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Holiday Club
Categories: Nightlife Bars Restaurants American (Traditional) Bars, American (Traditional) [Edit]
4000 N Sheridan Rd(between Cuyler Ave & Irving Park Rd)
Chicago, IL 60613
Neighborhoods: Wrigleyville, Uptown, Lakeview
(773) 348-9600
- Nearest Transit:
-
Sheridan (Red Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6 pm - 2 am
Sat 6 pm - 3 am
Sun 10 am - 2 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
234 reviews for Holiday Club
Review Highlights
"The photo booth is great fun, check it."
(in 59 reviews)
"...convenient, just steps from the Sheridan red line stop."
(in 13 reviews)
"Possibly the best cheese fries I've ever had."
(in 13 reviews)
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234 reviews in English
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Review from Christine F.
Chicago, IL
1/6/2012
I haven't had the food here.
However, I have drunk my weight in greyhounds and took a bunch of unflattering pictures in their photobooth.
It's a decent bar. You get what you pay for, for the most part. There was nothing particularly memorable about the drinks or the service (a greyhound is a greyhound...not hard), but I do love that photobooth. -
Review from Adrienne G.
Chicago, IL
1/2/2012 13 Check-ins Here
I love Holiday Club. So much so that I was here the other weekend twice. The fact that I'm able to get some work done while in one of my favorite bars, and then socialize over a nice cold glass of Hamm's (or Stella if I'm feeling fancy) is wonderful.
The $5 food specials every night make this a great place for me to catch up with friends who are on a tight budget, and the bartenders are super friendly and ever-accomodating (like Travis! and Greg! woo!). Sometimes the servers can be a little distracted in terms of making sure that tables have everything they need (I'm thinking of one in particular, who has glasses) but generally are super nice.
Karaoke on Mondays and Wednesdays in the back room starts at 10 and is a crazy fun party, whether you get up and sing or just sit back and enjoy the revelry over dranky dranks.
I was here on Christmas, so i mean, I obviously will be back here.Listed in: personal staples, I'm Thirsty!
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Review from Mel G.
Austin, TX
12/29/2011
First Trip:
I loved the atmosphere + drink specials. But when I ordered a second drink it didn't come. After about 20 minutes, when my company had finished their own drinks, I asked the waitress for either my (unserved) drink and the tab, or my tab without the drink on it. Her response was "so I forgot one drink, take it easy". I then got a synopsis of how busy she had been (as I had observed her bringing waters to other tables and busing empty tables). Is 5 for 6 on drink delivery considered good? I was initially tempted to make this my new neighborhood bar. But I can "take it easy" elsewhere. If your cocktail servers can't handle the 8-10 pm rush, I can't handle this bar. -
Review from Rhonda G.
10/27/2011
Everyone has been here it seems, except for me. Time to remedy that!
A friend had her birthday gathering here recently and this was my chance to check this place out. I Still don't know why it's called Holiday club but I guess It's one of life's mysteries that I don't really need to know (kind of like whatever happened to Josh Hartnett?)
I enjoyed dancing to music from the 90's and early 2000's since it reminds of a simpler time in my life when I wasn't necessarily paying bills and acting like a grownup (sigh). I also really like that other people were dancing and not just doing a little toe tapping. This is the kind of place (in my opinion) that can be fun sober, though I'm not sure anyone in this place actually was.Listed in: Girls Night! (and/or day)
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Review from Penny S.
Updated - 9/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
"You hate this place, don't you?" someone asked me the other night when we were there celebrating my Carrots's birthday. "Yep" I replied, "but it's a testament to how much I love her" I said, pointing at the birthday girl who was gleefully dancing to the hits of the 90s just yonder.
Case in point: that night I had three drinks. Three blueberry vodka and sodas, tall (NOT double. Simply tall which is just more soda water).
Three tall vodka sodas came to $22.50. That's $7.50 per drink, diluted.
Holiday Club, DIAF.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/30/2008
You know how when your good friend is dating someone you don't approve of, but because you love your… Read more »
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Review from George F.
