Programming: Fabulous! Puppet shows, block parties, and home of the most populist dance night in Chicago. The music isn't (usually) uber trendy and neither is the dancing, meaning that no one will care if you're a less than perfect dancer. Sometimes I look like I'm jumping when I'm really dancing, but nobody cares at The Hideout. I tend to go for the dance nights, but the kitschy and quaint atmosphere is enough of a reason to bike over to Elston. The Hideout makes its home squished in between warehouses and a Home Depot off of Elston, in an area of town in between "the Parks" - Lincoln and Wicker, that is - so biking is probably your best transportation option during the summer months. Make sure that you bring your purse or wallet because there will more than likely be a cover. read more

The Hideout - The counter at The Hideout - irresistable! - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Woo! This place is sweet. Concerts here are awesome. The stage area is a bit narrow, but it has a great feel and you get to be up close and personal with the band you came to see. If it's your first time here, you'll realize why its name is appropriate even before you arrive. It's literally tucked away at the end of an L-shaped street. You wouldn't even think there'd be a place like this there from its surroundings, but just keep going and It'll be there. Parking can be a bit sparse, so getting there a bit early can make things easier. Also, I have to mention that the waitress working the room was ridiculously attractive. /wolf whistle 5-stars for that. However, I have to take one star away because there are too many people there that looked like they prepared for 3 hours before to look just right. You know what I mean; they have to achieve a certain look. It's like the guy with straight-out-of-bed hair, but he took 50 minutes using product to place each, individual hair in just the perfect place. Why can't people just throw on a t-shirt and go. Everyone is there to watch the show... not you. Well, regardless, the place itself is sweet to catch a show. read more

The Hideout - Yo La Tengo - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I will have to say I love dive bars like these. It's chill, low key and they have a great stage in the back for bands to perform. I would have given this place a 5 star if it wasn't for the guy with braids at the door. His passive aggressive attitude and obnoxious comments definitely killed the mood. Word of advice If you have something to say be upfront about it otherwise just keep quiet. No point of bashing your customers if all you do is watch YouTube videos and complain. If I recall correctly you don't bring money to the bar...customers do! It's a shame because other than that the whole experience would have merit a better star rating. Customer service and amiability should be common sense in the industry. I guess common sense isn't as common as one would think. read more

Located in an obscure location, this intimate dive bar / venue is a great place for couples and small groups. There is a traditional Old Style sign hanging from the front of the building and then you enter to the modest dimly lit bar you would expect. The bartender was pleasant and prompt and we had little problem getting drinks. The highlight of this local is the large back room complete with a low stage-- for concerts and events they fill it with folding chairs with seating for around 75 and late night during the weekends they host fun dance parties. A couple friends and I came to watch a comedy show and were happy with the whole experience. At the surprisingly reasonable cost of $10 there was an MC, opening act, and a headliner; the show started at 7PM and ended around 8:30-9PM. Overall, next time you itching for some cheap fun check out their event calendar and head here. read more

The guy bartender is really rude. Horrible service. Place is dead and boring. Waiting 10 minutes before we got talked to. When we went to tab out he just threw the reciept at us. Just a horrible place horrible staff read more

I came here solo to see a show and wound up colliding with an old boyfriend from the 80's whom I hadn't seen in about 23 years. I wouldn't say the place is magic - it's a skanky dive, the booze is cheap and most of the time, the toilets are clean. Maybe it's a trick of the light, but once the place really gets going, you get that certain feeling that something great might happen. It's worth the trip, whether you wind up getting laid or not. read more

This place is the best and is the real deal. Everything and everyone involved here is friendly and positive. I've been going here for years. I can only imagine all the 1-star reviews from 2021 are fake and politically motivated since they were done within a two-week period, all from out of towners, and one really attacks the owner personally...how does Robert from San Francisco know so much about the owner, everyone who works there and every band that plays there from one visit that apparently he didn't enjoy??? read more

