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

I can't comment on the music or their block party but they're the BESTEST because of Soup and Bread, which is something I try to come down for on the weekly. I like that this 'season' they're doing themes so it's interesting to see how different people interpret that and with just a suggested donation you can give as much or as little as you want, but with the proceeds going towards local charities it will do your soul some good to give as much as you can. On top of that, I've never had to pay a cover-but then again, I'm there for liquid goodness and you can quickly grab a can of beer and scoot on back to the stage area where you can eat until your hearts content. It can get packed, but I've never left there feeling less than full, and more often than not waddling out with the meat sweats from all the rich, soupy goodness. read more

Cheap drinks, rando shows, laid-back vibe. These things are enough to earn five stars from this gal. Somehow I always end up at some type of show here when I'm in town. And its cool with me. I'm a sucker for divey bars and divier performance spaces, so I totally dig this place. Located within an industrial area, parking is a breeze. Bonus: last time I went, some TV show was being shot outside, half a block down. Yay for bright lights and the hope of seeing a famous face! read more

I'm biased..Tim and Katie are awesome. That said, so is their club. The location is out of the way, but still close enough to make it there fast. The drinks are cheap, the music is consistently well booked. But my fave time of year is the annual block party. read more

Kitschy. Gritty. Unique. I went here for the Gaper's Block 5th Anniversary party last week. It is a 'historic' building in the midst of warehouses and factories. The staff was friendly and the prices were very reasonable. The crowd wasn't my particular crowd but the place serves its customers well. read more

i love this fucking place! it was super fun, PBR is $2 every day!! (i asked the bartender Jeff (very cuty BTW) how much they go through a week and he said 1000 cans. HOLY SHIT!! great place to drink, hear music and chill. it could get 5 stars, but it's SO DAMN FAR FROM EVERTHING...oh wait, there's tons of parking and patio, so +1 star for 5!!! HUZZAH Hideout!! i can't wait for the block party!! read more

The husband and I decided that as part of our new year's resolutions we were going to go to some of the divey, live music venues that we've been by a million times and stop in to see random music on random nights... first stop was the Hideout. We got some dinner and drinks at Ada Street and found the house with the Chrismas lights and walked over. I had a feeling it was going to be judgey hipster central but the door guy and girl bartender were both super nice and welcoming. It was like being invited into your grandma's basement for a drink. I loved every part of it. All of the musicians who walked in seemed to know everyone and it seemed like a comfortable, homey vibe. The music room is great, wide with small tables on the outside and a huge open floor. The sound was perfect, even sitting up close to the stage everything was crystal clear. Very cool place and three really unique bands, will definitely be back. read more

I'm pretty sure Mobsters had some meetings at the hideout while they were taking a break from their construction/ railroad businesses. Ferreal, it's hard to find, and it will confuse your GPS. But once you get there, it's worth it. I stopped here after the Metro, and I called them a bunch of times to make sure I didn't miss the act I wanted to see. They answered and dealt with me patiently, haha. It has outdoor patio area, which is pretty cute. The bar area looks as if it hasn't been updated in a long long while, but the back area where the musicians play is really cute and cozy. read more

The rear room here today smelled like urine; pungent, inert urine. It wasn't just a whiff or waft from the men's room or anything like that. It was so bad I couldn't stay in the room. I don't know how anyone in that room could have missed or tolerated that stench. Nice place for a book-release party, I guess. read more

While some people see this bar as a great "hole in the wall dirty dive bar" I tend to see it as a classy joint and one of the most important cultural focal points in the city. Part music venue, part bar, part , giant patio, all awesome. i have seen the majority of my extremely memorable Chicago music shows at the hideout. amazing jazz on Wednesdays, honky tonk country Tuesdays, and great rock shows through the week. the music tends to lay on the intelligent cerebral side of whatever genre is in focus but i've seen a few great pop acts here as well. the hideout also does a ton of really random events which tie them into the greater Chicago community. they do a lot of fundraisers for fantastic causes and promote a very positive lifestyle that includes vegetables, biking, and political awareness. i've been to such fundraisers as a zombie invasion and veggie bingo to support local causes. the bar doesn't have the biggest selection in the world. but i don't come here to drink 15 different micro brews. what they have is quality and at fair prices. and if you are really hard up just order a wooden leg. to top it all off it's in a very intriguing location in the middle of industrialization and large city vehicles. the outdoor patio is spectacular and large and you are more likely to dance like no one is looking. because everyone there dances like no one is looking. read more

