Who knows what beckons after that? CREATIVE. By day, 47th Street was a vibrant commercial district; at sundown it was transformed into a throbbing center of nightlife. As tour guide at Chicago Detours, I integrate my enthusiasm for culture and architecture with my passion as an educator. It is such a sublime pleasure to spend my time on this.". .awformmain .awsinglecolmn .formsection label,.doublecolmn .formsection label{width: 100%;float: left;padding-right: 10px;} The Best Places to go Clubbing in Chicago. Gaslight Girls sang. Cause ladies like a cold one, too (thanks, sister). He has struck a nerve, too. (Learn more about Edgar Millers work and legacy in our interview with Zac Bleicher from Edgar Miller Legacy) Of course, selling alcohol was illegal when The Tavern Club opened in 1928. When American servicemen returned home from World War II, they brought with them stories and souvenirs from the South Pacific. .awformmain select {width:100%;min-height: 27px;margin:0;color:#000;} .awformmain .fullsection label {width:90% !important;} 762; see also Jimmy Durante and Jack Kofoed, Night Clubs (New York: Alfred A . Winter's Jazz Club 110 Bars & Clubs Jazz Bars Near North Side By Johnnymojo The Retro Modern style is associated with the decades of the 1950s and 1960s. A hun 35 Amazing Photos Capture Street Scenes of Chicago in the 1950s, Mihailo Tolotos, the Greek Orthodox Monk Who Lived 82 Years Without Ever Seeing a Woman, 30 Cool Pics That Capture Naughty Ladies of the 1950s, Victorian Postmortem Photography: The Myth of the Stand Alone Corpse, The Lost Janis Joplin Topless Photos in Copacabana, Rio De Janeiro in the Summer of 1970, 40 Vintage Photos Show What Living Rooms Looked Like in the 1960s, 40 Amazing Kodachrome Snaps Show What Life Looked Like in the Late 1950s, Incredible Then and Now Pictures That Show What Popular Dog Breeds Looked Like Before And After 100 Years of Breeding, Chicago Federal Building seen through the alley from LaSalle Street. . The club opened and. Southport Lanes and Billiards, 3325 N. Southport Ave. - Alexander Rodchenko, 1921, The Shop Prints, Sustainable Fashion, Cards & More, Get The Newsletter For Discounts & Exclusives, Photographs of Londons Kings Cross Before the Change c.1990, Photos of Topless Dancers and Bottomless Drinks At New York Citys Raciest Clubs c. 1977, Debbie Harry And Me Shooting The Blondie Singer in 1970s New York City, Jack Londons Extraordinary Photos of Londons East End in 1902, Photographs of The Romanovs Final Ball In Color, St Petersburg, Russia 1903, Eric Ravilious Visionary Views of England, Photographs of the Wonderful Diana Rigg (20 July 1938 10 September 2020), Photographer Updates Postcards Of 1960s Resorts Into Their Abandoned Ruins, Sex, Drugs, Jazz and Gangsters The Disreputable History of Gerrard Street in Londons Chinatown, The Brilliant Avant-Garde Movie Posters of the Soviet Union, The Life and Loves of Boxer Jack Johnson and the History of the Cotton Club, David Isom, Eugene Williams And The Fight To Swim Whilst Black In Mid-Century America, The Mid Century in Color : These Found Ektachrome Photos Each Tell A Story, The Bloody Valentines Day Massacre and a Nightclub Toilet, Newsletter Subscribers Get Shop Discounts. In recent years, trendy deejay dance clubs have adopted the supper club name to attract the 20 and 30s crowd. The decades since have also seen the rise of suburbanization, which dilutes the potential audience. "I am excited to meet a couple of people I have come to know through the site," the 70-year-old Wizenick says. Having been frequented by a variety of personalities and iconic names throughout its history, visiting here will make you feel apart of something larger than life. I studied Chicago history, architectural history, and anything Chicago-related through my M.A. This essay provides an alternative view revealing a boisterous creative culture of Sydney's suburban and urban nightclubs in the 1950s. Wilbur White was a nightclub singer on the South Side of Chicago whose bluesy growl wielded so much power that he was nicknamed Hi-Fi. Hi-Fi White: Foodstamps, Bulldogs, and Hollywood. It had all the musts a secret entrance, an antique wooden bar that still stands to this today, and gin a-brewin in a bathtub upstairs. describes Rush Street in 1950: East of Clark Street is Rush Street. The club was located at Rush and Ontario Streets in Chicago's Near Northside.The club was frequented by celebrities . They were probably funny but rebellious. And (of course) it operated for a while as a speakeasy. So much history in #bridgeport. The Tavern Club, located on the upper floors of 333 N. Michigan Avenue, has catered to well-heeled revelers for nearly a century. This website uses cookies to ensure the best experience, which you consent to by clicking Got It. Learn more about how we handle your personal data and rights by reviewing our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. .awformmain .formsection {margin: 0 0 10px 0;} border: none !important; When it was accepted that DuSable - a successful business man with integrity - was truly the citys founder, it very much elevated our image. Michael Abramson was a a rarity in 1970s Chicago: a white photographer documenting the black nightclubs in the city's rough, vibrant South Side. From speakeasies in the 20s to rooftop bars today, Chicagos seen a lot of wild nights. Right across Michigan Avenue from the Tavern Club wed find one of the hottest music venues in 1960s Chicago. Historic Bars of Chicago contains reviews of the Top 100 most historic bars, taverns, nightclubs, lounges, dives, and bierstubes in Chicago today, published by Lake Claremont Press . .awformmain input[type=text],input[type=email],input[type=url],input[type=password],textarea {border: 1px solid;width:100%; margin: 0;} In the aftermath of WWIIs