should be one of the worst music venues in the city. In spite of all of its flaws, however, the Empty Bottle is the best venue in the city for seeing a show. There will occasionally be some fairly major acts that play sets here - a group called the Strokes once opened for Guided By Voices. And not for one night but for two. By and large, though, the acts that play here are much lower on the cultural and musical radar. However I have seen some great shows here. The more memorable shows would include the Greenhornes (twice), the Saturday Nights, the Arcade Fire, Thunderbirds are Now! and the Swingin' Neckbreakers. If you want to check out some live music but there isn't any band in particular you want to check out then the Empty Bottle is one place you should definitely consider. If I had to compare it to any other well known shithole rock venues then the comparison would have to be CBGBs. There really isn't a better venue in the city for seeing live music. read more

I don't go here often enough... It's a haul from my 'hood, but there is always amazing live music for when I'm feigning for a fix. The beer is relatively cheap, the only bummer being that they don't serve High Life. Not sure why 'cause it's an absolute dive bar; but alas - I will continue to frequent the bottle when scoping out prospective drummers to invite into my one man show :) read more

My favorite place in the whole of Chicago. Not only do they book great shows, the price is right, the sound and layout are fantastic, the staff and bartenders are great, and the clientele is fun to look at. There's a pool table and a photobooth in the front for when the opening bands are terrible and encouraged spaces on the bathroom walls for your mid-pee graffiti. I am a regular on free Mondays ($1.50 Pabst till they run out) and you can't beat those new $5 specials they introduced this winter! I really feel for the CEO though, he's got it a bit rough. read more

I love this place. Venue is small w/ out being compact, reasonable prices for both tix and beer ($2 can of Hamms), diverse crowd and my favorite bands are always playing here. read more

Luuuurv it, luuuuuurv it, and.................... yeah.....LURV IT! If you are broke and counting change, you can squeeze into TEB for no cover on Monday nights and choke down a well-deserved PBR. If your piggy bank is slightly plumped up, then you can visit on Friday nights or some such business and catch a good band from the area or from all over the damn place. I have seen plenty of shows here, and all of them were either totally kick a** OR the crowd alone and the sheer madness of the random band still made me happy. There was that one time where it was a punk theme (HOT! Almost all dudes there;), and I fell in love with this hard, hard group - that AFTER I bought their CD and took it home- turned out to be pretty much a white supremacist band with my favorite song depicting how hot Hitler's girlfriend was. DAMN. Once, I left my DL there, and the staff kindly informed me that it had turned up in the bathroom. I was just happy that they saved it for me! Another time, my friend and I heard this really sad dude at the bar lamenting his entire life, and we later wrote a kick a** song about him. I have never been harassed by any weird dudes here which is cool:) I like the crowd here alot. Why don't anyone talk to this shy gal?:o ALWAYS a good time, and the dude with the homemade, SPICY tamales is GREAT!!! A bag of those puppies for $5-10- DELISH!!!! They are fantastical and seriously......the temperature is HOT- like his wife JUST took them out of the oven, People! read more

Hands down my favorite music venue in Chicago! I usually come in randomly to check out any show that's going on that night. It's not the biggest place, it's def. not the prettiest place, but it just has so much....so much... Heart? Culture? I don't know what word I'm looking for but whatever this place has, I'm all about it. Most of the bands that get booked are very obscure and up and coming, but you'll be surprised how many good acts there are playing here on a weekly basis. Also, the bartenders are really friendly, same goes for the doorguy....He's like a big cuddly bear that I want to hug. Don't worry I won't.. Oh yeah, they have really good beer too and it's always cheap. What else...The people who come here are always respectful and friendly. Oh and the tamale guy comes in here EVERY TIME I'M HERE...Oh you know the tamale guy, mmm, just what I needed, thank you coming in right now. God, I love everything about you Empty Bottle, never break my heart, ok? read more

I've been to the Empty Bottle every time I'm in Chicago because it rules. Saw an amazing band (Ies georges leningrad?), the bartenders are cool and as slutty as it sounds, there are lots of cute, nice boys. Oh, and the restaurant next door is great and cheap and they let you bring in drinks from the Empty Bottle. I love Chicago. read more

One star off for not accepting credit cards and having a broken ATM. The drinks are cheap, and the shows put you up close with major bands. I saw Datarock tonight, from just feet away. It was like watching a friend's band play when I was high school, but Empty Bottle sounded so much bettter. I also saw a dog eat pizza and played PacMan. is there anything Empty Bottle DOESN'T have? As mentioned by others, having it on Western is fantastic. I was back home in Logan Square in just minutes. read more

When I find out that a band I even vaguely like is playing here, I get really turned on. Seriously one of my favorite places ever. I regularly come here alone (I am very much over waiting around for friends and acquaintances to catch up to my amazing taste in music) and very rarely feel strange about it. This is a great great great place to see a show. Small and easy to get right up to the stage, sound is usually good from what I can tell (I am not a sound snob and notice only very obvious issues, however). I can generally catch a show for about $10 here, which is a deal in my opinion. The crowd is usually okay, though sometimes a little rude with the loud talking over the band. I can't relate because I really don't come here to be social, I come here for the music and the cheap booze. Oh yeah, I didn't mention the cheap booze yet? BEST PART. Fridays they have $2 Shiner Bock, which makes me ohhhhhhhh so happy. Every day, they have a cheap beer for $1.75/bottle. Etc., etc., it's awesome. And the bartenders are generally very nice and very quick to assist. Total five star. read more