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Time Out Chicago: Take a ride on the river for as little as $4 (b/w Michigan and Union Station). If you use them to commute during rush hour, they're even cheaper, but we prefer a lazy-day vibe.
1354 W Wabansia Ave (btwn Elston Ave & Throop St), Chicago, IL
Rock Club · 57 tips and reviews
Time Out Chicago: An eclectic musical appetite, commitment to community building and friendly staff keep this cozy bar in a class of its own. Don't leave without ordering a Wooden Leg.
Dive Bar · Ukrainian Village · 54 tips and reviews
Time Out Chicago: Somehow, this Ukrainian Village dive has managed to remain an underground favorite. The local artists and musicians who frequent it hold on to terra firma with cheap drink in hand.
Indie Movie Theater · Lake View East · 75 tips and reviews
Time Out Chicago: Along with a great selection of hard-to-find and independent films, the theatre's concessions counter is one of the best in the city, with vegan cookies and a popcorn seasoning bar on offer.
1002 N California Ave (at Augusta Blvd.), Chicago, IL
Bar · Humboldt Park · 48 tips and reviews
Time Out Chicago: The Clipper is a photo booth away from exhibiting the same shabby hipster cool as Goldstar. Slide into one of the gorgeous old booths on a Friday or Saturday for no-cover live rockabilly groups.
2537 N Kedzie Blvd (btwn Linden & Logan Sq.), Chicago, IL
Café · Logan Square · 257 tips and reviews
Time Out Chicago: Every dish (sliced flat iron steak with kimchi; pork loin paired with candied peanuts) is at home in the renovated space, which transformed the cramped bar into an expansive, light-filled room.
Hot Dog Joint · Northwest Side · 236 tips and reviews
Time Out Chicago: Doug has veggie dogs for vegetarians, bagel dogs for kids and specialities for the highbrow hot doggers. But his famous duck-fat fries are only for customers who come out on Fridays and Saturdays.
4802 N Broadway St (at W Lawrence Ave), Chicago, IL
Jazz and Blues Venue · Uptown · 136 tips and reviews
Time Out Chicago: This jazz institution is legendary for three things: it was once a Capone hangout, it’s haunted, and the no-nonsense staff will shush you and the friends who dragged you in during jazz sets.