My theory is that a tornado picked up a bar in Wisconsin and dropped it in the back parking lot of a trucking company. This house would later be named the Hideout...where hipsters can retreat with their tight jeans and PBRs. I came here for a Postelles concert and really liked the place. The back room was small enough to really enjoy the music..which ended up being an awesome show. I was lucky enough to get a table against the wall, where a waitress was able to serve me beer without missing the show. The back room then became a dance party with three djs that were really good. I would totally return....oh, and the beers weren't overpriced. I didn't get a urine smell like some of the other reviews. Must have been an off night. read more

You have to be joking me. I don't exactly know how to explain it, but I think this place is so ironic that it's ironic. Bear with me a moment here... Ok, now lets say a bunch of people hate chads and trixies, so they decide they're not going identify with them. They're going to be totally hipsters, whatever the fuck that means. So they put on skinny jeans and grow mustaches and mullets. They're so hip! Totally individual, not like those douche bags in Lincoln Park that all dress the same. Right? Hmmm... I've never seen so many try-hards in one place at one time. I'm not talking about people that are ironic for the sake of being funny, I'm talking about people that actually take this shit seriously. When you're 22 years old and you look like Magnum P.I.'s boss, I expect to be able to laugh in your face. If you're going to ride by on your 30-year-old 10 speed and tell me what a horrible person I am for not being one of you (this actually happened on West Division last night), then I think you've lost the plot mate. End rant. So anyway, I think this was my 4th trip to the hideout over the course of 6 or 7 years. Not much has changed, other than the clientele. Beers and mixed drinks are relatively cheap and I like the little concert hall. It's not ever going to be my Drunken Clam/Moe's/Reagle Beagle/Cheers/The coffee house where Frasier goes, but once in a while it can be a good time. Just be prepared to deal with a fucking circus of doucheholes that don't even realize how ironic their irony has become. read more

It's telling that on the "Show Nearby Business" map, the best Yelp can come up with is Windy City K-9 Club and Wine Discount Center. If you zoom in, you'll find the Kilobar Compacting Corporation and Matter Energy. It's a Hideout, all right. My only complaint about the Hideout is that it's a chore to get to on public trans. If you're driving, just look for the hand painted sign on the chain link fence. The Hideout is just up the street from the CTA bus refueling station. Look for the yellow paneled house -- the only house in this industrial neighborhood -- with the blanched picnic tables on the patio enclosed by highway guard rails. If you're thinking, "WTF?", good. Stay home. This place has a small but dedicated following, and we don't need you. Seriously. Go to Smart Bar. On the other hand, if you're looking to catch some great live music in an unpretentious setting with cheap beer, this is the place. The Hideout is tiny, so you're right on top of the stage, no matter where you are. Crowds love it because it's so small and they can really get into the show. Bands love it because it attracts crowds that really want to get into the show. The music tends to be alt-whatever -- a lot of bluegrass and honky tonk, some rock, some category busting but just hot shit. I was here this weekend to see a performance art show about AC/DC. It's that kind of place. read more

This is another review that starts out with a crusty "I've been coming here since the day they opened." That being said, it's true, so here I go on another old timer rant. I used to hit this place a minimum of 3 times a week. I've made a drunken ass of myself at this place more than anyplace else in town, and that is a true story. They always welcome me back, though - I love them for this. Remote, hidden, cheap - you have to have some kind of determination to get here. Tim and Katie are fantastic, George & the rest of the door staff great. I love the bar, I love the music room, I love (most of) the staff, I love the cheap drink specials and the love that is put into the place. These people really, truly care - they aren't here just to make a buck. It is truly a family and they really are in it for the music/message. 2 years ago, this would have been a 5 star for me, however, the booking has changed and not for the better. You used to get a really good variety of bands here, now, it seems to be all dance parties or - as another reviewer mentioned - those in a clique with the booker. Disappointing - I used to rely on this place for new music, now it's just the same 10 people and their side projects over and over and over again...... I'm no longer surprised/thrilled. The DJ's are good (just not my crowd, too many drunken ill behaved kids), the bands are good (just repetitive). This is a club that has literally given soooo many acts their start - what gives with the booking these days? Not to be held against the Hideout (and I'm incredibly glad they are busy and hope they are making piles of cash because they are the nicest people out there ever in the world) but there are an alarming number of Hummer Limos pulling up here on the weekends discharging masses of hammered Chads/Trixies on the occasion of their big Bachelor/Bachelorette party. Kind of ruins things for me, but again, I'm a crusty, bitchy, moany old timer. I liked the old scene, I'll admit it. I do love this place, I do still come here occasionally, I just miss the old music/attitude. 4 stars because I've had some of the best nights of my life here and I love Tim and Katie's infectious enthusiasm for causes, otherwise, I'd bump it to a 3. I hate to say it, I do, but I would. It KILLS me to say anything even remotely critical of this place it holds such a special place in my heart......maybe it's just me. Go for yourself, give it a shot. Like I said, I'm biased. read more