Chicago, IL
9/22/2011
What you see is what you get... Real people having real fun. :)
Very accessible & parking is good, but the corrupt Chicago parking meeter system makes you confused. Good seating inside & out (in the summer days of coarse) Drinks are stiff and NOT to stiff on the price, but we could come down a little during these hard times. Lots of choices for the average drinker and the food is AWESOME for the price. :) Bathrooms are Umm,,,, well lets just say... small & what you would expect. Lots of young Hott guys & Gals to mingle & enjoy the local hangout all while dancing it up to some old school retro. What more can I say...?
GOOD PEOPLE = GOOD TIMES!! :) -
Review from Juliana R.
Chicago, IL
11/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nice open bar with delicious martinis!
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Review from Joey M.
Chicago, IL
12/1/2011
This is the only bar that I go to with any regularity . I enjoy most everything about it . First , it's convenient for the CTA to use to get to . Second the food . Nothing fancy but everything I've eaten there has been delish . Third the music , variety and fun , I always enjoy the tunes they play there . Fourth the staff , a great group of folk , mostly. Fifth the crowd , even if I stop in alone I always find someone that's fun to chat with and really , all types and creeds and ages seem attracted to the spot. Oh yes , sixth , the drinks . You can "enhance " your evening there at value prices and they even do the occasional comp drink there . I love this spot and look forward to dropping back in there soon .
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Review from Alex K.
Chicago, IL
8/27/2011
This place is alright in my book. Took a date here and around 9pm on a tuesday it was pretty quiet inside. I think at one point there were like 4 other people in the bar.
I was satisfied with the beer selection and eneded up have a few IPAs and stellas. They didn't have the blackberry vodka my date was looking for, but I guess I can't really take any points off for that. Our server did seem a bit forgetful, not to the point of being any kind of problem though.
Saw the photobooth but didn't check that out. And I do kinda regret not getting the cheese fries. This bar seems alright, and I would have no problem going again, but just not sure if I would go out of my way to plan a trip here in the future.
TL;DR
-Average Dive type bar
-Decent beer selection
-Not bad but nothing special -
Review from Amy H.
Updated - 5/2/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Mmmmmm...yummers!!!
I appreciate Holiday Club for what it is. It's a bar with a retro swinging' 60's vibe that serves up some great classic diner-type pub grub. It's not the best food that I've ever had, but it's pretty darned good. The classic grilled cheese is top notch and they'll even put gravy and cheese on your fries for some comforting poutine.
The also serve brunch on Sundays. Who knew?! The brunch menu isn't very big, but I had a classic egg sandwich that was exactly like the kind my mom used to make me.
Since my last review, Holiday Club has fallen under new management and received a little bit of a face lift. The exterior has been updated and looks a little more classy, while inside they have come up with some pretty amazing theme nights: I ~heart~ the 80's, The 90's to Now, and their standard karaoke is still drawing in the crowds. The staff is super friendly, adorably rockabilly, and attentive. Also, if you're in the mood to watch "the big game" there are plenty of flat screens for viewing. I even saw them doing a makeshift Oscars party a few months ago.
Cool, daddy-o. Real cool.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/23/2006
The karaoke here rocks! It draws a very diverse and lively crowd. The bar itself is unimpressive… Read more »
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Review from Adriane P.
Chicago, IL
3/27/2011
Once upon a time, in a neighborhood so very awesome lived a fair maiden named Adriane Petunia. She was courted by a rather imprudent and tempremental young sir. Whenever she declined a date or wished to stay in he'd grow upset and ominously threaten, "OK! If you don't I'm going to Holiday Club!!!! I'll find some girl who wants to see me!!" She'd be sad yet continue with her regularly scheduled plans but this repeated warning aroused a certain level of intrique and mystique about Holiday Club.
She since tossed him aside like a parking ticket, but still wondered about Holiday Club. Imagine her astonishment when she went and saw how low key, sedate, and typical it was! He made it sound like there was scantily clad, randy people, and champagne corks whizzing around the room. I guess her throwback breezy thought since the word "club" was in the title it sounded more wild? Or she should be concerned? Who knows what's behind the best laid plans of mice and men.
