The Boiler Room

Originally, bar #2 was going to be the apple of my eye, the Bob Inn - however, since my bougie roommate Beth returned from Connecticut after the holidays, we had to celebrate! Beth, our other roommate Abby and I had agreed to meet at their favorite new local spot, The Boiler Room.

Located right under the California blue line stop (2210 N California), The Boiler Room opened it's doors to Logan Square last summer, after a long time going through the construction phase. I remember seeing it from the platform of the el and wondering what the hell was going on in that place.

Totally worth the wait. It was my first time there last night, and this place nestled it's way into that soft, boozy spot in my heart. The interior is pieced together with scraps and leftovers from old CTA railcars. As a commuter, I approve. The lighting is dim, but perfect for the casual, hip atmosphere.

Speaking of that "hip" atmosphere, let's deal with the elephant in the room: yes, this is definitely a hipster hot-spot. Tight jeans, tattoos, obnoxious glasses, it was all there. But the difference is that while I was sitting at my booth with my friends, nobody was looking over and scrutinizing us (and they could have, with Beth wearing a Baby Gap shark hat the whole night). It's very low-key and mellow, a place for the less-pretentious hipster. I can appreciate that. I speak enough "hipstanese" to get by and I didn't have to use any of it.

Our server, Megan, was very sweet. It was a slow night, so she would busy herself filling silverware and salt shakers, but made it very clear that if we needed anything, she was happy to help. Help she did, since I was on a mission to get myself pretty drunk.

This is easy to do here! For $3 you can have a Jameson shot. Or a PBR tallboy (I told you hipsters loved it). Or a slice of pizza (cheese, pepperoni, sausage and whatever specialty slice they decide to feature). If you really wanna go balls-out, you can get all three for $7.50. They call that shit a PB&J, isn't that precious?

My favorite part of this whole experience, though, is not the cheap-ass drinks or the pizza. It is the bathroom. The bathroom is made to be like an el car, with the recycled train doors for both the entrance and the stalls. When you walk in, THE FUCKING CTA MAN does his "this is a blue line train to O'Hare" bit and I practically peed myself right then and there. The very best feature? When I went to wash my hand and turned the knobs, hot water instantly came out. INSTANTLY. That almost never happens, even at new bars. It was the best experience I've ever had come out of a bowel movement.

It's a cash-only bar, which some people loathe. I love it myself, but if you were on the hater-side of things, just use the ATM and get over it. They'll give you a free shot of Jameson to shut you up. Who can say no to that?

This place was a great success, but I may avoid it on the weekends so as to avoid the trainwreck that is a hipster bar in Logan Square on Fridays and Saturdays.

Drinks: Cheap
People: 20-30 somethings, moderately hip
Atmosphere: Mellow
Grade: A

www.boilerroomlogansquare.com

Next time: The Bob Inn (I promise this time!)

Gallery Cabaret!

It has begun! Last night kicked off my new endeavor and the journey began at a neighborhood favorite, Gallery Cabaret. Located at 2020 N Oakley (the corner of Oakley and McLean), this little corner bar carries a big reputation.

I had only been to the Gallery once before...actually, the weekend before this, as a friend who is leaving the country convinced me to come by for an open mic. It was exactly what an open mic night should be - laid-back, no-pressure, not pretentious and a lot of fun. It was enough for me to convince my band to finally get on a stage in the new year, even if it was just one song.

We loaded our stuff up and headed out around 7:30. Sunday nights are always open mic at the Gallery, with two different sets. The first begins at 7:00 p.m. and is hosted by the very sweet Jeremiah Stone. Sign up starts early, so if you plan on being in the first set, get there by 7. This was voted the best open mic by the Chicago Reader's "Best of Chicago" in 2008 and there was a reason for that. The second set begins around 10, and is hosted by the one and only Texas Fred. Also, around 8, "Chef" Scotty brings out a great buffet of FREE food.

We lucked out last night with a mountain of italian beef hanging out in it's own delicious juices, a great dinner salad with tons of veggies packed in, brownies, chips, crackers and cheese - it was awesome. A lot of people stop in for the dinner and a few brews (Leinenkugel's pitchers are $6!)while the stage is playing host to a variety of entertainers.

The thing I like most about this place is that you can definitely feel that it's been around awhile and that there's a great sense of "family" between the bartenders and the regulars. I always appreciate that in a bar. The decor is eccentric, with local artists on a display, a collection of portraits over the bar and random things like a giant pencil floating around everywhere else.

The Gallery does accept cards, but has a $10 minimum, though if you're the person who comes to a bar with the intention of spending less than $10 and you don't have cash...well, I'll reserve my judgment of you, but I can tell you that we won't be bar-buddies or anything.

The Gallery, in my opinion, is a true treasure in Bucktown. My only regret is that I wasn't coming here sooner.

Drinks: Cheap
People: All age ranges, minimal hipsters and lots of sweethearts
Atmosphere: Awesome
Grade: A+

www.gallerycabaret.com

Next time: The Bob Inn The Boiler Room!

LET US BEGIN!

Happy 1/1/11, folks. Some of you are sleeping off hangovers, some of you are getting a gym membership, good for everyone.

I'm freshly showered after a pointless shift at work and ready to tackle the greatest project I've dreamed up to date. Tomorrow I will visit the first of so many bars as part of the GREAT AMERICAN BAR CRAWL.

I've discovered it's actually pretty difficult to try to pin-point all the bars on maps via the internet (who knew it wasn't always reliable?). My next plan of action, aside from getting my drink on, is getting a giant map of the city and a good ol' fashioned sharpie to mark off my conquests. This is also going to require a lot of ground work to scour all the little neighborhood places that aren't on major streets or widely known. I may save some of that for warmer weather.

Speaking of little neighborhood places, tomorrow I take on Gallery Cabaret. I'm going for an open mic and to say goodbye to a friend, so good times lie ahead. I have been here before, but only once, so I'm excited to give it a nice write-up.

Okay, kids, go back to resoluting or whatever it is you're up to. BREAK.