If you are not planning a family vacation in Illinois, you will probably want to spend some time exploring the nightlife. Here are a few ideas for Chicago nightlife, Springfield Illinois nightlife, and Rockford Illinois nightlife.
Nightlife in Chicago
If one of the primary goals of your Illinois vacation is to enjoy the nightlife, it behooves you to devote a significant part of your itinerary to Chicago. The vibrant Chicago nightlife is one of the city's major fortes. The Windy City is home to a variety of bars, dance clubs, concert halls and theatres.
If you would like to hang out at a sports bar after a Chicago White Sox game, keep in mind that most of the bars are closer to Wrigley Field than they are to U.S. Cellular Field. One of the most popular post-game sports bars is Jimbo's Restaurant and Lounge, located at the corner of 33rd Street. Beer is only served in bottles and cans. There is nothing on tap. The walls are decorated with photos of baseball players and regular customers, as well as a variety of Elvis Presley posters.
If your taste in spirits is geared more towards wine than beer, you will want to enjoy the Chicago nightlife at one of the many wine bars. Cru Café and Wine bar is known for its European ambience. Oenophiles who would also like to go shopping for wine should visit Bin 36, a wine bar with a retail store attached.
A good deal of the nightlife in Chicago takes place in the city's many dance clubs. Crobar has been around for many years. It is still popular today, due to its enormous dance floor, as well as its balcony seats. Sound-bar, with its 20,000-foot dance floor, is another popular choice.
When your feet get tired of dancing the night away, a visit to a comedy club is just what the victor ordered. In fact, no trip to Chicago would be complete without a visit to the Second City. This is where Mike Meyers and Bill Murray had their comedy debuts.
Springfield Illinois Nightlife
Although Springfield Illinois nightlife does not share the same reputation as Chicago, there are plenty of things to do in the evening. If you enjoy live music, check out the weekly lineup at Underground City Tavern on East Adams Street. Wanna' dance? Chantilly Lace on South Fifth does everything from polka and fox trot to contemporary, depending on the night of the week. It is open until 3am. Club Karma is the newest dance club in town. It is quickly becoming the most popular hot spot for Springfield Illinois nightlife.
Nightlife in Rockford Illinois
Given its reputation as a hip, artistic town, there is an abundance of nightlife in Rockford Illinois. For example, Elixur is Rockford's most sophisticated 21+-dance club. The club has a multi-level, 10,000 square-foot dance area, complete with high intensity sound and lighting as well as the best DJs in the Greater Chicago area. Wednesday and Saturday are Top 40s nights. Baby Boomers can boogie to the sounds of the 70s and 80s on Friday.
If you would rather chill out and listen to some music, the Krypto Music Lounge is a popular Rockford Illinois nightlife venue. The bar features jazz, folk and light rock music. If you want to enjoy a cup of java in a retro, Grateful Dead type atmosphere, check out Minglewood at 1302 Broadway.
