Been many times, a true dive with tons of character.. Like just sitting at the bar, bartenders very cool always.. Joint is in the middle of NOWHERE!! Literally ! Back room for the music is perfect, gets packed on the weekends cause it's relatively small.... Check it out, one of my favorite places! read more

Oh sweet hipster hangout! Generally there's too much nonsense in these sort of places, but there's no pomp and circumstance here. It's an old building with nifty stuff inside. The DJ was great and dancing was super fun. We got most of the bar to do the Hokie Pokie. I'll be back for sure. read more

The Hideout is just fine. I went here for a comedy show - not their typical kind of show, and it was mostly standing room only with about 10 seats in the entire place. Lame! However, tall-schwaggy-beers were a mere $3! The location is definitely "Hidden," use one of these photos for reference as to what the outside looks like so when your cab drops you off.. That way you can step out with confidence that you're not being left at some scary creepy industrial townie bar. read more

The parts I like about this place is that a.) it's a great, old-fashioned Chicago bar with a lot of character b.) They've got a great little live jazz room This is a fun place to go with friends, but you sort of have to be in the mood for it. It's located in a kind of isolated area, and you become really grateful for cabs unless you're driving. The cover that they had the night that I went was $15, which is a little pricey for my taste. read more

I've never been disappointed by a show here and this place just has a good vibe. It's easy to get lost on your way but that's one of the things that keeps this place great-you know that everyone heading this way is probably not bar hopping. The lighting in the back has a very outdoor patio vibe, which gives it a romantic summer feel for shows, and they keep the tp stocked. I pretty much hate going out but I am always hyped to be heading to the Hideout. Oh! But I wish they had more bike racks!!!! read more

Really awesome and intimate venue! I love the lights, variety of drinks, and the music was incredible. Super fun and the location makes the experience even more interesting, as it is secluded from the crazieness of the surrounding area. read more

The Hideout is one of the best kept secrets in Chicago. The owners are so passionate about their bar and music. We've even run into them at music events in other states! For instance, we were seeing Neko Case (who used to bartend at The Hideout!) in Austin, TX and who walks over to chat with us, but Tim! This isn't a guy who is in it for a buck. He owns the hideout and he attracts the acts that he does because he loves every second of what he does. It's always a treat to see a show at the Hideout because you know it will be intimate and special. Every act that plays there seems to love to play there. We saw the Swell Season at the Hideout before they were the Swell Season (before Once came out) and they played for nearly 3 hours! Glen walked around in the crowd, talked to everyone. It was such a special night and the kind that can only happen at The Hideout. read more

The Hideout has been on my list of places to hear live music and I finally went. This place is a dive but in a good way. Nice little spot to grab a few beers and listen to good music. read more

This is about as good as it gets if you like inexpensive beer, meeting cool people and catching great live music. The owners are fantastic people that care about music. Tired of packed bars with overpriced beer and people with attitude. Find your happy place at The Hideout. read more

Excellent music. Excellent decor. Excellent beer. I could write more about my own experiences here, but if you want a low key place to hang out for the night, then what else needs to be said? read more

I'm a big fan of the Hideout. Can't remember when I first came out here, but it was probably with my bandmates. I've even played here once a few years ago. As some people have said, it's not for everyone. And that's just fine by me. The only complaint I've ever had myself is yeah, it's tucked away and not the easiest to get to for those of use without vehicles or bikes. That's why I always as the bartender or doorman to call a cab for me. The North/Clybourn red line stop isn't that far away if I don't feel like taking the cab all the way home. I just like that I can come here, and not have to deal with obnoxious bros & the like, and just have a good time with friends. Great patio facing south towards the city, equally great atmosphere inside. And the tamale guy makes a couple stops here, so that's a bonus too. And FYI The bartenders have always been more than nice to me. I don't always get some of the people who show up after shows just for the dance party, but whatever. To each their own. I've yet to see a bad show here, and can't wait to start hitting soup & bread with some friends. (Oh, and to people who complained about the "varying" price... Pretty much every show in Chicago, not exclusive to the Hideout, has an advanced & door price with the price at the door being just a few bucks more.) read more

The front room is way too small but the back room is pretty nice. The drinks seem cheap and the music wasn't bad. It really is hidden, I totally got lost trying to find it. and was almost attacked by a dog. read more