Well, I'm glad I didn't wander into the rear room after reading that it's now apparently become a public bathroom. Anyway, I ventured in the Hideout after discovering it a couple of years ago while trying to avoid the congestion on North Avenue. I love that it's near the City of Chicago's yard for trucks. I always get a huge big laugh reading the titles on the designated parking spaces. Who makes up these positions? The Hideout is a cool little place and appropriately named. We went here quite early on a Friday and no one was in there except for us although there were some people sitting outside.The bartender was friendly and engaged us in some great conversation about bbq, music, Red Rocks in Colorado and some other topics I'm forgetting. Drinks were reasonable and I love the vibe in there. I'll definitely be back to check out a band or two, but I've made a mental note to stay out of the pee-soaked back room. read more

Dear Hideout, You and I met on Saturday night when a friend introduced you to me. I must admit, I was a bit nervous because her taste is a bit different from me. When I asked about you, she told me that you were "fun" and had some great "personality". As you know, when blindly being introduced, those are two words that would make ANYONE hesitant. But because it was for my friend I obliged. Boy was I surprised. While on my way to meet you, I was increasingly nervous because of where you were. I mean the neighborhood was among CTA and Municipal buildings. Not to mention the fact that nothing similar was around. But when we pulled up I knew it. First look at you and I was relieved. Your casual style and hipster feel was welcoming. I was pretty psyched to know more about you. I was glad to spend the evening with you. Getting to know your insides was even more of a treat. You made me feel comfortable and welcomed. The friends you kept were pretty cool. Lawrence especially! He learned to make a Rusty Nail just for me! You made me think of nights spent in Northern Michigan drinking PBR and just enjoying the less-than-fancier side of life. Thank you again and I really hope that you and I can continue our friendship. I can't wait to introduce you around. You rock! Your new friend, Shane read more

Only the Hideout could have cushioned the crushing blow that was watching the 2004 election returns. It's like a soft little womb with marlins on the walls and cheap beer that makes you feel like everything is going to be all right, even as the world outside goes to seed. I've seen just about everything here, from jug bands on a night when there's a foot snow and it's 12 degrees, to Mavis Staples, free jazz, marching bands, short films, friends' bands, dance parties, and Finnish psychedelia. I've also just come for no real reason when it was completely dead, and loved it then, too. The biggest reason to support the Hideout is the support they give back. Not only have they done a ton for the local music scene, they frequently play host to benefits for non profits, lit mags, etc. The Hideout is also within what I consider the oddest nightlife district in Chicago. So if you feel the need to club hop, you can hit up the Hideout, Exit, and the Prop House all within three blocks (c'mon, I dare you). And there's always a party at Home Depot. read more

The Hideout is indeed in the middle of nowhere, but once I stepped through the doors, I felt like this was the place to be. I loved it; very reminiscent of fun Wisconsin bars (minus the smoky haze & Green Bay Packer gear). The small venue made the musical experience very intimate, which was great. I felt like Devil in the Woodpile was playing a private performance just for me & my uber hot date. The crowd was a good mix and everyone seemed to having a fun time. I felt kinda bad that I was insistent about meeting up elsewhere since several Yelpers mentioned that it's in a sketchy area. Upon arrival, the first thing I said was, "Woah, this area isn't bad at all". The streets were well light and the moonlight seemed to help a bit too :) It's a fun place--check out this cozy little place asap! read more

