(773) 276-3600

1035 N Western Ave (Between Division St. and Augusta Blvd)
Chicago, IL 60622 41.9004 -87.6869

Get Map & Directions »

Neighborhoods: West Town, West Side

EMPTYBOTTLE.COM

Last updated 8.09.11

Category:

Bars & Pubs, Nightclubs, Taverns, Billiards Bars

Payment Methods:

Cash

Bar & Club Type of Music:

Alternative Rock, Jazz, Punk, Ska, Techno & Industrial, Rock & Pop, Electronica

Bar & Club Special Features:

21 & Over, Live Music, Smoking Permitted

Minimum Age:

21

Smoking Permitted:

Yes

Capacity:

400

What People Are Saying About Empty Bottle

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

Empty Bottle's a destination for explorers of jazz and out-there rock from Chicago and beyond, plus dance/DJ fans; owner Bruce Finkelman has a reputation for gutsy programming. At this combination old-time corner tap and hipster hangout, concert posters festoon walls, and Christmas lights hang regardless of season. Sight lines in the small, L-shaped space are excellent. If music's not your thing, retreat to the anteroom and its shaggy seating, arcade games and pool table. The long, vintage wooden bar serves reasonably priced bottles of beer, as well as a nice selection of drafts and…

Editor's Tips

Know Before You Go:
Most shows are in the $3-$10 range.
When to Go:
Since 1996, Wednesday nights have been dedicated to avant jazz and improvised music.
What to Eat:
Grab appetizers, salads, sandwiches and pastas at the club's sibling, Bite, right next door.
When to Go:
Since 1996, Wednesday nights have been dedicated to avant jazz and improvised music. Sundays are DJ nights.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. Empty Bottle is a very cozy place, a dive bar with chic.
drinks
100.0% positive
  1. Cheap drinks are also a nice plus (a shot and 2 beers was 10 bucks)
  2. Empty Bottle is a very cozy place, a dive bar with chic.
  3. There is an above average selection of beers, and the prices are very reasonable, especially if you're low on cash- $1.50 PBR's, etc.
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. There is an above average selection of beers, and the prices are very reasonable, especially if you're low on cash- $1.50 PBR's, etc.
overall
100.0% positive
  1. great place for a show
value
100.0% positive
  1. Cheap drinks are also a nice plus (a shot and 2 beers was 10 bucks)
  2. There is an above average selection of beers, and the prices are very reasonable, especially if you're low on cash- $1.50 PBR's, etc.
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/18/03

great place for a show

by armaghetto at Citysearch

Empty Bottle is a very cozy place, a dive bar with chic. The immediate stage area is small and intimate, but also perfectly visible from the bar if you don't want to get right up front. Cheap drinks are also a nice plus (a shot and 2 beers was 10 bucks)

  • Pros: cozy, intimate stage, cheap liquor
  • Cons: dive-ish
4.5 Star Rating: Recommended

04/02/03

Had a great time

by chicagopatrick at Citysearch

I've only been there once, but would definitely recommend this place. There is an above average selection of beers, and the prices are very reasonable, especially if you're low on cash- $1.50 PBR's, etc. The place is definitely a dive, but when the band plays and you're sucking back cheap beer, you just don't care. One tip, know exactly where you're going when you go to this place. I don't think there is a sign that says 'Empty Bottle', so it's very possible to get confused.

  • Pros: Cheap beer, Good service, Cheap cover
  • Cons: iffy sound system, No sign w/ bar's name
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/22/02

The Rock Stops Here!

by JohnBoy12 at Citysearch

My favorite place for music.. Bar none. I might be jaded, but it's true.

4.5 Star Rating: Recommended

08/09/02

Up Close

by cullumwa at Citysearch

If you wanted to be within 6 inches of the band... this is the place to go. Everytime I've seen a band here - I've been able to talk to them before and after the show. Very personable place

The Details on Empty Bottle

Place Categories:

  • favorite place
  • best anagram
  • great live music
  • nice plus
  • very cozy dive bar
  • very reasonable prices
Advertisement

Lists In Chicago

Recent Reviews In Chicago

1 Star Rating: Poor

The Chipp Inn

832 N Greenview Avenue, Chicago, IL

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

Rockit Bar & Grill

22 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL

1 Star Rating: Poor

Whiskey Sky

644 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

Vision Nightclub

632 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL

Advertisement