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Articles by Centerstage Chicago

Brand-New Bars
Nightlife Guides. 11/20/2009.
Need another reason to drink? We've got a full roster of fresh taverns to try.

New Restaurants
Dining Guides. 11/20/2009.
Our handy guide to fresh spots for feasting is required reading.

Thanksgiving Eve Events
Nightlife Guides. 11/19/2009.
Give thanks for all the revelry going down on Black Wednesday, the biggest bar and club night of the year.

Weekend Warrior
Weekend Warrior. 11/19/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Weekend Warrior 11/12/09
Weekend Warrior. 11/12/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Where Can I Find Santa in Chicago?
Ask Centerstage . 11/11/2009.
Want to see Old Saint Nick in person? Head to any of these holiday favorites.

Where to Have Your Holiday Party
Nightlife Guides. 11/11/2009.
Work will never be the same after you book a bash at one of these Chicago bars.

Where Can I Go Ice Skating in Chicago?
Ask Centerstage . 11/05/2009.
Embrace winter and get your skate on at any of these area rinks.

Turkey Roasting 101
Foodie Happenings. 11/05/2009.
Prep for the big day with a Thanksgiving cooking class.

Must-See Art Exhibits
Picky Art Picks. 11/05/2009.
A Vegas standout displays his work at Habatat - and it ain't Wayne Newton.

Weekend Warrior 11/5/09
Weekend Warrior. 11/05/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Holiday Theater in Chicago
Theater Guides. 11/04/2009.
From the classic to the curious, these shows offer good reason to step away from the buffet table.

Virtual L: Dempster (Purple)
Virtual L Guides. 11/04/2009.
You don't need a degree to enjoy all Evanston has to offer.

Reeling Film Festival 2009 Picks
On The Scene. 11/02/2009.
The Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival returns with a packed schedule of songs, sex and serious cinema.

My, My, Pumpkin Pie
Dining Guides. 11/01/2009.
It's the perfect ending to any holiday meal; get your crowd-pleasing pie at one of these Chicago bakeries.

Weekend Warrior 10/30/09
Weekend Warrior. 10/29/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Weekend Warrior 10/22/09
Weekend Warrior. 10/22/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Weekend Warrior 10/15/09
Weekend Warrior. 10/14/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Do it in Private
Dining Guides. 10/14/2009.
Separate yourself from the dining masses in one of these private dining rooms.

Weekend Warrior 10/8/09
Weekend Warrior. 10/08/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Where to Watch the Blackhawks
10/07/2009.
Catch Chicago's hockey team in the NHL playoffs at one of these bars.

Campus Road Trip: Iowa City
Campus Road Trips. 10/07/2009.
Get crazy on game day with Hawkeye fans, calzones and ... Kyle Orton.

Party Like It's 2016
Nightlife Guides. 10/02/2009.
No matter who wins the Olympic bid, you'll have a place to celebrate.

Halloween in the House
Theater Guides. 10/02/2009.
Forget slasher flicks. These scary stage shows will make you wish they'd turn the lights back up.

Weekend Warrior 10/2/09
Weekend Warrior. 09/30/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Pre-Marathon Pasta
Dining Guides. 09/30/2009.
Gonna be pounding the pavement? Load up at these carb-crazy spots.

Weekend Warrior 9/24/09
Weekend Warrior. 09/24/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Killer Costumes
09/23/2009.
Find your devilish duds at these local costume shops.

Weekend Warrior 9/17/09
Weekend Warrior. 09/17/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Weekend Warrior 9/10/09
Weekend Warrior. 09/10/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Virtual L: Ashland (Green/Pink)
Virtual L Guides. 09/10/2009.
You don't have to wait for a festival to find excitement in the West Loop.

Weekend Warrior 9/3/09
Weekend Warrior. 09/02/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Labor Day Deals
Dining Guides. 08/28/2009.
It may be called Labor Day, but we think it's time you took a load off. Relax at one of these local spots.

Weekend Warrior 8/27/09
Weekend Warrior. 08/27/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Virtual L: Sox/35 (Red)
Virtual L Guides. 08/23/2009.
You don't have to settle for overpriced beer and hot dogs at the ballpark.

