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- Hours:
Mon-Fri 3 pm - 2 am
Sat 11 am - 3 am
Sun 12 pm - 12 am
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
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$$$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Trendy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
93 reviews for Angels & Kings
Review Highlights
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"The DJ was great." In 3 reviews -
"The bartenders are hot, specifically Josh and Celisa." In 13 reviews -
"Best part of the night was live band karaoke." In 3 reviews
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93 reviews in English
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Review from Joe B.
2/8/2012 4 Check-ins Here
The decor, the music, the class, the good service, the plentiful and varied seating, the prime location, the late hours: almost anyone could find a reason to come here...except if you want a quiet evening I suppose. The DJs are always doing their thing with extra vim. The bar is dark; very dark. But it works well with the rest of the semi-gothic decor. I've only ever sat at the bar, so I can't comment on the waitstaff, but my bartenders are always on the ball.
It's inside the hotel, but it's not a hotel bar, which means the prices are far more reasonable than you might expect, especially considering its Michigan Ave location. Speaking of location, it's the only place in the area that's open late night, so while I discovered A&K out of "necessity," I was not disappointed. -
Review from Amy H.
12/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
My friend wanted to visit because Pete Wentz owns this bar, so I hopped on along for the ride! I had my fun people-watching even though it was a pretty quiet Monday evening.
It must have been Adult Make-out in Public Night here...there was a couple being very tipsy-touchy-feely-kissy in the corner at the bar. Meh, didn't bother me too much, it was kinda cute because they were acting like teenagers and I'm all for going back to when we were YOUNG (not that I'm old by any imagination...). There was another couple sitting in a booth near us that was quite...mismatched. A very pretty blond in her 20's with an older chubby not-so-pretty-but-must-have-been-rich guy in his late 30's. Also quite touchy-feely-flirty.
I had an '07 Edna Valley Merlot for $11 and an '07 Five Rivers Cabernet Sauvignon for $10, quite enjoyed both of them although I wish their wine glasses were bigger. My friend had 2 mixed drinks and a beer for a total of $20, and he was happy.
The atmosphere is nice with dim lighting, pretty chandeliers, and dark curtains decorating the walls. Our server was nice and attentive enough. -
Review from Keith H.
Chicago, IL
3/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Wasn't expecting much and that's about what I got! Not much... Decent lil spot. Very dark, music was OK but I was meeting people there which was definitly a highlight. People were cool and drinks were made right and bartenders were quick - I would stop back again....
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Review from Mandi P.
4/19/2011
We randomly chose this bar to meet up with friends this past weekend and were pleasantly surprised.
The bar is small, but dark, quaint, and cozy. There are a few tables set up in addition to the seating at the bar. I am not sure if this bar gets busy or not, but when we were there at about 7 pm on a Saturday, there were just enough people...not too many people, but not dead either. The bartenders were very friendly and offered great service...and they actually smiled!!! Love when servers smile...such a simple and eezy peezy thing to do and means so much!!!
I definitely want to mention the bar stools/chairs. These have got to be the most comfortable bar stools/chairs I have ever sat in...and I have sat in a lot!!! Every bar should invest in these...I could sit at any bar forever if only these stools/chairs were present!!!
We will most likely venture back to Angels & Kings on another evening with friends!!! -
Review from Martha M.
Chicago, IL
3/12/2011
UGH.
I loved the old location on Clark but putting AK in Hard Rock really put it down the shitter. Way to go Pete.
First off, it has turned into a hotel bar. Angels and Kings was always the ONE spot I can go and dance and ALWAYS have a great time. Unfortunately now the space is much smaller, parking is non existent, absolutely no room to kind of dance around. Not to mention I'm standing next to some hick from out of town wearing a belly shirt and to my right I have a group of dudes bragging about their luxurious condo across the street and how we should come and check it out.
The least you could do is bring the disco ball back, that always made my alcohol induced night.
