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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Lake View East

Cool fun activities

Made for those who only participate in activities that have a reputation for being cool.

Based on 801 Opinions
+798
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Updated April 2026
01
Cheba Hut "Toasted" Subs image 1
Cheba Hut "Toasted" Subs image 2
Cheba Hut "Toasted" Subs image 3
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Sandwich shop with weed-themed decor and mural artwork creates a chill, cozy atmosphere. Loud music and noise level often reach concert-like volume, making conversation difficult. Bar area offers affordable beers and occasional cannabis events, adding to the lively vibe.

Puff and Paint class with Trinity offers a creative and engaging experience. The DJ Bingo Party brings lively entertainment, while various events at Cheba Hut "Toasted" Subs keep things fun and varied.

Unique atmosphere and cool vibes set the tone. TVs play games, adding to the laid-back feel.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches here were the best I ever had."

"The vibe here is super chill with cool murals."

"The atmosphere here is really cool, with unique vibes."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during peak hours.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The venue hosts trivia nights every Wednesday at 7pm.

02
The Catcade - Cat Cafe & Rescue image 1

Cat cafe combines playful kittens with arcade games that double as cat furniture. The space feels chill and intimate with plenty of seating and natural light. Cats are calm and friendly, creating a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can interact quietly or enjoy games.

Playing old arcade video games like Mortal Kombat mixes with hanging out with cats for a unique fun experience. The Catcade combines gaming and animal interaction to support a great mission.

Arcade machines double as cat towers and beds in working arcades. The mix of adoptable cats and games creates a fun and cute hangout spot.

People are saying

"I fell in love with the cats and adopted one after my first visit."

"The staff here are so friendly and caring, it's amazing!"

"It's a cool place to hang out with adoptable cats and arcade games."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to limited capacity in the cat room.

2

An appointment is necessary as they are often fully booked.

3

The entrance fee is $20 per person for one hour, including some arcade games.

03
Murphy's Bleachers image 1

Sports bar with historic baseball decor and electric game day energy draws a lively crowd of fans. Indoor and outdoor seating offer bird's-eye views and ample space despite crowds. Atmosphere captures classic ballpark vibe and deep ties to local baseball culture.

A lively and super fun atmosphere fills the space, making it a popular spot for pregames. The venue buzzes with energy and lots of laughs.

Lots of laughs and fun fill this sports bar right next to Wrigley Field. It stays cool even during a rain delay, making it a solid spot to hang out and catch a game.

People are saying

"You have to grab a beer here before or after a Cubs game."

"It's a cool spot right across from Wrigley Field to catch a game."

"It's a super fun and lively place with a cool atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during Cubs games.

2

Reservations are recommended for winter eve dinners.

3

The bar accepts credit cards and mobile payments.

04
Replay Lincoln Park image 1

Bar combines retro arcade games and rotating themed pop-ups for a lively, nostalgic vibe. Atmosphere blends club energy with casual gaming, attracting fans of classic pinball and video games. Attention to detail in decor and themed cocktails creates a unique, immersive experience.

Fun themes like SpongeBob's Bikini Bottom and Taylor Swift pop up nights create a lively atmosphere. Free arcade games and themed weeks add to the unique and entertaining experience.

Creative decorations and themed parties create a unique vibe. Cool spots for photos and interactive games add to the fun. Bathrooms feature artistic lighting and marked walls.

People are saying

"The arcade games here are free and totally a blast."

"The cocktails here are inspired by evolving themes and pop-ups."

"You'll have a blast playing all the fun, free arcade games here."

Good to know

1

Themed events, like Taylor Swift night, happen regularly and are very popular.

2

Most arcade games are free to play while you are drinking.

3

Bring cash for arcade games as some machines may not accept cards.

05
Metro image 1
Live music venue

Small, intimate live music venue with great acoustics and clear sightlines from every seat. The space features an ornate interior and a balcony that enhances the experience. It hosts a lively crowd enjoying punk, pop punk, and alternative bands with a well-functioning sound system.

Small venue with cool decorations creates a fun atmosphere for events. Offers a safe and lively place to enjoy music and have a good time.

Small venue with a cool historic vibe and fun decorations. The ventilation system keeps air flowing well, and the balcony adds a neat touch.

People are saying

"It's a small and intimate venue for shows."

"I found the atmosphere and the crowd here to be really fun."

