It’s perfect river cruising weather. Last weekend, I explored the city from the water and saw famed sights from new (low) angles. It was dizzyingly wonderful.
Marina City — not the “Corncobs” or “Wilco buildings.” (Courtesy of Cameron Costanzo)
Now, onto the daily news — and some late-night bar recs.
What Chicago's Talking About
Why Chicago Has Invisible Landlords
Lots of Chicago landlords conceal their identities behind LLCs. On today’s podcast, WBEZ reporters Amy Qin and Esther Yoon-Ji Kang share how property owners become invisible — and why this makes it difficult for tenants to hold landlords accountable. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
A Subdued Mexican Independence Day Celebration in Chicago
Mexican Independence Day celebrations were unusually quiet Saturday as immigration enforcement ramps up across Chicago. Normally, large car caravans pass through the Loop, but this year, the crowd wasn’t large enough to warrant any downtown street closures. [Block Club]
Jim Edgar, the Republican governor who led Illinois from 1991 to 1999 died Sunday. A fiscal conservative with a moderate stance on social issues, he was considered one of the state's more popular governors. He died in Springfield following an adverse reaction to pancreatic cancer treatment. [Tribune 🔒]
Alder Says Ford City Mall Needs Redevelopment Plan
Ald. Derrick Curtis (18th) said the Southwest Side is in “big trouble” if Ford City Mall is not redeveloped. One potential plan would see it turned into an industrial campus. Some neighbors object, but most at a recent meeting agreed the mall should close. [Block Club]
Paradise on Lincoln Avenue. (Emmi Mack / Hey Chicago)
Hidden Cove, with its beckoning palm tree sign, was a late-night oasis. The glowing lights and strong drinks could warm even the coldest Chicago nights. Plus, karaoke sounds extra good around 4 or 5 a.m.
Sadly, last night was the last call for Hidden Cove. After 60 years, the Bowmanville dive is slated to become mixed-use condos. I’ll miss the sloppy singing. I’ll miss the 5 a.m. closing time even more.
Sidekick’s in Irving Park is great for birthdays — you can really take the place over and belt your heart out. They also have decent mozzarella sticks.
Alice’s Lounge in Avondale gets extra crowded in the wee hours, so put your song in early.
Late Bar, down the road from Alice’s, is a solid choice to escape the non-stop covers of “Teenage Dirtbag.” They don’t have karaoke, but they do have retro dance parties.
The Continental’s pool table is the epicenter of the action.
If you want to hang with the homies:
Remedy is solid for chatting if you can snag a table — or a battered box of Connect Four.
Oakwood 83 is old school. (The last time I went, we danced to Sinatra on the jukebox.) It’s also full of tables and booths to post up with your friends.
If you’re hungry:
The kitchen at Estelle’s in Wicker Park is open till close, and the menu is packed with hearty bar food. (It’s looking extra good now that Dimo’s moved.)
Fireside — on the other side of Bowmanville from Hidden Cove — serves food till 1:45 a.m. on Saturday nights. Get the Blackened Salad 🤤
If you’re desperate:
The Owl is the final stop your friend — occasionally me — drags you on. It’s where dates go to seal the deal. It’s where people without dates go to scope things out. Venture to the back dance floor and watch chaos unfold.
Hidden Cove, it’s been real. (Emmi Mack / Hey Chicago)