Weekend Warrior 8/13/09
Weekend Warrior. 08/13/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Weekend Warrior 8/6/09
Weekend Warrior. 08/06/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Virtual L: Wellington (Brown)
Virtual L Guides. 08/04/2009.
The newly re-opened stop brings burgers, bars and sushi to the mix.

Lollapalooza Parties
Lollapalooza. 07/31/2009.
Official, unofficial...if it's Lolla-related, you'll find it in this list.

Shake It Up
Dining Guides. 07/31/2009.
Skip the Slurpees this summer and opt for these creamy concoctions instead.

Ask Centerstage: Blues Hotels
Ask Centerstage . 07/30/2009.
Where to stay if you've come to hear Chicago's favorite music.

Weekend Warrior 7/30/09
07/30/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Weekend Warrior
Weekend Warrior. 07/23/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Weekend Warrior 7/16/09
Weekend Warrior. 07/16/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Virtual L: Harrison (Red)
Virtual L Guides. 07/16/2009.
Printer's Row is now known for much more than books.

Obama's Favorite Restaurants
Dining Guides. 07/16/2009.
These Chicago eateries get the Presidential seal of approval.

Farmers' Markets
Foodie Happenings. 07/11/2009.
End those shopping trips to Jewel with Chicago's roster of green markets.

Weekend Warrior 7/9/09
Weekend Warrior. 07/09/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Chicago Festivals Guide
07/09/2009.
Fill your calendar with these can't-miss events during the summer and beyond.

Weekend Warrior 6/25/09
Weekend Warrior. 06/25/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Weekend Warrior 6/18/09
Weekend Warrior. 06/18/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Fourth of July Fireworks
06/18/2009.
Find a fireworks display in the Chicago area.

Chicago Father's Day Events
Dining Guides. 06/17/2009.
Dad's worked hard to put food on your plate; pay him back with a feast on Father's Day.

Weekend Warrior 6/11/09
Weekend Warrior. 06/11/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Where to Watch the Cubs
Nightlife Guides. 06/07/2009.
Whether it's a miracle playoff run or yet another classic Cubby meltdown, these spots will keep you close (but not too close) to the action.

Weekend Warrior 6/4/09
Weekend Warrior. 06/04/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Weekend Warrior 5/28/09
Weekend Warrior. 05/28/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Weekend Warrior 5/21/09
Weekend Warrior. 05/21/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Where Can I Sing Karaoke in Chicago?
05/18/2009.
Fancy yourself the next American Idol? Start your journey at these spots.

Weekend Warrior 5/14/09
Weekend Warrior. 05/14/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Virtual L: Western (Brown)
Virtual L Guides. 05/12/2009.
Germans, Koreans, Eastern Europeans...they all love Lincoln Square.

Weekend Warrior 5/7/09
Weekend Warrior. 05/07/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Virtual L: Pulaski (Orange)
Virtual L Guides. 05/07/2009.
Bring your grandparents and settle in for the evening.

Mother's Day Brunches
Dining Guides. 05/06/2009.
Treat Mom to a meal she deserves.

Virtual L: 18th (Pink/Blue)
Virtual L Guides. 05/01/2009.
Get Mexican fare and much more in Pilsen.

Weekend Warrior 4/30/09
Weekend Warrior. 04/30/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Virtual L: Garfield (Green)
Virtual L Guides. 04/29/2009.
Get schooled in the entertainment options of Hyde Park.

Virtual L: Howard (Red)
Virtual L Guides. 04/28/2009.
The first (or last) stop in the city is more than just a transfer station.

Chicago Cinco de Mayo Events
04/28/2009.
Celebrate all day with these Mexican-themed fiestas.

Chicago Kentucky Derby Events
04/27/2009.
Enjoy specials while you watch the 'Run For the Roses' at these Chicago bars.

Weekend Warrior 4/23/09
Weekend Warrior. 04/22/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Weekend Warrior 4/16/09
Weekend Warrior. 04/16/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Virtual L: Paulina (Brown)
Virtual L Guides. 04/14/2009.
Out on the town, West Lakeview style.

Easter Brunches
Dining Guides. 04/09/2009.
Save your energy for the Easter egg hunt, and let these spots cook brunch for you.

