"7 p.m. Movie: Planes, Trains & Autos" and "Whiskey Road" read the signs on the former Darwin's building on Damen Avenue. Two questions filled my little head: Is this a bar or movie house? Is it 1987 again (fingers crossed)?! Answers: It's a bar every day, and a movie house Sunday-Wednesday. Sadly, it's still the 21st century.
The front of the bar has a signature Bucktown setup: rectangular, stylish. Exposed brick on the south wall, Damen-faced windows on the west, chalkboard decked with local sketches and prose to the north, and to the east?
Traveling to the east is an exotic, soulful journey for us Westerners, and Whiskey Road is no exception. Traveling east in Whiskey Road will take you to Guitar Hero Central: a rockin' lounge with a tapestry-laden stage, circular tables for your writhing audience and a big, big screen for self-admiring. Guitar Hero (1, 2, 3 and the '80s edition) is a free (as in "no charge") pastime at Whiskey Road.
There's something else. Something I forgot I've been seeking my whole life. It's as if Matt Miller (owner of Orange and Darwin's) has a window into my subconsciousness.
A free jukebox.
You could try to pay, but why would you do that? This money-shunning jukebox is stocked with mixes composed by friends and neighbors, featuring celebrated artists from Huey Lewis to Jenny Lewis. If you're a (good) Chicago band, drop off your album. It might actually get played.
The only things the folks here will let you pay for are the beef, crab, turkey and veggie burgers, which can be paired with fries or rings for about $10. All week, the drink special is $3 Mystery beer and $3 cans of Tecate, PBR and Old Style. Cash only, kiddos.
Centerstage Reviewer: Kate Anderson
