Fitzgerald's: A classic music joint with loads of charm
Published: Jul 28, 2009
When it comes to live music in Chicago, there are few places more popular than Fitzgerald’s. A historic hangout for nearly a century, this music venue/bar located in the west suburb of Berwyn offers up terrific live acts in a relaxed atmosphere, all with a healthy dose of Hollywood glamour.
Fitzgerald’s has been a neighborhood staple since the 1920’s, when it was a hunting club and watering hole. In the 1950’s, it was converted into a jazz club featuring acts like Lil Armstrong and the Original Salty Dogs. Today, the classic joint is one of the finest music venues in the city, offering live country, rock, funk, folk, jazz, blues and pop performances year-round.
The casual jazz-joint atmosphere has made Fitzgerald’s a perfect setting for such famous films as “A League of Their Own,” “The Color of Money,” “Adventures in Babysitting,” and even the recent feature “The Express” starring Dennis Quaid. The expansive performance area features an intimate stage, sprawling wood bar and plenty of seating with great views of the band.
For Fitzgerald’s visitors seeking a quieter spot away from the music, there’s a large patio area located just outside, as well as Fitzgerald’s Sidebar, a restored classic neighborhood tavern straight out of the 1940’s. An adjacent party room is even available for private functions of up to 100 guests.
If visitors work up an appetite, they can stop in at the Wishbone restaurant located adjacent to the music venue. The tin ceiling spot serves up classic southern dishes like hoe cakes, catfish, crawfish etouffee and jambalaya, and many dishes can be delivered right to your table next door in Fitzgerald’s without missing a note.
With so many diverse offerings, there’s sure to be something to appeal to everyone at Fitzgerald’s. Guests can listen to great music, grab a quiet drink, sample some authentic southern cooking and see the site of famous Hollywood films, all without leaving the city. Now that’s a classic joint worth checking out.
- by D.J. Siegel, Chicago Reporter for HelloMetro
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