Visiting Chicago/Doing Shows

[thisischristhayer]

Hey folks,

I'm going to be visiting Chicago for a week in July. I have a few shows confirmed but the rest of my schedule is pretty empty. Can you suggest things to see/establishments in which to drink cheap or fancy beer/places that serve sincerely good or comically bad food? Also, any suggestions for a cheap way to acquire a bicycle while I'm there?

Here are my shows (hopefully adding more soon):

Wednesday 7/20:
-Comedians You Should Know Show @ Timothy O'Toole's
Doors at 8PM/Show at 9PM - $5 in advance/$10 at the door
(advance tix here, just select the 7/20 show)

Friday 7/22:
-I Heart Comedy @ Serenity Lounge [Wood Dale, IL]
9PM/$8

Saturday 7/23:
-The Two-Hour Comedy Hour @ Gallery Cabaret
7PM/FREE

-The Red Bar Comedy Club @ Ontourage
10PM/$10
Advance tickets here.

Sunday 7/24:
-Entertaining Julia @ Town Hall Pub
9PM/FREE

Monday 7/25:
-Speakeasy Comedy @ Stanley's Kitchen & Tap
Doors at 7:45PM/Show at 8:30PM - $5

Line-ups, links, & more details for all shows here:
http://thisischristhayer.com/calendar

Thanks!

[Liezl]

I'm going to recommend The Late Live show on Saturday 23rd, even though I've never seen it personally... but I hear great things. I'll be visiting Chicago that weekend, so if anything, I'll be there to check it out.

As for food, I highly suggest Hot Dougs for delicious hot dogs, and Kumas for delicious hamburgers that are comically big.

Here is my Chicago thread for reference, they threw out some really good food suggestions:
Liezl in Chicago

[thisischristhayer]

Hey Liezl,

That was immensely helpful! I'll definitely try to check out The Late Live Show. Thanks for all the info and ALSO for this little gem from Bridgetown.

Additionally, if you'll be in town by 7/21, Weinbach, Kinane, & Michael Sanchez are performing on "People Under The Stares" at The Hideout.
Tickets and info here if you're interested.

[Liezl]

Oh damn it, that's a great lineup, but I get in that night at midnight.

Also you're welcome! Now I can tag that photo with your name.

[JKwac]

All this talk about The Late Live Show, and I'm not the one behind it? What a nice thing to see. And a Liezl endorsement? An honor.

[Liezl]

I'm endorsing this blindly, don't let me down JKwak.

[Joe McAdam]

Everything Liezl said is correct. But fair warning, Doug's and Kuma's are always very busy. Worth it though. If you're looking to fill every day with some stand up, The Beat Kitchen has the best show on Tuesday night and Comedians You Should Know on Wednesday.

[J.B.]

establishments in which to drink cheap or fancy beer

Depends on where you are staying, but Quenchers is great: http://www.beermenus.com/cities/chic...enchers-saloon

And I've never been to Owen and Engine, but it's got 4 cask beers: http://www.beermenus.com/cities/chic...rs/owen-engine

I don't have any recommendations for shows other than what others have already said. Joe and JKwak know better than me.

[dan telfer]

The Tuesday Beat Kitchen show is alright. I mean, it's the only comedy showcase that's ever been produced out of the Beat Kitchen and nobody ever refers to it by name. It's been there 6 years and people still call it "The Tuesday Night Beat Kitchen Show." So it can't be that great. I guess I still suggest it to people though.

[Joe McAdam]

Or you can go to the Chicago mainstay Rathskellar Open Mic at the legendary Lottie's Pub or Gutter Mouth Open Mic at The 7-10 Lounge "All Kibble No Bits" on Tuesday.

I'm just messing around, Dan. Chicago Underground Comedy at The Beat Kitchen is the place to be to see one of the best shows in town.

[thisischristhayer]

I was definitely planning on checking out Chicago Undeground Comedy and CYSK and hitting some open mics while in town.

Thanks for your suggestions and keep 'em coming; where should I go for donuts? BBQ? Live improv if I've never seen it before?

[J.B.]

Live improv if I've never seen it before?

IO, IO, or IO.

(TJ and Dave is awesome, but you almost can't go wrong there).

[edameron]

In two wildly different parts of town, the Shambles Monday-night open mic (2050 W Division) and Deluxe on Saturdays (6349 N Clark) have taken off in the last few months and both have their charms.

I second CYSK, particularly if Drew Michael is on the bill. Watching him do rapid-fire misanthropy for the fratty River North crowd is comedy-nerd fun times.

Cole's Wednesday is probably the most popular open mic and one of the best talent- and crowd-wise, but you'll want to show up early (7:00) and be prepared to wait three hours or more for the show proper. The more you know.

[thisischristhayer]

Just confirmed: I'm doing CYSK on 7/20 and I Heart Comedy on 7/22!

I also just created a Facebook invite to list all of the info for all of the shows. Check it out here and please feel free to invite anyone you know who might me interested.

[thisischristhayer]

Another one! I'll be doing The Red Bar Comedy Club at Ontourage. Saturday, 7/23. 10PM/$10.

[thisischristhayer]

Two shows left; come on out!

Entertaining Julia tonight at 9 at Town Hall Pub, $0.
Speakeasy Comedy tomorrow night at 8:30 at Stanley's Kitchen & Tap, $5.