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From the archives: July 15, 2003
Tired of frequenting the same old hangouts? Walk on the wild side with strange brews, outlandish eateries and odd establishments of all kinds with our list of Chicago treasures that offer a few surprises.
On this page:Where to Eat, Where to Drink, Where to Visit, Where to Stay.
Where to Eat
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Grizzly's Lodge
Read Reviews3830 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 (map)
From ostrich and buffalo to venison and (gulp) gator, this North Center tavern is a game-lover's delight.
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Half Shell, Inc
Read Reviews676 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)
It may be dark and dive-y, but to crab leg-craving locals, this subterranean seafood spot is a palace.
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Earwax Cafe
Read Reviews1561 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)
Where else in Chicago can you get tasty vegetarian fare and rent indie videos, too?
Where to Drink
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Marie's Rip-Tide Lounge
Read Reviews1745 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)
How many bars boast a four-decade shelf life and an owner you call Mom?
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Matchbox
Read Reviews770 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)
Check any notion of personal space at the door--this West Town watering hole is Chicago's most intimate bar.
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Vic Theatre
Read Reviews3145 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657 (map)
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Baton Show Lounge
Read Reviews436 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)
A River North Club where the men are men, unless the men are women.
Where to Visit
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American Science & Surplus Inc
Read Reviews33W361 Rt 38, Geneva, IL 60185 (map)
A store for teachers, artists, practical jokers, kids--and adults who like to act like kids.
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Magic Inc
Read Reviews5082 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (map)
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Uncle Fun
Read Reviews1338 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657 (map)
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Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home
Read Reviews201 N Northwest Hwy, Palatine, IL 60067 (map)
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International Museum-Surgical
Read Reviews1516 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)
Where to Stay
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Hard Rock Hotel Chicago
Read Reviews230 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601 (map)
The Extreme Suite features a fully operational Gibson guitar and amp for the aspiring rock star.
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Ohio House Motel
Read Reviews600 N LA Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)
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Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast
Read Reviews2144 N Leavitt, Chicago, IL 60647 (map)
This quirky neighborhood bed and breakfast features a central Bucktown location and professional caliber photography room.
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Allegro Chicago, A Kimpton Hotel
Read Reviews171 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601 (map)
The neighborhood's theaters influence a few of the rooms: The Lion King suite features hand-carved mahogany columns and masks from Zimbabwe.
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Ruby Room
Read Reviews1743 W Division St # 45, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)
Reserve a spa treatment here and you are entitled to book one of eight adjoining rooms for a night or two.
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