The Back Room
Chicago, IL 60611-1207
Phone: (312) 751-2433
- Cross Street:
- E Oak Street
- Directions:
- El: Red Line to Clark/Division
- Hours:
- Sun-Fri 8pm-2am, Sat 8pm-3am
Editorial Review for The Back Room – by Citysearch Editors
The Scene
At the end of a long, brick gangway, this intimate, dimly lit venue comfortably entertains a genially mixed crowd--from chic Gold Coasters to herringbone-jacketed professorial types to black-clad hipsters. There are two levels of clubby accommodations. Stools, banquettes and candle-topped tables fill the first floor, which also has a full bar that offers proximity to the brick-backed stage. Up a spiral staircase, the balcony--formerly an area exclusively for VIPs--affords a bird's-eye view of the action downstairs at several railing-side tables and a second bar.
The Draw
All seats have great sightlines for the stage; superior acoustics and sound system ensure every musical nuance is heard. The Back Room has been around for decades, but music fans these days can catch mainstream performers wailing out jazz and blues standards. Catch acts like Bobby Lewis Quartet and Detour, plus newer "smooth jazz" and some original material during three sets nightly (four Saturdays).
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoThe cover charge includes the entertainment, but there's also a two-drink minimum--per set.
When to GoSets take place nightly at 9pm, 10:30pm and 12:15am; there's an additional show at 1am on Saturdays.
Where to SitCall ahead and make reservations, as the best seats (right next to the stage) go to reservation-holding patrons. But don't let that stop you from dropping by unannounced.
User Reviews for The Back Room
07/20/2008 Posted by LauraLLL
Very very unhappy with a service. The entrance charge was $30 per person, however on the website it says $20-$25. The band was great, however I didn't understand why the band was keeping asking for tip when we already paid $30 for coming in and also there is a requirement to buy a minimum 2 drinks per person? Oh well, the best part was when we received the bill - a total for entrance cover, drinks, and tip. We were 5 people and our bill total was $293 ($150 entrance, $98 for drinks, $45 tip). I don't get it how the tip was calculated? Considering that we bought a total of 12 drinks for $98, we paid almost $4 tip per drink, or if you like restaurant calculation, it was a nice 46% tip.... The worst part - we didn't notice that at the bar and ended up paying this... I am used to Chicago nightlife prices, but this was over the top.
Pros: Good band
Cons: service overall
06/30/2008 Posted by WASnype
We were visiting from Ohio to the Taste of Chicago and I would NOT recommend The Back Room to anyone visiting Chicago. We were charged a $25 per person entrance fee (others were charged $30, others less than $25). The drinks were EXTREMELY pricey, a cup of coffee, $5 and a coke, $5 - other alcoholic drinks ranged from $12 - $15. Upon entering we were only told that there was a 2 drink minimum - not 2 drink per set minimum (isn't it illegal to FORCE people to continue drinking alcohol). We were told it was pricey because we had the pleasure of enjoying a concert. A concert it was NOT! Yes, the band was okay, but upon taking requests, the singer didn't know half of the songs people were requesting. Some concert, huh? Our final bill was $201 but after complaining loudly, $40 was reduced from the bill - WOW! Hey, they even called the police on us - such excitement! WE WILL NOT BE GOING BACK TO THE BACK ROOM ON OUR NEXT VISIT TO CHICAGO, a city which we dearly love.
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