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Empty Bottle

Music Venue and Dive Bar

Ukrainian Village, Chicago

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Empty Bottle

8.7^/10

418

ratings

Ranked #5 for music venues in Chicago
The folks at Time Out Chicago and Chicagoist like this place. Would you agree?
"The best in indie rock scene cheap liquors too."(12 Tips)
"indie rock dive bar galore"(4 Tips)
"$2.50 shiner bocks"(2 Tips)
"Great intimate club to catch a concert"(2 Tips)

82 Tips and reviews

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cheap drinks
indie rock
dancing
beer
hipster
authentic
casual
books
pool tables
handmade
photo booth
city
market
acoustics
eclectic
fair
bull
electronics
cash only
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C ReyNovember 12, 2016
Been here 5+ times
The best dive music venue this side of the Mississippi. Cash only bar keeps the patrons in check and the focus on the music. And when the night needs a boost, ask for a few mystery shots.
Time Out ChicagoMay 23, 2012
This is Chicago’s premier indie rock club, hosting cutting-edge bands from home and abroad. “Cheap Sundays” and free Mondays remove the financial risk from gambling on an unknown bill. -ASK Read more
Steve WolvesApril 1, 2014
ITS THE BOTTLE! you cant go wrong here ever! Killer music always, lots of great beers, and great people all the staff are awesome
ChicagoistAugust 1, 2014
Crowds are often sizeable, but you can still even make a spot for yourself near the sharply stage right Tall Guy Corner if you so choose. Read more
Time Out ChicagoJune 4, 2012
This is Chicago’s premier indie rock club, hosting cutting-edge bands from home and abroad. “Cheap Sundays” and free Mondays remove the financial risk from gambling on an unknown bill.
chris collinsNovember 16, 2014
Been here 10+ times
This is easily the best music venue in Chicago. If you disagree you clearly don't like having a good time.
Lisa WMay 13, 2012
Been here 10+ times
One of the best venues in the city. Great drink specials, usually a dance party, bad ass photo booths. Late night food at Bite, and as always, RIP Radley.
Digital Tour BusMay 20, 2011
There is an awesome old school photo booth! So, grab a couple of friends and make some funny faces. Also, tons of bands come through here, so catch a live show here before they blow up!
Brett WidmannSeptember 13, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Small and intimate venue with very comforting and positive vibes. Worth checking out. Decent prices on drinks, too.
RCRD LBLJune 29, 2011
Great music venue with pretty awesome acoustics. In between sets for Gang Gang Dance, jump into the old photobooth with some pals. Added bonus - the tamale guy that comes around at the end of the nigh
tankboyOctober 13, 2017
Been here 25+ times
A true classic. Great bar, great staff, great music. Long live The Empty Bottle!
Sei Jin LeeMay 18, 2010
Been here 100+ times
They'll occasionally have tickets at the door for sold out shows. Show up early for those, or call, they're good at picking up at the Bottle. And remember, tugging Bob's beard is good luck.
keidra chaneyMay 20, 2011
A place where you can check out really eclectic sounds for fairly cheap, with a great beer selection. Whoever books their shows has good taste in metal.
prince of ArroganceJune 22, 2016
Good place to go for live music. Hot chicks as well, grunge type atmosphere and the clientele are very nice.
Shannon JeropkeJuly 24, 2012
A great concert venue for the Indie Music Scene a lot of their shows all people in under 21. Go to their website for more info.
Dani SchmidtJuly 12, 2014
Cool looking venue inside. Good drinks! However the sound was a little off and it was hard to hear the singer. I watched from the raised level and had no problem seeing.
Kati SSeptember 30, 2022
Great drinks, friendly people, and the shows are great too!
iSapien 1956672August 19, 2017
Been here 5+ times
It's a nice place
TicketWebFebruary 19, 2011
If you can cram 6 or more people in the photo booth and take a photo then drink a toast to Radley. You win some serious respect and maybe a free show! TW ♥'s Empty Bottle. Read more
MikeAugust 18, 2015
Amazing dive bar and a Chicago punk institution. Acoustics suck though as it's always way too loud.
Bryce JensenAugust 26, 2015
Very classic hipster bar. Slogan goes something like 'music friendly dancing' or something
Diego RufoMarch 29, 2011
The best thing about the Bottle is that its so cheap you can go for a show of a band you've never heard of, just drink, and it won't break your bank. Read more
MazdaDecember 6, 2010
Music 7 days a week. Everything from Anti-pop Consortium to Trans Am, the indie-rock, electronic, experimental, jazz; post-this and pre-that.
Jessica PlacenciaJuly 19, 2019
Unique shows awesome vibes
The FeastJune 10, 2011
Start (or end!) your night with the evening's drink combo, a rotating shot and a beer pair at a ridiculously low price.
Todd KunaApril 13, 2018
Great intimate club to catch a concert
Kate SchafferNovember 14, 2014
Home away from home. Favorite place to see a show in Chicago.
Desiree PerezFebruary 22, 2018
There’s a cover charge because of the live performances but cool vibe
Grace AldridgeJuly 22, 2015
Live music every night, nice dive-y feel
Keilon LawrenceDecember 4, 2012
Nice grungy dark venue with cheap beers...can't go wrong with that.
Pon YoSeptember 29, 2013
The best in indie rock scene cheap liquors too.
Rich ColeAugust 21, 2012
Saturday 8/25. Heavy Funk Dance Party! DJRC + The Heard + The Krewe.
Mitch RoadyJune 21, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Elliott Smith played here. So excellent to see a show here for reeeealzz! :)
Mark SandersApril 1, 2013
The Empty Bottle was named one of the "Best Rock Clubs in America" by Rolling Stone magazine!!
Amir AbdiJune 28, 2016
favorite place for weekends
Daniel RichterNovember 12, 2015
Great sound, beer and people!
Kathy rockerchick JonesSeptember 4, 2012
Been there before great place for a live show. I wish I still had my pic.
Joshua TedescoAugust 2, 2016
Dope bar with a huge dance/concert vibe
B SparksMarch 8, 2015
Check out the Honkey Tonk Happy Hour on Fridays.
AmandaMay 19, 2016
Best Venues according to radicalpossibility.com
Chris BroylesJune 7, 2011
Some of the best up-and-comers in Chicago play here -- and cheap beer Read more
Claudia PerryMay 20, 2013
Beer specials are pretty spectacular. $2.50 PBR works.
Monica HernandezJuly 1, 2011
Awesome funk and soul club. But why is it that I always get approached by swingers??? I must have that vibe I guess =/
Jackie TorresMay 28, 2012
Be prepared to smell B.O at its finest!! Bring your scented candles or put vicks under your nose
Michael MosesMarch 1, 2016
No pretentiousness, unless you consider the "no preps allowed" attitude pretentious. Fine by me, and shot & beer specials are cheap.
DenaJanuary 20, 2013
Windy City Soul!!! And cheap beer! It all adds up to a great night!
Antonella MontinaroAugust 7, 2013
Monday free concerts
CarloSeptember 15, 2010
Been here 5+ times
Great bookings, cool staff, $2.50 shiner bocks, photo booth, pool table, what more could you want?
Amy MarieFebruary 4, 2014
Easygoing, cheap drinks, good times
Tracy TakacsAugust 21, 2014
Fun place with some good bands

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