Needless to say, I feel like a close relative died and now I sit back regretting all the time I didn't spend with them. -
Review from Misty L.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 3/1/2011
So we checked this place out last week because I had a nice little Groupon that is good for two drinks and it was going to expire that night. The guy at the bar said that it was only good for the old location on Clark Street. Yeah... the one that isn't open anymore... because they moved HERE. He still gave us a "great deal" by offering the drinks for half price, but the Groupon was already paid for, and it works out to be the same price really, so I don't know why they didn't just honor it. We were going to stay here and kick it for awile but the atmosphere wasn't that great, plus I hate businesses without honor.
Pete Wentz's Moonman award was on display, so even though I already KNEW this was the same place, this just made me really know I was getting shafted.
Plus the inside setting is nowhere near as cool as the former location.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/27/2011
I came here in the summer, and wasn't too impressed. The place was pretty dead on a Friday night,… Read more »
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Review from Veronica C.
San Jose, CA
11/28/2011
I loved the exterior of the Hard Rock Hotel. We came here because the Wit wanted to charge us $10 cover. The bar area was actually pretty small, there were plenty of tables/seats, but unfortunately not much room to dance. The DJ that night was awesome, so my friends and I were just partying in our own little corner near the bar where the DJ was. We ended up making friends with a reggae band who was having their afterparty here. It never got overly crowded, but it was still busy enough. Drinks were the typical $10, but I liked the chill atmosphere here and there wasn't too much dirty grinding going on.
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Review from Jessica C.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 1/5/2011
My friends had such a blast at my birthday party, that they wanted to have parties at Angels & Kings as well. Unfortunately, they closed their doors until Jan. 20, 2011. WHY?! I was trying to get my dance on!
Don't fret. They are relocating to the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago on Michigan Ave. I can't even imagine the type of debauchery that will ensue!
Sit tight. I hope this new location blows us all away!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/19/2010
On my birthday, I wanted to be treated like I'm the queen. Nothing less. That's why I felt like… Read more »
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Review from Leanne A.
9/2/2010
Did I go to the same place as below reviewers?
So someone in my group decided we were going to Angels and Kings to see a friend's band. I had never even heard of the place, so I had no preconceived notions.
I was really surprised by how crowded it was! And how much fun everyone seemed to be having! The band was a big bag o' fun. They were playing with tracks. Kinda lame, but if bars don't pay enough to get a large dance band, I guess the tracks will have to suffice.
I remember thinking to myself that many of the patrons were quite pretty. And that they seemed like locals. What's funny is now that I know of this place, I hear it's a touristy club? NOT the vibe I got. Really cool people who were just digging the music.
Side note: the band played Tik Tok, and had a male singer, and it was an awesome cover! Loved it.
I will surely be back. Note that it gets very crowded the later it gets.Listed in: Posh, My ears are happy, DOUBLE D
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Review from Gianna D.
Chicago, IL
8/17/2010
So I went to see my close friend perform here on my birthday. I walked up to the pearly gates/ movie theater que ropes to the biggest ass of a door guy. He let 3 or 4 people in with out id-ing them before he acklowledged that I was standing in front of him with my I.D out ready to go. He asked if I was on a list and I told him I was here to see my close friend. He told us he was performing here (and it dosent look like there is a list because there was no clip board or paper at all insinuating a list of any means). The door guy didn't even know when I told him our friends name who was performing. Way to be informed. I waited till a friend came out for a smoke to let the dOor guy know we were with his group. Still he wanted to be an ass and charge $20/ head. I think not! Especially on my birthday!
For a newer bar in chicago they shouldn't be choosey especially on a monday night. They should be trying to get people to come in. So sorry to the bartenders and waitresses that didn't get the extra cash tonight from my group of friends. You can thank your door guy for that one!
I will be advising all of my friends and co workers (I'm a bartender a few blocks away) never to come here EVER! -
Review from Karen T.
8/31/2008
AK47's closed on Sunday nights, except for when you're Fall Out Boy, played a concert in Soldier Field for 15,000 people and tell them the after party's here!