The special was Hamms cans for $2. Neither she nor the lad she was with knew what that was but gave it a shot then left.
She concluded she may return, in spite of the deception, sometimes the prospect of a low key bar pleases. And she lived happily ever after.
The End -
Review from Aurore L.
3/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
It is so LOOOOUUUUUUUUUDDDD that I feel like I am 90 years old.
Can't hear a thing.
Except for the price of drinks which are rather on the higher side.
Sigh.
Mouths come dangerously close to people's ears in this place.
Get an ear candling beforehand, could come handy and save you some embarrassment.
Good to know if you are bored at any given party you are a part of: they play "Tom & Jerry". Couldn't take my eyes off of the screen.
Which had me thinking: why are we all rooting for Jerry?!? I mean - he's a pest. Is it only 'cause he's tiny and cute?
'cause he has the brains?
or 'cause he has the cooler name? (cf. Jerry Lewis, Jerry Seinfeld, Jerry Springer - umm... - VS Tom Selleck, Tom Cruise, Tom Jones and no, I didn't forget Brady; his six pack redeem his soul) -
Review from Andy M.
3/7/2011
I must have drove by this place 1,000 times before I finally went in for a bite to eat. It turned out to be just what the Doctor ordered. I can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday morning than hanging out with my wonderful Wife and the lovely Amy H.
The interior is quite odd, yet pleasing. The place is crammed with 60's, rat pack memorabilia. I felt like I was in Dean Martin's rec room. The vibe is surprisingly pleasing. It's not what I expected at all from a bar located in Frat Boy hell.
The food was a step above your standard bar fare. I ordered a Bacon Omelette that really hit the spot, but the star of the show was the Bloody Mary. I can honestly say that Holiday club offers one of the best Bloody Mary's in town. It was spicy, tangy and delicious.
The holiday club was awesome. Good food, great service and a kick ass Bloody Mary has me looking forward to my next visit. -
Review from Melanie S.
Chicago, IL
1/17/2011
Met a group of friends here on Saturday night. I'd only been to the original Holiday Club on Milwaukee Avenue but I finally had a good excuse to try this one.
The bartenders were friendly and I had no trouble ordering drinks despite the crowd. This place is huge and while it was busy, it never felt like it was wall-to-wall people.
The jukebox had an interesting mix of CDs - something to make everyone happy. They also have a pool table if you're so inclined. I used it to set my drink on until I was scolded by the waitress not to. She was nice about it though and I should have known better.
Parking was a snap and since it was after 9, it was free, but it's also right off the Sheridan stop on the Red Line for those of you sans wheels.
And apparently there's a photo booth? How the hell did I miss this? I guess I saved myself some embarrassment, so there's that.
3.5 stars.Listed in: Liquor? I don't even know her!
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Review from Kyle H.
1/24/2011
"Let's go to the Holiday!" What? I can't remember the last time I was at either Holiday Club (and if you don't remember the one in Wicker Park where Salud is, you probably call that area "Bucktown").
This Holiday Club is just a box. A box that looks like the bar back and top could spin around and become a 10 cent candy store or some legit business quickly as if we were in Prohibition. It's a bare bones box.
The juke box is incredible, and Beer selection is okay, waitstaff is quick enough, and not a bad time was had when our large group met here. I'm happy to report that The Internets are a safer place now. Sleep tight, you all. -
Review from Amanda M.
Chicago, IL
7/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Will not go back! The bouncer kicked some friends out for some b.s. reason I'm not going to get into. The atmosphere has always annoyed me and the service stinks. I waited more than 10 minutes to get a drink and decided I'd rather not give them my money when they took someone else's drink order who came up literally a second before they placed it.
The bar across the street was better. -
Review from Andrea B.
Chicago, IL
3/29/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Zomg, I love this bar.