The Hideout is aptly named. Lucky for me, I read the yelp reviews beforehand so I was clued in that it was in an industrial area. Seeing the blue sanitation trucks all parked in the city's fleet management fueling station was a trip and I even registered Ada Street restaurant when I was making my way to the Hideout. Now that I know where it is, I will definitely be back. I knew this was a different kind of venue as the first thing I noticed was a group of bikers (cyclists, not motorcycle riders) outside, clustered around a picnic table. Seeing a bunch of wiry guys wearing spandex was probably the last thing I would have expected in such an off-the-beaten-path setting. I made my way inside, and to the bar. I was still wondering whether I was in the right place up to the point when I spotted a few friends, and the organizer from the Illinois Humanities Council (for that evening's event) standing with a sign-in sheet. Since the performance space was filling up, I made my way to the back of the house to grab seats. The program itself- a panel discussion of education and equality- was thought provoking and it was interesting to hear the owner's backstory. Since the event had to do with education, the owner divulged that he had taught for 20 years and bought the Hideout in 1996. Overall, the space had a feel of a den. I would even go so far to say it functions as a salon, only with alcohol to help lubricate the exchange of ideas. read more

One of my few complaints about Chicago's nightlife is that bar people don't dance and most of the dance clubs try too hard to be Los Angeles or New York. When I go out, I want to dance with bar people, real people who work their asses off at tough jobs and just want to let loose while not being dickwads. People who can't afford $10 drinks with foo-foo names and who will party to anything, regardless of genre, if it touches a nerve. Thus, I am in love with The Hideout. I've only been there once, for a Life During Wartime party with Hollywood Holt, but I will go back again and again. I love the plentiful parking and hiding spots for parking lot drinking. I love the $2 PBR. I love two-room setup that keeps static drinkers off the dancefloor. I didn't love the $5 cover, but I just pretended it was a historic preservation fee. And really, it's not THAT far from the Clybourn el stop. read more

Continuing on the theme I started with the Empty Bottle, if I were to ever open up a live music venue for up and coming rock acts and indie bands, there seems to be one key characteristic that would be important - that the location not be easily accessible by public transportation. This is true for the Empty Bottle - try catching the Western bus or a cab after the show. It is true for the Abbey Pub, which is located on Elston and Grace, otherwise known as the sticks. About the only good concert venue that has decent access to bus, train or cab is the Metro. The Hideout is yet another place that is awful when it comes to public transportation options but is your best bet if you want to check out some live roots/americana/alt country/no depression (whatever that means) music. The journey back in time doesn't start with the music - no, it starts when you pull off of Elston or North Avenue and onto Wabansia. Just a short 30 seconds ago you were awash with Home Depot on one side of North Avenue and a gaggle of hookers on the other side of the road. Coming from the Elston side, the change is a little more subtle as the Hideout looks like one of the typical, non-descript bars that is located within every minor industrial corridor in the greater Chicagoland area. I've had some great memories here - walking into the bar during one of the summer festivals to see Bob Pollard seated at the bar and cheering on the Ohio State University football team as they struggled to beat the University of Cincinnatti. I've seen Devil in a Woodpile play here about a dozen times. I also saw a great set by Chris Mills and even saw the White Stripes play an afterparty set here after opening for Sleeter-Kinney at the Metro. Jack White's voice was shot so they had to cut the set short. The Stripes fit the scene back then when they were pimping De Stijl, although their new album wouldn't sound out of place in the Hideout either. If you haven't been to the Hideout, the front bar has a wonderful vibe that is reminiscent of the downstairs bar one of your friend's parents had. It was the place you'd go to hang out and have some drinks and party while the parents were away on vacation somewhere. The space is probably a little larger than that, but not by much. The back area that actually has a stage is about the same size. If you want to listen to some live insurgent country done right then the Hideout is the place you want to go. read more

Small bar in the front huge stage in the back. Super chill spot! Check it out see a live band in action. Meet one of the band mates to take you upstairs and on the roof top, like I did. Haha such a badass spot. Which Chicago would approve more roof tops! read more