After running the 10k, I raced home to change and rush over to Clark and Huron. I shouldn't have bothered with the maniacal, tazmanian devil-like hurry because there was no line - it wasn't even crowded by the time I got there. In fact, some of the runners were still in their shirts...they cleared out by midnight.
So I adore the layout; small, intimate, and cozy. The bar isn't big, but that's perfectly fine with me. We have enough Soundbars and Enclaves around. AK47's like Manor, but without the pretensions of an ultra hip river North club. Yeah, I did just say Pete Wentz's bar wasn't pretentious. It's hip, chic, fun, but the music is awesome without sounding like KISS FM without commercials. There are shots up of James Brown, Johnny Cash and the like. I've enjoyed it every time I've been. There's a stage in the back for local artists to rock out on, raised seats on the left side behind the dj, who climbs up a ladder to get in the booth...and a bar along the right side.
Effen Cherry + Tonic = $9, which seems ridiculous to me, even for River North. But whatever - the *hot* metro man who bought me mine tonight seemed completely blase about it. We had a great time discussing celebs, critiquing the crowd and their clothes. I think he was in fashion. Anyways, their music rocks, the employees are totally chill, from the bouncers/bartenders to mr. wentz's crew. As far as downtown bars/clubs go, this place is one of the better spots.Listed in: River North : Chicago ::…
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Review from Colleen C.
Chicago, IL
8/28/2008
To my surprise, I liked it.
I'll freely admit I was skeptical. Angels and Kings? Backed by boy-mascara poster child Pete Wentz? River North bar? Eeeek, not the makings of a place I generally find myself...
However, I have to say...I was pretty impressed.
I mean, it's steppin' to a "faux hipster" beat, what with all the dark, almost medieval looking furniture and fixtures accompanied by a very plain exterior. There is virtually NO natural light (blocked by heavy draperies in the front window), and there are mugshots abound. Kind of a quirky touch.
I mean really, if you are partying in River North, you aren't the edgiest soul in Chicago, but ya know what? I don't really need to be, nor care...so. There's that ;)
I was there for a magazine launch party (well done Venus Zine), but I can see how it'd fill up pretty fast. It has an intimate vibe, and with the band playing, or DJ spinning, it didn't get past the point of ear drum poppin', run for your life, LOUD. It was enjoyable, though that is largely attributed to the pretty stellar DJ, and most excellent girl fronted band (Kelly Clements)....I think (and I'm being honest) this is one of the only live performances that I actually was sad when it was over. I'm just not much of a concert goer, but the scene and the music were downright enjoyable.
Damn, guess I'm not so anti-establishment after all, eh? ;)
I'd go back. There, I said it. -
Review from Brett D.
7/28/2009
Second stop on our Bachelorette Party Train :::choo! choo!::: and in all fairness I've got to be honest, it was not nearly as bad as I expected. I had braced myself for something over-the-top douchey and club-like but was pleasantly surprised with what I found instead... a rockin' bar packed with uberattractive clientele and a smashingly familiar soundtrack to go with the pretty folks having themselves a pretty 'lil time.
Whether it be the Fallout Boy connection and the clientele that mainstream attraction draws or just the general ambiance of hot girls and loud music, Angels & Kings is slammed and how!! This ain't a spot for quiet conversation and frilly cocktails, oh nooooooo.... this is where Americas Suitehearts go to a) pick up, b) get picked up on, or c) get trashed. All systems go for Bachelorette fun, yeah, we aim to please!! Take your group here when looking for a raucous time and armed with the ability to handle intense crowds, any other mindset and I firmly rescind my advocacy for these Wentz digs.
Keep in mind the price tag on cocktails here go hand in hand with the address. 10 O-Bomb shots? A cool $130... the math made no sense at the time but I was too tipsy to argue... down the hatch and cheers to our Bride! For most, this is easily a one drink and move on spot...
Tip to remember: Angels & Kings also has a downstairs space that has cush lounge-esque seating (think: tables, booths, breathing room) in the same luxurious gothic-type vein as the rest of the bars' broody décor and, of course, the extra space you and your crew need to Dance, Dance into the wee hours. Ah! But one last thing; A & K is a dressy, rock out your studded ______ (insert: anything) type of place, so don't forget your designer demin and sexy kicks along with copious eyeliner. And yes boys, that means YOU!Listed in: Drink. Drank. Drunk.
