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!