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.