The Hideout - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

The Hideout is one of several redeeming places of Chicago for me. You can go and be yourself among a bunch of other people who are doing the same. Granted, those other people might be weird, but if that's not your scene, you probably won't like it here. It's in an old house stuck in the middle of an industrial area, and it suits that location in a way. I've seen a couple of shows here whilst drinking organic cider under the ceiling covered in twinkle lights, and I will definitely be returning for more. read more

The Hideout is the place you would go for a unique Chicago music venue that was so unique that it also did not feel like Chicago. What's this place with acres of free parking, and hard to reach by public transit? It might as well be in Wisconsin. It has that feel. The lonely old ballon frame house surrounded by a big empty surreal industrial park. The warm, welcoming neon signs in the window. The few empty picnic tables out front. It's just too inviting. Too "Northern Exposure." Over the years, I've only attended a few shows here, but each time I come, I always like the casual vibe, the low-keyness of it all, and the interesting line-up and events, like bread and soup Wednesdays or the Saturday midnight dances. Last night was a CD release with folk artist Ty Maxson. There were other familiar faces there, too. Three performers. An easy and friendly crowd. And reasonably-priced libations. All in all, a nice little escape any night of the week. read more

First off, I've only been there once, on a Saturday. That said, this is my impression-- the place is dark, cozy, with a bar area and a dancey area. Bathrooms clean. Music pretty good. Drinks well priced and nice selection. The bartenders are awesome. The people are a mix of hipsters and random kids. For example there was a very annoying guy who kept asking for 'cocaine' from the bartenders and trying to hit on people. Also some young kids kind of clowning around on the dance floor... But most people seemed cool. Ok this is my warning about this place. Make SURE you have a way to get home after you get out of here at 2am!!!! Me and my friend got there via L/cab and then had to wait an hour in the freezing rain for an available cab down the road. Not pleasant... In conclusion, the place is fun, I'd probably be back. But with someone with a car, and maybe for a show. Sounds like it's funner for shows. read more

This is a place for pretenders. But don't take that the wrong way. It's a place to make believe that, for a Friday or Saturday evening at least, the rest of the world doesn't exist. The Hideout is for 20- and 30- somethings what the backyard treehouse was for 10-year-olds: a place to escape. Yes, it's primarily for brunettes wearing Warby Parker glasses but the bar and the attached venue transport you to a world where only the occasional drink and the music matter. What else should you know? It's in the middle of an industrial park, there's enough beer on tap to keep you interested and the cover runs $8 or so for weekend acts. It can also be tricky to catch a cab home before close, so your best bet's to head to Nelson or North Ave. at the end of your evening. Don't worry too much about the hipster reputation either--so long as you're capable of enjoying music and reasonably priced drinks, you'll find this exactly the escape you've been seeking. read more

This might be the very best place in the entire world. If not, it's at least my favorite Chicago venue. It's tucked away in a truck parking lot and staffed with some of the nicest people on the planet. I hardly ever recognize the names of the acts that play here - so I generally just show up and cross my fingers. I've never EVER had a bad time or witnessed a bad show at this place. The stage set up is fantastic. I've seen country, rock, blues, dub, reggae - you name it, they do it. Some nights I find myself asking "Why am I NOT at Hideout right now?" read more

This is an awesome bar to see excellent shows and meet great people! There is ALWAYS something happening so check out their calendar, I'm serious, it's worth it! If you haven't been to their soup & bread event on wednesdays (during the winter only), you HAVE to go! It's so awesome-you get all you can eat soup, bread, and sometimes dessert for a donation-based fee. I mean who doesn't love to get cozy with soup in the dead of winter! (Also, parking is easy to find for those that are driving, but kinda hard for those taking public transportation. Guess that's why it's called the Hideout-it really IS out in the middle of nowhere) read more

On a slow Thursday evening I looked up what music was playing and found an intriguing band playing at The Hideout. On their website they advertised the price as $12 dollars for the show. At the door however they said it was $15. I brought up the fact that i'd seen 2 websites advertise the show for 12 dollars. They agreed and said, "yeah but it's 15 the day of the show in person." Okay. How about this for business practices, DON'T LIE to your customers. During the show i went to the bar for another drink. The bartender looked over at me, then continued her conversation with her friend on the side of the bar for over a minute before deciding to assist me. The band was great; the venue could use some professionalism. I won't be going back. read more