Every time I walk into The Hideout I remember that I love it. I love that the front is small and there's a stage in the backroom. I love that it's a bar that feels like a bar. I love that they have so m any musical acts. I love the jug band that plays the last Tuesday of every month. I love that the tamale man comes in. I love the patio out front when it's warm. I don't love that it's so hard to get to on public transportation. read more

I'd complain about the volume of the house music or the overcrowding, but the fact of the matter is, this is pretty much one of the only local venues that draws me outside during the winter for amazing shows and reasonably priced beer selection. BTW, if you're just into drinking, and not necessarily into great jazz or local psych rock, the Hideout has one of the best beer selections I've seen in the city. They offer particularly strong seasonal specials from time to time, and the fact that they don't overcharge for those brews makes them even tastier! read more

Came here for a random band with a friend. Definitely in the cut but still able to get to via lyft. Door staff was friendly and even let me check out the scene before paying. This place seems to be 21+ as well. Decent bar area and the back is the main floor for dancing and performances. It can be tight but there is also a front patio area with more seating. Overall dope close knit venu for a weekend outing. read more

I love this place. On the weekends there are usually DJ's or other shows. Sometimes a small cover, sometimes not. The name of the bar is perfect because its located behind Home Depot and inbetween these industrial warehouses. It feels like a secret when you go there. The best dance parties I have been to in this city have been at The Hideout. It also looks like your parents basement circa 1993. But then again my parents didn't update our basment until 1994. read more

The Hideout - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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So I've been hiding out here for so long, people are starting to find me here. I used to go here weekly for the Robbie Fulks residency. It was an early show, so sure there were some older, more mature patrons, which is awesome unless you want to get a seat. I must say, there was some serious crud going down, to obtain a seat for that show. They tend to have great bands and the sound system is truly exceptional. These smaller venues really bring you into the moment, I do believe. The employees are super cute,too. Some in a grizzly prospector way, others in a CBGB way. I think sometimes their tap beer lines might be crossed or something, if that's even possible. I've ordered an IPA that tasted like a brown ale, with a hint of pilsner, and notes of summer lawn. So personally, I stick to bottles of beer. That's my secret tip. Lurv, lurv the Hideout. read more

New favorite Chicago spot. Love the bar. Love the progrmamming of comedy/tunes. Love the crowd of people to meet the most. Intimate, unassuming, and perfect. read more

Great chill location in a super random location. You'll have to uber/cab/drive to get here, but it's worth it. Booze is cheap, concerts in the back room are numerous, and overall just a fun place to hang out. Enjoy. read more

So far so good, been there 3 times had a pretty good time ...really interesting music... no weird vibe or attitude from anybody I hope that doesn't change read more

Are you a mildly-unattractive, unwashed-yet-extroverted hipster and a whack-ass dancer to boot? Yeah, just...Hideout. Bleh. OK I know I went on an off night. My friends kept apologizing to me on behalf of The Hideout. It's ok, chums, every cool place has its off nights and I know how it feels to hype the fuck out of a place to your friends only to have it be a bust. I'm being lenient on The Hideout and giving it 3 stars until I have more to go on. We thought we were being smart by heading over late in order to avoid the live music and promptly begin shaking our asses. Nope. For $8 we were regaled with quite possibly the least enjoyable "jazz....?" music in Christendom. We had a fine time ripping into them with choice lines like "This sounds like when my cat, Smithers, goes scrabbling across the piano." and "Check me out! I play the double bass and can do thumb position! Who cares if it sounds like tortoises in heat*" and "Oh is this a song? I thought they were doing a sound check... for the last 20 minutes." Call me an uncultured swine, but no one else seemed to be enjoying it either. Yes, making fun of others DOES make me feel better about myself. Finally, the DJ came on and the hoedown began. If you're an asshole, like me, you'll have a decent time watching all the freaks 'n geeks bump nasties out on the floor. The best part of the night was when some dude in baggy clothing jumped on the stage and started frantically doing the lawnmower and eventually peeled off his shirt only to reveal a faded red sports-bra. Oh...it's a woman. Christ. The DJs last night seemed to be hell-bent on out-obscuring each other. The one song I recognized was Cyndi Lauper's "She Bop." Hey I'm not saying they need to play Rihanna all night but perhaps there's a reason no one's ever heard any of your underground Belgian cosmo-electro-shoegazer-trip-funk. It sucks cocks in hell. We managed to shake it to a couple of songs. But soon the room started to smell oppressively of a bike messenger convention, and actually found myself longing for the Rainbo where at least the hipsters are trying to get laid and thus wash themselves at LEAST every other day. At one point there was a girl with a very stabby nose giving us the stink eye. Yikes. Once a pack of drunk-ass female Ents came crashing into us we knew we'd had our fill. Seriously, these broads were well....broad. I did enjoy the $4 Labatt tall-boys and the clean, well-stocked bathroom. *http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByIau-WHNro (for your enjoyment) read more

