# Chicagoans - shh!- don't tell the others! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [October 22, 1999, 10:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicagoans-shh-dont-tell-the-others/10672 "1999-10-22T10:53:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 1999, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicagoans-shh-dont-tell-the-others/10672/21 "1999-10-25T05:31:00Z")
Let me reiterate that I want to go downtown as my first choice, my last post was kinda all over the place. Area isn’t to important. Anyone who needs directions can e-mail me. No promises on a _prompt_ reply, but I’ll get to it eventually, and I feel pretty secure in my direction giving ability. I know my way around all the operative areas, so feel free to pick my brains. Val, I’m getting the eerie feeling that we may have a bit too much fun with this ;). We’re a little too alike so far. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 1999, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicagoans-shh-dont-tell-the-others/10672/22 "1999-10-25T05:37:00Z")
Damn, Val, you slipped that one in under me, and in the process threw my last comment right out the window :(. Anyways, I’d perfer some noise, bar, not restaraunt, and activity to prevent any possiblity of boredom. (Hey, it could happen, but not if I have anything to say about it) I wanna be able to dance, shoot some pool, darts, cards (drinking games, and real games) and any opportunity to talk trash. I am thinking a weekend is going to be the goal (except for the days around Thanksgiving) so that people can let their hair down a bit, and not worry about getting up early the next day, but that didn’t stop the NY crowd so maybe we shouldn’t worry about it. ---
**Author:** ![Valerieblaise](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@Valerieblaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valerieblaise)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 1999, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicagoans-shh-dont-tell-the-others/10672/23 "1999-10-25T05:45:00Z")
No, I follow you… we don’t want an empty, bare room and a bunch of strangers to stare at… at the same time, we don’t want something like Alumni gets on the weekends, where you can’t sit, or hear anyone talk. My preference is a normal bar, preferably WITHOUT a band playing that night - but only 'cause we’ve all never met before. I’m with you as far as darts, pool, etc go. Of course, I really don’t need much more of a distraction than copious amounts of liquor, personally, but that’s just me. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 1999, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicagoans-shh-dont-tell-the-others/10672/24 "1999-10-25T06:03:00Z")
_I really don’t need much more of a distraction than copious amounts of liquor_ I love that line, I think i’ll get started printing the T-shirts with that on the back right away. PS- Me too, but not everyone is as easily lubricated as we…wait that didn’t come out right…wait neither did that…ah fuck it. ---
**Author:** ![Valerieblaise](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@Valerieblaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valerieblaise)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 1999, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicagoans-shh-dont-tell-the-others/10672/25 "1999-10-25T06:28:00Z")
Alright, Omni, let’s continue the bar debate off the board for now (check your mail, by the way) until everyone else has given their opinion. So, we need everyone to pipe up regarding: 1)place (bar or restaurant) 2) weekend or weeknight 3) suburbs or city and 4)who’s going to volunteer to drive the lushes (that’d appear to be Omni and me, so far) home 😉 ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 1999, 10:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicagoans-shh-dont-tell-the-others/10672/26 "1999-10-25T10:49:00Z")
How about Dave and Buster’s in Addison? It’s a little farther south than Woodfield, but it combines amusements/diversions with the opportunity for civilized conversation in the lounge. Weekends preferred. * * * Reality is for people who can’t handle drugs. -Tom Waits ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 1999, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicagoans-shh-dont-tell-the-others/10672/27 "1999-10-25T12:36:00Z")
Whoever’s organizing this: see if there’s a place that has a “party room” at no extra charge, that could be reserved in advance? I don’t know whether I’d be in or not, depends on date/time and my state of mind… job has involved lots of travel recently. ---
**Author:** ![Gaudere](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e495f1/32.png) [@Gaudere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gaudere)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 1999, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicagoans-shh-dont-tell-the-others/10672/28 "1999-10-25T13:37:00Z")
There’s a Dave and Buster’s downtown, too. I’d prefer to meet in the city, personally; then I can take the el/bus and need only worry about limiting my alcohol intake to a point at which I am still ambulatory. I vote for a bar, not a restaurant. ---
**Author:** ![Ukulele\_Ike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/df788c/32.png) [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 1999, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicagoans-shh-dont-tell-the-others/10672/29 "1999-10-25T14:26:00Z")
If this happens the week of Thanksgiving, it’ll work for me… I’ll second John Barleycorn’s in Lincoln Park. My wife used to go there to get drunk a lot when she was a teenager, and underage…she took me there a few times when we were in our 20s, and it always seemed pleasant to me. I’ll be stuck out west of the Loop for the week, in a neighborhood near the U of I Chicago campus. Carless, but I could cab. * * * Uke ---
**Author:** ![Missy2U](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3bc359/32.png) [@Missy2U](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Missy2U)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 1999, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicagoans-shh-dont-tell-the-others/10672/30 "1999-10-25T15:39:00Z")
My vote is for 'burbs. I’m in the NW ones - about 15 minutes north of woodfield. What about Penny Road Pub? Too far west? ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 1999, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicagoans-shh-dont-tell-the-others/10672/31 "1999-10-25T22:42:00Z")