This is hands-down my favorite bar in Chicago. I discovered it almost two years ago--on a cold winter's eve, when an acquaintance's band was playing. Not gonna lie, when the cab driver pulled of North Ave, and started driving down around the industrial/ ambulance parking lot that surrounds the hideout, I was pretty sure he was taking me somewhere to kill me. When I first laid eyes on the hideout, there was definiatley a "whoa" moment. This was before their most recent make-over, when the only clue that this place was a bar was the Old Style sign hanging above the door, otherwise it looked like someone's great uncle ned's house had accidently been misplaced on the west side of Chicago. In the past couple years since then, it has defiantly become more of a hipster-hang out, which can get annoying...but 9 times out of 10 the hideout totally abides. One time I went there, and they were just giving away entire pizzas from Piece. right?? The Indie Dance Parties on Saturdays are amazing: when it's the right DJ- my favorite is DJ Pickle. But...It really doesn't get much better than Tuesdays at 9:30, Devil in a Woodpile-- oh unless they happen to be playing with 90-something blues legend, Honey Boy Edwards. The band is amazing, such a treasure. I consider myself a groupie, and have looked like a dork more than once going ga-ga over Joel Patterson-- the too cute/ amazingly talented guitarist. Come hungry because Mr.Tamales is a regular here. There is very little sitting room in the front where DiWP plays, so the early bird def. gets the worm. Actually, part of me hates writing this review, because I would love to just keep tuesdays at the hideout all for myself! Also, one last thing-- a woman named Alana Bailey does the calendar art work-- and it's great! read more

I just visited this little gem for the first time this weekend. It was really pretty full on awesome. I reserved one star because A) it's tucked back on some really creepy back streets and I had the creepiest GoogleMaps recommended walk ever--I guess it is called the Hideout--B) they are cash only and their ATM was broken and since I wasn't walking back to the gas station, I didn't drink much. Other than that though, I was very pleased with my evening. I arrived more than a half hour before my friends and sat alone at the bar waiting. The bartender was super friendly and really quick even though that place was super packed and people were being very demanding. The drinks are very reasonably priced and they have good beer on tap. There's just a really relaxed feel to the place, I wasn't super out of place hanging out alone, which is nice and unusual. We were there to see Telefone Tel Aviv and by the look of the place I really didn't expect the sound to be great. The back room is reminiscent of a VFW Hall basement. But, when the show started the sound was pretty amazing. Not deafening up by the stage but clear all the way out by the back bar. It was awesome, there's no other way to put it. I would definitely make it a point to catch a show here if you haven't. read more

This place is cool. I've been going on saturdays since I moved here because they have good DJ's. The soul band I saw last week was awesome. The bartenders are incredibly fast! $2 haams...yes please! The crowd is scenester, but that is ok because they make great dancers. The patrons at this place could smile more though. read more

What a great venue. They have cold beer. They have good music. They have been there a long time. Their block party this past year had some great music and interesting displays. It is distinctly urban, behind the city fueling station. It is exactly the same as the first time I was there 15 years ago. It is good. Go. read more

Well, what the hell? Why haven't I been here in all of my years in Chicago??? What a great dive bar to see a show. It's cozy in here (ahem..small) but it's great for seeing a band. There is absolutely nothing flashy about this place...NOTHING. which is also why it AWESOME. It has everything you need: Booze (a wide selection of beer and hard alcohol), bartenders who are casual and who don't think they are too cool, a small, cozy venue to see bands. The bathrooms are gross with that terrible re-usable towel thing that I thought only gas stations in the south had still but you'll survive using it. I did. It's also off the beaten track which is why I have never seen it before but I will be coming back and I think they have outdoor seating for summer. woohoo! read more