Weekend Warrior 4/9/09
Weekend Warrior. 04/09/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Rooftop Revelry
Nightlife Guides. 04/07/2009.
We've rounded up Chicago's rooftop decks, where you can imbibe up high.

Weekend Warrior 4/2/09
Weekend Warrior. 04/02/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Let's Go Alfresco
Nightlife Guides. 04/01/2009.
Want to eat or drink outside? We've found the finest Chicago beer gardens and sidewalk patios.

Weekend Warrior 3/26/09
Weekend Warrior. 03/26/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Weekend Warrior 3/19/09
Weekend Warrior. 03/19/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Watch Your Team in the NCAA Tournament
Nightlife Guides. 03/19/2009.
Cheer with fellow fans at these Chicago bars.

March Madness Deals in Chicago
03/16/2009.
Check out all the college hoops action on the cheap at these bars.

Where to Watch the Big Ten Tournament
Nightlife Guides. 03/12/2009.
Find your fellow fans at one of these school-affiliated Chicago sports bars.

Weekend Warrior 3/12/09
Weekend Warrior. 03/11/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Weekend Warrior 3/5/09
Weekend Warrior. 03/05/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Where Can I See Improv Comedy in Chicago?
Ask Centerstage . 02/27/2009.
There's more than one improv show in the Second City.

Weekend Warrior 2/26/09
Weekend Warrior. 02/25/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Weekend Warrior 2/19/09
Weekend Warrior. 02/19/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago this weekend, from the obvious to the absurd.

Weekend Warrior 2/12/09
Weekend Warrior. 02/13/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago this weekend, from the obvious to the absurd.

Where Can I Find a Romantic Restaurant?
Ask Centerstage . 02/13/2009.
Love is always in the air at these cozy dining spots.

Where Can I Find a Co-Op in Chicago?
Ask Centerstage . 02/06/2009.
Eat healthy, support local farmers and avoid the huge grocery store markups.

Weekend Warrior 2/5/09
Weekend Warrior. 02/05/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago this weekend, from the obvious to the absurd.

Weekend Warrior 1/30/09
Weekend Warrior. 01/30/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago this weekend, from the obvious to the absurd.

Weekend Warrior 1/22/09
Weekend Warrior. 01/22/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago this weekend, from the obvious to the absurd.

Where Are the Best Chicago Blues Clubs?
Ask Centerstage . 01/21/2009.
Feelin' the blues never felt so good.

Weekend Warrior: 1/15/09
Weekend Warrior. 01/15/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago this weekend, from the obvious to the absurd.

Where Can I Find Hot Chocolate in Chicago?
Ask Centerstage . 01/09/2009.
Stay warm while satisfying your sweet tooth at any of these hot chocolate hot spots.

Weekend Warrior: 1/7/09
Weekend Warrior. 01/07/2009.
Five things to do in Chicago this weekend, from the obvious to the absurd.

Weekend Warrior: 12/31/08
Weekend Warrior. 12/31/2008.
Five things to do in Chicago this weekend, from the obvious to the absurd.

Weekend Warrior: 12/25/08
Weekend Warrior. 12/25/2008.
Five things to do in Chicago this weekend, from the obvious to the absurd.

Weekend Warrior: 12/18/08
Weekend Warrior. 12/18/2008.
Five things to do in Chicago this weekend, from the obvious to the absurd.

New Year's Day Events
Dining Guides. 12/15/2008.
For when you're too hungover to make your own eggs.

Where Can I Find a Jewish Deli in Chicago?
Ask Centerstage . 12/11/2008.
Keeping Kosher never tasted so great at any of these sandwich spots.

Chicago Political Hangouts
Dining Guides. 12/09/2008.
Corruption can take a lot out of you...here's where Chicago politicians refuel.

Repeal Day Parties
Nightlife Guides. 12/04/2008.
Toast the end of Prohibition (75 years on) with a few drinks at these Chicago bars.

Centerstage TV: Eco-Holiday Edition
Green Thumb. 12/01/2008.
Get the goods on everything from setting your table to shopping sustainably with our video reports.

Where Can I Find a Good Coffee Shop in Chicago?
Ask Centerstage . 11/21/2008.
Solid java stops can be difficult to track down, but we're on the case.