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Review from Roxy A.
3/16/2009
Randomly came across angels & kings on the way to dinner & i'm sad to say that i recognized it b/c i watch "the real world: brooklyn" and knew that pop punk emo boy pete wentz owned this joint, but yea we figured why not check this place out to go grab some drinks.
Probably the only major upside to this spot is that there's no cover to get in, but once you do...geezus is this place crowded!!! the place is very long and pretty narrow & you have to squeeze your way all the way to the back to get to the "mandatory coat check" (not very well thought out). the decor is kinda cool, but it's also pretty random w/ mugshots of various artists like james brown, jimi hendrix, etc. & gucci and louis vuitton guns mounted on the walls, medieval like furniture, & a random ginormous asian gong at the back of the bar. i will say that the mugshot photo op spot was cool & we took pictures there, but that was at the end of the night when the place was already closing and it wasn't as crowded.
The drinks are of course expensive & the DJ was kinda cracked out b/c he never played songs in their entirety..not even close to that b/c he played 60 second intervals of each song then switch to the next. =/ oooh & don't come in here looking for "angels & kings" b/c chances are is that what you'll find are tools & douchebags. i think the highlight of my night was when this d-bag came up to me..
Douchebag: "yo baby can i get yo numba?"
me: "No, i don't have one."
Douchebag: "Where you from girl? you from Chinatown??"
me: "whaaat???"
Douchebag: "You japanese??"
me: "if i'm japanese..then how is it that i'm from 'chinatown??"
Douchebag: "Girl, I can make all yo dreams come true..."
me (gagging w/ a loaded gun complex cock it and pull it): "riiiigght, okay see ya in chinatown buddy." -
Review from Amanda C.
Chicago, IL
12/19/2009
NOT.A.FAN
First of all, the place is tiny. Second of all, the music they play there is a joke. Third, the crowd is pretty shitty. If there is a show there, forget about getting in if they're at capacity. The door guys will shmooze with their friends and ignore every word you say even though they are hideous and lame as hell. The drinks are CRAZY expensive unless you know a bartender there (I only went because I did know a bartender there and he gave us super cheap drinks).
There is only two stalls in the bathroom and there is usually a bunch of unsavory women in there talking shit. You won't fit in there unless you shop at Bebe and would probably bang a guido.
No me gusta. Go somewhere else, k?Listed in: Crappy bars no one should ever…
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Review from Angela H.
San Francisco, CA
4/6/2009
i totally forgot that there was an A&K in Chicago. I was fortunate enough to go to the private opening of the one in New York, which was a total let down.
Angels & Kings in Chicago wasn't bad at all. It's slick looking, and the way the booths are raised off the floor along the sides, I think, is a good idea. The bar itself had no taps, which made it look big, uncluttered and really modern.
They have a couple of good ideas, such as a mugshot photo-op, but for some reason they put it right beside the main entrance. There's also King and Queen chairs on a stage, which I presume, is the ultimate vip area of the club. If they took their good ideas, and shuffled them around to better locations inside bar, it would be perfect!
The music is good, but they really need to let up on the mash-ups. I am all for good slams of rock/top 40's, but changing it up every minute (literally) is super annoying. The crowd were seemingly into it though.
Anyway....
Angela H + Pete W = True Love Forever. -
Review from Elle M.
2/21/2010
Okay, this review is coming from the POV of both a patron and member of a band who was asked to play at Angels and Kings. It pretty much sucks on both ends.
The stage is TINY. There's almost zero room for any stage movement. The guys in the band were literally on top of each other the whole time. There's no room to store gear anywhere. It was completely terrible.
The atmosphere of the bar is like a high school lunch room. It's full of little tables of holier-than-thou hipsters all talking shit about the table next to them. Completely lame. And the drinks? Insanely overpriced. $5 for a can of PBR? And that was a special?? Seriously, gimme a freaking break.
