2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 125 items
The Second City
Celebrating 50 years as the home of Chicago-style improv and sketch comedy, The Second City has launched the careers of John Belushi, Mike Myers, Tina Fey, Bill Murray, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell and many others.
CITY: Chicago
Buddy Guy's Legends
Owned by legendary blues guitarist Buddy Guy, Legends exemplifies and electrifies the best of Chicago blues, seven nights a week. Here you’ll find an amazing collection of blues memorabilia, a great Cajun menu and maybe even Buddy himself on stage.
CITY: Chicago
Blue Chicago
Blue Chicago is located near Ontario street’s restaurant row. Chicago's best blues artist star in this safe and friendly club. It is popular with blues fans all over the world. The low cover charge is good for admission to both Blue Chicago locations.
CITY: Chicago
Martini's on Water
Visit Martini's to enjoy one or more delicious concoctions from the expansive beverage menu. The selection includes key lime pie, bloody Mary, cheesecake, and cinnamon apple. Martini's offers outdoor seating on the patio, which has magnificent views of the river. Live entertainment and Monday specials are sure to make your visit memorable.
CITY: Peoria
Jumer's Casino & Hotel - Rock Island
Jumer's Casino & Hotel is one of the largest land-based casinos in the state of Illinois. Jumer's is where Art Deco meets 21st Century gaming. The all on one level casino floor features the latest in gaming fun. Over 1,000 slots, 25 table games, and a live Poker Room. In addition, you will enjoy a night club, sports bar, and four distinct restaurants featuring everything from steak and seafood, to outstanding buffets, and deli-style menus. The luxurious hotel offers 205 hotel rooms, an indoor pool, fitness center, and a full-service Spa. We're the perfect place for leisure travel and for meetings, conventions, parties, or banquets. Our luxurious hotel has all the modern amenities guests expect. Oh! What a feeling! You are going to love the new Jumer's Casino & Hotel.
CITY: Rock Island
Tommy Gun's Garage
Enter through the back door under the L train tracks, give the password and experience Chicago during the Roaring '20s. Enjoy dinner and an interactive musical comedy revue with gangsters and flappers.
CITY: Chicago
Kingston Mines
A Chicago blues institution that encourages its patrons to "hear the blues, drink booze and talk loud." Kingston Mines is a prime site for viewing celebrities out for a night on the town with more than 40 years in the business.
CITY: Chicago
Kryptonite
A downtown bar made for socializing featuring jazz, folk, light rock and a variety of music. The upper mezzanine offers comfortable lounge seating and the club features wine and gourmet pizza.
CITY: Rockford
Miss Kitty's Grape Escape
Located in the heart of downtown Galena, this is a great place to relax and unwind. Enjoy wine, specialty martinis and craft beers. Live music on Fridays and Saturdays, Bloody Mary bar Saturdays and Quiz Show Sundays. Gourmet apps until 1 a.m.
CITY: Galena
Donnie B's Comedy Club
Welcome! The NEW, BIGGER AND BETTER Donnie B’s Comedy Club is located in the Route 66 Hotel on South Sixth Street. Come check out the new bar, Donnie B’s Den!
CITY: Springfield
Back Room - Chicago
Intimate, upscale atmosphere - Chicago's finest live entertainment venue. The Back Room entertains Chicago with live band music 7 nights a week, two shows a night! They also offer a light food menu, dancing, late night music on the weekends, and top notch service. For over 45 years The Back Room has been the place to go if you are looking for an incredible evening of live music. Guests enter down a long brick alleyway where they are greeted by our host and led into our Showcase Lounge. Our host can accommodate groups of all sizes at our lounge tables or if you’d prefer to be up and dancing you can find a spot at the bar. Every night you can expect the very best in Jazz along with an incredible mix of Motown; R&B; Funk; Adult Contemporary and some down home Chicago Blues! All of your favorite music under one roof, performed live 7 nights a week in an intimate upscale atmosphere that guarantees an unforgettable night. If you’re looking for a fun, lively venue for late night dancing head to the Back Room after 1am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays when the music continues with your favorite Top 40 and hip hop classics! There’s no reason the party has to stop when the bands do!