Virtual L: Library (Orange, Green, Brown)
Virtual L Guides. 11/21/2008.
Back to the books, the basics and the best brunch in town.

Virtual L: Clark/Division (Red)
Virtual L Guides. 11/21/2008.
Happenings on the east side.

Virtual L: Madison/Wabash
Virtual L Guides. 11/20/2008.
Glam and gritty under Madison's tracks.

Virtual L: Merchandise Mart (Brown)
Virtual L Guides. 11/20/2008.
Great things lie beyond the Mart.

Virtual L: Oak Park (Green)
Virtual L Guides. 11/20/2008.
This west suburb goes hip.

Virtual L: Kedzie (Brown)
Virtual L Guides. 11/20/2008.
Located near the northwestern end of the Brown Line, this curious station sits at ground level.

Virtual L: North/Clybourn
11/20/2008.
Putting the "Clybourn" back in the stop.

Virtual L: Cermak/Chinatown (Red)
Virtual L Guides. 11/20/2008.
Dim sum and then some.

Virtual L: Thorndale (Red)
Virtual L Guides. 11/20/2008.
Find some diamonds in the rough on the North Side.

Virtual L: Midway (Orange)
Virtual L Guides. 11/20/2008.
From cheap foods to a Lithuanian museum.

Virtual L: Fullerton
Virtual L Guides. 11/17/2008.
Bustling activity isn't limited to the L platform of this transportation hub.

Virtual L: Belmont (Red, Brown, Purple)
Virtual L Guides. 11/17/2008.
There's more to Belmont than flashing lights.

Theater Marathon: The Great Gatz
Reviews: Limited Runs. 11/15/2008.
Our writers chronicle six and a half hours of stage action at the MCA.

Where Can I Pick Up a Date in Chicago?
Ask Centerstage . 11/14/2008.
Head here for love...or at least some lovin'.

Virtual L: Western (Brown)
11/13/2008.
More fun stuff in Lincoln Square.

Virtual L: Logan Square (Blue)
Virtual L Guides. 11/11/2008.
Stop here for cross-cultural cuisine, or just to fix your bike.

Virtual L: Rockwell (Brown)
Virtual L Guides. 11/11/2008.
The closest thing to Main Street you'll find in Chicago.

Virtual L: Grand (Blue)
Virtual L Guides. 11/11/2008.
Dance to hip-hop and get a dose of old-school Italian.

Virtual L: Quincy (Orange/Brown Lines)
Virtual L Guides. 11/10/2008.
Homemade beef to high-end hotels.

Virtual L: Irving Park (Brown)
11/10/2008.
What no one told you about Ravenswood.

Virtual L: Addison (Brown)
Virtual L Guides. 11/10/2008.
It may not be the Brown Line's shining star, but this stop does give off an appealing glow.

Virtual L: Wilson (Red)
Virtual L Guides. 11/09/2008.
For a truly eclectic experience that won't leave you penniless, hop off here.

Virtual L: Main (Purple)
Virtual L Guides. 11/09/2008.
Not so mainstream as its name suggests.

Virtual L: Oak Park (Blue)
11/09/2008.
Gateway to the southwest 'burbs.

Virtual L: Foster (Purple)
Virtual L Guides. 11/08/2008.
Classical music, Thai food and great Mexican eats are found in this Evanston locale.

Where Can I Watch Soccer in Chicago?
Ask Centerstage . 11/07/2008.
Watch the action overseas at one of these footie-loving pubs.

Virtual L: Belmont (Blue)
11/07/2008.
Exploring Little Poland.

Virtual L: 69th (Red)
11/07/2008.
Places worth a visit in a changing 'hood.

Virtual L: Sedgwick (Brown/Purple)
11/07/2008.
Down to earth digs touting beer gardens and cake batter.

Virtual L: 47th (Green)
11/06/2008.
Back on the road to Bronzeville's glory days.

Virtual L: Granville (Red)
11/06/2008.
Twentieth-century change among 20th-century antiques.

Virtual L: Ashland (Green)
11/06/2008.
Don't be put off by its pretty exterior.

Virtual L: Central (Purple)
Virtual L Guides. 11/06/2008.
Head to the burbs for bakeries and boutiques.

