Toby Summerfield / Coins

Hideout

photo: Erin BreretonThe Hideout is Chicago's best dive. The staff is peopled with musicians, visual artists and writers, so the Hideout's accoutrement assumes a certain high-minded low-browism. Expect amazing silk-screened posters, vintage light fixtures, (real) wood paneling and a ceiling full of Christmas lights. Live music is a constant, from a melange of touring bands both national (Handsome Family, Pernice Brothers, Tortoise) and regional (Bevel, Andrew Bird, Devin Davis, Manishevitz). With Kelly Hogan serving as the house siren for two sets every Thursday, Devil In A Woodpile ripping on country each Tuesday, and monthly occurrences like The Dollar Store (first Friday of each month), the Hideout dishes ongoing events that reward loyal patronage. The Hideout is comprised of two rooms, and can only accommodate around 100 people, divided between the bar and the music room. The booze is cheap, strong and honest (no true blue Jaeger-Bomb heroes here), and the beer prices are bar-none ($2 PBRs and $3 Tecates). Weekend events can draw a sizeable crowd, so come early, or expect to wait in line. But afternoons and weeknights typically find The Hideout half-full. The bathrooms are clean and feature graffiti worth writing home about. Phone: (773) 227-4433

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