The Hideout

"A century ago, this small bar in Bucktown was a go-to spot for locals who weren’t going to let Prohibition stop them from having a good time. Now, the drinks are legal, but the Hideout has become one of the city’s most established performance venues. It’s essentially just a small old shack, but it’s a perfect space when you want to be as close as possible to the music. They often have a wide variety of artists—solo singers to psychedelic space rock bands—and a great summer concert series if you want to listen to some tunes on a patio." - john ringor, nick allen

"Soup & Bread is a free weekly community meal that used to take place at the Hideout. Now they’ve turned their attention to donating food and meals to food pantries around Chicago. If you’re interested in looking at some merchandise they have for sale, click here." - adrian kane

"The Hideout is a Chicago treasure, even if in 2022 it drew controversy and temporarily closed to address concerns. It’s back, and the tiny spot along the Elston Industrial Corridor is a spot for a low-key night out. Beyond music, the space also books community events and comics. Anthony Bourdain once hung here." - Ashok Selvam, Naomi Waxman

"The Hideout is reopening next week, Tuesday, January 10. The bar had been closed for two months as it reckoned with an Instagram post from a former worker who claimed owners created a toxic workplace that was not welcoming to Black people. Among the cited incidents was when ownership allegedly refused to act after the worker was spat on by a white customer. That worker was eventually fired for alleged performance issues. Hideout ownership says they’ve taken the time to create a Diversity & Inclusion Council and create better staff resources." - Ashok Selvam

"Bucktown: Venerable bar and venue the Hideout will on Saturday bring back its annual South by Southwest Send-Off showcase of Chicago bands en route to the SXSW music festival in Austin, Texas, which was canceled for the past two years due to the pandemic, This year’s send-off will feature singer-songwriters Liam Kazar (also behind Persian pop-up restaurant Isfahan) and Half Gringa, as well as Welsh punk singer Jon Langford and electronic artist Ness Heads, according to Block Club Chicago. Tickets will cost $15 at the door and more details are available online." - Naomi Waxman