They do get minor points for the music that was playing the night I was there and for the "Fall Out Boy Sucks" that was written on the wall in the ladies room. Not enough to bring me back though. Sorry, Pete. -
Review from Max M.
2/1/2009
Are you an Angel or a King? If you are neither, then you belong here.
I went on a Saturday night. I-Tune fave Kanye was playing in the background. The bar gets very crowded near the middle of the room. We hung out by the lounge near the entrance which had a cool decor. Angels and Kings is a cross between Medieval lounge and Hunting Lodge. There are animal skulls hanging from one wall above English leather chairs. This club is very dimly lit with burgundy, black, and chocolate colors.
I had a good time celebrating with friends after my B-Day dinner. They have a cool faux police wall where you can take mug shots and make silly faces which for whatever reason ranks a close second behind universal "Aren't we cool" face. Nonetheless, it's still entertaining.
There are no Angels or Kings in this place---just a bunch of people making their best effort to go "Full Retard" for the weekend. Proudly, I resisted the urge to make a Jester of myself.
Angels and Kings? Not really. Then again, the name "Angels and Kings" sounds a lot better than "Hussies and Pimps". I'd go back on a lower key night.
Who ever said Kings get to go to Heaven anyway?
Bottom line: No cover. I-Tunes play list on Saturday. Don't go alone. 1 star for the mug shot wall. -
Review from Jaelynn D.
North Hills, CA
7/13/2009
Okay, I admit I totally wrote this place off as a douchey place because:
A) I think EMO is gay
B) I think EMO is gay
I came here with my cousins that live in Chicago. It reminds me of a classier Carbon in Santa Monica. Dark, narrow, small.
One big redeeming quality of this place other than non-Hollywood types here (Probably because this is Chicago) was the music! Whoever was spinning last weekend must have hijacked my Ipod and proceeded to play all old school hip hop and a special MJ set.
One BIG FAIL is that you guys sell 40 oz. Colt 45's for $6. What kind of a gimmick novel thing is this that you charge double of a 40 actually is? It was comical however when I did see a group of d-bags walking around with their popped collars and 40 oz.
Another fun thing about this is that being from California, dumb drunk broads are still the same. One kept on bumping my bum knee when she was having a convulsion--Oh, I'm sorry, she was dancing. I think. And when she saw my utter pissed off face she tried to talk shit. It went like this:
Dumb townie: "Either dance or shut up"
Me: "Bitch, Target called, they want their outfit back"
Oh yeah, and she proceeded to spill water all over herself.
Good DJ though. I will be back. And next time I'm kicking her in the neck.
And I snuck into most of their group shots and totally ruined it. -
Review from Jeremy D.
Chicago, IL
6/28/2010
I hate this place.
Came here one night where we had bottle service at a table, I was joining the party. Waitress offered me a drink from the bottle on the table, got it, tipped $5 for the drink. Someone else was talking care of the table service tab.
Later, it was all "a-la-carte" drinks, so ordered another with same waitress, well pour vodka/tonic. $14, handed her a $20... to which I never got my change back on. She told me that she didn't have change... told her to go get some... and let's just say I never got my change back.
So... If you wish to be surrounded by douchebags in Ed Hardy and get ripped off by waitresses, this is a fantastic place to go. -
Review from Whitney B.
Chicago, IL
6/23/2008 1 photo
I went to a party at Angels and Kings on Saturday, and I had a great time. I didn't go expecting much out of if it, but it was a good time. It's not the best bar in Chicago, but it's a really nice place to go and chill.
One of the door security guys was sort of the douche-y, but the other one, and everyone working inside the club was really nice. I don't drink, so the bartender gave me a free energy drink, and also gave my friends discounted amaretto sours.
The DJ was really cool and kept everyone dancing, and you could tell he was really enjoying himself and what he was doing. I loved the halo light above the DJ booth that lit up throughout the night. I also liked the elevated booth and little ladder you have to climb to get up there.
