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Categories: Bars, Music Venues [Edit]
Neighborhood: Wicker ParkDamen (Blue)
Mon-Fri. 9:00 p.m. - 4:00 a.m.
Sat. 9:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m.
Sun. 9:00 p.m. - 4:00 a.m.
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I never leave this place on a Saturday before 4am. For this reason and this reason alone, I limit the number of times a month I visit The Note. It is very hard to find a club in the city that will, on a weekend night, choose to play one genre of music (in this case hip-hop on Saturday nights after 1am). My biggest peeve is that you are dancing along to a song that reminds your ripe college years and it is cut short, switched over to some inst, inst, inst, inst house music that you have spent your whole life trying to avoid.
Or maybe that is just me...
Thumbs up for being a dive that is awesome. Minus 1 star cuz I hate paying covers.
Every time I've been to The Note someone in my group has had some sort of creepy run in with a random dude. We don't come here too often anymore.
On the upside, I met Juliette Lewis outside of here last summer (on our way out). She was really cool.
No matter how bad the band might actually be, the sound is always great. This is not easy to find. When bands that are worth seeing come around, it's always nice when they're playing here.
Delightfully beat and neon-lit, drinks are pretty average, as are the prices. Shows are always cheap.
Wednesdays are 'I love House Music Wednesdays'. Weds. are very fun because there are many regulars who are extremely friendly and just looking to dance and have a good time. Its free before 11pm and after its $5. It doesn't start to get crowded until about 1am but soon after will reach capacity.
I came here last Friday to see Dillinger Four, The Brokedowns and The Catburglars. Punk bands. It was insane. I got a beer spilled down my back and my leg stepped on and my friend's shirt was torn up like he turned into HULK. I was able to steal one of the Catburgar's drumsticks though so that made it ok. It was so crowded and hot that condensation dripped from the ceiling but the cheap PBR cooled me off.
The venue is nothing special. Its your average hole. There is a room on the side with a pool table for those that want to pay to get into a show but not see the show.
I have such a love/hate relationship with this place, but somehow Beckee W. still gets me to go there every once in awhile:
Reasons I Love the Note:
Ladies:
Searching for validation (sad, but true) after a break-up? Then The Note's for you. Take yourself for a ride on what Beck and I like to call the "once-around". Take a walk from the front bar, to the back, around to the back bar and by the stage area and count how many times you:
a) get your ass grabbed
b) get your boobs groped
c) get a marriage proposal
d) all of the above
While this game might be fun, be wary of the suitors. In my experience they often times have legal issues (kick 'em in the cankle and see if you can feel the monitor), just turned 21, or are just down right dee-irty. But if that's what you're lookin' for, have at it. Other reasons to love The Note:
1) Shirley (the muffin lady) although I think she is on hiatus
2) Wednesday House Night
3) Anytime after 2:00a when the ear-crushing metal stops
Reasons why I Hate The Note:
See Above
The note is a great place that has an awesome calendar of live music. Every Wednesday is house, and Fridays it's usually some live band. I saw Deals gone bad there a while back-a great local ska band. There isn't a bad spot on the floor, and the variety of liquors they have is great. Sadly they're going to close and reopen but with no live music. Go there before it's too late!
*update 5/6*
So, Sunday night was it, the passing of an era. The Note will be closed for the next three weeks and reopen with no live music. It won't even be called 'The Note' anymore, and really why should it? since nothing but canned music will be played there. I don't fault the owner for changing things up, but damn, it's just hard to take. The last night was an absolute blast though, Jigsaw was there playing a mix of blues/R&B/reggae, Sunday is/was reggae night after all. The place was slow at first and then it filled up. *Sigh* I'll still come out to Wicker Park to hang out, but some of its appeal has gone now. RIP 'The Note' what it'll be called next is anyone's guess.
What a deliciously ecclectic little hole!
Stopped in to hear a friends band, and also got a a performance from a humorous Canadian poet, as well as a latin/hip hop dj. Not buying that Canadians CD has been one of the biggest regrets of my life.
Was dragged here by a group of friends, I plan never to come back!!
The first time I went here, I was underage but in-town for the weekend and wanted to see my friend who worked there. I wasn't impressed then and I'm certainly not singing its praises now.
Drinks: overpriced. watered down.
Crowd: Diverse (and that's a good thing)
Atmosphere: just fine during shows. meat market during weekend afterhours.
For shows: I hate this place. The sound is shitty and always WAY too loud. Almost louder than standing in front of the PAs at the Fireside. (Okay maybe not THAT loud). Forget talking to anyone but yourself if a band is playing.
I'll go for a show, but only if i must see whoever's playing. And I suppose I would go to meet people, but no one I know hangs out there so I'm in the clear.
First, I must check myself: "Why am I giving the Note 5 Stars?". Very easy - it's a no none-sense bar that what you see is what you get.