CITY: Chicago
Roof at the Wit Hotel
Enliven any event at ROOF, the year-round rooftop lounge on the 27th floor of theWit, a Doubletree Hotel. This Chicago party location boasts 7,000 square feet of roaring fire pits, live music, telescopes, and unparalleled ambience meshing beautifully with the urban Chicagoan's lifestyle. Choose an indoor or outdoor area to accommodate up to 150 guests. Engage in lively conversation while you sip artisanal handcrafted libations and nibble on specially prepared snacks. Our chef also directs the menu at our fabulous Italian restaurant, offers 20 small plates to please everyone's palate. Whether you're enjoying an evening on the suspended table overlooking the Chicago skyline, or relaxing at the striking bar, ROOF will undoubtedly be your number-one in-town destination.
CITY: Chicago
B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted
Chicago's oldest blues bar with live blues seven nights a week. A favorite of tourists and locals, you see blues as it's meant to be heard: up close and personal.
CITY: Chicago
Zanies Comedy Club - Chicago
Since 1978, Zanies has presented the best in stand-up comedy. Past performers have included Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, and Richard Lewis.
CITY: Chicago
The Pour House
Nightlife bar with welcoming atmosphere for all and good quality food for lunch and dinner - try us!
CITY: Decatur
Joe's Be-Bop Cafe and Jazz Emporium
Food and live jazz share equal billing here. Casual, southern-style menu. Live jazz seven nights a week. Jazz orients sounds from swing to down-home blues. Latin jazz to mobtime.
CITY: Chicago
Scandals Nightclub
This gay and lesbian show bar features drag shows, comedians, and dancing Wednesday through Saturday nights.
CITY: Springfield
Zanies Comedy Club - St. Charles
Popular comedians perform at Zanies, providing an evening of laughter and fun. The "sister" of the legendary downtown Zanies has been making the western suburbs laugh with the same great talent for over 20 years.
CITY: St. Charles
Maneuvers
A Joliet staple for more than 30 years, this LGBT bar features dancing to live DJs on Friday and Saturday nights, Maneuvers Diva’s Den drag shows and live entertainment.
CITY: Joliet
The Station House
Part of the downtown Springfield nightlife scene for more than 15 years, this LGBT-friendly dance club features karaoke on Thursday nights.
CITY: Springfield
BlueLine Night Club
There's great bands and sophisticated atmosphere at the BlueLine Night Club in Downtown Bloomington!
CITY: Bloomington
Howlin on Water...Dueling Pianos at the Waterhouse
The Waterhouse is a reception, rental and performance facility located in downtown Peoria along the beautiful Illinois River. Get crazy every Friday night at this hilariously entertaining show.
CITY: Peoria
The Loft - Bloomington
Enjoy this newly renovated martini bar with a wonderful atmosphere! No food served.
CITY: Bloomington
Laugh Comedy Club
Some of the nations best comedians grace the stage every week at Bloomington's ONLY Comedy Club! We offer low ticket prices, great food and drinks and under 21 is permitted to enter. Join us every Thursday for College Night! Shows are Thursday, Friday, Saturday!
CITY: Bloomington
Green Mill
This Art Deco-style jazz club in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood has a storied speakeasy past from the days of prohibition. Sit back and listen to some of the best jazz and cabaret music in the city at this elegant club that served as one of the locations for the hit film, High Fidelity. The Green Mill was patterned after Clark Monroe's Uptown House in Harlem (as it was during the 40's). Uniquely comfortable to all audiences, the magic of the Mill is that the audience co-mingles in its mutual respect for the music.
CITY: Chicago
Main Street Jazz & Blues
Join the group at this small intimate club featuring performers from St. Louis and the local area.
CITY: Belleville
Zanies Comedy Club - Vernon Hills
Popular comedians perform at Zanies, providing an evening of laughter and fun. The "sister" of the legendary downtown Zanies has been making the suburbs laugh with the same great talent.
