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Party Earth Review Founded in 1989 by multi-talented Chicago native Lonie Walker – who still helms the house Bad Ass Company Band – Underground Wonder Bar touts a packed calendar of nightly performances geared to soothe the soul, feed the... ... read full review
710 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60654
Brown, Purple Express, Red Lines: Chicago
312-266-7761
M–F, Su 5pm–4am, Sa 5pm–5am
River North, Chicago –
Founded in 1989 by multi-talented Chicago native Lonie Walker – who still helms the house Bad Ass Company Band – Underground Wonder Bar touts a packed calendar of nightly performances geared to soothe the soul, feed the funk, and make a whole lotta toes tap.
A small sidewalk patio provides guests with some fresh air before a show, though most of the music-loving regulars head straight past the brightly patterned façade to grab a favored spot inside.
A cool mix of deep-burgundy wood, shadowy corners, and paintings of hard-strumming guitarists and piano-plunking troubadours give the place a funky vibe, while the neon-lit bar serves basic booze with the customary buck or two tacked on like at most music venues.
Candlelit tables provide a cup of crayons so guests can doodle on the tablecloths while they wait for the show, but once the music starts, all eyes are on the raised stage – backdropped with Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” – where an eclectic mix of open mic, comedy, and reggae fill the void between the regular jazz and blues.
The unifying powers of music are evident in the always-packed crowds, which include everyone from wealthy River North yuppies to grungy starving art students, all clapping their hands, stomping their feet, and ensuring the Underground Wonder Bar’s “Live 365” motto remains true every night and for decades to come.
Mélange of yuppies, artsy college kids, aging hippies, feminist poets, dreadlocked reggae fans, nerdy jazz cats, couples, soul sisters, and a good dose of tourists, early 20s to late 60s+.
Packed roster of nightly acts including jazz, folk, rock, soul, funk, blues, and reggae, as well as other events like storytelling, comedy, and theatrical works. Open mic on Mondays. Bad Ass Company Band performs Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10:30pm.
DJs and smaller bands usually play in the UnderWonder lounge located below the bar, which also hosts its own varied special events, all in conjunction with the bigger performances on the main stage. Frequent movie showings, art shows, and other special events.
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Cover charge $5–$15/usually after 9pm. Beer $3–$7, cocktails and rails $5–$12, wine and champagne $9+/glass or $40–$200/bottle.
Casual to slightly upscale: t-shirts, hoodies, vests, button-downs, vintage suits, sleek skirts, flowy blouses.
Any night an act of interest is on the stage.
Fedora Lounge (712 North Clark Street) features TVs tuned to classic films, a kitchen that stays open late, food that complements the craft beer list, burlesque and open mic nights, and a cool subterranean lounge serving specialty cocktails on the weekends.
Underground Wonder Bar User Reviews