Bars near Congress Hotel or in that area (Chicago, Plymouth: law school, rooftop)

[ChristineR]

Hi! My friend and I are staying in Chicago for just one night to go to the taste. I know its going to be very busy, I've been before on the day we are going. We want to go out after the fireworks and are trying to figure out where to go. We don't mind walking and will probably be with a larger group. To tell you a little about us we are early 20's girls and possibly some guys will be with us too, we like simple places, preferably without cover charges. She knows the city pretty well but not the bars or nightlife.

[Intergalactic]

Governor's Pub
207 N. State
Chicago, IL 60601

[Drover]

My preferred place in that neck of the woods is Plymouth Bar, about a 3-minute walk away. They have a rooftop bar on the 4th floor that's pretty decent. You can chill with a drink and watch the L roll by. It has a reputation as being a "law bar" because it's right next to the Chicago Bar Association building, two doors down from a law school, across the street from another law school, and half a block from a federal courthouse, so a lot of law-types hang out there.

Be aware that the nightlife is pretty weak in the area around your hotel. It's in the business/government/legal/financial district and the area pretty much empties out after 6pm. Don't be surprised if you walk into an area bar and there aren't many people there.

Plymouth Bar
327 S. Plymouth Court

[Chicagodan]

I'm afraid Drover is correct. The entertainment options in that neck of the woods are few. Two options, however, are Miller's Pub, 134 S. Wabash and The Gage, 24 S. Michigan Ave. Miller's Pub definitely fits your "simple place" and "no cover charge" requirement. To quote Metromix, "Miller's is a Loop tradition and one of the few places in the area offering bar service until the early morning hours." Cool old bar and great (and reasonably priced) restaurant. Though I've never been to The Gage, I hear it's a cool Irish bar.

[ChristineR]

maybe we should take a cab and go to a different area? we do like Irish bars a lot, they always seem to be more laid back and relaxed

[Intergalactic]

It's hard to say if a cab is a good idea with all the traffic due to people leaving the fireworks.

If you head southwest a few blocks, you hit a little-known cluster of bars centered around Bar Louie in the old Dearborn Station. Bar Louie is a franchise, and the food isn't much, but the building and the location is nice. Nearby is Blackie's (hint; it's Irish), one of another small chain, and pretty cozy. I suspect the fireworks crowd will not swamp these two places, and there are others on the way there.

Here is a Google Street View of Blackie's, give it a second to load:
West Polk and South Clark St, Chicago, IL‎ - Google Maps

So a good plan would be to walk down Dearborn, with the tower of the old Dearborn station egging your friends on. Dearborn has a few restaurants and other bars if your friends want to call a halt. If not, Bar Louie is there, and if you take a right on Polk Street, Blackie's is another block on. Take a cab back to the hotel.

[ChristineR]

Blackie's description online sounds like a place we will like! Thanks for the help I appreciate it

[JoeyPants]

What ever you do stay away from South Loop Club. The place is a hell hole. It's located right below a transient hotel. The manager and bouncers are the biggest a holes and scammers. They tack on hidden charges and act belligerent if you question it.

Not sure if you are into lounges. If you are there is a place called Tantrum, 1023 S. State, a few blocks south of congress. It's a laid back place.

[Drover]

Huh. I wonder if there ever was or ever will be a legal rumble between Blackie's and Boston Blackie's.

[jdiddy]

I'd also recommend Villains on Clark and Harrison, a few blocks west of the Congress.

It's got a pretty cool, laidback atmosphere - sounds like it would be up your alley.

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&um...image&resnum=3