Ok… my opinions and views. I don’t expect anyone to work this wingding around me, but here’s what works best for me. Location: Since I live in Naperville, obviously the Western suburbs are best for me. However, it’s not like I’ve never taken the highways before and can get about anywhere you’d want me to be. Place: I prefer somewhere where I can see and hear you all, but have the chance for a distraction should you all bore me 😉 Just kidding, but a game of pool, darts, etc would help break the ice. I don’t know if the chance for under 21 Dopers is a consideration when choosing a joint, but I’m 26 so what do I care? Date-Time: I have Sundays and Thursdays off. So, Saturday and Wednesdays are best for me. But then again, it won’t kill me to stay out late on a school night, so to speak. Well, that’s my two cents. If anyone needs anything else from me (and I am willing to help), just drop me a line. ## Doing my part to keep this thread at the top… “I guess it is possible for one person to make a difference, although most of the time they probably shouldn’t.” ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 1999, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicagoans-shh-dont-tell-the-others/10672/32 "1999-10-26T00:14:00Z")
Well, someone needs to take this bull by the horns and make a decision. Val, it’s your thread. We look to you for Executive Leadership. * * * Reality is for people who can’t handle drugs. -Tom Waits ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Angel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d26b3c/32.png) [@Johnny\_Angel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Angel)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 1999, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicagoans-shh-dont-tell-the-others/10672/33 "1999-10-26T00:24:00Z")
If perchance this were to happen around Thanksgiving, I could probably make it. That’s when I’ll be making my triumphant (temporary) return to the city. ---
**Author:** ![Valerieblaise](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@Valerieblaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valerieblaise)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 1999, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicagoans-shh-dont-tell-the-others/10672/34 "1999-10-26T00:32:00Z")
Alright, yikes! To be fair, I was going to give it a day or two so that everyone can weigh in on the city/suburbs debate. I’ve got a few places in mind either way, and Omnicient obviously has a few ideas too. It looks like it’ll have to happen sometime around Thanksgiving, if that’s cool with everyone. What about the night before Thanksgiving? Is there anyone that would NOT be able to make it that night? Also, I hadn’t thought about the chance of anyone being underage. Are any of you guys under 21? ---
**Author:** ![Gaudere](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e495f1/32.png) [@Gaudere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gaudere)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 1999, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicagoans-shh-dont-tell-the-others/10672/35 "1999-10-26T01:11:00Z")
The night before Thankgiving is a big party night; things might be a bit crowded. ---
**Author:** ![Valerieblaise](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@Valerieblaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valerieblaise)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 1999, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicagoans-shh-dont-tell-the-others/10672/36 "1999-10-26T01:17:00Z")
Yeah, you’re right. Actually, most places will probably be crowded that whole weekend. Since we now have TWO people coming into town for Thanksgiving, though, we might want to deal with it, I don’t know. I don’t want to leave anyone out, though. ---
**Author:** ![beefymeg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@beefymeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beefymeg)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 1999, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicagoans-shh-dont-tell-the-others/10672/37 "1999-10-26T01:35:00Z")
Hey, can I come too? If it’s not too late to vote, Thanksgiving Eve is good and any of the aforementioned locations would be great - but I do think that Nellie’s and Alumni would be too loud. I live ‘n’ work just north of the city but I am mobile. * * * Sucks to your assmar. ---
**Author:** ![Kat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b19c9b/32.png) [@Kat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kat)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 1999, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicagoans-shh-dont-tell-the-others/10672/38 "1999-10-26T02:47:00Z")
Thanksgiving Eve is probably (but not definitely) good for me. Keep us posted on how the location discussion is going. The Empress idea is intriguing, but if it’s anything like Grand Victoria (or any of the other casinos I’ve been at), there’s not really anyplace in the casino with enough room for a group to stay together. * * * Your Official Cat Goddess since 10/20/99. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 1999, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicagoans-shh-dont-tell-the-others/10672/39 "1999-10-26T04:58:00Z")
How about the night before Thanksgiving Eve? Most people have light days, if any work at all that day after. Also things will be less crowded, that day is a huge party day, esp. with all the college kids coming back into the city from school. I really don’t think that Alumni or Nellies (of their downtown equivalent) are too loud, they’re not libraries, but compared to the clubs I’m used to they are big enough to get away from the dance floor/stage where the noise is. If anyone has any suggestions about their idea for a “quiet” place let me know, so that we can compare and get a measuring stick. To me The Drink = loud; Alumni Club = comfortable; The bar at TGI Fridays = boring as shit. There’s actually a Bennigan’s (sp?) in the loop somewhere that is actually supposed to be a good time, but thats besides the point. ---
**Author:** ![Valerieblaise](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@Valerieblaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valerieblaise)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 1999, 7:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicagoans-shh-dont-tell-the-others/10672/40 "1999-10-26T07:15:00Z")
OK, we’re now up to 10 (possibly 14, with the various out-of-towners). This is turning into a big group, so we’re REALLY going to have to be careful about where we go, and when. If everyone agrees that the day before Thanksgiving Eve will work, then let’s just plan it for then. That’d be Tues the 23rd. That would actually work a little better for me, since I’d prefer not to spend another Thanksgiving with a hangover. Now, so far the votes are leaning towards the suburbs. Someone mentioned Penny Road Pub, and it’d be perfect for me 'cause it’s about 10 minutes from my place, and I’m a lazy bastard. I’ve only been there once, though, and it was a Saturday night w/ a band and the place was PACKED. Is it likely to have enough room for the lot of us on a Tuesday night? By the way, it’s in Barrington, for those of you that don’t know. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicagoans-shh-dont-tell-the-others/10672.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicagoans-shh-dont-tell-the-others/10672.md?page=3)