"I found the venue to be really cool."

Good to know

1

Metro is a cash-only venue, so bring cash for drinks and entry.

2

There are no ADA accommodations, making it difficult for those with disabilities.

3

The venue often oversells tickets, leading to overcrowding during events.

06
Derno's image 1
Bar & grill

Basement setting in an old Chicago home creates a low-key, chill atmosphere with tons of TVs adding to the vibe. Late-night crowd includes a mix of people enjoying crispy Buffalo wings and traditional Chicago tavern-style pizza. The bar stays lively until 4am, making it a solid spot for late-night drinks and socializing.

Trivia Tuesdays offer a lively way to spend the evening. Staff stay fun and friendly, adding to the dive bar atmosphere that keeps things casual and entertaining.

Tons of TVs create a lively atmosphere. The bartenders and server bring a genuinely cool vibe to the place.

People are saying

"The bar food, especially the pizza and wings, was fantastic."

"I found the vibe here to be really cool."

"It's a fun dive bar with tons of TVs for watching sports."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Derno's is a 4am bar, attracting a late-night crowd on weekends.

3

Drinks are reasonably priced, making it a budget-friendly option.

07
The Rabbit Hole Wrigley image 1

Karaoke bar with nightly karaoke and giant Jenga creates a chill and fun vibe. Bartenders join in with kazoos, adding to the friendly atmosphere. Noise stays moderate, making it a cool spot for casual group outings.

Fun trivia, comedy show, and karaoke create a lively atmosphere. Karaoke feels welcoming and not awkward, with a chill bar vibe and friendly bartenders.

A chill vibe stands out during karaoke, making it a cool and safe spot among many other bars. The overall atmosphere feels very cool and relaxed.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are great singers and join in on karaoke."

"It's a fun bar with a chill vibe and friendly people."

"The vibe here is so cool, especially during karaoke."

Good to know

1

Karaoke sign-up ends at 12:45am, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Trivia night is a popular event, typically held on Wednesdays at 8pm.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere with a mix of trivia, comedy, and karaoke.

08
Bonus Round Game Cafe image 1

Board game cafe with extensive game collection and gaming-themed decor offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere where people gather to play and chat without loud music. Space feels intimate but comfortable, encouraging focus and conversation. Friendly energy comes from passionate players enjoying games and casual food and drinks.

Offers a mix of games, food, and drinks that create a lively atmosphere. Provides a solid spot for enjoying fun activities with friends.

Combining a game shop with food and snacks creates a unique vibe. The spot hosts cool events that add to its appeal.

People are saying

"The staff here are so helpful with Board Games, explaining rules and suggesting favorites."

"The staff here are super friendly and always ready to help with fun activities."

"The selection of games here is really great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating and high demand.

2

There is a $10 food minimum per person in addition to the game fee.

3

The game fee is $8 per person to access the game library.

09
The Gman Tavern image 1

Wood-themed dive bar with an intimate, quirky atmosphere and handmade wooden bar. Mellow and relaxed vibe with live music performances and great acoustics during shows. Crowd is local and diverse, resisting typical corporate or sports bar energy.

An authentic and fun vibe sets the tone, especially after games. Playing Jeopardy adds a lively and engaging activity to the experience.

A handmade wooden bar sets a classic, cool vibe. The bartender with super cool glasses adds to the friendly, engaging atmosphere.

People are saying

"The bar staff here are super kind and handle things professionally."

"The bartender with cool glasses gave off good vibes."

"I had a great time and found the experience fun."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

The Gman Tavern hosts Jeopardy games every Wednesday at 8pm.

3

The bar is adults only, so no minors are allowed.

10
Landmark's Century Centre Cinema image 1

Movie theater offers comfortable rocking seats and a full-service bar with a lounge area. Atmosphere stays chill and cozy with clean sound and modern screens. Crowd is relaxed, making it feel like a place to truly enjoy films rather than just pass time.

Activities include moving up and down various ramps and stairs, creating a chill and fun atmosphere with a cozy Chicago vibe.

The theater features a cool retro layout and unique elevators that add to its vibe. The building itself stands out with a distinctive cool design.

People are saying

"I enjoyed going to a movie here; it provides a personal experience."

"The theaters are so comfortable and clean, it's a chill vibe."

