08/14/03

Hard-core dancehall reggae spot just blocks from Wrigley Field.

by Contributor

The Scene
Exedus is cozy: Bands perform on a stage in front, and there's no real dance floor--where you stand is where you sway. Dark wood, irie images and promo pics of musicians from around the world give the place a homey feel.

The Draw
The vibe is laid-back and international--folks from Africa, Jamaica, Haiti and Belize converge for imbibing flowing drinks, smoking cigarettes and bidis (Indian hemp cigarettes), and groovin' to live music from the likes of soloist Kelly Rankin or Devon Brown Doggie-Indika. DJs spin danceable reggae mixes from artists like Shabba Ranks and Patra. Two bars offer standard selections, as well as a couple palate-tingling Jamaican brews like Red Stripe and Dragon Stout (a very strong lager with a touch of honey); the house specialty is a potent sugar cane and white rum punch.