You go to the Note for a concert, it may not have the state of the art sound system, but it does have original, down to earth, real people. "No wannabes" or "I'm too sexy to get my sweat on" people.
If you are ready to brave - REAL HIP-HOP!!! there is none better than the late shows of Shon Dervis (Friday/Saturday) and Rude 1 (Saturdays). The environment is gritty and real - not the glam, glam hip-hop I have seen at other places. The only place I can compare it to is DJ Spinna's night at Apt. in New York. Down-right gritty!!!!
For those who don't know me, I am a House-head. And I have to call the Wednesdays at the Note very original. From the loud, loud bass of the various DJs, to the live creations of the Urban Street paintings, and finally to the massive crowd who came to dance. The House Music is in line with what made Chicago (at one time) the place to go find the clubs and the artists. Well, thank God there is a spot on Wednesdays for House Music.
My friends and I wandered in here on a Saturday night looking for a nice place to dance. None of the see-and-be-seen crowd or who's wearing what crap, but to just dance. We got exactly what we wanted.
The DJ played great house and hip hop hits from the good ol days that kept us leaping out of our seats and back on to the dance floor. He even played one of my favorite old school jams "Baby I'm Scared of You"--and I hardly EVER hear that song in a Chicago club.
The crowd was very diverse and everyone else seemed to be there just to have fun as well. Good times.
I went here last night for a show... the Note is an all right place, almost as good as the Empty Bottle. The stage is in a position where you get a good view from almost anywhere, and the sound is done well, very loud.
I don't know what it is about places that serve $2 PBR in a can, but I love them so. Drinking a PBR in a can makes me feel like I'm in the north woods of Wisconsin. Not every bar in Chicago has to be horribly overpriced.
The bathrooms were refreshingly clean for a place like this. I've seen bathrooms at nicer places in Wicker Park that are totally disgusting. There is a separate room with a couple pool tables, a good place to camp out while you're waiting for your favorite band to go on. The staff was very nice and polite to me, and the bands were cool and unpretentious. I will be back!
This place isn't really my scene. I ended up here kind of by accident, and I guess you can say I will NOTE be returning.
Yeah, this place is pretty grimey. The band I saw was good, but I just wasn't feeling the overall environment. I was expecting Danny Desario and Bill Haverchuck to walk in. The vibe was just way too weird. If you're looking for a smaller venue to check out live music, hit up Empty Bottle instead.
(((IM ALL ABOUT INTERRACIAL DATING)))) but too many ugly women scroll in and out this place. And it smells nasty. The atmosphere smells like a sewer, or some stale water. Don't bring your date to this joint. I was dating this one chick, and some thirsty, fat ,black dude grabbed her ass. I usually don't pick fights but dam I wanted to show him the fist. I have nothing good to say about this place. Just wanted to get the word out.
I walked into this place for about 32 seconds and then I had to leave. Everyone there was the sort of ugly that I cannot express with words and since I am incapable of projectile vomiting in the middle of this review and having it stay here for all eternity--I will leave it at that. Anyways, I love a good shit hole, but this place was fucking lame. I couldn't even bring myself to have a drink here. I guess this is where you go if you're fucking ugly. So if you are physically detestable I guess you know where you should end up from now on. You can thank me for solving your problems later.
Have always had a good time at the note. My only complaint si that sometimes it can be a bit difficult to get a drink.
Wednesday nights are the night to be here. I love House music and this is one of those places where nobody cares if you're dancing by yourself or with a crowd. I like to get there early so that we can get a table and get trashed. On Tuesdays they have the open mic night and sometimes they have good people performing.
There is nothing else to say but House Music Wednesday. My ex and i became regulars here when one day she brought home a flyer that said mark grant was spinning for house music wednesday. I was like oh where it said the note. Im like the note? didnt we go to a rock show their once. they have house music? anyway almost 3 years later we are still frequenting this joint. it has dope vibes and most ppl are therefor the music. i love it. i used it to network and pass out some of my mixes as well. if your free thru the week and want to dance and sweat to some good house come thru. check my page. http://www.myspace.com... i spin house music;)
Cool place to see a show, and the actually spin some good records when there isn't a band playing. The music is LOUD, so if you're on a date, stay away, but if you want to throw a couple back, shoot pool, or even dance, this is a place where you can have a good time until 4am. They usually book local talent or independent bands stopping through Chicago, and for the price, you can afford to check a band out that you think has a cool name.
The other weekend I finally had a chance to check out the Note. The space was perfect for the band I saw, Peelander-Z. The Note sound trumps Double Door hands down and overall beats out alot of other places to see a band. I'll be going back for sure. Oh, and they have a pool table too.
I love this place. The drinks always contain more alcohol and I like the view of the stage. I'm pretty short so it's nice to have a lower stage.
I saw King Khan play. Good times.