"I found the building and theater to be really cool."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at the cinema seven days a week.

2

The cinema offers $5 Retro Movies on select days.

3

Expect a clean and well-maintained environment throughout the theater.

11
Friar Tuck image 1

Cozy dive bar with a neighborhood-style vibe and historic charm featuring 1950s cash registers. Atmosphere stays chill and welcoming, attracting an easygoing crowd that fills up by late evening. Offers free popcorn and a jukebox, creating a casual spot for hanging out or bar crawls.

Fun theme nights like trivia and karaoke create a lively atmosphere. Sunday night bingo and Wednesday trivia add variety to the fun activities available.

A dive bar with a vibe that feels like The Shire. The cool door stands out right away, setting a unique tone.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are amazing and remember your name."

"I found the Wednesday night trivia to be fun."

"It's a cool little dive bar that looked like The Shire."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night is every Tuesday, attracting a younger crowd.

2

Trivia happens on Wednesdays at 8pm with a lively host.

3

Seating fills up quickly on weekends, so arrive early.

12
Sluggers World Class Sports Bar and Grill & Dueling Pianos image 1

Multiple levels include batting cages and dueling pianos, creating a lively and interactive environment. Loud, energetic crowd gathers especially after games, with a young demographic and a dance floor downstairs. Spacious layout offers areas for both high-energy fun and quieter downtime.

Upstairs offers batting cages and games that create a lively spot for fun. Baseball booths add a unique twist to the entertainment mix.

Classic sports bar vibe blends with dueling pianos and a chill atmosphere. Games and a solid drink selection add to the cool entertainment upstairs.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great, especially with all the entertainment."

"You can hit in the batting cages and play tons of games."

"It's cool with batting cages and arcade games upstairs."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on Wednesdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Karaoke night is every Thursday at 10pm with a two-drink minimum.

3

The bar is very busy during game nights, so arrive early.

13
The Cubby Bear Chicago image 1

Sports bar with live music and a DJ-driven dance floor creates a nightclub-like atmosphere. The space includes multiple sections and a top floor with a stadium view. The vibe is electric and busy, especially after games.

Salsa Sundays offer a sexy, exhilarating dance experience. The bar has a fun atmosphere with music that makes people dance, especially after games.

Crowd and people here are consistently cool. The setup includes a nice stage that adds to the vibe.

People are saying

"The atmosphere during live sports here is electric and so much fun."

"You'll find Salsa Sundays to be fun and welcoming for learning."

"The vibe and the people here are really cool."

Good to know

1

Salsa Sundays feature live music and dancing, starting at 8pm.

2

Cover charge applies for entry on event nights.

3

Happy hour offers $5 Corona and Modelo cans with half-off appetizers.

14
Rizzo's Bar & Inn image 1

Big, spacious bar with a huge glassed-in, open-air patio offers dozens of TVs and an 80-inch screen for watching games. Atmosphere shifts between electric excitement on game days and intimate gatherings with varied seating options. Outdoor area and retractable roof maintain comfort while hosting lively celebrations or private events.

Fun and lively atmosphere makes it a great spot for hanging out. The outdoor area adds to the fun, especially before games or on special occasions like NYE.

Atmosphere feels cool and inviting, especially with holiday decorations that stand out. It suits a spot for appetizers and drinks before events.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent, especially the flatbread pizzas and pretzel."

"It's a fun bar with a lively atmosphere, especially before a game."

"It's a cool place, especially with the holiday decorations."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day on Fridays with $7 cocktails and $8 espresso martinis.

2

Rizzo's Bar & Inn can host events for over 100 people with ample space.

3

Food is not guaranteed during special events, so plan accordingly.

15
Stolen Saddle image 1

Multi-leveled bar with mechanical bull and live music creates a lively, spacious environment. Atmosphere blends cool Southern vibe with rustic charm and energetic fun. Crowd enjoys games and dancing, making it feel like a vibrant country-themed club.

Games like a mechanical bull and deer hunting create a lively, fun atmosphere. Holiday themes add extra excitement to the activities.

People are saying

"The bartenders here make great drinks and keep them flowing."

"The atmosphere here is so cool with its rustic cowboy vibe."

"The atmosphere here is awesome with a cool Southern vibe and mechanical bull."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu includes tacos, quesadillas, chips & salsa, margaritas, and espresso martinis.