CITY: Vernon Hills
Howl at the Moon
It's a singing, clapping, stomping, dance on the piano, rock 'n' roll show. It's part concert, part piano bar and all centered around audience participation.
CITY: Chicago
Downtown Arlington Heights Shopping & Entertainment District
Diverse collection of charming local shops and major retailers. Outstanding restaurants, theaters, nightlife, and entertainment, all within walking distance.
CITY: Arlington Heights
Tres Hombres Club in Carbondale
Live entertainment. Monday night is jazz, Thursday offers an eclectic mix of local musicians, Sunday is DJ night.
CITY: Carbondale
Kenwood Neighborhood
Located along Lake Michigan on the South Side of the City of Chicago, Illinois, is one of the 77 well-defined Chicago community areas. Kenwood was part of Hyde Park Township, which was annexed by the City of Chicago in 1889. Kenwood was once one of the most elite neighborhoods in Chicago and contains some of the largest homes in the city. It includes two Chicago Landmark districts, Kenwood and North Kenwood. Burnham Park runs along Kenwood's lakefront. A large part of the southern part of this region is in the Hyde Park-Kenwood Historic District. In recent years, the neighborhood has received national attention as the home of United States President Barack Obama.
CITY: Chicago
JBar at the James Hotel
Get your night started at our lounge, JBar. Anchoring the south end of Rush Street's nightlife, JBar offers signature cocktails in a modern environment. The James is a new hotel group that effortlessly blends a sense of modern, residential comfort with state-of-the-art technology and exceptional service.
CITY: Chicago
Big Shot Piano Lounge & Restaurant
Big Shot is an upscale Restaurant & Piano Bar. A cozy place to meet, eat, and drink while listening and interacting with talented musicians. From the warm atmosphere to the variety of enticing menu items, this intimate spot will showcase live talent every night. The extremely friendly restaurant will invite its patrons to participate and sing along with new songs performed by talented professionals. This will definitely be a place to start and end an evening.
CITY: Arlington Heights
Diversey River Bowl
Diversey River Bowl features a phenomenal light show, great sound system, video arcade and bowling fun. Open lanes every night.
CITY: Chicago
Joe's Brewery
Serving only the finest bar food available, Joe’s is the home of the Super Bird and a great place to grab some tasty wings or burgers, as well as the best fish sandwich you’ll find anywhere. Joe’s continues to provide a high energy atmosphere only available on a college campus as well as great food at a reasonable price. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
CITY: Champaign
The Comedy Shrine
Whether you're here to watch improv or stand-up, you're in for a great time! Come early and enjoy a drink and the thousands of pieces of comedy memorabilia that puts the "shrine" in The Comedy Shrine. Interested in classes? We have those too! You are never too old or too young to try your hand at comedy. Check out our website for upcoming class dates and prices.
CITY: Aurora
Riddles Comedy Club
South side's hottest comedy! Located at 5055 W 111 street in Alsip. we are just 20 minutes from the Chicago loop and Northwest Indiana. Lots of free parking, a full service bar offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and friendly staff all add up to a great night out!
CITY: Alsip
Andy's Jazz Club
A spacious, sophisticated saloon atmosphere, a deliciously varied menu and Chicago's finest Live Jazz! Dining is delightfully casual, served with Live Jazz steps from Michigan Avenue, rub shoulders with celebs and jazz buffs from around the world. Andy's renown is international.
CITY: Chicago
M Lounge
M Lounge is warmly lit with candles, sconces and blue lighting that illuminates the vast selection of spirits. Honey-brown walls, burgundy velvet curtains, comfy sofas and table seating in hues of chocolates and sage make this 1,400 sq. ft. oasis and its 28ft walnut bar cozy and perfect for any occasion.
CITY: Chicago
Nick's Fishmarket Restaurant
Elegant, romantic, and incredible service. From Motown to Classic Rock, from Jazz standards to current chart toppers, music to dance to by the Pearl St. Band!