Been here several times and I've always had a blast. It can get crowded in here though, especially when the dance floor is open, but I'll take it if it means I can dance all night, take drunken photos in the photo booth, have food, and drink giant cans of PBR for cheap. And for the most part everyone here is friendly, both employees and patrons. It's like douchebags don't exist in here. Ah, the joys of finding a good bar.
The one thing I cannot understand is how one of the two ladies restrooms stalls is ALWAYS out of toilet paper. Every time I've come here, this happens. Is there a lack of TP in the building? My girls and I always have to do the Seinfeld "square to spare" conversation all night. Kind of annoying.
The fact that it's on the corner of a major intersection helps too, so you can stumble home in several directions without having to drive. What I mean is, the Irving Park and Sheridan buses come through here, and it's a block away from the Red Line. Sweet.
They also do group parties too, if that's your thing.
Can't wait to come here again wearing a "Mad Men"-esqe outfit and have a cocktail. Party time. -
Review from Malana W.
Oak Forest, IL
6/4/2011
Oh Holiday Club how I love thee let me count the ways...
What is there not to love about the HC and it's retro vibe? Every day of the week there is something tasty on the menu. I mean come on, who doesn't love $5 specials that are actually tasty?
I believe the first time I visited the HC I had the grilled cheese and sweet potato fries. It was the cheesiest grilled cheese EVER! What I love most about the HC is that you can eat your food and then enjoy whatever is going on in the back (there is something fun every night of the week) or hang out in the front (pool table, juke box, and retro flicks) for a nice evening of libations and fun . I call this the best of all worlds. I've been meaning to visit on Karaoke night, but let me assure you that 80's night is a ton of fun (the DJ is super cool).
Let me most importantly not forget to thank my wonderful server whose name I always forget. She is the bomb, she always remembers my date and I when we walk in and gives us the best service possible. The only massive fail is that they only serve Diet Rite. I KNOW RIGHT? IMHO Diet Rite always tastes watered-down. Just my opinion though.
So, if you are in the area and wanna a fun place to hang I highly recommend the HC! -
Review from Dawn G.
Chicago, IL
3/22/2011
This used to be a pretty common place in my rotation, based on convenience. They do have a photobooth, which I always find a to be a plus...they also used to have decent open mic's on Friday evenings.
Their beer selection/price is meh.
Their food is very common bar fare type. I definitely think of this as an 'oh i walked by and popped in' place and not so much a destination.
Service has always lacked in my opinion- and it could be vastly improved if the people working there looked a bit less bored and annoyed.
Also don't get the veggie wrap with cheese, unless you specify cold- because they serve it warmed w/the cheese on it and it makes veggies taste like crap, probably because they're frozen veggies to begin with- no one should screw up a veggie wrap with cheese, I can even make that and I'm the type of person who cooks to solely see if she can set her fire alarm off*.
the last part isn't really true, well I guess it is in an intentional sort of way. -
Review from Borracho G.
Chicago, IL
4/13/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I'd like to thank the Holiday club for introducing me to the Vegas Bomb.
Damn you!
Typically I'm a straight forward whiskey shot person and not much for gimmick shots but for some reason me and my buddies were looking for a quick punch in the mouth to enhance our buzz state before we had to meet a bunch of coworkers at another bar for a birthday. The moment I asked the waitress what was in a Vegas bomb and heard Crown Royal, peach schnapps and red bull, I said done will take a round. So after a few rounds and the repeated phrases of Vegas Bombs baby Vegas bombs, yes we were those dudes, we succeeded in our mission.
I'm I doing Vegas bombs all the time now? No, but if someone where to ask for an interesting shot, I now have one to offer. -
Review from Annie W.
Chicago, IL
6/16/2011 4 Check-ins Here
This place gets 5 stars for having bad ass karaoke Wednesdays! I love hanging out with my crew there! The cheese fries are also to die for.
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Review from Carri A.
Chicago, IL
10/4/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Overall this is a fun, classy joint.