There was lots of seating along the side wall towards the back and in booths towards the front of the club. There was also ample standing/dancing room, even though the place is quite small.
It looks really plain and unassuming from the outside, but the inner decor was awesome. I loved the celeb mugshots, and the wall for you to take your own, my friends and i had a lot of fun with that. The dark wood was a nice touch, and the designer AK47's were awesome. Apparently there is chalkboard paint on the walls in the bathroom for you to graffiti, but I didn't go in there.
The thing we went to on Saturday was a private event, and most people there were industry related, I think, so they were older. I'm excited to go once it's open to the general public and there are more people my age there to mingle with.
They are going to have different "theme" nights I guess, with a weekly Gay/Lesbian night called "Angels and Queens" and a weekly Karaoke night hosted by Joe Trohman from Fall Out Boy (When he's in town). And I think an industry night as well.
Plus, I am sure they will be hosting many other events as time passes with local Chicago bands and industry related events and the like.
I know there are going to be a lot of people hating on this bar just because its partly owned by Pete Wentz, but I don't see how that should affect your opinion on this place. The only sign of him being involved is a mugshot of him and Ashlee on the wall, and if you happen to go on the right night, he may be in the VIP section. I think people should take it for what it is, a cool bar to hang out at on a Saturday night. Plus, I think him being involved is what is going to keep this place going strong, he is a smart businessman.
Extra points for being so close to my apartment in the River North area, I will definitely be back really soon! -
Review from Cortney R.
Woodinville, WA
5/5/2009
I initially liked this place, until the manager or whatever he was turned out to be an arrogant dick.
My wallet had been stolen, and I wes certain I knew where it had been lifted from, but I wanted to make certain before I filed a poilce report.
I called every hour from 11am - 10pm and nobody answered.
When I rolled up with friends and simply asked him if hey did you see a wallet anywhere last night, he didn't even look at me when he said no. Then was pissed because I made him go look.
Talk about an ass. A simple call back would have been appreciated, and I would have written a different review. -
Review from Christina P.
Chicago, IL
3/30/2009
Not going to lie - I expected to be underwhelmed at Angels & Kings due to the shotty reviews, but was pleasantly suprised.
First off, it's on the smaller side. The bar is narrow but there is still plenty of space to dance (and dance we did). There's also a downstairs area which I liked as well. The DJ was great. The crowd was very attractive. Drink prices are average for River North.
I loved the decor and the bartenders were super attentive & in a great mood.
My only real complaint was the lighting in the women's bathroom - I could barely see myself (and as ladies know, we have to pamper & refresh in the bathroom on nights out!!) Turn up the lights and you'll have a winner.
I'd suggest this as a fun spot to go dance and get a little rowdy at. Good spot for a birthday too (but get there early to avoid the line).Listed in: Fill it up again!
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Review from Chuck W.
Chicago, IL
9/27/2008
I figured that the crowd here might be a like minded group and I could make some new friends. I'm not too much in to the club scene, but I figured that I would give it a shot.
The atmosphere here is wonderful. I love the decor and the whole feel of the place. That being said, coming here alone was a bad idea. My whole intentions were to perhaps meet some new people to hang out with in a city where I don't know anyone yet. It seems like everyone in there had their own group, and there was really no way of introducing yourself above the music and commotion.
It was really difficult to get a drink, and when I did finally get one, their vodka was so watered down that you couldn't even taste it.
I am a fan of strong drinks, conversation, and drunken singalongs. This place offered me sad, watered down, over priced, excuses for drinks, booty shaking hip hop, and people who look at you strange once they realize that you're alone.
I will not be back. -
Review from Raquel D.
9/10/2010
Pretty cool place with a pretty cool, kick back atmosphere and yet a hint of kinda clubby. It's a great transition for those who don't exactly wanna go "clubbing", but still want the energy and vibe of one...enter Angels & Kings. You got your hipsters loungin, your "club-goers" dancin and your cocktails still fancy - if that's how you want it. Yea, you can do bottle service, but you don't have too. And they're not asses at the door. They have different nights ranging from hip hop to karaeoke night, so it all depends on your style.