The Life During Wartime Dance party rules, even though the mixing isn't A plus, I love the music selection. Only once a month, which is kind of a bummer. Do try the drink specials here. A good find for the summer was the Wooden Leg, which was rye, soda, lemon, and bitters. It was pretty hot in there, and we were sucking those down like there was no tomorrow. read more

I walked down a seedy alley and heard some insanely loud music blaring from inside what appeared to be an old bait shop; no, not the bar/club from the hit television show The OC, an actual bait shop. We walked up, (I think we may have paid a cover to get in) and entered this peculiar shack smack dab in the middle of an industrial part of town. Upon setting foot inside, my shoulders started moving, and my spirits were instantly lifted - it could have been the music or it could have been the beer, but who is really keeping track at this point? We stepped up the bar and ordered Shiner Bock. It was cheap, in an old-style looking can, and it was drunkenly delicious. We moved past the bar into the dance room. What a sweaty mess that was, but the good thing about The Hideout is that despite this seeming to be quite the hipster-dive no one seems to care about anyone else around them. Everyone is just dancing and having a good time. We engaged in dancing with some various groups of people around the dance floor that night and everyone was drunk and friendly, I may have even hugged a person or two. I definitely, DEFINITELY need to go to this place again, and hopefully I won't end up having to pay a cover-charge on a night when there isn't a live band playing. read more

Yet another peculiar case of "I swear I've Yelped this before, but no evidence and I know I didn't say any bad words in my alleged review in my mind." No matter, I shall review it now, and maybe I might say some swears too. Ooooh, how bad of me. Hideout is indeed hidden, particularly from the CTA, but c'est la vie. It IS called the Hideout, it's not like they're lying about it. Bartenders are nice, they have Gumballhead on tap and other nice draught choices. This is more of an event destination for me (Dil Pickle Club, Interview Show, Block Party, etc.) than a regular hangout, but the atmosphere is chill, even though the space is a little cramped. It's a fun time, and yes the ladies room does have some chuckle worthy reading material scrawled on its walls. Fun times, fake wooden fish trophies in the back room. Yay. Damn, Hell, Ass read more

I don't think I've been here and NOT made a complete drunken idiot of myself on the dance floor and beyond. Cheap drinks and wood paneling and you could be in the middle of Oklahoma for all it seems. read more

What's not to like about this shit hole bar on some dumpy part of Wabansia? Small bar one side, room for bands on the next. You don't have to walk around so much to get a drink. For all of you little smokers, they have a front patio to smoke all you. This place has no frills that I can think of? I don't go here often and heard that they have DJs and dance floor? I've never seen it, but you lost points just for having it. I'm not a clubbing and dancing type guy so you won't see me cruising over there just to see what's going on. Great to see local bands play there, but lose the (wannabe) DJs... read more

We went to this place for the first time last night with our friends. We did not know what to expect nor we had any idea of which type of music/artist were going to be there. We had such a great time! We are not hipsters, were older than most of the people and have different music taste but for some reason we loved this place. It is a very pleasant place, drinks are not expensive and people are friendly. We enjoyed being in an environment that was so different from what we are used to, nothing like having an open mind and let the world surprise you ;). read more

I am relatively new to Chicago (transplant from Minneapolis) and this spot reminds me of many a laid-back-alley type spots from the Twin Cities. My girlfriend and I were there for the Postelles' concert. The band rocked. The venue rocked along with it. - Friendly patrons - Diverse (mainly by age) and everyone made me and my girlfriend feel very welcome (we're an interracial couple) We'll definitely be returning not only for the amazing sets they book, but the atmosphere. read more

Pretty much one of the coolest bars/ music venues in the city. Great atmosphere that feels like a backwoods dive or a Wisconsin bar. Often features music in the indie-alt country vein, but you can find everything here. The whiskey drinks I was getting at the bar were very well priced. A great place to play music as well. And the people actually seems to care about how it sounds and who they book. The good and bad thing is the location in a industrial gravel parking lot off Elston. It's awesome that it's off the beaten path, but a real pain in the ass if you don't drive here or take a cab. I often don't take out of town friends to the Hideout for the sole purpose that if we want to leave and go somewhere else, it's just a problem. read more