The bartenders are quite nice and the prices are about average. The main room has a fun photobooth and pool tables with decent rock music blaring. The music is even louder in the back room for dancing and debauchery. I wish they would somehow get those cords hanging out on the side of the dancefloor out of the way because that is an accident waiting to happen. To me, more than likely.
Regardless, I always have a good time at Holiday Club, whether it's a high-powered sweaty drunk dance night or a chill rock n roll drunk night. The location is super convenient, just steps from the Sheridan red line stop.
My friends just moved down the street, so I expect to put in some quality face time here in the next several months.Listed in: It Gets Ya Drunkkkk, Get Your Gay On
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Review from Jason H.
Oak Lawn, IL
3/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Holiday Club has been a favorite of mine for years, even when it was over in Bucktown. The crowd is eclectic and the vibe is always fantastic. There is no pretentiousness here and the music is as diverse as the crowd. You must sample the cheese fries!
The service can be spotty depending on the night of the week. Anytime that I have been in there I have always had a table near the bar.
I am a huge Rat Pack fan and love all of the old movie posters and the cut out over the back bar. They always have a huge party on December 12th (that's Sinatra's birthday), so if you can't make it, clear your schedule. -
Review from Erin E.
8/2/2011
although i haven't been here in a while, i've got some love for this bar.
come here on halloween. everyone's dancing together, admiring each other's costumes- it feels like your own private party.
come here for your birthday. the staff was super nice for my sister's gathering; they even gave her a t-shirt. and because it was her birthday, she got to force each person to have pics taken with her in the photo booth. that turned into a game b/c when you take that many pictures, you start getting really creative w/ different poses and facial expressions, like "senior pictures," "get your foot in the shot," and "shark attack."
and the cheese fries... oh, the cheese fries. -
Review from Mike V.
Chicago, IL
10/27/2011
Great look and feel, but the service (specifically the bartenders) has been among the worst I've experienced in Chicago and it's been that way for the six years I've gone there... Food's barely ok and while I liked the place for a time, you definitely grow out of it.
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Review from Susan D.
1/9/2011
What a great find this place was! I went today for a film discussion group. I just love the retro vibe, the friendly staff ... and OMG - I had eggs benedict with potatoes for $7. $7!!! Unbelievable. And it was really good, too! Sunday afternoon .... very nice.
The location is awesome, about a block from the Red Line at the Sheridan stop. So convenient!
I will be back, for sure! -
Review from Jamie G.
7/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
So last summer I came here and had the best sangria of my life(made with cinnamon- so good!) but when I arrived Sunday night they were all out!! I was incredibly disappointed because it's like one of the only reasons I chose this for my friend reunion location! Instead I stuck to $4 well drinks- at least it was cheap. I had a gin and tonic which tasted horribly with cheap gin thanks to my sensitive palate that I spoiled with Hendricks all weekend, and switched to amaretto soda. They have a cool photo booth here and pool tables, and the place is decent sized and a good location for my northside living friends. I would probably still use this as a meet up location, though I wish it were classier and saved some sangria for me!
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Review from Carly O.
Chicago, IL
11/14/2010
I don't give enough 5 stars. But in the pursuit of perfection, I've realized I've been too stingy.
Holiday Club is exactly where I want to be on a Saturday night when I'm in the mood for dancing. Zero pretentiousness, no cover, reasonably priced drinks, fun music, people on the dance floor who are mostly respectful of everyone's space and just a guaranteed good time.
I like its location, which is the totally random corner of Irving Park and Sheridan. It's far enough away from Wrigleyville that the crowd seems much less douche-y than one might think.
So if you're looking to dance the night away in jeans and comfy shoes and are not in the mood for a nightclub, upstairs at John Barleycorn or the comfort of your own home, head to Holiday. -
Review from Stephen F.
Chicago, IL
12/31/2010
I get a good vibe from Holiday Club. It is an ordinary bar, more or less, with a photo booth in the back and a fair amount of space to mingle and look at some of the other weird people in here.
I liked the snappy service at the bar, and also that the bathroom had been cleaned this century.