Stopped by this small bar as it is usually a host to all kinds of street fests and musical acts. This time they were hosting the Renegade festival http://www.renegadecraft.com/chicago/chicago-pop-up-details This bar is cash only and don't come in to only use the washroom. Low ceilings and few lights during the day time gives this place a cool relaxed feeling. They do have an ATM inside if you didn't bring cash. read more

Nice place to catch some live music. Last night I heard the improbable match up of Chicago singer songwriter honky tonk guitarist Robbie Fulks and the great Chicago Irish fiddler Liz Carroll. This was likely a historic concert, as Liz said she'd never before played "old time" Appalachian music in her long career. The Hideout is aptly named. It's on Wabansia, in an old industrial factory area, accessible from Elston Avenue. I made the mistake of walking to Wabansia on Ashland, finding the Kennedy Expressway blocking my path, then having to backtrack down to North Avenue and over to Elston. It's easy to get to after the first visit. The Hideout strikes me as a bar that could be plunked down in some little corner of Wisconsin and be quite at home. It's a clapboard frame house-like building, with a few tables and chairs out front on a patio, with a very long bar at the front and a nice musical concert room in the back. Lots of wood paneling and taxidermied giant fish on the walls. Wisconsin. A very helpful and well used bicycle rack stood outside near the front. I had a $3.50 can of Shiner Bock. Drafts like Gumball Head were $5, so it's not all hipster PBR cans here. Cover for the music tonight was ten bucks, don't know if that changes per act. The show room was full, with many of us left standing. A few high stools and high top tables along the sides and a hundred or more chairs arranged in rows theatre style in the center. The open screen windows and giant ceiling fans did little to keep the crowd cool, even on a chilly night, so be warned to dress lightly here. Even the performers commented on the sauna like conditions. The sound mixing was good, not a single instance of feedback marred the show. It was nice to see a few little kids here, enjoying the music with their parents, similar to a pub in Ireland. read more

Just got back from the AV Fest, which was kind of a yawn in spite of Tokyo Police Club and Archers of Loaf. Why the lame turnout, Chicago? Still, that can't diminish my love for The Hideout. It's always so laid back, so friendly, it's hard not to wanna spend a whole lot more time here. Tonight, I was reminded why I adore it so. I wanted a beverage that wasn't a warm beer, so I went inside. I tipped the bartender $5 on a $5 drink, and she thanked me so sincerely, you'd think I'd given her a basket of puppies and gold bullions. Sweet without the snarl... not exactly the standard at these places. My favorite Hideout memory? Standing a few feet away from Jay Reatard as he blew through probably 15 songs in 23 minutes. I know this because I timed it. Because I'm a music nerd. Which is why I'm a fan of the Hideout. Because they love music like I love music. read more

I can't believe I've never reviewed the Hideout. Sure, it's a dive but the people that work here and the patrons who frequent the place are all super friendly. The drinks are reasonably priced, they are dog friendly & the women's bathroom is always clean & well stocked! Sometimes you can catch a dance party or some live music in the back room. Downsides are that they only accept cash, the location is pretty hidden & also kinda dicey. read more

Eclectic booking, gregarious, ranting owner, great sound, cheap beer. How much more can you ask for in a venue? I've seen all sorts of cool stuff here, including 60s school filmstrips, fiction readings, alt-country, indie rock, etc. Beer is cheap. This is the kind of place I would tell anyone in the mood for music to go as I have never seen a bad show here--and that's even in genres I don't particularly care for. Shows of note: New Pornographers, KId Dakota, Bobby Conn. Oh yeah, and hookers all over the neighborhood in the wee hours, if that's your thing. The back room feels like you are in the Catskills or some Mobbed-up supper club in the North Woods. I could look at the cool case of old beer cans in the front room all night. One story about this place: I brought my parents to a show here once, and Tim Tuten told me to show up early, and he'd let us in to the back room before anyone els so they could sit up front. How cool is that? read more

