Chicago Live Music, From Open Mics to String Quartets
Listening with friends takes you into Bucktown and Wicker Park for an evening out. Closing times vary by venue and day, while Clara's Sunday opening offers an afternoon option for meeting up.
Bucktown and Wicker Park Bars
North Oakley After Dark
Gallery Cabaret has hosted performances in Bucktown since 1988. Nightly live music shares the intimate room with comedy and open mics. The bar serves beer and cocktails. Guests are permitted to bring their own food. Friends can take seats at the round tables facing the stage. Entry is restricted to guests aged 21 and older. Closing is at 2:00 AM Monday through Thursday and 3:00 AM Friday and Saturday.
An Intimate Stage
Clara admits guests aged 21 and older. Thursday through Saturday hours extend to 1:00 AM. Individual event listings determine admission. Sunday hours run from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Jazz combos, funk bands and classical string quartets perform at this Wicker Park bar. Occasional tap dance performances add another kind of rhythm. Friends can settle at a table with craft cocktails or mocktails and small bites.
Division Street Bandstand
A beer garden with hoops gives Phyllis' Musical Inn an outdoor gathering space. Live bands play on a small stage inside the long-running Wicker Park saloon. Friends can settle at a table or take seats at the bar for affordable drinks. Art displayed inside is available for sale. Certain events require guests to be aged 21 or older. The bar closes at 2:00 AM every night, including Friday and Saturday.