CITY: Rosemont
The Redhead Piano Bar
Chicago's premier piano bar offering top entertainers playing your favorite standards, rock and pop hits; upbeat, comfortable and open late.
CITY: Chicago
The Back Door Lounge at Starved Rock Lodge
Enjoy a relaxed dinner on the veranda during the summer months and live music every Friday from 8pm to 11pm. Rock, alternative, acoustic, R & B, Jazz, country & pop. Visit the website for a complete music schedule. Special events include beer dinners, pub crawls, theater productions, and holiday events.
CITY: Oglesby
Lincoln Park District
The Lincoln Park District has been providing Central Illinois with quality programs and activities since 1961. The park District offers an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts, golf driving range, sports complex with a weight room, basketball courts, volleyball courts, an area for walking, and vending machines for food and drink.
CITY: Lincoln
Mulligans
Famous for Long Island Iced Teas! Always a packed crowd in Downtown Bloomington!
CITY: Bloomington
Downtown Bar and Lounge
Windy City's newest and premier gay and lesbian destination located in the heart of Downtown Chicago. The place to relax and meet new friends.
CITY: Chicago
Bubby and Sissy’s
Located just a few blocks from the riverfront Argosy Casino Alton, this bar hosts drag shows every weekend, karaoke on Thursdays, amateur drag queen and king shows the last Wednesday of the month, and dancing to DJ-driven music.
CITY: Alton
Chester Street Dance Club
Located in downtown Champaign, this huge dance club features DJs spinning everything from Top 40 remixes to electro-industrial dance. Cool down on the outdoor patio.
CITY: Champaign
Hamburger Mary’s
Located in Chicago's neighborhood of Andersonville, Hamburger Mary’s features a menu of creative hamburgers (what else?) in its dining room, DJ-driven music and stage shows in Mary’s Attic and sports broadcasts live in Mary’s Rec Room, a combination sports bar/microbrewery.
CITY: Chicago
Logan Lanes
Bowling alley, pool tables, and video games. Open grill for food and drinks. Bar- for adults 21 and over.
CITY: Lincoln
The Bistro
One of the oldest gay clubs in Central Illinois, The Bistro features friendly bartenders, dancing, drag shows and DJs in downtown Bloomington.
CITY: Bloomington
Le Bar
Fashionistas mingle with the suits late night while energetic music radiates. Modern lighting creates a dramatic setting. Le Bar specializes in martinis poured tableside, but is also known for champagne and wine by the glass
CITY: Chicago
Gibsons Steakhouse and Lounge
LIVE JAZZ NIGHTLY 7PM-12PM LENNY CAPP BAND WED.-SAT 8PM-12PM
CITY: Rosemont
Club Krave
This south suburban gay club features DJ-driven dancing, male dancers, karaoke and monthly drag shows.
CITY: Blue Island
Pin Oak Motel and Bar
Bar with drink specials on Wednesdays. There is a jukebox and pool table.
CITY: Carterville
Club Escapade
In business since 1998, this Belleville gay bar features karaoke on Wednesdays, and dancing to live DJs on select Saturday nights.
CITY: Belleville
Cuvee
As the name suggests, every element of this ultra-lounge was considered and meticulous selections were made to create an intimate space. Including a champagne list fit for a mature and sophisticated palate. Available seven days a week.
CITY: Chicago
The Office Niteclub
Located in downtown Rockford’s historic River District, The Office offers dancing, drag shows, karaoke and an outdoor patio in warm-weather months.
CITY: Rockford
Two Thirteen East
The only gay club in Carbondale features drag shows, Salsa Night on Thursdays and ‘80s dance music on Saturdays.
CITY: Carbondale
MB Financial Park at Rosemont
MB Financial Park at Rosemont, the new entertainment district, features lively bars and restaurants with live music, casual dining, bowling, and outdoor patios. A seasonal courtyard is in the center of it all- perfect for farmers markets, movies under the stars, music festivals & ice skating. MB Financial Park at Rosemont is only a block from the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center and is anchored by Muvico 18- Movie Theater, a number of hotels and the vibrant Rosemont Theatre.