Fun local place, unlike anything else you'll find. Nice staff, reasonable prices for HH. Devil in a Woodpile played outside, nice summer venue. read more

"Music so bad the people who cant dance have an excuse" I went to the "dance party" on Saturday night: First thing I noticed...the turntables weren't moving, it was yet another CD "DJ". You know what, I'm not even going to call those people Dj's, they had to be employees that had the job of playing their burned Cd's that night. First off, music selection was HORRIBLE!!!! bad bad bad, I wish I could play snippets of the night, but believe me...If i cant dance all night because of the music, there is a problem. Second...the blending of the songs killed the rhythm. If the dorks behind the CD player made a mistake and played a good song, the tempo was killed because they had no idea how to blend. It was like someone was sitting at their itunes and hit next....Imagine your jamming to Push it, and then someone hits next and Low Rider comes on....WTF??? COMMON SENSE PLEASE!!!! (not the rapper, but the thing missing in society) not to mention several of the Cd's skipped. 3. Aren't Dj's supposed to watch the crowd? if you notice that most people stop dancing because the song sucks....CHANGE IT!!! I don't care if you love the song and know every word to it, WE AREN'T HERE SO YOU CAN CLOSE YOUR EYES AND PRETEND YOUR ON STAGE SINGING!!!! I was really disappointed. I have been here during the week, and its a good bar to hang at...but I don't know if ill return to the so called dance party. If you really do like to let loose and act crazy, avoid this place. It seems its more for the ladies in the bar crowd (stand around and drink beer) and the fellas that want to impress them by showing they too can move awkwardly to bad bar music. HIRE A FREAKING DJ IF IT REALLY IS A "DANCE" PARTY read more

Don't like sweating? Then stay away from dance floor at the Hideout on a Saturday night . The two times I've been that night have been...ripe, in a good way. Once you get through the torn up streets around Elston and North Avenue (be careful, I've gotten a flat tire when riding my bike) you'll find the club at the end of Wabansia, identifiable from the lighted Old Style sign. Pay your 5 dollars, get your hand stamped, and walk straight ahead to the dance room, a frenetic world of hip shaking, arm throwing, booty wopping sillyness. And seriously, good, good dj music. It's a young crowd for the most part (who else starts their night at 11 p.m.?) and full of positive energy. Those who'd rather gab (or who need a respite from their exertions) can plunk down at the bar or a handful of tables in the narrowish front room. The dance floor has a few tables as well but you're not going to be able to converse much in there. You can catch on a breeze on the patio outside but don't bring a drink out there (even a cup of water...arggh) or you'll get hassled. Oh yeah, and I finally saw the tamale guy that you kids have all be frothing about :^). read more

I love the Hideout. Not quite sure why I never reviewed it, but every experience I have been there has been a lot of fun for cheap. The graffiti in the girl's bathroom is my favorite: "If you voted for Bush you can't shit here. Your asshole's in Washington." I did have one surreal experience here. During the day of the Hideout block party a couple years back I saw a woman casually sit down at a table and open her purse and snort coke. Yep, first time for everything. Otherwise, A+. Best two shows thus far: Saturday Looks Good to Me & Darren Hanlon. Also, their soul night, East of Edens Soul Express ( http://www.myspace.com/eastofedenssoulexpress ) is awesome. Life During Wartime is always slammed busy, but sometimes it's great to dance with a bunch of other people who get really excited about the music. I love the Hideout. read more

The Hideout is a great hidden little bar. Service is great. Prices are low. Atmoshere is laid back. When it gets busy it still manages to not get obnoxious. The uber-indie scene may be intimidating for some. But you can have a good time if you let yourself. You want a meatmarket or somewhere to be seen, try someplace not hidden in an city vehicle depot. Parking is great, and the sound for the live music they have there is top notch! read more

