Compare a Basement Goth Bar and a 1951 Cubs Dive in Chicago

Set inside the Links Hall Theater building at 952 W Newport Ave, The Underground Lounge sits at the bottom of rickety wooden stairs. The basement room has a black-painted cement floor, a cement vault stage, an L-shaped sofa, arcade games and a glass-block pool room. Running from 1996, it hosts live goth, metal and industrial acts along with DJs and a dance floor, and bartenders chat about punk and metal. Entry is 21+. It holds a 4.3 rating from 232 reviews, with Saturday hours running 7:00 PM to 2:30 AM.

Open from 1951 near Wrigley Field, Nisei Lounge at 3439 N Sheffield Ave is a historic neighborhood dive known for deep Cubs fandom and custom Malört infusions. Crowds gather here for pre- and post-game rounds. The room pairs a formica bar and a pool table with a dog-friendly policy and reasonable prices, and patrons can bring their own food or have nearby spots deliver to a bar seat. Entry is 21+ only. It holds a 4.5 rating from 538 reviews and opens at 11:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

These two 21+ bars answer different plans. The Underground Lounge is built around music, with live goth, metal and industrial acts, DJs and a dance floor in a subterranean room. Nisei Lounge is built around the Cubs, with game-day crowds, Malört infusions and a dog-friendly room where outside food is welcome. Pick the basement for a night of loud alternative sets and arcade games, and pick Nisei for a relaxed afternoon or a pre-game drink. Check each bar's hours first, as The Underground Lounge lists no Tuesday hours.