NOW CLOSED...Formerly: If the beautiful people out there need one more place to see and be seen, step into Celebrity. On any given Saturday, 600+ patrons swarm the club for what could be a Stoli commercial. As hip-hop, house and R&B bump from the DJ booth in back, Gold Coast crews and Lincoln Park entourages do as Celebrity's motto commands: Eat. Drink. Lounge. Meat market may be too subtle a term; think butcher shop and you're getting close.
The minimalist decor consists of some low-lying tables and cubes, a surf-theme tri-panel mural and long, rectangular mirrors that open up the space. Flicks rotate on dual flat screens above the black tile bar, unless a game is on. Barkeeps say that if the Sox make the playoffs, you can forget about the music, too. Despite the scarcity of chairs inside, standing room space abounds. and four doors open onto sidewalk seating for about 15.
Celebrity takes pride in $10 specialties such as "The Perfect Drink," "The Signature Summer Drink" and "The Trashy Drink," which lives up to its name by muddling oranges in lemonade shaken with Makers Mark and topped with Miller High Life. Other mixed drinks run $5-$8 with beers from $3-$5, though those short on scratch can still get by on $10 forties and $2 cans of Hamm's. You'd be wise to soak up that St. Ides with a few mini tacos, quesadillas or grilled shrimp skewers before you go.
The club's look, menu and fruity refreshments change with the seasons. Guest DJs drop in regularly, and during Monday night football a jersey-sporting staff plans to sling fifty-cent sloppy joes. Bottom line? Well-dressed weekend touristas welcome, but indies and hipsters beware.
Reviewed By: Michael Foreman
