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Schubas
Rating Details »
Category: Music Venues [Edit]
Neighborhood: Lakeview3159 N Southport Ave
(between Belmont Ave & Fletcher St)
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 525-2508
- Nearest Transit:
-
Southport (Brown)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.
Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Thu, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
170 reviews for Schubas
Saw Seawolf here last week and it was such a great show! First, the waitress in the bar was attentive and friendly but not overbearing. It wasn't too crowded yet so we got a table and ordered a few beers (great selection, more points) and split a fish and chips. The food isn't anything to write home about, but the spicy mayo that came with the fish was pretty good.
The best part is that we asked if the show was sold out and if the waitress could point out who to talk to about getting tickets and she one-upped it by putting our name on the list herself (the guy was running around and apparently hard to catch, so she just did it). Then, the guy at the door was incredibly friendly and when we walked up to buy our tickets he said he was glad it all worked out and we got in. Way friendly.
After all that we didn't have to close our tab because the waitress was running between the bar and the stage so we could keep ordering from her. Add a photo booth and the fact that our tab was totally minuscule considering we ordered food and several beers. Top it all off with an intimate musical experience in the small side room that was crowded but never felt too warm or uncomfortable, an amazing show (I love Seawolf). This may have just become one of my favorite places to see music.
I've spent a LOT of time, at Schubas. So listen up, kids.
For it's location, parking is not too difficult. The bar is nice, anytime. Great jukebox, sandwiches, staff.
The performing space is the coup de gras. It's just a perfect room for anything. And, the sound has always been well-managed.
At bartime, hit one of the handful of little taquerias just east/west. Life doesn't get any better.....
Oh Schubas. How many great shows have I seen here? How many awesome memories have I had parking nearby. The sounds are fabulous. The drinks are reasonably priced, and well... it has a photo booth. I am vain enough to love them, and it is a nice touch to make a concert more memorable with a keepsake for about $2. Getting in the photo booth with the singer you came to see? Even better.
I've never tried the food, because I don't really care about that sort of thing, but I just love love love the venue. Their jukebox is probably the best I've ever seen still, and the Tahiti 80 poster has a nice place in my heart. :)
1 Previous Review:
-
4/7/2008
Best jukebox in Chicago by far. Love the venue, and their bathroom has a Tahiti 80 poster.
A friend from college came into town this weekend. He is managing a band's tour and living somewhere in between 'Almost Famous' and 'This is Spinal Tap.' They're from Seattle and living his dreams. I'm a little jealous of him since I am currently doing nothing with my life. Annnnyways, the venue was pretty good. They had some delicious smelling food that I wished I could've tried. But alas I was there for the music. The band was pretty good. They were on stage and could clearly be seen, there were some places to sit, and there was a bar inside the room where the music was being played.
All in all it was a pretty good time.
Schubas is an intimate, comfortable, cozy venue. I absolutely loved the look and feel of this place. I saw 3 different artist show off their skills last night and I woke up this morning ready to download at least one song from each group. $10 to see 3 great shows in one night, thank you! The acoustics in this place are beautiful!
I knocked off one star b/c they served me my Goose Island Indian Pale Ale in a plastic cup. What's up with that? I noticed other patrons with real glasses, do I just have Hot-mess written all over me? I concluded that the bartender was just too lazy to wash more glasses at the end of the night. Fair enough, but please, don't charge $6 for a beer served in a flimsy plastic cup. I'll be back over and over again. PS. I didn't see the photobooth that was mentioned in a previous review.
This is a great venue; it always sounds great, they let you buy admission ahead of time and get in...so you don't make the trek and end up out in the cold. I wish for Schuba's however....that the room wasn't quite so long. I'm not short, and can't see from the back. I have lots of short friends who really really can't see from the back. I also wish for Schuba's more than one server at a busy show and/or more than one bartender. I want a tall boy PBR. This is a constant wish of mine for Chicago rock clubs....It should cost $3-5 and would prevent my running back and forth to the bar. One final wish is that there were a bathroom inside the venue. But it sounds so awesome and there's always toilet paper and it's so so clean....Schuba's keeps my four stars.
