For decades, The Vic has provided quality entertainment in the form of live musical performances. The Vic has welcomed artists from across the world, both up-and-coming and well-known. The venue is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy live music in a comfortable, yet vibrant setting. Watch some of your favorite musicians take the stage, like Beach House, Jeff Tweedy, and St. Germain. The Vic hosts comedy shows, as well as ‘Brew and View’, where guests can watch a range of films from music-centered films to recent Hollywood releases. At The Vic’s Brew and View, most movies are $5!
The Vic Theatre, 3145 N Sheffield Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA +1 773 472 0449
Performance at The Vic | © Swimfinfan/Flickr
The Music Box Theatre in Lakeview has long been a staple of Chicago cinema. The Music Box Theatre is exactly what an ideal filmgoing experience should be – engaging, inspiring, and entertaining. Known for showing both foreign and independent films, the Music Box Theatre also hosts events and festivals that cannot be found at any other place in the city – don’t miss the 70mm film festival.
Music Box Theatre, 3733 N Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 773 871 6607
Inside movie theater | © Felipe Almeida/Flickr
This place may look like every other fast food joint in the city, but rest assured, The Wiener’s Circle is a one-of-a-kind experience. Located on the busy Clark Street, The Wiener Circle stands out from other hot dog spots as it comes alive at night. It may appear unassuming, but The Wiener Circle is popular among college students and Chicago locals. The staff is playful as the cooks and cashiers yell at and ridicule their patrons and vice versa, all into the wee hours of the night.
The Wiener’s Circle, 2622 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL, USA +1 773 477 7444
Outside of The Wiener’s Circle | © Nicolas Henderson/Flickr
If you’ve always dreamed of visiting a 1950s ice cream parlor, then head to Bobtail Ice Cream Company in Lakeview. Inspired by their grandfather’s small ice cream factory in the early 1950s, the owners of Bobtail aimed to bring back the joy of making and selling ice cream. Bobtail is the place for friends and families to enjoy homemade ice cream and other tasty creations in an old-fashioned atmosphere. Try scoops of vanilla bean, mint chip, and cookie dough or indulge in milkshakes, sundaes, and root beer floats. All that’s missing is a vintage poodle skirt, sunglasses, and a sweet tooth.
Bobtail Ice Cream Company, 2951 N Broadway, Chicago, IL, USA +1 773 880 7372
Ice cream sundae | © Steven Depolo/Flickr
Elbo Room is a popular lounge and music venue in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. Musicians of varying genres are featured at Elbo Room, as well as themed nightly events. A night at the Elbo Room is the perfect way to cap off a trip in Lakeview.
Elbo Room, 2871 N Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA +1 773 549 5549
Performance at Elbo Room | © Heather Banas/Flickr