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PubClubbing in Chicago's Suburbs
Get groovy with
The Brady Bunch at this Downers Grove disco.
Although most the bar action takes place
in the city, there are a lot of people who prefer to stay in the suburbs.
The don't have to deal with traffic, parking or $10 drinks. There are
a lot of fun bars in these areas, plus they provide a true glimpse into
the true heartbeat of Chicago.
South Suburbs
To experience how typical Chicago people live, head to the South Suburbs.
The people here are working class, tap-beer drinking folks.
Chicago's suburbs are also broken down by nationalities, and this is
Irish country. It should come as no surprise, then, that the area supports
many fine pubs. On St. Patrick's Day, Western Avenue in Beverly is the
place to be Irish
Some of the more popular bars are Joe Bailey's, Gilhouley's, Cork
and Kerry and McNally's. Don't expect to find any techno
clubs in this is the land o' the pub.
 The
place to go dancing on the south side is Bourbon Street (115th
& Kedzie; pictured at right). This place used to be a Handy Andy and
they turned it into one of the largest bars in the Chicago area.
It contains three bars and a Cajun restaurant on the same property.
There is a dance bar which offers a New Orleans Mardi Gras theme with
beads and wild dancing. There is a massive beer garden with volleyball
courts and boccie ball. The sports bar has plenty of TVs, pool tables
and video games.
Brewbakers is the 5 a.m. bar in this area where all the late-night
party people go to keep dancing.
Naperville (AKA "Naperthrill")
Naperville is the utopian society of suburbia in Chicago. More than
100,000 people live just in this suburb alone. All these people need
to be entertained, and Naperville possesses a great downtown area with
a river walk, excellent restaurants and some fun bars.
The Lantern is a traditional bar with with a large selection
of beer on tap. Frankie's Blue Room is a trendy martini
bar and a great place to meet single people. It also has great swing
music where martini-happy patrons display all their dance moves.
Jimmy's has a comfortable beer garden with a great viewing spot
to watch all the chaos of downtown.
Downers Grove
Founders Hill Brewery is a popular bar with a large variety
of tasty microbrews. It also has bands on a regular basis. The newly-
remodeled Riprocks will make you think you've left Chicago and
landed in Egypt. With a sandstone exterior and a crazy Egyptian theme
on the inside, this bar keeps people dancing all night long.
Boogie Nights is where everyone goes to relive the grand days
of Disco. The decorations are all from the 70s & 80s, including items
from The Brady Bunch, Sean Cassidy and John Travolta. The waitresses
are fun and friendly and will dance on the bar showing off the moves
to the" Carwash" or "The Hussle."
Schaumburg
Boogie Nights and Alumni Club also have locations in Schaumburg
and the themes are the same. The Living Room is Schaumburg's
answer to downtown. It's a classier club with expensive furniture and
lots of martins on the menu. There is usually an older crowd here.
For a good pint of Guinness, head to the Currah. This is an
authentic Irish pub that serves up food and treats, just as in Ireland.
River Grove/O'Hare
 Hala
Kahiki's South Seas theme is intoxicating.
PubClub's favorite suburban hang out is Hala Kahiki and an absolute"
must -see" in Chicago. This South Seas-themed bar serves up nothing
but tropical drinks. There is a large outdoor garden groups can get
their own Tiki hut for the evening. Don't forget to stop at the gift
shop where you can stock up on all your Jimmy Buffett party gear.
Milwaukee (Wisc.)
Talk about a suburb, this one is in a completely different state. Yet
for some reason, if you find yourself in Northern Illinois on your trip
or if you are going to Wisconsin, the Safe House in downtown
Milwaukee is a place to check out. It's only about 1.5 hours from Chicago
and well worth the drive. The main entrance is located off of a back
alley and you need a password to get in. If you don't know the password,
you can still get in. You'll just have to pass a few tests prior to
being admitted. The password, by the way, is "We're looking for
the Safe House."
Inside, it's a spy-themed bar with trap doors and trick gadgets throughout
the place. Martinis are cheap here and the shaken not stirred martini
puts on quite a show. There is also a blackjack table where you can
gamble for free drinks in the bar.
• Gold
Coast/Division
• Lincoln
Park/Wrigleyville
• The
Loop
 Next
stop on the Party Bus: PostParty!
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