photo: Jane LaGrassa
If cabaret is only a musical's title in your mind, it's time to expand your definition of this awesome art form, which can include everything from stand-up comedy to maudlin piano tunes to va-va-voom dancing.
Originating in French cafes in the 1880s, the classic components of cabaret (which essentially means "small room") are tables and chairs, around which the audience sits eating or drinking while watching performers do their thing. More interactive than straight theater and livelier than a mere meal, cabaret is the perfect way to blend drinks and a show. Go on, ditch the stadium seating of the nearest movie house this weekend and give one of these kickin' cabaret shows a whirl.
Find full-on French with a side of song at Cafe Simone
Located in the basement of Cyrano's Bistro & Wine Bar, this Parisian cabaret is about as authentic as it gets in Chicago, with a romantic atmosphere, ooh-la-la cuisine and nightly performances on its corner stage. There are two sets most weekends, at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., though if you arrive before 6 p.m. you'll score complimentary hors d'oeuvres with your cocktails (and here that doesn't mean beer nuts). A recurring favorite is Suzanne Petri's signature storytelling through songs, with Bob Moreen on piano. Take in the music over a meal by chef Didier Durand, or snag a small-plates portion of any entree for a little more than half price. The wine list is eclectic, the dessert menu heavenly and the scene intimate and classy. Seating is limited; reservations recommended. Cover generally $5-$10.
Relish in-your-face glitz and glamour at Cabaret
For Moulin Rogue-style suede and sparkle, get your butt to Cabaret, a 5,000 square foot cocktail boutique that's decked out in mirrored walls, massive candelabras and a 1,000-light marquee. While the atmosphere tends to feel French bordello-meets-Las Vegas, make sure you hit the door on a Friday night to catch a bit of true cabaret: the dancing girls. Every eye in the room will be glued to the handful of rotating dancers who shake, shimmy and tease their way across the floor, wearing plenty of tassels and fringe (and not much else) behind big fluffy boas. Eat a bite before you come and spend the evening sipping on fruity martinis. Cover is $10-$20; no reservations unless you're able to pony up $200+ for table service.
Liven up with Rat Pack cheese at Misto
This classic Italian eatery livens up on Saturday nights when owner/chef Donny Greco takes center stage for his "Saturday Night Cabaret." You may not have heard of Greco, but you'll definitely have heard the songs on his playlist, which run from Elton John to Frank Sinatra. The show can get a bit cheesy (on hoppin' nights the crowd will belt along), but Greco's zealous attitude and strong voice keeps the crowd entertained from 9:30 p.m. until the restaurant closes at 12:30 a.m. Even on non-cabaret nights, the crowd here is encouraged to linger, and with profiteroles with chocolate fudge, slivered almonds and whipped cream on the dessert menu, it's hard to pass on the offer. No cover, dinner reservations accepted.
Take in big band jazz at Davenport's
This Wicker Park hot spot has a split personality, with a raucous piano bar complete with sing-along tunes at the front and a more subdued cabaret in the rear. The stage is front and center here, circled by small tables and chairs and jazz-themed art. Performances average six nights a week, with mainly big-band, jazz and Broadway numbers sung by local and national acts; recent acts include the '40s tunes of 3 Girls 3 and the belly-busting comedy of The Weird Sister. There's no food, but with a two-drink minimum you'll have plenty of reason to try out Davenport's impressive list of cordials, ports, champagne and single-malt Scotches. The cover is generally $10-$20 and reservations are strongly encouraged.
Give in to camp at Gentry on Halsted
While the Gentry on State does boast Beckie Menzie's show-stopping MGM musical numbers, we tend to bypass the mature crowd downtown for the neighborhood feel of this Halsted location. One look at the baby grand and you'll know that Gentry's is all about the music (with a particular soft spot for singers normally found on Broadway). The separate cabaret room is particularly charming, with glass French doors that open during the summer and cocktail tables clustered around the piano. Sit upfront at your own risk; depending on the singer you may get pulled into the act. Regular performers include Alma Mendoza and John Jones, with Tuesdays given over to Bingo with Miss Foozie and Paula Sinclaire. No cover or reservations.
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