CITY: Rosemont
House of Blues
A juke-joint inspired restaurant featuring down home American cuisine in the heart of Chicago's entertainment district. World Famous Sunday Gospel Brunch. Live music nightly.
CITY: Chicago
Canopy Club
Canopy Club is committed to diversity in the entertainment it provides for its diverse patron base. The Canopy Club also strives to foster an environment of activism for positive social and environmental change through hosting various benefits and informational gatherings. In striving to achieve the highest level of entertainment, the Canopy Club prides itself on being able to offer entertainment for all walks of life. Whether you like rock, country, hip hop, jazz, funk, indie or anything in between, the Canopy Club has something to offer you. If you're a fan of live music and entertainment, the Canopy Club is your home in central Illinois! Come see live music at the Canopy!
CITY: Urbana
Rebar
With the Chicago River and Michigan Avenue Bridge just outside the windows, this downtown Chicago bar is a chic sophisticated lounge and the perfect end to any busy day. Located on the mezzanine level, Rebar offers neo-Japanese cuisine and signature cocktails in a vibrant and warm atmosphere.
CITY: Chicago
Atmosphere
Expect bumping beats and go-go dancing boys at this GLBT bar in Andersonville. A 30-foot-long bar and an elevated seating area overlook the dance floor, often set in motion by a DJ spinning dance hits and house standards. Exposed brick walls, galvanized metal and hardwood floors and warm lighting create an inviting upscale ambiance.
CITY: Chicago
Republic
Republic delivers an inclusive ambiance of styles and scenes in a lavish, ultra modern 11,00 sq ft facility.
CITY: Chicago
Scarlet
This beautiful bar is decked out with stained glass windows, antique furniture and cozy banquettes. The Sunday Liquid Brunch (with $12 bottles of champagne) starts at a reasonable 2pm.
CITY: Chicago
The Corner Stone
Galena's hottest nightlife! Great place to relax with friendly staff and locals. Featuring live music Wednesday – Sunday all year! Full bar with more than 60 different beers, plus wine, martinis and cocktails.
CITY: Galena
Sauce
This upscale yet moderately priced American bistro and bar has as clubby atmosphere with its mahogany, chrome and steel accents. The large outdoor patio draws a hefty Lincoln Park crowd who make this place their warm-weather hangout.
CITY: Chicago
Boltini Lounge
Charming and elegant. Sophisticated liquor selection, light gourmet menu and outdoor patio.
CITY: Champaign
Soma Ultralounge
Talk about setting the mood. With an atmosphere flushed with warm reds and bathed in caramel and gold lighting, the mood at Soma is always one of urbane expectation. Anything can happen here, and it does.
CITY: Champaign
Angels & Kings
This cool rock and roll bar, co-owned by Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz (a Chicago native), boasts over-sized celebrity mug shots adorning its walls. Stop in and croon on the karaoke stage with a live band or dance to the DJ-driven music.
CITY: Chicago
Sidetrack
This multi-level gay bar spans eight storefronts and has room for 1,000 revelers. Be sure to check out the chic courtyard, along with U-Video Request Night on Tuesdays featuring all ’80s songs.
CITY: Chicago
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
Dinner comes with a side of entertaining female impersonators at this raucous restaurant, located in Chicago's Boystown neighborhood. Sample one of more than 70 different martinis, including the famous Kit Kat.
CITY: Chicago
John Deere Commons at Moline Center
A tourism destination offering international restaurants, concerts, special events, top name entertainment at The Mark, and live music at the Moline Centre bars. Restaurants and pubs.
CITY: Moline
Pip's II
On west Boyton street in Marion. This bar has DJs, drink specials, karaoke, and we do birthday parties. We have a pool table and a jukebox.
CITY: Marion
Esteban’s
Known for its live salsa music and dancing, Esteban’s hosts Expression Nite on Thursdays, featuring drag performers. The dinner menu, served Wednesday through Saturday evenings, offers Latin American specialties.