Schubas is definitely a favorite of mine in terms of Chicago music venues. They have a big bar in the front, and a stage and performance area in the back room. The booking here is exemplary. This is just one guy's opinion, but I think Schubas consisently has the most impressive roster of bands in Chicago. The acoustics are great, and the sound board operators are all top-notch! The staff are friendly, and also, their Harmony Grill has great food! Close to the Brown Line and only two blocks from Ashland & Belmont. Very easy to get to from multiple neighborhoods. Hard to beat!
Great food, great drink selection, great music. It's that simple.
The thing they do best, in my opinion, is music. The best small-venue acoustics around without any blocked views is what makes this place stand out. They've also got a booker who knows how to book eclectic small-venue shows.
The schedule is heavy on the folk and indie pop-rock side with bursts of international bands and themed nights/bands. If you're looking for Dave Matthews, go to the United Center. If you're looking for the super hot newcomer or the established indie artists, you'll probably be going to the Bottle or the Riviera. That's not to say that Schubas doesn't book bands like Okkervil River, but they're more likely to mix things up a bit so that it's not all Okkervil River, and it'll be Okkervil's sophomore or junior album touring.
The pricing is also incredibly reasonable. Most shows are purchased straight through Schubas Web site, which means avoiding absurd Ticketmaster surcharges. There is, however, a $2.00 Schubas ticket charge. That's nothing to complain about, fer sure, but because hard tickets are not printed and all tickets are will-call even this itty-bitty charge seems questionable. Maybe it's paying for the will-call dude or a sound tech? Who knows?
Last, transportation to Schubas isn't the best. It's a simple walk in my hood, but I could see how depending on the Belmont bus would be tedious after a concert. Brown line is three blocks away. It is, however, a great location for biking with plenty of well-lit spots to lock up bikes and a vigilant doorman always wandering around out front.
The only real complaint: I've never had a horrible experience with service, but I've had many, many blah experiences and some that bordered on robotic. It's not Subterranean-awful by any means, but they definitely need more bartenders on busier nights.
Overall, a great place to see a show, but bring a flask if you need frequent watering.
Only bad thing is two small.
Because my friend lives around here and goes to basically every show Schuba's has to offer, I have been frequenting this place more often than usual.
Schuba's is great for shows because of it's intimate approach and close proximity to the bar.
The sound is always good and they never pack the room so that you feel the sweat of your neighbor...sick? yes, but not at Schuba's.
Solid four stars for putting on great shows, putting out great drinks and the fabulous photo booth that should be in every bar.
I've read some of the other reviews on schubas and I think the bad ones are unfair. I'll agree that the food is average at best. But if you are reviewing food at Schubas you are missing the point. This place is all about the MUSIC! It is absolutley my favorite venue in the city. The room is intimate, great acoustics and never push/shove crowded.
I'm geared up about the owners opening a larger venue in the old Three Penny on Lincoln and Fullerton. I'm sure it will be top shelf.
Schuba's is as neighborhood tavern is it gets.
You can tell it has been around forever as the bar is an original pre-war design with nice art deco lights built into the back wall of the bar.
The glow of lights behind the bar along with the few TVs to get your game on, illuminate the space and you can choose between the bar or tables.
There is food, an array of beers, and enough liquor to get your drink on until 2010. Add in a music venue and a photobooth along with a pin ball machine, you have the makings of a great little experience you should try some time if you are ever in this neck of the woods.
At last- a venue in Chicago that has nice staff. I have had great experiences every time I see a show at Schubas. The door people are nice (a first for me in Chicago) and the space is amazing. One of my favorite venues for live music in the city. I have not been there for food or to hang out at the bar, but am anticipating it.
I've seen so many great concerts at this place. Many great memories. I rarely go here for the bar or the food, it's all about the music.
I was soooo disappointed with this place especially given the great reviews both here and from friends. My husband and I came on a Saturday night with great expectations...got there early and chilled at the bar until the music started.