Great place to see bands. Amazing front bar. And the people here are always friendly. I have had more fun talking to strangers at this place than any other bar in this part of Chicago. There is just something cool about the place. There is nothing else around here. so getting a taxi at closing time can be a pain in the butt, but the patio furniture out front makes it a great place to chill out and talk to friends and make new friends. This place is a favorite hang out of members of top Chicago bands so going on a weekday can often have you sitting next to someone in a band you really like (or so I have heard). When you think you are in a strange section of Chicago surrounded by cop cars and dump trucks and garbage trucks whizzing past you, you have arrived at the Hideout. I heard it was once a bar that was open nearly 24/7 to meet the needs of the city workers at all the nearby garages, but it looks like it was once a ethnic bar with a big banquet hall and stage in the back (there are so many of these that no longer use the back area). The Hideout books some of the best bands in the city, and going on a random night and paying the cover has never disappointed me one bit. I even got to see a band where the woman had antlers on her guitar and made us all ring bells. Yep, that was fun. read more

Forget about my favorite bar, I am convinced that The Hideout is my favorite place in Chicago, hands down. Situated in the middle of an industrial wasteland off of Elston Avenue, it looks like it should really be down by the river in Asheville or Trempealeau, WI with its own dock so that hippies can pull up in their beat up fishing boats and drink cheap beer and jam to the Dead. However, as my friend Peter pointed out, "instead of hippies, there are hipsters." But that's okay. I really only go to The Hideout on Tuesday nights, usually to hear the amazing trad/blue grass band Devil in a Woodpile. I'm not sure what has happened to them, but it was thrilling to find out that another Chicago Blue Grass great--Tangleweed--was playing there this past Tuesday night. Upon learning this, I instantly abandoned the thought of scoring some Flight of the Conchords tickets on Craiglist--I was going to The Hideout to hear Tangleweed!!! Sidebar: if I weren't in the Chicago Chorale, whose rehearsals are on Wednesday nights, I would have totally taken advantage of the Soup and Bread nights over the winter. This is one the things I absolutely adore about The Hideout: it promotes a great sense of community and activism. I showed up early to score a table in the northeast corner of the long booth. Two notes: this is the BEST place to hear the bands that play beneath the arched doorway and the place becomes packed--standing room only--really, really quickly. However, Tangleweed was playing at 9:30, and it was only 8:45. Now, normally, if I were so ridiculously early and were sitting in a near-empty bar, I'd feel weird. But somehow, sitting by myself at The Hideout, drinking my Negro Modelo with lime waiting for Peter and for the show to begin, I was completely at peace. It helped that I'm close acquaintances with bassist for Tangleweed, and we got to catch up, but still... Later on, as we were snuggled up on the booth, beneath a wall of indie/underground/blue grass band regalia, Peter wondered if we could be regulars here. I laughed, wondering if the hipsters could take affectionate people like us who earnestly adored the music. Well, they might have to. read more

The Hideout suffers from such an identity crisis that maybe it should seek counseling. First, the location is weird. It's not bad per se, but the bar seems to be nestled in a neighborhood straight out the apocalypse scenes in the Terminator movies: lots of trucks, warehouses, and industrial bric-a-brac. That's life in the big city, of course, but it's just so desolate. Then the bar itself. If I recall, the Hideout used to be more folksy/rootsy which sort of matches the '50s vibe going on there. Now, though, there are weekly dance parties and DJs. That's fine (I've been to them and they're fun), but again: identity crisis. There still are y'alternative (sheesh!) groups who swing through, but I always envision them being swept off the stage so that the Life During Wartime DJs have enough time to plug in their turntables. It was my birthday on Sunday and a friend of mine came in to celebrate. We were at dinner for a while, then he suggested that we just check out what's what at the Hideout. I ordered the signature drink, the Wooden Leg (rye, soda, lemon, and bitters) which, after a night of beers, kicked my ass with its wooden foot. That night, Friday, the headliner was Magas who seems to follow us around. We've only seen this guy on accident and he tends to nauseate us with his industrial BS every time we see him (http://www.magasnews.com/). The crowd seemed indifferent. After two songs, we left to go to Lazo's to get some late-night tacos (which were, as always, amazing). So I guess you could say that my favorite part of going to the Hideout on Friday was leaving to get tacos. read more

An awesome spot, tucked away in an area that assures its only patrons are those that REALLY want to make it out there. Aside from being the best shanty you've ever hung out in, over the years Hideout has cultivated its own little nuggets of Chicago culture: hosting poetry and comedy nights, dance parties featuring Life During Wartime DJ's, plus strong relationships with Chicago staples including (but not limited to) Bloodshot Records (frequently hosting Devil in a Woodpile), Touch & Go Records (whose roster performed at last year's Hideout Block Party), and venues like The Metro and Schuba's. Owner Tim Tuten is a Chicago icon himself and an all-around character - an infectiously excited, socially conscience business operator. read more

