The work week is over and you want to loosen up a bit. Naperville (a city in DuPage and Cook counties) is the place to go. Sure, it’s not Chicago by any means but it has plenty to offer nevertheless.
There are a lot of pubs, bars and clubs with live music in close proximity in Downtown Naperville and in Naperville in general. That means that if you don’t like the place you are in you can leave and go to the next one.
Where do I start. Free parking, yes, you don’t have to pay to park. Over the weekend you can leave your car in the parking garage that’s behind Banes and Nobles bookstore.
If you are coming straight from work and you are hungry I would recommend checking out Empire Burger Bar. The food is a bit on the expensive side, but the view is well-worth it. This is a three story establishment with a great view from the top.
In the summer you can enjoy the weather in a good company while the breeze is blowing your hair.
After a quick bite you can head on to Frankie’s Blue Room for some live music. It’s on the same street with Empire and they have a roof top as well.
Check out their website for events. Typically, they have cover bands that play music from the 50s to the 90s. The food is the typical bar fare – sandwiches, burgers, salads – all vert reasonably priced.
The stage is small and close to the tables but in my opinion that’s a plus and not something negative as it gives me this intimate feeling where everyone is a friends.
The only drawback that I can think of is that the place closes early.
But that’s ok as there are plenty of other food and drink establishments in Downtown Naperville that you can visit.
One such place is The Third Place (The Craftsman by Two Brothers). This is a nice cocktail bar on Jefferson Street about a minute away by foot from Frankie’s Blue Room. Both the food and cocktails are great, the rooftop bar – too.
Yes, it’s a bit expensive but you usually get what you pay for and I would say that’s a small price to pay for such cozy place.
Directions from Solemn Oath Brewery to Empire Burger Bar via Aurora Ave:
- Start at 1661 Quincy Ave, Naperville, IL 60540
- Head east on Quincy Ave toward Ogden Ave
- Turn right onto Ogden Ave
- Turn left onto Aurora Ave
- Turn left onto S Main St
- Turn right onto W Chicago Ave
- Arrive at 48 W Chicago Ave, Naperville, IL 60540