CITY: Naperville
SPIN Nightclub
This huge club features two dance floors, four bars, several spacious lounges, drag queen hosts and music spun by live DJs. Regular live events include singers (complete with go-go boy dancers) and special theme nights.
CITY: Chicago
Bentley's Pub
This traditional pub in Downtown Champaign is off the beaten path and likes it that way. A great selection of beers and a crowd of regulars keep this bar hopping. Live music weekly.
CITY: Champaign
Big Chicks
This friendly bar in the Uptown neighborhood caters to a lesbian and gay clientele. Try Big Chicks’ next-door restaurant, Tweet, for a delish breakfast, lunch or brunch made with organic ingredients.
CITY: Chicago
Rox City Grill Lounge
Relax or celebrate with your friends amidst the contemporary urban decor highlighted with authentic historic detailing. Enjoy the offerings of our full bar, our exceptional wine list, select samples from the extraordinary Rox City Grill menu, and live entertainment of piano bar favorites every Thursday through Saturday.
CITY: St. Charles
The Wild Hare
Calling itself the reggae capital of America is no stretch for The Wild Hare. Seven nights a week, the stage at the back of the room gets vibrant with local, national and international-caliber bands.
CITY: Chicago
The Call Bar
This dance bar, located in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood, plays music that ranges from retro to pop and show tunes. Themed video nights include Britney Spears videos all evening long on the last Friday of the month.
CITY: Chicago
Sports Corner
Sports Center is a three floor sports bar located across the street from Wrigley Field featuring outdoor roof deck and 2nd floor Al fresco dining.
CITY: Chicago
Velvet Rope Ultra Lounge
This gay and lesbian Oak Park lounge features a dance floor, martini bar and a menu of small plates. Catch live DJs, drag shows and dancers on the weekends.
CITY: Oak Park
Reggies
The Music Hount has live music nightly with no cover, full menu offering unique woodgire sandwiches, full bar with over 50 beers, 17 HDtvs, and music memorabilia. The Rick Club is an all ages venue. Shows and covers vary, check website for listings. Ask about our 80 passenger rock bus.
CITY: Chicago
Sound-Bar
Chicago's hottest upscale nightclub. Ultra-modern design, high-tech environment. Luxurious and stylish.
CITY: Chicago
Brando's Speakeasy
Brandos Speakeasy, the Chicago Loop bar in the historic South Loop, is where everyone wants to be. Once you enter Brando’s Speakeasy, which is a landmark status building, you will be impressed and welcomed with the intimate, warm, feeling you get from the staff as well as the patrons.
CITY: Chicago
The Pulse
The Pulse's eclectic crowd mixes together in over 5,000 sq. feet of space. Pool tables, a dart machine and video games provide friendly competition and entertainment. There are also eight TVs for the sports-minded to enjoy and to cheer on their team.
CITY: Jacksonville
REDKiva Lounge
Only seconds from Randolph Street's "Restaurant Row", REDkiva offers live music in a sleek but comfortable lounge atmosphere. Perfect for after work cocktails, social gatherings or corporate events.
CITY: Chicago
River Rockhouse
Restaurant. bar, and music venue features live music. food, drinks. Enjoy St. Charles' largest covered patio with a great view of downtown and the river. Live local and national music acts. Large outdoor patio. Banquet space for 500.
CITY: St. Charles
Hunters Nightclub
A gay hangout near O’Hare Airport since the early 1980s, Hunters features a dance floor with a Friday night Video Dance Party and Hunters Hunks male dancers on Thursdays.
CITY: Elk Grove Village
Double Door
Find a lot of standing-room shows of predominantly rock bands that play to packed crowds. Play pool, watch the evening's performance on a video screen downstairs, or simply check out the music scene with beer in hand.
CITY: Chicago
Drink Nightclub
Drink is the perfect place to join your friends for a few cocktails, have your next event, or dance the night away with Chicaog's hottest DJs.
CITY: Schaumburg