Seems like the best place in the city to catch a secret show. I've only been here once so far(for Jon Brion's awesome set), but it seems like every couple weeks someone huge places here. It's one of those places where it seems like every week I say to myself "hmm, Hideout tonight?" The name fits, because I have the hardest time trying to explain to people where this is. A tiny place in the middle of no where(what is this, an industrial lot?) which I would have confused with a house if not for the beer signs on the outside. Speaking of beer, 3 dollar pint cans of Becks was a great thing. And the people there are nice as hell. Met a few strangers there and ended up ordering pizza; apparently it isn't a common occurrence to go to this place alone and actually meet some new people. Kinda nice to know. All and all, a really great place. Oh yeah, and the wood paneling is top notch. read more

Been here a couple times, but most recently for Bingo. As cheesy as it sounds, it was really fun and they gave out cool prizes like organic veggies, baked goods, hideout patches, and t-shirts. They also gave away free hot dogs provided by Hot Doug's which was obviously a major perk. The 2 guys running the show were very entertaining/friendly, but one of them was so clearly inebriated towards the end of the game it got a little annoying. I'm all for weirdness but he was screaming into the mic and rolling around on the floor. read more

This place has great staff, decent drinks, good music and random events -- it's a blast!! I came here and danced my arse off at the Makeout Valentine's Day dance. A few weeks ago I came to Dollar Store night where people buy a shitty object at the dollar store and write a song, story of poem about it. It was set up with chairs for the audience and was pretty damn funny! It's really a hideout and set off the beaten track off Wabansia. They have an outdoor fenced patio too. Greaaat! read more

I hate paying cover but, what can I say, I like The Hideout. The drinks are standard. The service is, well....the fact that it happens at all is acceptable. Let's face it, if you like coming here, you're coming for the atmosphere, the music, and the dancing. The bathrooms are disgusting. Also, I apologize to the group of people my boyfriend fell backwards into last time we were there. I know he knocked down one of your drinks, and I'm sorry. Blame it on the sick beats. read more

Holy magical bar, Batman! It's not so much that this place rocks but how much more I'm realizing that other places suck. This is my bar. $4 all drafts (good ones too), $2 PBR, drink specials, a plethora of live music in all styles, In the middle of nowhere, and REAL people. And the 6 Tamales for $5 from Claudio the resident corn-mean nomad. Look at that, influenced by Yelp. Sheeeeit. read more

This place really is a hideout! It doesn't even have a sign or anything on the front. I went for the Soup and Bread and gave a donation to get some delicious soup! Had a spicy chili with avocado, cheese, jalepenos, and sour cream! It was awesome! read more

The Hideout is super divey bar that has been around since pre-Prohibition. It is located in an industrial area, and I didn't even know it was there until living in Chicago for almost two years. They have tons of events every month ranging from concerts to random benefits. It's a pretty unique place off of the beaten trail. Last night, I met up with some friends to play veggie bingo. Cards are $3 each or $10 for 4, and it benefits local community gardens. They have free hot dogs donated by Hot Doug's and grand prize of lots of local veggies! The hosts were quirky and funny, and I overall had a great time. The bartenders are quick to pour drinks and very friendly. Keep in mind, this bar is cash only, and if you're taking a cab, you probably need to have the address handy because it's location is so obscure. read more

Great venue. Like the fish on the walls. Not sure if that makes the acoustics what they are but the space generates a nice sound. CASH ONLY!!!! (now you know) read more

Oh my, the Hideout Panto gets better every year. I invited a bunch of friends this year, none of whom could make it on the same day, so instead of having an entourage I showed up for almost every performance with a different person. It was slightly different each time, everyone I brought loved it, I didn't ever want it to end, and now I have a piece of the stage set standing in my living room that was auctioned off cheaply for charity after the last performance. It's a giant Egyptian sarcophagus beautifully painted by the polymath Jon Langford, who as usual played a strong woman in the leading role. My cat has risen even higher in my estimation by incorporating it into his play/hunting routine and pouncing on people from behind its cardboard walls. The music, like the set, was gorgeous, and, as Langford justly observed to the audience in thanking the band, the playing was "tighter than a sphinx's sphincter." (I'm afraid that visual will stay with me for a while. Oh well.) The script was funny and surreal. The acting was over the top. The costumes were perfect--especially the insect-thorax look of the romantic lead's armored breastplate, and the camel. I haven't field-tested the Panto on an actual child yet, but a friend reported that her teenage son loved it, especially the puns. Damn, now we have to wait till December for another one. read more

