Lakeview Stages: A Century-Old Saloon and a 1912 Theater
Live sets range from a limited-capacity back stage in a surviving Schlitz Tied House saloon to a 1912 theater with packed floor space, balcony sightlines, strong acoustics, and hearing protection near the front doors.
Historic Stage Pair
Saloon Roots, Intimate Sets
Schubas Tavern occupies a neo-Gothic Chicago Historic Landmark in Lakeview. The building is one of the few surviving Schlitz Tied House saloons and has served the neighborhood for more than a century. A front bar and restaurant lead to a back stage, where posters for upcoming shows line the walls. The limited capacity room places the crowd close to the performers. Admission is restricted to ages 18 and older.
Historic Venue Layout and Entry
The Vic Theatre opened in 1912 as an affordable alternative to downtown Chicago stages, first hosting vaudeville and touring shows. Today, the Lakeview landmark operates as a music venue with a general admission floor and balcony seating. General admission floors can get tightly packed during concerts, while balcony seats provide clear sightlines across the auditorium. An ear plug vending machine stands near the front doors, offering hearing protection for the show.
Two Historic Staging Approaches in Lakeview
Selecting between these neighborhood landmarks comes down to room scale and seating options. Schubas Tavern provides close quarters behind its historic saloon and dining room, restricting attendance to patrons eighteen and above for nightly shows. Meanwhile, The Vic Theatre offers a multistory layout dating back to 1912, complete with an earplug vending machine by the entrance. Ticket holders can either stand near the stage on the main floor or settle into seats across the balcony for clear views and expansive acoustics.
