6 Ways to Relive the '80s

by Amelia Levin - Citysearch Contributor - 9 Reviews - 11 Lists

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Updated: November 09, 2009

All it takes is a glance around your El car to notice that the '80s have made a comeback--Madonna-inspired ripped stockings and all. Whether you savored the decade that defined decadence or were happy to hang up your hair crimper once and for all, you can't deny that the '80s were fun. We've found plenty of totally rad ways for Chicagoans to relive the days of perms, pantsuits and the Pet Shop Boys. (Photo: Shutterstock.)

Totally '80s Chicago

  1. 1 New Wave Coffee
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    2557 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 (map)

    Old-school Duck Hunt fans, rejoice! This straight-from-the-'80s, neon-trimmed coffeehouse in Logan Square has--aside from Metropolis coffee, vegan-friendly pastries and free-WiFi--an original Nintendo system. That's right, grab a cup of joe, plop down on one of the cozy couches in front of the retro big-screen TV and fire up the ancient gaming system for a round of Dr. Mario and Luigi. It's like hanging in your best friend's rec room, only better.

  2. 2 4 Star Rating: Recommended Innjoy
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    2051 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)

    Saturdays are always a hit at this funky bar's '80s night. Think Bangles and ballads, as a DJ spins an endless stream of music from the decade. Flatscreens show videos like "Electric Boogaloo" all night so you can dance along, post-cocktail. Speaking of libations, there's usually a drink special or two on tap to fuel the party.

  3. 3 American Apparel
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    837 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)

    Ever wonder what happened to the off-the-shoulder, slouchy tee trend? It's out of hibernation and in full effect at this cotton-obsessed shop where you can also stock up on jumpsuits--in shorts or pants form--and bodysuits in every bright color of the rainbow, not to mention super-shiny yellow and zebra print. Just add magenta leggings.

  4. 4 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Reagle Beagle
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    160 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

    If you never missed an episode of "Three's Company"--even in reruns on Nick at Nite--you'll get a kick out of this kitschy downtown joint. Named after the bar Jack Tripper and his posse frequented, it screams early '80s. A disco ball overhangs faux-suede couches in retro orange and brown, and "Thriller"-era Michael Jackson tunes complement the fruity cocktails. Posters of legendary TV characters like Archie Bunker and the CHIPS duo surround the dimly lit bar like ghosts from the Golden Age of sitcoms.

  5. 5 Kokorokoko
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    1112 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)

    This Ukrainian Village vintage and consignment shop boasts an impressive selection of '80s goodies. Turn back the clock by stocking up on Body Glove threads, ankle boots and black, boxy Ray Bans like the ones Tom Cruise wore in "Risky Business," plus oversized hoop earrings, Swatch watches, retro Converse sneakers and even vintage sports gear from the Superbowl Shuffle era. The shop sometimes partners with local bars such as Berlin to put on fashion shows.

  6. 6 Chicago Film Tour
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    600 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654 (map)

    Okay, so there may be modern movies like "Road to Perdition" tacked onto this 30-mile, luxury coach tour, but it covers a nice roster of sites from Chicago '80s classics too, including "Ferris Bueller’s Day Off," "About Last Night" and "The Blues Brothers." You'll visit 30 sites in all, and at each location, enjoy scenes from classic flicks played on the tour bus' multiple video screens.