FitzGerald's
Berwyn, IL 60402
Phone: (708) 788-2118
- Cross Street:
- East Avenue
- Directions:
- El: Blue Line to Oak Park; bus: 305 to Clarence Ave; 311 to Roosevelt Rd
- Hours:
- Sun 5pm-1am, Tue-Thu 7pm-1am, Fri-Sat 7pm-3am
Editorial Review for FitzGerald's – by Murray Coffey
The Scene
Family-owned and run, this old-fashioned roadhouse is a musical institution in Chicagoland. Its interior is dominated by well-worn wood and funky deer heads with Christmas lights. The crowd--generally casual, though it takes its music seriously--is treated to a low, wide stage, plus excellent sightlines in the clubby main room and a balanced sound system. FitzGerald's is intimate, even a bit sweaty. The first row of tables and chairs is practically part of the rhythm section.
The Draw
The long bar features a selection of micro- and macro-brews on tap. The atmosphere is freewheeling, especially when the polka-infused Brave Combo takes the stage. FitzGerald's introduced Chicago to now-popular acts such as Marcia Ball and C.J. Chenier. Every July it hosts the American Music Festival and sponsors several nights of performance poetry around Fat Tuesday.
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Insider Tips
First ImpressionThe wooden structure is set back off the street, which makes it a bit hard to find the first time out. Parking is generally a snap.
Quiet!If you're seeing a low-key act like Alejandro Escovedo, expect to be shushed if you make too much noise.
TailgatingDuring one of FitzGerald's regular music festivals, the parking lot is covered by tents, and the carousing goes on until the wee hours.
Family SwingsEvery Sunday, FitzGerald's welcomes families in for big band jazz and an early set of swing music.
User Reviews for FitzGerald's
03/09/2008 Posted by gerryahrens
WONDERFUL almost Roadhouse feel. Excellent draft beers and specials. Small venue, very viewable stage, interesting accessable eats next door. Would give 5 stars but they are very lax on enforcing the NO-smoking policy. Went last night and they were allowing smoking in the connected tent clearly marked NO SMOKING (they turned the sign upside down). Really spoils it for people waiting to get signed CD's etc from the artists after the show. We just left so it costs them money too. Here is the Berwyn police number, (708) 795-5600, non-emergency, choose the communication officer and politely ask them to (low priority) stop by and enforce the law. The Berwyn police were very nice. Support the cops AND the Troops (bring em home).
Pros: Small Venue, Reasonably priced entry, food and drinks, very viewable stage, sound ok+
Cons: NO-smoking Law abuse, very crowded, parking scarce.
11/20/2007 Posted by columthursday
This is one of the better sounding music venues in the midwest. Quaint and clean, the ticket prices are always reasonable and the space is always nice. If you seek out the owners, Bill & Kate, they'll be glad to have a chat with you - they're really wonderful people. You can tell their hearts and soul are poured into Fitzgerald's!
Pros: cleanest bathrooms at any venue I've been to!
Cons: Parking is scarce and the cops do write tickets
Schedule
| 07/19/2008 | TERRANCE SIMIEN AND THE ZYDECO EXPERIENCE |
|
| 9:30 pm | ||
| 08/09/2008 | Doyle Bramhall |
|
| 8:30 pm |
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