Regulars Still Diving in To Holiday Club
Stephanie Foyer
Uptown's Holiday Club is celebrating 15 years on the scene.
Ah, the price of progress. Many people worry that the gentrification of Chicago's formerly "fringe" neighborhoods will make age-old establishments like the classic dive bar a thing of the past. Thankfully, Uptown's Holiday Club offers evidence to the contrary.
Holiday Club -- a dive bar in the best sense of the word -- just celebrated its 15th anniversary. The bar still manages to pack in the crowds, despite its unusual-but-it-works Rat Pack meets punk theme.
Maybe it's the shimmering Vegas-esque sign outside. Or the odd kitschy items inside, from the vintage posters and light fixtures to the martini shakers, jukebox, and the ever-popular photo booth.
The decor all comes from owner Tim Juliusson's personal collection. Juliusson, a Peoria native, is a veteran of the '80s punk scene.
Aside from being a great spot to toss back a few, Holiday Club is also a popular spot for birthday parties, charity events, rehearsal dinners, bar mitzvahs, bachelor/bachelorette parties, baby showers, karaoke parties, and of course, holiday parties.
At the end of the day, it's up to you. You can haggle with a doorman at some highfalutin downtown bar, only to be given the "privilege" of buying an over-priced drink -- or get a taste of a vintage Chicago experience.
Read more of Jim Grillo's work at HeresChicago.com and on the NBC Chicago Street Team blog.
Posted Friday, Jul 17, 2009 - 3:43 PM CST
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