Drinks were good and the spicy hummus was delicious. Bar staff was friendly and helped to pass the time...
But the music was terrible. $10 tickets for random amateur acts? It looked like these kids were right out of college and the rest of the crowd were their personal friends. The first girl reminded me of Phoebe from Friends...singing random songs that she made up. My husband and I kept looking at each other and thought this was some kind of joke?!? After the first two acts, we couldn't bear it anymore and left. We were so disappointed with this place.
I've been to Schubas many times, but waited to review it until I had a more recent experience.....well I went back on Saturday to see the Features and it was exactly how I had remembered it.
It's an intimate venue, the acoustics are great, the ticket prices are reasonable...I can officially say that Schubas is my favorite live music venue in the city! (and they have an great photobooth to boot!)
Hmmmmm, Schuba's.... how do I properly capture all that is Schuba's in one brief review? Well, considering how many reviews this place already has, I'll leave the indepth re-caps to the locals and just give you my top observations in bullet form:
- Divey, lively atmosphere with a wide range of people that would make me keep coming back again and again if I lived anywhere remotely nearby.
- Friendly bar staff and good pours.
- What seems to be an awesome intimate show space for a ton of really good bands.
- The most hipster-approved jukebox selection outside of Silverlake or Los Feliz (in LA).
Minimum Age: 18+, depends on the night. Some nights are 21+.
Cost: Varies on the band performing, usually $8-$20.
Crowd: 20's/Caucasian, slightly mixed
Dress Code: None.
Date Attended: 3/21/09, Saturday
For those who are interested in seeing live bands perform, this is definitely a good place to go. When you first walk in, you have the bar to your right. If you want to see the live band, you have to head to the back and either pay admission or if you prepay, they will mark you off of will-call. You can stand right in front of the stage to see the performer up close and personal. They had a waitress that made regular rounds through the crowd to see if you wanted any drinks. The sound quality was nice. There were seats to sit down along one side of the wall if you get there early enough. On this particular night, Ari Hest was performing. He had an opening act. Both performances were good, with Ari's being the best. Definitely a nice place with a good atmosphere!
Pros: Live performance, you never know what to expect (A girl from the audience actually went up on stage and sang with Ari. It was one of the highlights of the show.). Waitress service. Bar service. Good sound quality. Seats to sit down. Reasonable ticket prices. Nice crowd.
Cons: None.
Very cool, very unpretentious. A little bit of everything there, in terms of patrons, food, and drinks. There was lots to look at, and the atmosphere was really relaxed. Bartenders were knowledgeable, patient and friendly. I hope to return soon to hear some great music in the back!
They have a photo booth which is awesome, and my husband and I went back there to check it out.... but it smelled like someone had entered it, passed a lot of gas, and then left again. NASTY!
Intimate shows, good prices, variety of beer, friendly staff. But most important, the sound here is amazing. Sometimes I feel that once a band grows out of Schubas, their live show goes downhill, at least here in Chicago. Nothing beats seeing a great show here. This place has housed so many of my old favorites and now they feature many of my new favorites.
What to say about Schubas?
It's a great place to see a band, though it's not that often that I've seen great bands there. Make sense?
They've got an awesome space, adequate beer selection, reasonable prices, and a back room for music so that you can just chill at the bar if you don't want to see an opening band that sucks.
I can't think of anything negative to say about this place other than it's in Lakeview. Check out Schubas!
Good shows are booked here, from what I've heard it's a great room to play in, but I hate, hate, hate the bar in the first room. I have stood at the bar with money in my hand for 10 minutes waiting for a drink. I am a thirsty bird. I want to give you my money. Why do you have to make it so hard? I think the bartenders are rude, I haven't had a jigger used to pour my booze since I lived in the UK, there are no deals and you just have to wait forever. Employ more bartenders at the super long bar or make some sort of system where you start in point A and end at point B.
Sorry for the rant, but I love live music and I love drinking, but Schubas makes it way too hard.
This is probably my favorite live music tavern in the city.