You're likely to catch me here on Monday nights (for an accasion ie- my bday last yr) when it's industry night - cool vibe, good music and fun crowd. -
Review from Drucilla D.
Chicago, IL
10/15/2008 1 Check-in Here
I heart Stephen Westman. I've only met the guy (owner of Angels & Kings and Lakeview Broadcasting Company) one time but I've been a fan from afar for a while as he's just so fabulous, and so I was super anxious to check out Angels & Kings a while before it had even opened.
OF COURSE I picked the absolute craziest night for my initial visit. I don't know what I was thinking but I thought it was the perfect opportunity to go to the After After Party for Gen Art's Fresh Faces of Fashion, Fashion Show which was hosted by one of the other owners Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy. I should've known it was going to be shoulder to shoulder, crotch to crotch for the mere fact that it was Live Band Karaoke Night hosted by Mr. Wentz himself! So I shouldn't have been so surprised that I could only last for 15 minutes.
I will update this (hopefully with five stars) once I actually get to order a drink! -
Review from KariNathan E.
Fullerton, CA
10/10/2011
Awful cockatil menu - and they couldn't get the drink done right even after 2 tries.
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Review from Russ R.
Cook, IL
11/4/2009
I went to this place for live band karaoke on the 29th of October and the bartender changed my tip from 4 to 40 dollars. My drink bill turned from 28 to 68 after I left. I'm still trying to get it reversed. Makes me wonder how many times they do this to people and hope they just say that the money isn't worth the hassle.
My recommendation, never step foot inside this place unless you want to get ripped off by rude wait staff. I wish I could give 0 stars but I can't. -
Review from tracy j.
Chicago, IL
11/29/2009
Meh. I was expecting it to be bigger...and better. I don't think it has any resemblance to a real rock-n-roll scene. Instead, it's a super small space in River North that attracts scenesters that think they are edgy, yet are anything but. They seem to be more concerned with who they might see and if their outfit is cooler than someone else's that they'll miss actually having an interesting or edgy conversation. I suppose I'm just over that stuff. For those that aren't, this will be a good place for you. It delivers a scene.
The doorman was pretty cool. I liked him. -
Review from Jason S.
Chicago, IL
10/22/2009
Although I have heard good things about Angels and Kings, my experience here was definitely not that great. I came around 11:30pm on a Friday night here and the place was absolutely dead... perhaps I came too early but after about 30 minutes I knew it was time to leave.
The few people that were there were just sitting around. My round of drinks cost 80 dollars, and then afterwards I wondered why the hell I just bought 80 dollars in drinks at an empty lame bar.... but hey the guy from Fall Out Boy owns it right? Yeaaa..... -
Review from MELEK L.
Chicago, IL
6/19/2008
This is Republic with a new name and Pete Wentz's name behind it. Still sucks. You still won't find me there.
Good for just-turned-21, hipsters, and classless folks. Enjoy! -
Review from Mihir S.
Chicago, IL
9/25/2010
If you don't have fun here, you don't know what fun is! I even saw and old couple (over 65 y/o) getting down. The music is all over the place - something for everyone. It's mixed and mashed and songs are cut short due to the two ADHD DJ's.
I take off two stars because the:
- doorgirl blew smoke in my face while checking my ID. I waved my hand to disperse the smoke said said "be careful". She shot me a snooty look.
- the make bartender toward the far end was just yapping and serving his friends even though he saw me waving my money at him. -
Review from carmella M.
Chicago, IL
8/20/2008
We went there this past saturday and things were ok.
1) parking is a BEAR to find
2) wide variety of music which is a +
3) Drinks were average price for location spot.
Service is great and ...We probably go back in near future but will cab it for sure.. -
Review from Erika B.
Chicago, IL
9/4/2011
Came here for an after party on a Saturday night and had a pretty good time. The place is small, but had ample room to dance and mingle and the decor was really cool. The people were attractive and the DJ was excellent. The drinks I had were strong, but I can't really speak on the price point because I didn't play for anything. I'd definitely come back here again though. Great place to dance your ass off!
