The Medusa Fora

Anyone plan on meeting up before the show in Chicago, March 3? A buddy and I are flying in for the show that morning and will have significant time to kill. I'm not terribly familiar with Chicago's pub scene. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I tend to opt for dive bars with subculural leanings--but for the average beer drinker I'd recommend The Map Room or Quenchers. They both have extensive beer selections from around the world and are in the general direction of the Congress Theater for the show. If you are looking for bars in the immediate area of the Congress there are a variety of places at the intersection of Milwaukee & California and along Milwaukee to the north (Logan Bar and Grill, Boiler Room, Panchos, Revolution, Cole's, and if you keep going you hit the Two-Way Lounge, Bonny's, The Whistler, and Rocking Horse). Not to say I'm recommending them, they're just over there. I'd say your top choice of those would be the brewpub Revolution--upscale bar cuisine and a selection of about 10 of their own microbrews in a variety of styles. South of the theater is also Green Eye which is probably a better neighborhood bar than most of the ones up around Milwaukee&California. Better than average beer selection, too. I'm guessing it will be the likeliest bar people will hit before going to the show.
If you're in the mood for whiskey I recommend Delilah's. I believe they advertise themselves as having the country's largest bourbon selection--in any case, they've got over 400 whiskeys. Beyond that, they maintain a fantastic rock&roll vibe (though it looks like this thursday they're spinning New Wave). It's not in the immediate area, but I believe it necessitates a visit for any drinker who comes through the area.
If you have any specific criteria of what you're looking feel free to ask. Chicago is a great town for a binge.

Can any native Chicagoans give me some info on whether I'd be able to bring my 18 year old daughter into a pub? I believe the drinking age is 21, but will that mean she can't even set foot inside the door? Does it matter if the establishment serves food?

Just over 24 hours away from show time... I'm still in floriduh but will boarding my flight in a few hours. So looking forward to this show. And now that i've heard about it, might have to check out Delilah's!! Or the best dive bar near the Congress.

As a Kentuckian, I too am curious about Delilah's. When reading they claimed to have the world's largest burboun selection, the echoes of Vincent Vega chanting, "That's a bold statement" ran through my head. In Louisville, there are numerous bars with an extensive burboun selection, I'm eager to compare. Thanks for recommendations. Cheers.

We are heading to El Cid's (half a block from the Congress) for some great Mexican food before the show. I still have 2 extra tickets that can be had for a song (literally) if anyone is interested, let me know. It was 36 degrees warmer here in Chicago then where we started today, still below freezing though (why do The Pogues torture us like this?)

Clash Cadillac wrote: It was 36 degrees warmer here in Chicago then where we started today, still below freezing though (why do The Pogues torture us like this?)

Only the strong survive

Clash Cadillac wrote:It was 36 degrees warmer here in Chicago then where we started today, still below freezing though (why do The Pogues torture us like this?)

Hey, at least the temps went the right direction for you!! For the next two days, Chicago is forecast to be a full 20 degrees colder than it's going to be here in St. Louis...near 60 here, not even 40 up there. I really love Chicago, but so much more when it's warm out!!

Mike M wrote:

Clash Cadillac wrote:It was 36 degrees warmer here in Chicago then where we started today, still below freezing though (why do The Pogues torture us like this?)

Hey, at least the temps went the right direction for you!! For the next two days, Chicago is forecast to be a full 20 degrees colder than it's going to be here in St. Louis...near 60 here, not even 40 up there. I really love Chicago, but so much more when it's warm out!!

I'm looking forward to heading south for some warmth. This morning in Winnipeg it was minus 37 C (with wind chill), which is just about the same in F. Haven't decided on what I'm wearing tomorrow night, but maybe keep an eye open for a guy in shorts.

runjohnnyrun wrote:

Mike M wrote:

Clash Cadillac wrote:It was 36 degrees warmer here in Chicago then where we started today, still below freezing though (why do The Pogues torture us like this?)

Hey, at least the temps went the right direction for you!! For the next two days, Chicago is forecast to be a full 20 degrees colder than it's going to be here in St. Louis...near 60 here, not even 40 up there. I really love Chicago, but so much more when it's warm out!!

I'm looking forward to heading south for some warmth. This morning in Winnipeg it was minus 37 C (with wind chill), which is just about the same in F. Haven't decided on what I'm wearing tomorrow night, but maybe keep an eye open for a guy in shorts.

I'll be wearing a black pea coat and black pork pie (Christmas gifts from the wife) until we get in the venue then I'll most likely lose the coat.

Clash Cadillac wrote:

runjohnnyrun wrote:

Mike M wrote:

Clash Cadillac wrote:It was 36 degrees warmer here in Chicago then where we started today, still below freezing though (why do The Pogues torture us like this?)

Hey, at least the temps went the right direction for you!! For the next two days, Chicago is forecast to be a full 20 degrees colder than it's going to be here in St. Louis...near 60 here, not even 40 up there. I really love Chicago, but so much more when it's warm out!!

I'm looking forward to heading south for some warmth. This morning in Winnipeg it was minus 37 C (with wind chill), which is just about the same in F. Haven't decided on what I'm wearing tomorrow night, but maybe keep an eye open for a guy in shorts.

I'll be wearing a black pea coat and black pork pie (Christmas gifts from the wife) until we get in the venue then I'll most likely lose the coat.

Then I'll be the guy in shorts and a newly found black pea coat.

Well, since we're discussing it, I'll be the fat guy in the brown sweater and flat cap!

runjohnnyrun wrote:Can any native Chicagoans give me some info on whether I'd be able to bring my 18 year old daughter into a pub? I believe the drinking age is 21, but will that mean she can't even set foot inside the door? Does it matter if the establishment serves food?

Nowhere with a tavern license (meaning they only serve liquor) can allow minors on the premises. However, bars that also operate with a full kitchen will allow under-aged patrons (it's at their discretion, but it's quite common at least until late night hours).

Mike M wrote:Well, since we're discussing it, I'll be the fat guy in the brown sweater and flat cap!

Decided against the shorts. So, look for the guy grinning like a fool because he managed to get one of his kids to a Pogues show. She'll be the pretty young lady at my side.

Could happen runjohnnyrun, I did lose another coat recently in Minneapolis, went to see Ike Reilly and don't remember anything after the 3rd song of the night, I think someone slipped me a roofie. Got the coat back after 2 months.