This is best place to get up close and personal with local bands and larger, more famous touring bands. The shows are intimate and the alcohol is pretty reasonably priced. The atmosphere is fun and the area is great.
Tickets for shows are never priced too high and you can get their Macaroni and Cheese! I've never actually ordered anything else on their menu and I can't imagine why I would. Their mac'n cheese is the best I've ever had. You can order it straight up or add two additional items like chicken or various veggies.
Great selection of beers as well.
I may branch out and try more of their menu, but until then I will reserve a 5.
My favorite venue in Chicago. Even when shows are sold out (i.e. Art Brut on Wednesday), it's never too crowded. I love the bands they bring. I love the sound. I love the patrons of the front bar when I need a break from the not-so-great acts. The only thing I don't love is the ladies room, but with $15 tickets to great shows, who cares?
One of my favorite places to catch a show! Every show has sounded great, not too loud, not too soft volume levels that might otherwise distract one from enjoying the act they go to see. If you can't stand the entire set, get there early to scope out a place against one of the walls or be prepared to stand. I like the fact that it's a small, intimate space because many times the musicians feel comfortable enough to mingle amongst in the crowd. I went to a Rosie Thomas show during the winter and before the show started, there she was, right in front of me, talking with family and fans. And like Katherine R said, they don't pack em in the venue so you never feel like a human sardine. I'm going again in August and can't wait!! It's always a good time!
I've lived all over the US, traveled the word, seen hundreds upon thousands of shows in my day.... Mark my words here: If you want to go to an intimate show with great acoustics and stand within a yard stick from the band, Schubas is your place --- AND --- Schubas is my favorite place to see live music.
The venue holds around 150 - 200 people, the beer selection is good and you always leave feeling like you've just paid $15 to attend a private show for you and your friends. What a Deal!
To see what I am talking about first hand, visit my YouTube Channel for a few good videos I shot on my FlipCam at Schubas. http://www.youtube.com...
A very serviceable venue. The only thing that really sets it apart for me is the ventilation - I think I've never sweated less at an indoor show. The space is nice enough, in fact it feels a little over-nice, even pretentious in terms of the frills it presents. A much higher stage than most venues its size too, which helps sightlines but is bad for intimacy with the band when you're up front. The sound's alright - very crisp and clear, but when I was there there was far, far too much bass compared to everything else (that may have been Future of the Left's fault, though). I like the bench around the perimeter of the music space too - sitting down between sets is a nice option. What I don't like is the absence of cheap beer. All in all, decent enough - I'm not going to go there unless it's a show I really want to go to, but it makes for a good music experience.
I absolutely adore Schubas, because it is a small venue and I love small venues. The sound quality is excellent! Sound checks for bands are great! The lighting is also great for photographers and photographers with professional cameras are allowed in, for upcoming photographers. My experience selling merchandise for a band playing at Schubas is also great. Although I am still under the drinking age, I still have fun at the (all ages) concerts. Dinner at the Harmony Grill (next door to Schubas), is great, while waiting for doors to open, even at a reasonable price. The waiter, Sam was awesome, we were able to share music selections. Overall Schubas is a great place for a concert, even just for dinner and dessert. :] All ages at Schubas is very rare, but it is definetly worth it!
I highly recommend this venue/bar/restaurant.
I bumped Schubas up to 3 stars based on the many positive things I've heard about seeing shows here and their hosting of the terrific and slightly macabre Mustaches for Kids benefit.
The beer list has some great selections both on tap and bottled from the whole price spectrum of beers, from Rockefeller down to hobo. One can also order food from the attached Harmony Grill if one is so inclined.
The bartender seemed overrun and surly despite the tiny tiny crowd at the time. She kind of ignored me and some others for a while and inexplicably carded another person at the bar on her third drink.
I really like going to see shows here. The sound is usually really good and accomodates different styles. And they book some really great acts. It's the kind of place I can go see a show without really knowing who I'm seeing, and I can usually trust that the band will at least be good at what they do.
