The Redhead Piano Bar and other places to carry a tune By Neda Simeonova Assistant Editor      Chicago is full of sports bars, second-rate techno clubs and various neighborhood watering holes. If you are looking for something different, a more intimate and upscale experience, then you might want to try one of Chicago’s many piano bars.      Piano bars are typically located in the bar of a restaurant or hotel but many exist on their own. They feature a wide range of live music that attracts the crowd around the piano compelling them to sing along. Everything from Elton John to Van Morisson and Frank Sinatra heats up the party and keeps the atmosphere alive. Requests are commonly played by the performers.      Initially popular among the gay community and affluent 30- and 40-somethings, piano bars are now attracting younger clientele, depending on the particular bar and its’ location. Regardless of the crowd, individual patrons appear to be looking for a nice place to relax with friends and enjoy the atmosphere, drinks and music.      Piano bars offer a wide range of liquors and specialty martinis, as well as wine and champagne, but the beer selections are typically small. Food is rarely served in freestanding piano bars but is more common in those situated within a restaurant or hotel.      Among Chicago piano bars, The Redhead is one of the most popular. Located on 16 W. Ontario St., The Redhead has entertained locals and tourists alike for the past six years. According to Melissa Baker of Metromix.com, The Redhead is “…reminiscent of a simpler but more elegant time, when a stiff drink and smooth music were like bread and water.” Patrons quickly fill the bar, and by 10 p.m. it is nearly packed with an affluent, older crowd of people-watchers.      Gentry, with two locations at 440 N. State St. and 3320 N. Halsted St. caters to the gay crowd. According to Chris Lathrop of Metromix.com, “Both clubs have an upscale piano bar vibe, with a fashionable clientele.” The clubs are filled with live music from open to close, making them an exciting destination whether you plan to stay there all night or intend only to start there.      Wicker Park’s Davenport offers the best opportunity for a younger, more diverse crowd to experience a lively piano bar. “Partly because of its location in the melting pot of revelry known as Wicker Park and partly because the front-room shenanigans are visible to passersby, parties of all shape, sizes and sexual preferences are compelled to take part in the fun,” said Lathrop. Davenport is located at 1383 N. Milwaukee. The Babaluci 2152 N. Damen 773-486-5300 Bobby Love's Ground Zero 3729 N. Halsted 773-525-1200 Carmine's 1043 N. Rush St. 312-988-7676 Catch Thirty-Five 35 W. Wacker Dr. 312-346-3500 Dandy's 3729 N.Halsted 773-525-1200 Byzantium 323 S.Halsted 312454127 The Columbia Chronicle would like to hear your opinion on this topic. Note: If your browser does not support multiple windows, click here. Back to top   |   Home Copyright © 2001, Columbia Chronicle Columbia Chronicle articles, photos, and graphics are the property of the Columbia Chronicle and may not be reproduced or published without written permission from the staff, editors, or faculty advisor. The Columbia Chronicle is a student produced publication of Columbia College Chicago and does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of Columbia College administrators, faculty or students.

April 23, 2001 This week in A & E: Hogan Returns to crocodile territory The Redhead Piano Bar and other places to carry a tune A risky sexperience for all at the BurleyQ The "reality television" invasion is here to stay Classic cartoons explode on big screen Dave Matthews Band does it again Tomcats: A funny movie about sex! Search our archive: The Columbia Chronicle is an award-winning college newspaper written and distributed weekly by the students at Views expressed here are not necessarily those of the Journalism Department or the college. Visit the Columbia College Chicago Web Site