If I'm in the neighborhood and thirsty, I'll be back. -
Review from Lakshmi R.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 12/12/2010
I'm sorry to downgrade... but I was here yesterday for the first time in nearly two years, this time for my boyfriend's birthday gathering, and I was a little let down.
For one thing, the music is crazy loud. AND, they charge $4 for PBR on tap. I mean, PBR is basically gross water, and you can get PITCHERS of it for $4 in some places in this city. Where do they get off on that kind of price-gouging? It's really weird when you realize that a cocktail like a gin and tonic here is only fifty cents more than the PBR.
So... it's fine for meeting up with friends, but choose your drinks carefully or you'll get seriously ripped off. The photobooth does, however, remain pretty rad.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/29/2009
I celebrated my birthday here--not by renting out the party space, but just by inviting all my… Read more »
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Review from Holly M.
Chicago, IL
7/23/2011
Love the Holiday Club. Whenever I go, the waitresses have always been extremely nice and helpful. The bartenders are friendly and the crowd there is generally easy-going and just out for a night of fun. They make a mean grilled cheese, too! Karaoke on Wednesday is worth sticking around for, even though it's a bit crowded and the KJ often loses the order of the songs. Sometimes you get glared at by the karaoke regulars, but it's still a lot of fun.
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Review from Dustin W.
Chicago, IL
Holiday club has a certain appeal I might enjoy yet still haven't managed to find. On two separate occasions I have been present for a night of karaoke at HC, yet neither time did I leave saying wow that was a lot of fun, Id like to go back. Even with $5 schooners, HC just doesn't seem to draw me in like so many people I know. The bar service was just fine, and the people seemed friendly enough, but Its just not my bag I guess. Not a bad place, just not for me,
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Review from Moe f.
Chicago, IL
7/3/2011
Good drinks, music, and they always have drink specials. How can you beat a $4.50 tall, tall boy of PBR? And the food ain't half bad either.
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Review from Carl D. S.
Chicago, IL
8/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
My Wife and I are big fans of the iTunes radio station entitled, "Bachelor Pad" and Holiday Club carries along with the tune. There's a dark and comforting feeling walking in, not totally amazing, but a cozy bar. Leather pleather and brown make up the overall style of the place. There's star designs with martini mates along the lights, on the front doors and everywhere else.
The bar food menu is delicious and perfect every time. The burgers are juicy and cooked just right, as well as the wings that make up a meal unto themselves. They even added gravy and cheese to the fries upon request.
The drinks are equally as good, with the perfect mix of flavor and strength. The Manhattans will have you ready for beer in no time, and it's a good thing too, their PBR cans are huge. There's some great deals depending on the day and plenty to choose from.
To top if off, there's a dance room that when not rented out, has dance parties and more. Special events made especially fun. Before stumbling out, don't forget to hit up the photo-booth so you can wake up with a souvenir. That's a helpful tip to you Foursquare folks.
Holiday Club is perfect for us living downtown as it's right off the Sheridan stop, making the long trip home quite easy. -
Review from Jo W.
1/11/2009
I can safely say I won't be returning here.
I'd like to note up front for those that joined me that I had a great time last night - but that was thanks to my wonderful friends, and no thanks to Holiday Club.
Back in September, I booked the back room to hold my graduation party here. I had been to a couple parties here before and had a good time, so I wanted to come back here. Friends love it and I love the photobooth, so it seemed like an obvious choice. I spoke with Tim, we joked that I was booking it so far in advance. He also mentioned that the back room was ours until 10pm, at which time he would have to open up the doors because of the DJ spinning. I said that was fine, and we were all set.
As the date drew closer I worked with Jeneane to select a wristband special for my guests. She was super nice and very cool, but honestly? Their wristband specials suck. I considered holding my party elsewhere based on this alone. Many friends, including myself, are unemployed due to this wonderful economy, so finding a cheap package was important to me. I finally went with $25 for 2 hours of beer, wine, and well. Other bars I was looking at were $20 for this same package or $25 for 3 hours.
