Bar of the month

Wise Fools Pub
2270 N. Lincoln

The Basics

Where you’ll find it: 2270 N. Lincoln. In the heart of Lincoln Park, just south of Fullerton. (773) 929-1300. www.WiseFoolsPub.com.

When it’s open: 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday through Friday and Sunday; 7 p.m.-3 a.m. Saturday.

Peak time: With live music seven nights a week, Wise Fools is not subject to Lincoln Avenue being busy, as it’s not uncommon for it to be packed with 150 people on a Tuesday night. Weekend crowds typically arrive a bit later.

What you’ve heard: Great variety of music that can suit anyone’s tastes. ... There’s always something going on. ... A bar that carries none of the pretensions that exist with other establishments in the neighborhood or other popular music venues in the city.

History in short: Wise Fools opened in 1968 and eventually became known as the Northside’s first home of the blues and was a focal point in Chicago’s music scene throughout the ’70s and ’80s, playing host to such legends as Muddy Waters, Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy and Mighty Joe Young. Legend has it that Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, George Thorogood and Stevie Ray Vaughan have all graced the intimate stage with their presence. A picture of Vaughan on stage in 1982 is prominently displayed above the bar. In the ’90s, it shifted to a frat-type bar named Waterloo, with nothing but cover bands, but that all changed when Mike and Dan Cordis, brothers with a history in the bar business, purchased the space in May of 2001, brought back the old name “Wise Fools” and returned it to its roots of honest, original music.

Visual Aids

First impressions: The front of the two-room establishment was recently renovated to add tall windows overlooking Lincoln Avenue and create more space. The bar itself extends nearly the entire length of the main room, with plenty of exposed brick to give it a cozy feel. ... Velvet curtains separate the main bar area from the intimate music room with an elevated stage.

The atmosphere: One of the best qualities of Wise Fools, besides the music schedule, is that patrons can easily manuever from the music side to the bar side and not miss out on much. If you want to talk, mingle or relax while still being able to listen to the band, the bar area is perfect. ... The music room often carries a good, crowded feel to it, but never seems overly packed without adequate space to move. ... It’s a casual vibe that brings a good mix of music fans.

What you’ll tell your friends: “I always invite my friends here. Live music just makes everything so much better. It creates a great environment for a night out. There are a lot of places for bands in a big city, but few as nice and comfortable as this.”
— Tyrsa

What the owner thinks: “This place used to have a feel to it, like its own heartbeat, promoting really good original music, and we wanted to bring back the lore. ... It’s a great scene for musicians. A lot of them hang out here a lot because their friends are playing and they know great music. People used to come by and didn’t know who was playing on stage, but it didn’t matter. I think we’ve got that same feeling back here now.”
– Mike Cordis

The Experience

At your service: This is where Wise Fools excels, as you would have to hunt for someone who wasn’t impressed by the bartenders or waitstaff. “We don’t have near the turnover in our staff as other places,” says Ryan Stagg, the manager. “And there’s a reason for that. This is not a corporate place. This is our place.” ... One key ingredient that adds to a good time at Wise Fools are the attentive waitresses who patrol the music room, making it convenient to where you can avoid leaving in the middle of a set for a new drink. ... On weekends, they open up a smaller bar set in the back of the music room for easier access. ... Parking is available at Children’s Memorial Hospital for $3.

Get your drink on: Besides a full liquor bar and a wide assortment of bottled beer, Wise Fools offers favorites like Sam Adams Winter Lager, Bass, Guinness, Blue Moon, Harp and Pilsner Urquell on tap. You won’t find too many fancy specialty drinks at Wise Fools, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. “We’re really a beer and a shot type of place,” says Ryan, the manager.

A taste of who’s playing there soon: Every Tuesday in December and January: Mr. Blotto; Dec 16: MiFune, David McMillan, Spare Parts; Dec 21: Vince Cook, Lucky Jackson, Eric McCabe Band; Dec 22: Ian Beert, Goat Motor, Hello Dave; Dec 23: Christmas bash with Halfway Jane and tons of special guests; Dec 30: 56 Hope Road and guests; NYE: The Powers That Be and $75 open bar all night.

Daily specials: $4 20-ounce Bass, $4 double Red Bull & vodkas, $4 pints of Leinenkugel Sunset Wheat, $3 bottles of Berghoff and Berghoff Seasonal, $4 shots.

Who you can expect to see there: Music-goers vary so much depending on the band, as crowds range from 21-51 in age to listen to anything from bluegrass to rock, jazz, ska and hip hop. Plenty of diversity to go around. ... A host of musicians call Wise Fools home even when they’re not playing, so rubbing elbows with the front man or drummer of an up-and-coming national group on a random Thursday night is hardly uncommon.

It’s a good spot to … “stay casual while enjoying great local and national acts at a reasonable price. ... stop in and hang out with lots of people from the music industry. ... hear live recordings and catch something new every night.”

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