-
Review from Melanie V.
Chicago, IL
8/17/2008
The old Narcisse, right? Since they took out all the booths, the space seems a little bigger, which is a good thing. Except - they put in a stage...Hmmm. It was PACKED by the time I got there, so it was pretty hard to navigate in the tiny space. The dj was great...he played alot of different music...We all enjoyed belting out 'Umbrella' and 'Can't Hurry Love'. My friends even told me that I missed out on Boyz II Men. Anyway, the service here is pretty good...drinks are normal River North prices. However, I didn't get a sense of any pretentiousness. Even the doormen were nice! Seriously.
fyi - parking in the adjacent lot is $20. it happened to be a lifesaver as i was getting annoyed circling the block, hoping to find an open meter. -
Review from Sonia T.
3/9/2010
It's official, Pete Wentz's bar is cooler than him.
Okay, the place was neither crowded or overpriced. I waltzed in there around 9ish on a Saturday (and yes I know that's early) and grabbed a seat at the bar, and found the bartender to be refreshing and fun. Mixed me a French martini (his choice) which was awesome and I met some interesting people in the process. A Band from Houston named Windsor Drive, some hard core Sox fans, and people that weighed in that I was from Houston...Great crowd, great drinks, and short walk back to my hotel. Loved it! -
Review from Kristen P.
Chicago, IL
6/28/2010
Ick....I had a feeling I really wouldn't like this place, and I was right. The only reason they get more than 1 star is because they let my dude friend in with flip flops, even though at first they said it wasn't allowed. I went to see a free show, Loyal Divide, and at first when I got in the place was completely DEAD...granted I came at 9:30 and that's early but the show started at 10pm, so I figured more people would be there. Don't get me wrong, I hate overcrowded bars where you can't find a seat or get a drink, but it's really awkward when your party is the only one in the bar.
Anyway, for what the place is, the drinks were overpriced. Yeah yeah...this isn't your neighborhood hole in the wall but it's not a club where you go to be seen. I wasn't expecting it to be it to be that expensive. A few beers later, the bands started playing. The band I came to see were the 2nd act, they went on around 11 (I think??) Anyway, they were only able to play four songs (!), before the singer said "Hey, this is our last song because we're being cut off". I have no idea why. They did intially look like they were having equipment trouble but the music sounded great, so I guess I really don't know who made the decision for them to be cut off.
Anyway, I don't think I'll be back. -
Review from Jahnavi A.
Chicago, IL
8/3/2010
This place is great for people watching, there are some weirdos that come here, besides that its an alright place when its not over crowded. Sometimes they have free shows too.
The bartenders are hot, specifically Josh and Celisa. -
Review from Maia H.
Los Angeles, CA
11/14/2008
Finally a place where I can mix with like-minded individuals, have deep and entertaining conversations with, and a home of cheap drinks and good atmosphere...
wait a minute..scratch that...
I obviously was thinking about some other place I once knew....
The entire appearance is narrow, though inviting decorations..
The drinks are over-priced and you'd be lucky to not have it watered down, knowing that you know someone important, or with someone important..The clientele is well...Celebaspawns who just stand there and drool on their straws to awkwardly gawk at those "celebrities" that are in music like cobra starship, fall out boy, and Ashlee Simpson.
The music does not seem to add to the "rockstar" vibe they are going for, and instead want you to shake that ass and bust out your gold bling.
The waitstaff is just par.
better said..if you want to experience LA..head there.. -
Review from Robyn A.
Chicago, IL
8/14/2009
Aside from the fact that Pete Wentz (and a bunch of other dudes, actually) owns this bar and that makes me WINCE, it's a helluva good time--if you go on a Friday or Saturday night.
What I love about this place--two things:
DIVERSITY. All the colors of the rainbow come out to this place, and it's AWESOME.
MUSIC. Hippity-hop most of the time on the weekends. It's so fun, and the DJs are top notch.