The week of my party, I called to confirm that we were all set. Jeneane called me back and we had a nice chat and confirmed everything. We confirmed the bar package, the back room, and the estimated head count.
Then the day of my party rolls around. I'm getting ready and my cell phone rings. It's Tim, and he clearly has no clue what's going on. In his defense, I was made aware of a personal situation that resulted in him not being at work the week prior, but Jeanine had handled everything beautifully in his absence and I was given the impression we were all set.
Apparently not.
He had no idea what wristband special we were doing. I told him. Then he said we were in the front. "No," I corrected him. "We're in the back room." He said that I only had 30 people coming. I said no, I had 50 RSVP. He blew me off and said that because of the weather they'd be slow and we'd "be fine in the front." So apparently me booking this party FIVE MONTHS in advance meant nothing to him.
My friend and I arrived a little before 7 to eat dinner before the party got started. When we walked in, the entire staff was sitting at the bar. After getting my ID checked, I asked to speak to Tim. I was told by a guy very rudely that he was "indisposed." I explained that there was some confusion as to whether or not we had the back room or not, and I was rudely told that we were in the front. At this point, I was beyond annoyed. I was in no way giving these people an attitude, though I feel I had every right to, and they were being rude. I wasn't in the mood to get bitchy and ruin a night of celebration. I came here to have a good time and was determined to, so I gave in. Fine, put me in the front. But they didn't even have the courtesy to reserve some tables for my group, which further annoyed me.
Throughout the night, the place got packed. So much for the weather keeping people away, huh? Our server was awesome, but she was clearly the only person working the tables and waiting to place an order was getting tiresome. At one point I ordered a drink from my server, and I was at the bar talking to my friends. The bartender was making my drink right in front of me, and when she was done I informed her it was for me. She looked at me and said "then your server can give it to you." She then hands the drink to my server, who hands it to me. Are you fucking kidding me? The bartender also gave me an attitude later on when I asked her to break a 5 for the photobooth. She literally made sure everyone at the bar was taken care of before she angrily snatched the money from me and got me change. Again, are you fucking kidding me?
We all noticed that at some point during the night the back room was opened, and a sign was hung that said "private party." Well, it sure wasn't my party. So what, did I get bumped and you just didn't have the balls to tell me? And even so, again, clearly booking FIVE MONTHS in advance means nothing.
So, now that we've covered the rude bartender and party planning fiasco...
The food we had was okay. I actually thought it was good at the time, but I woke up this morning violently ill - and it was NOT a hangover, as I paced myself throughout the night. So... yeah. That wasn't fun for me.
As other people have mentioned, it gets loud in here. Towards the end I couldn't hear my friends when we were trying to talk, and there was a lot of "what?" "what did she say?" That gets really old, really fast. I can understand making it loud in the back for the DJ, but maybe take it down a few notches in the front so people can, I dunno, hear each other?
Yeah, I won't be back.Listed in: If these places were on fire,…
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Review from Angie M.
1/12/2009
If we took a holiday (to the Holiday Club)
Took some time to celebrate (Jo's graduation)
Just one day out of life (or more like a Sat night)
It would be, it would be so nice (yes, yes it would)
Everybody spread the word (OMG... they have a photobooth!)
We're gonna have a celebration (and maybe dance to some killer soul on the juke box)
All across the world (well, maybe just in Uptown)
In every nation (or just America)
It's time for the good times (relatively inexpensive drinks make for really good times)
Forget about the bad times, oh yeah (umm, can't really forget that the front bar area is small, kind of boring and they just don't seem to have a long enough bar for the space)
One day to come together (you should bring your own entourage to Holiday Club. Everyone kind of hangs with their own group of people. Not too much mixing and mingling happening here)
To release the pressure (ick)
We need a holiday (Yes, yes we do)
I had a very A-OK experience at Holiday Club. It's a good place to come with a group of friends when you want to catch up and hang out with each other, but I'm not sure I'd go here out on the prowl on a Saturday night. Perhaps I should have bumped and grinded in the back bar? They were playing P.Y.T. back there.... -
Review from Lindsay K.
