Share(773) 252-4000
2135 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago,
IL
60647
41.92
-87.6924
Neighborhoods: Bucktown, North Side
Hours:
Box office open two hours before show start
Parking:
Pay lot; Street; Valet
Last updated 1.30.09
What People Are Saying About Congress Chicago
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Venue – The Congress is an increasingly popular multipurpose theater that hosts gay dance parties, multimedia raves, boxing matches and rock shows. This once gilded movie house and vaudeville theater retains its original color scheme of gold and burgundy and was designated a Chicago landmark in July 2002. – – The Experience – The Congress features concerts by local punk bands, folkies and various national touring acts (the Residents, Fugazi). Interestingly, it has also been rented from time to time by big-time rock acts the Who and the Black Crowes as a practice…
11/13/08
Must Have Been A Beauty In It's Day - Dust This Old Gem Off!!!
by bootsypoo at Citysearch
This venue is much larger than it seems. The size is perfect because those mid-sized bands that play here would normally be playing a packed crowded venue. At least here there's some breathing room. I like the cool-headed security but that can differ depending on the night/show. There balcony, VIP section, and other get away areas are A+. The staff is very friendly and nice.
The ONLY complain is that I wish they'd spring for a deep-cleaning because it would really work wonders for this place. Or make all the employees come in on a off day and bring their rubber gloves. A deep deep cleaning where they scrub, vacuum (literally start with a vacuum) and then steam if they get that far - the rug, wash the floors and walls, scrub the bathrooms, etc. But if they even went so far as to add a coat of paint and maybe maybe replace the rugs - this place could be amazing! It's a total hidden gem in it's current state! I wish they'd just start with the vacuum. But if they got as far as a coat of paint and maybe saved the rug for more economic days - it would be a huge improvement to all the patrons.
Some great bands play here too BTW.
- Pros: Size, Shows, Staff
- Cons: Dirty, Dirty, Dirty - Needs A Deep Cleaning ASAP
01/01/07
Good Venue, but...
by goodfellamikec at Citysearch
It does indeed get hot in here. Cool off near the the side exit (they usually keep a door open for air). Bathrooms could be better. The building is stunning. As for pricing, this is the city. There's no such thing as a reasonably priced drink.
- Pros: Historic building, great shows
- Cons: Street parking is impossible, the bathrooms get messy fast...
08/11/06
ITS A DUMP
by CATHYNO at Citysearch
THE THEATER IS A DUMP. WE SEEN BILLY IDOL THERE. BILLY IDOL WAS EXCELLENT BUT THE THEATER WAS ABOUT 125 DEGRESS WITH NO VENTILATION. IT WAS HORRIBLE. THE BATHROOMS WERE FILTHY AND STUNK. DRINKS WERE OUTRAGEOUS AND A SMALL BOTTLE OF WATER WAS $3.00 I DO NOT RECOMMEND ANYONE EVER GOING THERE. DON'T LEAVE THE THEATER TO GET FRESH AIR BECAUSE THEY WONT LET U BACK IN EVEN IF U HAVE YOUR TICKET.
- Pros: THUMBS DOWN
- Cons: HORRIBLE
The Details on Congress Chicago
The Extras:
The large entryway to the Congress is big enough to hold small concerts or art shows or to serve as a marketplace for local record labels.
