The Empty Bottle Dive Bar / Live Music Venue

Ukrainian Village, Chicago –

The Empty Bottle has been serving up $5 drink combos and live music seven nights a week since it first opened in 1992, featuring a jam-packed calendar of events ranging from jazz and rock to experimental noise.

The venue’s deceptively small exterior hides a spacious three-roomed space decked out in concert posters and packed with laid-back hipsters, artists, and musicians.

Earlier in the evening, patrons hang out at the arcade games, shoot pool, or peruse the alternative and indie EPs for sale at the merchandise table up front, or bop down a short hallway to the performance area adorned by local art, holiday lights, and a Chicago Police cruiser door hung above the emergency exit.

Leather-clad rockers and music lovers chill at the bar downing rounds of cheap liquor combos and local brews, but once the music begins, all eyes turn to the stage where an eclectic lineup of acts playing indie, reggae, electro-pop, and everything in between get the crowd nodding along energetically.

A no-frills dive with nightly music and deals throughout the year, it’s no wonder music lovers of all kind stay to finish their drinks at The Empty Bottle.