Chicago, IL
8/19/2009 ROTD 9/5/2009
Holiday!
Celebrate!
If we took a holiday! (or a book club)
Took some time to celebrate! (or discuss said book)
Just one day out of life!
It would be, it would be so nice!
And surprisingly it was so nice!
Seriously, I've been scared to go in here. The outside of it looks like a bad discotheque. The inside has a diner vibe.
Consider me confused.
But talk about friendly people working in here. And not too shabby food. If you get the cheese fries you need NOTHING else. They're a huge plate and I feel like I barely made a dent in them.
Came here for book club, had a grilled cheese and tots and YUM! More so to the tots - the grilled cheese was like mine at home - but still, can't beat the $4.50 price tag for all that food I can't eat by myself!
After dreading someone finally dragging me in here, I'm glad they did. When I need some A/C (or heat soon!), some greasy food and a cold beer (love the fishbowl glasses BTW) I'll be walking down the street to Holiday Club!
Because sometimes ya just gotta...
Forget about the bad times, oh yeah
One day to come together
To release the pressure
We need a holidayListed in: I Hate Lesbian Bars, RotD Love
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Review from dina d.
Chicago, IL
9/25/2007 ROTD 1/17/2008
BEST PHOTO BOOTH IN TOWN!
Well, it might not be the best but it's definitely the most used by me. I make it a point to use it every time I'm here. That is because cramming as many people as possible into a tiny box and squeezing our faces into that little frame over and over all night seems like such a good idea when everyone is wasted...but, the stack of photos I keep in my wallet speak for themselves. Good times.
The casual swinger style of Holiday Club makes for a fun atmosphere. The food I've had has all been exactly what I was looking for during a late night: grilled cheese and fries, hummus...all good and reasonably priced.
I generally come here on sunday nights for the Mess Around. In the back room they spin swing/rockabilly/50's rock music. It's a bit of a swing dance scene, which is why I go but the music is great to listen to even if you don't dance. They have a decent size dance floor and play old music/dance clips on the t.v.'s ...very cool.
Dave is one of the managers and has remembered me since the first time I went. He's a great, friendly bartender and if you have a problem, he'll take care of it...
They'll get one more star when the smoking ban kicks in...it gets pretty smoky even for people who don't mind a little bit. And if you get bored, or close the place down, just go across the street to Nick's 'til 4...gross, but always seems to happen...?
Swinger, baby!Listed in: R'sOTD, Don't mean a thing...
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Review from KELLIE K.
10/1/2008 2 Check-ins Here
Dear Holiday Club,
Thank you for silently encouraging me to drink during the week with your proximity to the red line, sparkling lights, and fine selection of alcohol. I've given in to your tempting gigantic goblets of cheap beer specials once too often instead of making the wise decision to go home and give myself a full night of rest. Instead, I've embraced our time knowing you'd only taunt me in my dreams. That pin-up girl calendar poster you gave me is hanging on my wall and I think of you often.
However, you've become a distraction and a source of sleep deprivation. My workday is suffering. I also wonder what devilish game fate played with many missing photo strips.
I admit that without you, I wouldn't have met some of your incredible staff and some cool patrons. Oh yeah, there is the photo booth. And dancing.
Fine, I'll see you next week.
Love,
Kellie -
Review from Donovan H.
Chicago, IL
4/12/2011
I went here for the first time after a late night out. We decided on this place for a late Sunday brunch. It was my second time to Holiday Club but first time during the day. I remembered the photo booth and jukebox...nice! The TVs had hockey and baseball games playing. Our waitress was friendly and kept us stocked our entire visit. I had a chicken BLT and it was fantastic. I think they used pesto to cook the chicken (delicious) and it was a hefty portion. Friends of mine had the eggs benedict and THEY KNOW EGGS BENEDICT. All agreed it was top 5 in the city. I thought the prices were reasonable for the quality. I will be back!