2

Food and drink specials are available during home games.

3

Children are welcome until 8 p.m.

16
DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field image 1

Wraparound giant screens show multiple games from every angle, creating a Vegas sportsbook vibe. The atmosphere stays lively and vibrant, with music and live acoustic guitar adding to the energy. Several kiosks and agents make live betting easy while watching sports.

Watching sports here is a fun group activity, especially during big games. The beer and cocktail towers add a lively touch, making it a spot to enjoy drinks with friends at a moderate price.

Massive screens and numerous TVs create a very cool atmosphere for watching sports. The sportsbook area feels professional and the bar adds to the overall cool vibe.

People are saying

"You've gotta see the massive screens for live sports here!"

"It's a fun place to watch sports on their incredible wraparound screen."

"The sports book and massive screens here are really cool."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large parties to secure a good spot.

2

The kitchen closes at 9:30 PM, so plan your meals accordingly.

3

Expect strict security checks before entry, including ID frisking.

17
Tin Roof image 1

Two main areas host live bands in front and a DJ with dance floor in the back, creating a high-energy atmosphere with fun vibes. Spacious layout prevents crowding despite lively scenes. Decor adds to the engaging environment.

Great vibes and awesome music create a lively atmosphere. Staff like Kalika add to the fun with their friendly and upbeat service, making it a solid spot for karaoke nights and group outings.

Security staff stay professional and keep the vibe intact while ensuring safety. The venue offers cool drinks and a laid-back atmosphere.

People are saying

"The live music here is fantastic and adds the perfect vibe."

"The vibes here are fun, with great music and a welcoming crowd."

"The vibes here are cool, with awesome music and a fun crowd."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink deals.

2

Karaoke happens every Wednesday night, attracting a lively crowd.

3

On Thursdays, enjoy $1 hot dogs during the happy hour.

18
Santa Baby Bar at Stolen Saddle image 1

Bar offers stunning Christmas decorations on multiple floors including an open rooftop with plentiful photo opportunities. Atmosphere feels festive and welcoming, filled with holiday spirit that energizes the space. Visitors often come for the vibrant seasonal vibe and unique visual setups.

An immersive Christmas experience offers a unique way to enjoy seasonal fun. The atmosphere creates a lively and engaging setting that makes activities feel special and memorable.

Lights and photo spots create a cool concept. The decorations add to the very cool atmosphere. Staff, including the waitress, are really cool too.

People are saying

"You should go to the bar just for the beautiful holiday decor and lights."

"It's a fun, immersive Christmas experience with tons of photo ops."

"The atmosphere is really cool with the decorations and lights."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to secure a table, especially during busy times.

2

Trivia night occurs weekly, but participation details may not be clearly communicated.

3

Expect high prices for drinks and food, often exceeding menu listings.

19
GoodTimes Brewery + Kitchen image 1

Massive bar and large open space with oak detailing create an inviting setting. Atmosphere feels warm and friendly with brewing equipment visible, adding to the vibe. Multiple TVs and games make it a chill spot for groups and events.

Fun ambiance creates a lively atmosphere. Trivia night adds an extra layer of engaging entertainment.

Atmosphere features a nice view of brewing materials and tasteful holiday decorations. The space has a chill and cool vibe influenced by Isaac.

People are saying

"The German and Czech style beers here are some of the best I've had."

"The food and drinks here are incredible, especially the cookie skillet."

"The vibe here is really cool and chill."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

3

On Mondays, the BYO pizza is half off.

20
Nightmare on Clark Street image 1

Dark, horror-themed bar with intricate decorations and scare actors creating a spooky atmosphere. Midway bar offers a chill break between scares, making the experience more relaxed. The vibe mixes fun jump scares with a casual bar setting, suitable for groups seeking light thrills.

The haunted house offers a fun experience that leans more toward enjoyment than fear. It works well for groups and keeps the vibe light and entertaining.

Bars offer a cool vibe. The haunted maze features interesting sounds and is very well done. Halloween props add a very cool touch.

People are saying

"The haunted house fun activities were frightening but fun."

"The bar was transformed into a scary, interactive Halloween experience."

"The haunted maze was really cool and well done."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to secure your spot for the event.

2

Tickets for the event are priced at $30, despite the shorter experience.

3

The haunted house experience this year lasts less than 5 minutes.

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Lake View East, Chicago

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