Help with Chicago discos in the 70's (Addison, Dolton: loan, colleges)

[Netta D]

Wow! this and another list I found bring back so many memories of places my college roommates used to go when we came home! I met my ex at Ron Briskman's Hideout downtown on Wabash.

[ChosenOne Deb]

Anyone remember the "Fire Alarm" near Austin Blvd & Ogden Ave. I mostly hung out at the 1-2-3 but we'd travel around to Prime & Tender, Bitter end, Cinderella Rockafella. And a local joint on Long Ave and Addison(?) was a lounge and across the street a hot dog stand that made the best Taco dogs...or maybe they were only the best after midnight!

[ChicagoMeO]

Originally Posted by ChosenOne Deb

Anyone remember the "Fire Alarm" near Austin Blvd & Ogden Ave. I mostly hung out at the 1-2-3 but we'd travel around to Prime & Tender, Bitter end, Cinderella Rockafella. And a local joint on Long Ave and Addison(?) was a lounge and across the street a hot dog stand that made the best Taco dogs...or maybe they were only the best after midnight!

I know that hot dog stand!!! used to buy hotdogs and fresh cut fries there.

[DrGale]

Originally Posted by Charlotte76

Hi, I am writing a book and I need some information on disco clubs in the Chicago area, I need one that was around in 1976 and I'm looking for one that was a little Saturday night feverish and also a little Studio 54ish, or one similar to the one in the movie Thank God it's Friday. Any information given would be so helpful!

The disco (like Studio 54 in NY) was called "Coconuts." It was on the west side of Sheridan Road at Glenlake. Just south of the Wing Hoe Restaurant.

[michaeljamesjohnson]

I was a recruit at Great Lakes Illinois and we had finally got a chance to get out and explore, we caught a train to somewhere I believe it was the south side of Chicago, wherever the Sears Tower was located. We watched it sway in the breeze because it was pretty windy and cold that night. We ate dinner at an Italian restaurant and then we caught a cab to the DingBat club. Me and my buddies had a great time. The first time I had a white Russian. Scored some weed that night,simply FABULOUS. Got back to the barracks, told the fellas about it, the whole barracks was there the next night. Met a real nice girl that first night we had on all black uniforms even had champagne never will forget it. 18yrs old from SE Washington DC thanks for a great experience.

[SunnySam16]

Bombay bicycle club. Or. Bbc

[Lori58]

Wow spent many nights at Aldies Cal City behind the bowling alley... great nights
Devils Place with phones on every table ... Harvey

[BOBNCHI]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_o6K_OKlW0

[Rich52]

Hi, came across this thread. I did the disco scene back in the 70s, so this thread was interesting. I would love to read the novel by the OP if it is out.

Places I remember dancing at were Charley's on Diversey I think it was; 123, BBC, Mother's, and the Hang-Uppe. Also Galaxy on the near north side, where the big McDonalds is now. I used to go dancing at a place on Harlem and Irving, it was a disco and then it became an Oldies place (which I also liked). Also the place on Irving and Long, when it was a disco. Also La Mere Vipere before it burned down.

Also the oldies place the McCormick Inn (aka the Fire Station) on the top floor of the McCormick Hotel. Later I went to Blue Suede Shoes in Rosemont. Some places I just can't recall the names, but they likely aren't there anymore.

[Master Jay]

In the book, Operation: Family Secrets, Frank Calabrese, Jr. talks about when he was a bouncer at 123. He said it was like a scene from Saturday Night Fever, and his job was to make sure all the good Elmwood Park boys behaved, as best as possible... sounds like it was a cool place. By tbe way, he gives THE BEST "Chicago Gangster" tour! If you haven't taken it, and are interested in a first hand experience, I HIGHLY recommend it. You won't be disappointed. You could ask him about the 123 days, I suppose