VZ City Guides: Chicago, IL, Pitchfork Edition

In town for the Pitchfork Music Festival? Let Venus Zine show you the way to some of the city's best spots for eats, drinks, and more

By Emi Peters
Published: July 13th, 2010 | 5:10pm

Nicknames: The Windy City, Chi-town, the Second City
Population: Close to 10 million in the Chicagoland area
Up-and-Coming Corners: Ukrainian Village, Andersonville, Little Italy, Hyde Park

Festival season is in full swing and the Pitchfork Music Festival is just around the corner. This year is sure to bring yet another awesome music-filled weekend with the likes of Sleigh Bells, LCD Soundsystem, Big Boi, Pavement, and a slew of other acts. Pitchfork has brought thousands to Chicago's Union Park every year since its inception to see and hear the best of what’s next in music, with the immaculate skyline serving as the backdrop.

Chicago has always been a culturally rich city with plenty to do and see. If you don’t hail from the Windy City, being in the know about the best spots to visit while in town will make for an all-around better experience (and you can impress your friends with your native-like knowledge of the city). Use our handy guide to make the best of your stay in the place Venus calls home!

Fare:
If you’re looking for a quick nosh before or after the festival, head to Hot Doug’s (3324 N. California Ave.) in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood. Hot Doug’s takes the classic Chicago hot dog stand and flips it on its head. Aside from standard dogs, Hot Doug’s dips into widely untouched meat territory, and serves up daring options that include antelope, alligator, boar, pheasant, and kangaroo sausage. However, if you prefer that wildlife stay on the earth and off your plate, Hot Doug’s also offers a vegetarian option. Prices range from $1.75 to $9 per dog, so you can get a memorable culinary experience at an affordable price. (Tip: Doug serves duck fat fries on Fridays and Saturdays!)

For a sweet treat afterward, head to Black Dog Gelato (859 N. Damen Ave.) The local gelato brand has been sold at restaurants like Socca and Uncommon Ground, but owner Jessica Oloroso just opened up her own storefront this June. The former pastry chef specializes in the traditional gourmet Italian goodness with a twist. Fancy flavors like goat cheese-cashew caramel and sesame fig chocolate chip are sure to make your mouth water. And since Black Dog is open late (12 pm-10 pm Mon-Thurs, 12 pm-11 pm Fri and Sat, 12 pm-10 pm Sun) and in close proximity to Union Park, Pitchforkers with a sweet tooth can pick up a chilly snack afterward.

Nights:
Chicago is in no short supply when it comes to things to do at night. With more music venues and bars than one can count, there’s never a reason to be bored in this town. If you want good times with a retro vibe, head over to Beauty Bar (1444 W. Chicago Ave.) in West Town. The kitschy, 1950s-60s salon-style bar will transport you to a time where beehive hairdos and leather jackets ruled. Be sure to come out to Beauty Bar on Friday, July 16, as Venus Zine hosts the Pitchfork Festival After Hours event, featuring live music from We Are Country Mice, Pepper Rabbit, and special DJ sets from Delorean, Real Estate, and Headlights.

Also check out Cobra Lounge (235 N. Ashland Ave.), just one block north of Union Park. An authentic rock club, Cobra offers a great selection of reasonably priced food and even more reasonably priced booze to wash it all down with. Live music ranging from punk, metal, and ska, as well as DJ sets provide the nightly entertainment in this true-blue rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere.

Merch:
While the music is obviously what people come to the Pitchfork Festival to see, it’s hard not to notice the super trendy festival-goers roaming around the park. To make sure your festival fashion is on point, Belmont Army is a great place to shop for both new and vintage clothing. Two locations in Chicago (1318 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park and the larger, four-story locale in Lakeview, 855 W. Belmont Ave.) make it easier to decide how to appropriately dress for your favorite chillwave band’s set.