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This Lakeview club has a diverse selection of music performances.

Wednesday Oct 06, 2004.     By Patrick Sisson

Music Feed

Underground Lounge

Hours: 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Sunday-Friday; 8 p.m.-3 a.m. Saturday

Age: 21+

Cover: Shows are occasionally $5, but if your license lists a neighborhood address (within a few blocks – don’t try to argue Andersonville is in the hood), you get in for free.

Dress: As is befitting its informal Lakeview neighborhood, you don’t need to look prim or polished. The dress code is as strict as White Hen’s, so dress solely for comfort.

Best way to get there: Located next to Links Hall, you’re just a few blocks away from the Addison Red Line stop, and only slightly farther from the Belmont L hub. Of course, late-night loungers can hail a cab anytime.

Vibe: With its suitably bohemian basement, this venue scoffs at the beer-chugging, frat boy hangouts that dominate the area near Wrigley Field. That certainly doesn’t mean it’s dry. This Al Capone-era establishment, a former 1930s speakeasy, has stayed true to its heritage and features a lively bar; it’s just more oriented toward chilling out, sipping a cocktail and hearing some quality live music. Don’t expect the shot girl to skirt past your table.

Quick tour: After passing through the awning-topped entrance and walking down some rickety stairs, you’ll find yourself in a room filled with tables, a bar and an array of barstools. The small club (about 65 people can fit inside) is decorated in character-exuding shades of blue, black and steel. Everything revolves around a small stage in the back of the room that’s set into the wall. There’s also Golden Tee and a pool table. Yeah, you’ve probably seen some basements with as many amenities, but you won’t regret entering as soon as the music starts.

Crowd: It can vary from night to night, but a few types are regular customers: Late-night arrivals looking to lounge, music junkies digging the sounds coming from the stage, and neighborhood residents looking a strong drink. All three groups leave equally satisfied.

Night to go: You can’t really go wrong any night of the week, since you can find good grooves regardless of the day. Thursday through Saturday is probably your best bet, since the bar’s unique atmosphere really presents an alternative to its more noisy neighbors. Music normally starts after 10 p.m.

Claim to fame: A wide variety of music finds an unpretentious place to call home.

You’ll feel like you’re in: An incredibly cool basement club that belongs in a film noir.

Music genre: Everything from blues and jazz to rock and even karaoke all take the stage; there has even been a jungle night here. Blues and jazz are mainstays, though. Local jazz musicians like Andreas Kapsalis, Goran Ivanovic and Dave Rempis routinely play inside.

Beyond the dance floor: Everything from cheap domestic drinks to a full range of spirits fills the shelves. Don’t despair; you won’t be emptying your wallet if you want to drink your fill. You can also arrange to host your private event here, though on most nights, it seems like a private bar anyways.