Review for musicians who gig: I've played here, I've DJ'd here, and of course I've been to plenty of shows here. The Hideout is just one of those cool venues you wish you and your friends owned. I could spend a lot of time at a place like this. Eclectic booking policy that works for a change. It's part of what makes The Hideout, well, The Hideout. Add to that the oddball location, a fantastic front room bar, and a separate music venue in back and you have all the ingredients for a good night out. If you're on the road and this is your first time here, you might be a bit taken aback. It's located in an industrial area, and to find an old house / bar / venue is a bit puzzling, but no worries. The Hideout has a loyal following, and deservedly so. I've found it to be very performer-focused, so whatever you're doing you'll be treated well by the staff and crowd. Load in through the alley behind the venue to the north. It's just a quick trip from the door to the stage. You'll probably have to stash gear along one of the walls or in front after you check. There's no backstage area. Once that's over, park your car on street and head back in to the bar, grab a seat and order a drink, they'll take care of the rest. It's a small room, and I'd guess sound can be hit or miss, it really depends on how loud you are on stage. I've always been happy with it. DJ booth is in the corner of the room. They have turntables and cds, and I'm sure if you showed up with a laptop they can handle that too. I'm a vinyl guy and never had any problems here. Can't say the same for all venues. I've spun after shows and let me tell ya, the crowd stays and they're ready to get down, so be sure to bring some burners. If you aren't having fun at The Hideout, you need to retire from going out at night. read more

You mean to tell me that there is a performance venue housed in an old home, in the middle of a warehouse area, where police cars drive near to get serviced on? And they serve cheap drinks and Old Style? Let's go! I have seen a few stand-up shows here, and I have to say the place packs quite the crowd. It gets crowded, however it is an intimate venue and every time the setting always is warm and friendly. Once you brave the area (if you are THAT uptight), you will immensely enjoy yourself! read more

actually if you really break it down "Devil In a Woodpile" dwells more with ragtime, delta blues and hot jazz as opposed to bluegrass. In my personal opinion if you added a fiddle or banjer they could easily qualify for Old Time music. Which i would consider pre-folk- although that is not to say it's not of the folk peoples. But what's most interesting about old time music is it is credited of being influenced by many styles of music, like blues, cherokee, celtic and african traditional music. Aside from my ranting- "Devil In a Woodpile" puts on show and they are masterfully talented. Every Tues night at 10pm. Come one, come all. Cover- suggested donation. Donate damnit! read more

First off, I have to say that I was mildly misled by Yelp about The Hideout accepting credit cards... Bad Yelp! I'm not really a fan of cash only establishments since this is 2009 after all and because of the ATM fee racket which, to me, is bank/government-sanctioned pick-pocketing. Okay (stepping down from the soapbox), so after much walking and bus riding, I finally get to this divey but inviting venue. It kind of reminds me of the Sanford and Son set both inside and out. I was very eager to go in and sip some whiskey and check out a performance by Serengeti & Polyphonic. Hideout scores points for allowing you to reserve tickets online, but I think most places in Chicago are like this, so don't feel special Hideout, ya big dummy! SO, anyway, after deciding that my bank's nearest ATM was too far away to venture to (and thus not worth the fees I would have saved by making that jaunt), I found the greedy little Hideout ATM tucked away in a corner between the bar area and the music area and begrudgingly take out some cash. The only good thing about this ATM was that it had a cool neighbor - a real old-school padded bar with a formica bar surface... very nice. I stepped back to the bar and ordered a shot of Maker's and an Old Style. The bartenders were prompt and courteous and the prices were decent. My shot and beer cost me $7. The music was starting, so I went over to the rear of the building, where the stage was. This area was nice and open, with some high tables and chairs lined up against the wall. There was room enough in front of the stage so you could cut a rug if you felt the urge. The sound system was legit, with plenty of nice, crisp highs and full mid-range, plus the bass was bumpin' (maybe even a little too much as the vocals seemed to get drowned out at times). I did appreciate that the headlining act (mentioned above) went on around midnight because I thought "great, I'll be able to catch a bus or a cab back to my side of town" ... yeah right. I had to hoof it back. Not too bad, but not my first preference, especially as the temperatures start to decrease with the season. The Hideout is definitely worth future visits, but it will require a little more planning on my part - bringing cash, tagging along with someone else who's driving or riding my bike over specifically. read more