Home of Columbia College and adjacent to the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), the South Loop is home to thousands of students. Thousands more commute to the neighborhood almost every day. To help you prepare for your next night out, we’ve compiled a list of student-friendly bars in the neighborhood.
1. Brando’s Speakeasy
A glorious mix of old and new, Brando’s Speakeasy puts a vintage spin on the modern karaoke bar. Students rave about Brando’s affordable drinks, fun air, and late-night dance music. Technically in the Loop, Brando’s is just about a 10-minute walk from AMLI 900 and AMLI Lofts.
2. Buddy Guy’s Legends
Legendary blues guitarist and singer Buddy Guy has overseen something spectacular in Buddy Guy’s Legends, one of the best known blues bars in the country. Live music plays seven nights a week, and Buddy Guy himself plays a show every now and then. When he’s not touring during the rest of the year, he is often spotted working or enjoying blues at his club. Shows do have a cover charge, but discount fliers for future visits are handed out and drinks are cheap. Inspired by Buddy Guy’s Louisiana background, the club’s southern cooking is considered some of Chicago’s finest. Buddy Guy’s is a short walk from AMLI’s South Loop apartments.
3. Kroll’s South Loop
Imported from Wisconsin, Kroll’s South Loop serves up the same pub grub classics that can be enjoyed in Green Bay. The lively atmosphere and cheap drinks make it a favorite among college students for watching sports and catching up with friends. Beware Bears fans, this is Packers country on Sundays.
4. Jimmy Green’s South Loop Bar & Grill
Another neighborhood sports bar popular with students in the area is Jimmy Green’s, just three blocks east of AMLI’s apartments near UIC. Regulars love the food, ambiance, and daily happy hour specials. Jimmy Green’s screens every Blackhawks, Bulls, Bears, and White Sox games, and countless other exciting sporting events.
5. Reggies
Reggies is a music venue and bar that hosts some seriously great live shows. Three floors above the music lounge, Reggies rooftop is worth checking out as well. It has ample space, great views, and daily food and drink specials. Bar patrons can also appreciate the free pool table, basketball pop-a-shot, and bags games on offer for patrons’ entertainment.
Feature image via Wikimedia Commons/Marler
Do you have a favorite place to get together with other students in Chicago’s South Loop? Write about it in the comments.
Like what you just read? Why not subscribe to the AMLI Blog so you don’t miss another post?
View All Posts by Jason Ernst