I'm not sure I would hang around without a show to see though. There isn't anything especially compelling about the bar area itself.
Goose...bumps. Yep, that's what the intimate feel of Schubas' live music room gives me. Every seat is the 'best seat in the house' in this tiny venue, with pin drop-clear acoustics that will literally make your hair stand on end.
Damien Dempsey for $12? Believe it. Matt Hales of Aqualung for $15? I'm in. After the show, don't be surprised to rub elbows at the bar with a musical great... here's your chance to buy him a shot and get a staged but nonetheless treasured photo!
Matilda, Hoegaarden and a few other fine brews on tap. The wings, fries and chicken tenders ordered from Schubas' Harmony Grill at the bar were all very tasty, though portions border on the smallish side. Bartenders are attentive, fast and friendly, even when it came time to close our tab. And completely deserving of a fat tip that I still feel good about this morning!
Small washrooms that get bum-rushed immediately after the show, so jump the gun a minute early and you'll beat the line.
I came to Schuba's to see an Okkervil River show about 3 years ago when I first came to the city. I loved this venue, I think it may have been the smallest space I've been to (I think the second smallest was the echo in LA),
The Okkervil show was outstanding, the acoustics of the place arent exactly out of this world, but I dont think that's what Schuba's is all about. It was quite an intimate show, and the crowd was quite into it. I had an outstanding time.
Verdict:
My favorite small venue.
This is one of my favorite places to see shows. If you're lucky to snag a table in the bar area it's a great spot to wait for the show to start. The food is good, the beer isn't terribly over priced, and they have a photo booth!
The venue itself is a very intimate space and sounds great. I've seen The Books, Rosie Thomas, Rocky Votolato, Damien Jurado, and Asobi Seksu here.
Also, it's close to the Southport and Belmont stops off the brown or red line so it's relatively easy to get to.
Schuba's rocks!
I love going here to see bands or have a drink. There's almost always a decent band playing, and the cover is not usually ridiculous. The rock room is an old theater, so the acoustics are cool, and the space is pretty neat. Pretty small bar back there, though...
What's great, is if you don't want to see the band, you can still hang out and drink! I'm totally into that!
I've been here a few times and I really like it more every time I come in. First and foremost, the bartender Lee is awesome. He reminds me of Anthony Bordain a little and every time I come in here, he gets me wasted and I ALWAYS never fail ask him if I've ever told him he looks like Bordain. He always gives me the same smile that tells me to fuck off and stop saying that.
The other thing I really like about this place is that they have the bags game station. Yes, I said station cause it isn't the actual game, it's the VIDEO game! I love it! I am truly addicted to it, an I don't care who knows.
They also have an old school photo booth so that you can have record of your idiocy.
Parking can be a drag around this area, but it's worth it!
I somewhat agree on the food! but the dirty martini's are excellent, pricey but excellent. Intimate band setting, if you like to see bands up close this is the place.
I really think this is one of the best venues to see a band when you actually care about acoustics/sound/blah... actually I don't think it's as good sounding as when there were seats/booths in there a few years back. I mean, I am pretty sure there used to be seats. I could be going crazy, though.
They have a halfway decent beer selection too, about half crap beer that you find at every lakeview bar and half good beer. Deserves an add to my "stop drinking crap beer" list, at least.
AWESOME VENUE!
i had many opportunities to see so many wonderful musicians such as (in no particular order):
1) freedy johnson
2) mary lou lord
3) regina spektor
4) glen phillips (from toad the wet sprocket)
Great place to see music and grab a drink with friends.
No cover if you just want to go into the bar. And I think it's great that the two areas are separated because you can go to the show or go to the bar... you don't have to pay to do both.
The stage area is very small, intimate and very cool. I like that you can be super close to the band and it's not insanely cramped and crowded. Lots of good bands get booked here and the concerts are great. I'm sad that I missed out on Fleet Foxes/Blitzen Trapper when they came and played because I'm sure it was amazing to be that close.
All in all, great place to see a show. I'll be back. And they have a good beer selection, as well, and reasonable prices.