This place is my favorite bar in Chicago. Here's Why:
Reasons I love The Note:
1. I love that the band that goes on at 7pm...let's say it's a death metal group, still has some confused-ass fans drunkenly sticking around when the hip-hop DJ comes on at, say 12am...it makes for an eclectic mix!
2. On two occasions I have had a friend pass out here before 1030p, and they kicked him out so he went to Flash Taco.
3. There is a convenience store next door so I can buy cigs, my girl Maggie can buy beef jerky, and my friend Anna can buy antacid...cuz it's usually been that kinda night.
4. My friends left a 6 X 3 foot 3-D photo cutout of me here after my birthday in June, and when they went to go back and get it, the staff claimed that "no one had seen it". Huh.
5. I once had a legitimate "dance-off" with a 6'5" cross-dressing black man here--and won!
6. This is the weirdest, most eclectic, most random joint in the city. I go here for great house on Wed., I love the open-mic (after going to Subterranean) on Tues., and anytime after midnight when they spin hip-hop.
The boys are a little grabby, which I enjoy cuz I'm like that, and you definitely know nothing good is ever gonna happen after 2am at the Note, but I wouldn't want it any other way!!!
Ahh, the Note. Strange experiences abound, but generally I've had a really good time here with friends. The drinks here are strong. I tend to go for http://MPSHOWS.com booked shows. Some really great bands play at the Note and yes, lots of not so great bands too. The venue itself has much improved sound since I first went there a couple years back. Fave shows here thus far: 1) The Brother Kite 2) William Elliott Whitmore and 3) Carol Bui. Psyched to see Secret Shine there on Friday and The Besties in May! Hip hop shoegaze, indie pop, deep-blues: you can find it all at the Note.
The Note isn't bad, although not one of my favorite places. For me, it's one of those "if someone wants me to meet them there" I'll go. They've had Mod weekenders there for the past couple years, which is cool. And they have some pretty good live bands.
I personally have never been a huge fan of dive bars and my Saturday night visit to The Note did not change my mind. The place is a text book definition of a dive bar but I do have to say that the acoustics of the stage were pretty good but they turn the heat up way too high for my tastes. Overall, interesting place to catch a band but it isn't my glass of scotch.
I pretty much come here for some of the live shows, not so much when it becomes an after-hours bar. Typically it'll have good sound, drink prices and beer selection are pretty standard for the area. I miss Cosmic Doom Wednesdays! It's got a pretty eclectic lineup of entertainment, so the crowd and scene probably varies a lot with the acts or DJs. My experience generally is when there's a rock band there, didn't have as good a time when I've been there as an after hours place.
Cool bar to hang out at. Kinda small, but w/ pool tables. I suggest coming on a hip-hop open mic night to witness some real fun and real talent. The place is open late too. There can be a cover at times so check their website before you go! http://www.thenotechic.../
As everyone else has pointed out, House Music Wednesdays is where you should be if you're into house music. I have never had a bad time on Wed. The club itself has a pretty eclectic clientele, which is always cool too.
I absolutely love the Note! Its my favorite place to hang out on a Thursday for Samba night. Very original in their events. The bartender is nice and always hooks it up! I recommend the Note on a Thursday for a night of partying and live music.
This used to be located on Armitage. Ironically, while I loved this space when it was inhabited by Hothouse, and I loved the old Blue Note space, it lost its charm when it moved into the old Hothouse. The vibe seems to have been spoiled. Too much attention to decor and not the music. I did see a good show of Marc Ribot y Los Cubanos Prosthesos, but it was cramped and uncomfortable more than festive.
Okay place, though most of the bands they book are horrid. And once a flying cockroach (and no, I am NOT kidding about this) bit this girl on the neck in front of me and we killed it and showed the bartender and he gave her a free drink. I really almost barfed, and I wasn't even drinking that night.
Not too hot on this place. My big story about this place is....I went to see my friend in a Shakesphere play at The Chicago Actor's Studio (located directly upstairs) and at various times during the play, the sound of bass LOUDLY thumping was almost drowning out the actor's lines....I know, I know, quit your bitching. I remember my friend commenting when he was done with his play that he wanted to go burn The Note to the ground.... I can kind of agree with him, as whatever we could ear from downstairs sounded like angst-ridden bad teen hard rock/cheesy punk/metal gravy sounding trash~
I saw a punk show here, and the space was nice. It wasn't too big, and the sound was pretty good. It didn't seem like a place to go if you want to have a conversation with someone. Ah well.
Great place to see a live show. There is a long bar along one wall which makes it easy to get a beer and there are plenty of seats. You'll see some of the better local acts playing here and you'll enjoy yourelf. I swear!
it's always a good time @ the note! go there and catch a local live band, dance to your heart's content.... heck, shoot a coupla games of pool and lose yourself in the sounds blaring from their speakers and woofers.
either this place was dead on thursday night or i was really drunk...maybe both.
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