I think this place is a pretty gnar joint to hang out at. My friend's band has played there a few times, and it's actually a pretty decent place to see a show. My one complaint with the whole live music deal, however, is that if someone is playing, you have to pay cover whether you went for music or not. Even though there are two separate rooms, with the bands playing in the back one, you have to fork over your dough as soon as you walk in. I would advise to look up if any bands are scheduled before you go, because there have been a few times we just wanted to go for some beers and got stuck paying 7-10 smackers to see some band we couldn't have cared less about. Other than that, I really don't have any beef with the place. It's got a nice vibe, although it is starting to get a little hip. Then again, what place isn't crawling with men in women's jeans these days? The prices aren't bad, and that's always a plus. It's also hidden (hence, The Hideout), so you don't end up with a bunch of jokers just wandering in after watching a UFC fight and downing Bud Light all night. It's surprising how hard it is to find a place without that possibility. read more

Hidden within an industrial area, there is no way that you'd stumble upon this bar. I found it while investigating Ada St (this would be a good spot to wrap up an evening). The bar has had a liquor license since the 1890s, and the prices also bring your back to an earlier time... Good beer and mixed drinks (you call it) were at the $5-6 range (quite a departure from the downtown area). The staff is engaging and the crowd vibe is very chill. This spot will not be noted for the interior decor, but it looks like what it is - a regular bar with cool people. it The bar staff is very friendly and engaging. The bands and activities are certainly a draw - most recently, I went for the WBEZ Interview Show which again, drew quite an assortment of people. And that's why I'll return. read more

A good place to hear great bands. But theres like way too many rules, and some of the people working there can be have attitude. They also double book, I payed to see Niel Hamburger, they cut him off at 9pm and kick us all out and brought in ticket holders for some hillbilly band. WTF? read more

Went there on vacation in October and saw a great avant garde night, complete with random conducting via instructions on pieces of paper and a guy playing tea kettles. Then the guy DJing in between groups does horror movie sets, featuring Goblin and songs from Rosemary's Baby...wow, this is truly a club for me! Their drinks are good and strong, at least the Black Russians I got. The Wooden Leg, their signature drink, was very icky to me, but it is probably an acquired taste! People were very friendly and I remember one person in a wheelchair that many people went out of their way to help her get settled in to watch the show. The door guy chatted me up for a long time, it was a great atmosphere. I wish there was something like this in San Diego. I'd love to watch Free Jazz and Avant Garde shows weekly. Door fare is pretty cheap for the entertainment you get. It is in the middle of nowhere too, adding to the fun of actually finding the place the first time! Easy to walk back to our B&B from there as well. So happy I went to the show there! read more

This little gem of a music venue is tucked away in an industrial corridor off of Elston ave. This is a great place to see a live show, their booking is excellent. Usually pretty easy to park. If you are sitting outside sometimes you can see a tow truck hall in a garbage truck or fire truck, as you are right by one of the city motor pools. Love the hideout. read more

Always had a nice time here. Even when I was too young to drink. Really warm and pleasant. I'm a sucker for multicolored Christmas bulbs & deer heads. read more

My only complaint about this place is that it's a pain in the ass to get to. Either take a cab or ride a bike. The place looks like a shack in the middle of some factory/warehouses from the outside, and when you first step in, it still looks like a shack--pretty awesome if you ask me. But, you go back farther and it has a nicely sized dance floor and a spot for bands or the Dj to play. The times that I have been there the dance music has been very sweet and well mixed. People really got into it, even more so than other bars I've gone to, like Danny's or Evil Olive. It gets hot in there with crowd moving. The bar itself isn't bad, can take a little time. I always get the cheap PBR. And the bartenders are fine. I once saw one of them perform in a noise, grunge band at an apartment gallery, where he was only wearing sneakers and wood-print wallpaper wrapped around his body. That might give you an idea of what they can be like. People who go range from hipsters to people you wouldn't be expecting. I once went when a crowd from an MCA show decided to party there. Plenty of single, middle-aged women had come in that night looking to meet someone new. I'll go back for sure, probably not til this summer though since it's a pain to get to. read more

I love The Hideout. Though I've mostly been going there for comedy shows. I always hit up Kind of Blue Comedy every month and Shame That Tune whenever I can catch it. One of these days I'll catch a music show there but I prefer comedy, and this is a great venue for it. read more

Went a few weeks ago for the first time and had a great time on a Monday night! The back area where the bands play is pretty small and has limited seating but most people stand. There is also a tamale guy that comes around later in the evening if you are hungry. Had a good time and will def go back. read more