Their Saturday Night Dance Parties are a ridiculous amount of fun. One Sat night a month, $5 cover and hours of dancing and fantastic people watching. I suggest you go. And if you need more reasons, my original review stands, too. read more

Miss a homey night listening to folks play right next to you, like they were right in your living room? Come out and hear Devil in TheWoodpile on Tuesday evenings. The front room is nonsmoking, so you allergic music-lovers will enjoy it, as well. After listening to the kind of southern gothic/blues songs which the sounds of a mandolin and a washboard can only enhance, the tamale man shows up at midnight. All retreat to the front beer garden/patio, and rejoice. Washboards are a universal "trixie be gone" repellent, so fear not. read more

Best small venue in Chicago to see bands/performers/etc. Never a bad seat. Typically, jammed full of like minded music lovers

Great, cheap bar! I love small venues like this where the artist and audience are right on top of one another. Also, their dance parties are among the best in the city and the block party is always a blast. read more

This place, THIS PLACE! It is so much fucking fun. The drinks are cheap and the bartenders are nice. The best thing is the Saturday night dance party. A backroom full of geeky white hipsters doing their best to get some sort of dance move going; you will look amazing by comparison and probably melt a few faces in the process. They get sweaty and the floor gets slippery and for some reason there was cake involved. THE place to get hammerpantsed at on the cheap and showcase your horrible dancing without fear of being judged. read more

It's a homey bar that serves cider (always a plus in my book) it's not uptight, it's very casual and the bartenders are extremely nice. My brother and I got lost trying to find this place and ended up taking a cab. It's behind all these warehouses, and kinda looks like Bobby Bouche's house. All in all kind of confusing to get to, but once you figure it out, you'll be glad that you did. read more

Came here for Chances Dances and the service is the worst. The bartenders are prissy, petty hipsters. I saw them yell loudly at patrons and even give them the finger for not moving out of their way soon enough. One of them yelled loudly in my ear to move, I had no idea she was even trying to walk by me. Incredibly childish. read more

I'm not gonna lie to you, Yelp! readers: I've done the Hideout more than once as a live performer, at Claire Zulkey's terrific Funny Ha Ha show. But even if I hadn't, this would still be my favorite bar in Chicago. Nowhere else even comes close. The staff is the friendliest around, the atmosphere is just perfect, and there's always something happening worth seeing. It's got booze and beer -- nothing fancy, but plenty to get you drunk, and the stage room is a perfect music venue. The way it's tucked away by the city vehicle yard just keeps away the poseurs. I love the Hideout. May it last a thousand years. read more

This is my favorite place to "hide out" in Chicago. It's in the middle of nowhere, which makes it easy to pretend I got lost in Wisconsin or Montana and stumbled upon a tiny mountain speakeasy. The Saturday dance parties are so much fun, but Tuesdays, when the resident Bluegrass band plays, are the best! Cabs are few and far between, so it helps to have a DD. read more

This is by far my favorite place to see live music in Chicago. Even if I've never heard of the band playing, they're guaranteed to put on a quality show. The only down side is that whenever there's a special event -- Hoot Night, the soul revival, etc. -- it seems like the Trixies and Chads come out in full force, somewhat ruining the off-the-radar vibe The Hideout usually has. read more

What can I say. Just one of my favorite places ever. I've seen many a great show here and the staff is always friendly and fast with a drink. The shows get crowded, but the venue isn't huge, so the performances always feel intimate. It's divey, in all the best ways, and, in my opinion, one of the best places to see music in Chicago. read more

I'm not a huge fan of the pretentious hipster and this place is crawling with them. I can't believe I stood in like for at least 30 minutes and then paid a cover to go into this place. Also, these sweet mid-westerners are too non-confrontational to throw down when people cut in line at this place-a disapproving glance is not enough!!! I love places where you can dance and i LOVE to dance, but I felt like I needed to be on ectasy or something to dance in this place. I just can't get down to hipster house/techno with an awkward beat. Thanks, but no thanks. read more

Hip, and well hidden venue for small musical and lecture events. Great bar selection.

Well this place is darn fun. Never heard of the place and didn't know what to expect. We danced the ninth away to some great retro music. The High Life was flowing and always had a cold one in my hand. Definitely will back to The Hideout. read more