Virtual L: Washington/Wells (Brown)
11/06/2008.
A gateway to work and play in the Loop.

Virtual L: Addison (Red)
Virtual L Guides. 11/05/2008.
You can find more than sports and suds in Wrigley.

Virtual L: Damen (Blue)
Virtual L Guides. 11/05/2008.
Six corners, infinite ways to have a good time...we help you pick your poison.

Virtual L: Argyle (Red)
11/05/2008.
Everything you'd expect from a station with a red pagoda.

Virtual L: Clark/Division (Red)
11/03/2008.
Debauchery meets the Gold Coast.

Virtual L: Jackson (Red)
11/02/2008.
Where the traders hang.

Where Can I Find a Vegan Restaurant in Chicago?
Ask Centerstage . 10/31/2008.
Eat at these spots and you won't miss meat at all.

Virtual L: Chicago (Blue)
Virtual L Guides. 10/29/2008.
This gritty part of town has plenty to offer those travelling by car or by boat.

Virtual L: Davis (Purple)
Virtual L Guides. 10/29/2008.
Downtown Evanston's finest dining and drinking destinations

Virtual L: Division (Blue)
Virtual L Guides. 10/29/2008.
There's more to Wicker Park than dive bars and thrift shops

Virtual L: Roosevelt (Red/Orange/Green)
Virtual L Guides. 10/29/2008.
The city comes together at this South Side stop.

Virtual L: Berwyn (Red)
Virtual L Guides. 10/29/2008.
Welcome to Andersonville, the North Side's hidden treasure.

Virtual L: Grand (Red)
Virtual L Guides. 10/29/2008.
This stop offers true Chicago-style dining and drinking

Where Can I Still Smoke in Chicago?
Ask Centerstage . 10/24/2008.
The smoking ban has stuck, but there's still some places you can puff away indoors.

Virtual L: Jarvis (Red)
Virtual L Guides. 10/20/2008.
Garish neon gets traded for tree-lined streets at this quiet Rogers Park stop.

Virtual L: Diversey (Brown)
Virtual L Guides. 10/14/2008.
If you love music and beer, you'll keep coming back to this Lincoln Park stop.

Virtual L: Kimball (Brown)
Virtual L Guides. 10/14/2008.
Hitting the end of the line.

Virtual L: Armitage (Brown)
Virtual L Guides. 08/19/2008.
On your mark, get set, consume!

Weekend Warrior
Live Well. 05/30/2008.
Spend your weekend with board games, shamisen solos and upscale American cuisine.

Weekend Warrior
Live Well. 05/16/2008.
Unravel some mysteries this weekend with a never-ending art exhibit and a centuries-old Japanese spirit.

Weekend Warrior
Live Well. 04/24/2008.
From Cincinnati-style chili to Chicago blues, this weekend's best bets have the Midwest covered.

Grateful Us
11/09/2007.
Centerstage is thankful for...a lot of things, it seems.

Juke Joints
Nightlife Guides. 04/20/2007.
These well-stocked jukeboxes will have you saving up quarters for more than laundry.

Grateful Us
Live Well. 11/07/2006.
Centerstage is thankful for...a lot of things, it seems.

Paulina (Brown)
Virtual L Guides. 06/20/2005.
Lakeview rocks on the west side.

Roosevelt (Red)
Virtual L Guides. 05/16/2005.
Finding fun beyond the fests.

The West Loop Art Scene
Art Guides. 04/20/2005.
Art abounds a little left of center.

River North's Gaggle of Galleries
Art Guides. 03/16/2005.
They're more approachable than you think.



 
Venues Reviewed by Centerstage Chicago
  • Andrew Rafacz Gallery
  • Arturo's Tacos #2
  • B-Fest
  • Bootlegger's
  • Cadillac Ranch
  • Cafe Borgia
  • Edgewater Green Market
  • Lincoln Park
  • Pie-Eyed Pizzeria
  • Red Line Tap
  • Rosebud Trattoria
  • SKALD Storytelling Festival
  • Soundings Cafe (Shedd Aquarium)
  • The Village Squire (Dundee)
  • Tomorrow Never Knows
  • Whispers Cafe


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