significant instability came the 1950s, suburbia, and the dream of a picture-perfect family. Built shortly after the Fire, one of the citys most well-known, long-standing establishments was one of the only wooden buildings left after a law was passed to prohibit them. "I have chapters blocked out, and I just keep adding to them. That being said, it actually outlasted Hefners creation in Chicago nightlife history. Another neighborhood bar serving cheap drinks, this Noble Square establishment may have operated as a speakeasy at some point too, but the details are a bit blurry. padding-top: 0px !important; A true community bar, this tiny venues welcoming feel and eclectic events have earned it a legion of loyal regulars. My favorite historic Chicago bars and nightclubs are the Green Mill Jazz Club, the Palm Court in the Drake Hotel, Simon's Tavern, and the California Clipper. Incorporated in 1837, the city is located on the shores of Lake Michigan. The Black Orchid was an upscale Chicago nightclub that flourished in the mid to late 1950s where, according to print media critics, Johnny Mathis got his first big break. The Retro Modern style is associated with the decades of the 1950s and 1960s. So monumental. This Andersonvillehole-in-the-wall has been a favorite local hangout since it opened in 1934. We sure do! These portrait photographs of Russia's ruling Romanovs were taken in 1903 at the Winter Palace in majestic. #culturalcenter #stainedglass #restoration #explorechicago. Palatine, IL. But Chicago politicians wouldnt have it. We wanted to show people true and genuine stories of Chicago people, both famous in history books and beloved community and family members who have contributed to make this city great. I live in the northern neighborhood of Rogers Park. I love to learn new aspects of Chicagos rich history and then share my knowledge as a tour guide with Chicago Detours. Speaking of, theres apparently some long-simmering ill feeling between the Gaslight Girls and the Bunnies. Peter M. Glenview . Museum Artifact: Oh Henry! Two siblings? It is incredibly rewarding to give back to this wonderful city by helping out in the office of Chicago Detours. About a mile north, the Marienthals operated Mister Kellys (named for its original manager) in the heart of the Rush Street entertainment district. It describes what seems to be a Greek monk on M A cool photo collection that shows what naughty ladies looked like in the 1950s. .awformmain .formsection {overflow: hidden;padding: 1px;margin: 0 0 10px 0;} "We were all young once and learning about life. 1520 N. Damen Ave., Wicker Park/Bucktown, The nations future comedy stars are honing their skills right now in Chicago comedy clubs. Unlike more rebellious establishments, they kept things kosher during Prohibition by stepping up their food game and offering non-alcoholic beer, until of course, they became the very first place to obtain a liquor license after the ban was lifted. Today, the neighborhoods Swedish roots are still on display at Simons youll find Viking paraphernalia on the walls and glgg (a traditional mulled wine) behind the bar. From 1957 to 1975 Mister Kelly's was one of the city's and country's most famous nightclubs, home to such performers as Ella Fitzgerald, Mort Sahl, the Smothers Brothers, Barbra Streisand, Sarah Vaughan, Muddy Waters, Bette Midler, Lenny Bruce you name one. 5. A stunning list of entertainers established themselves by headlining Mister Kellys. Chicago's Blue Note Jazz Nightclub 1950 Drew Techner 13.1K subscribers Subscribe 7.4K views 12 years ago This is a homemade recording of the Elliot Lawrence Orchestra during their December 22,. Between 1950 and 1960 Chicagos population shrank for the first time in its history, as factory jobs leveled off and people moved to the suburbs. #stickers #graffiti #wabash #chicagoloop #downtownchicago, Anyone got any fond memories of the Fireside? } It describes what seems to be a Greek monk on M A cool photo collection that shows what naughty ladies looked like in the 1950s. The rathskeller was known for its horse-betting, gambling, stripping, and other vices during the 30s, which eventually got Lottie arrested in 1966 when the city started to crack down on criminal activity. Abramson, the white photographer from New Jersey, wasnt sure whether hed be welcome to take pictures of people enjoying themselves in black nightclubs. Jakes has free popcorn, waiting to cure your munchies at a moments notice. This newfound interest, and a need to escape drudgery and horrors of WWII, led to the establishment of tiki bars across the country, including in Chicago, during the 1940s and 1950s, and all the way into the 1960s. Lets kick things off with one of the most legendary clubs in the city. We bring curious people to explore, learn and interact about Chicagos history, architecture and culture through custom tours, content production, and virtual events. Over the years the New York City area has had its fill of nightclubs and supper clubs. Founded in 1953, the Gaslight Club set the template for the va-va-voom aesthetic and atmosphere thatPlayboymade so famous. Marienthal is the son and nephew, respectively, of George and Oscar Marienthal, two brothers who gave birth to Mister Kelly's, which sat on the southwest corner of Rush and Bellevue streets, where Gibson's now stands. And, if youre honest, youll just drag up from the depths all the times youve hated or felt passionately about something and play it. The famous Playboy Club (which opened on the Mag Mile in 1960) and its iconic Bunny outfits were both inspired by a haunt Hef knew well: The Gaslight Club. Overlay the experience with video, music, and vintage photographs. But the main draw is the live music, with nightly jazz performances from big-name artists and local acts through the early morning hours. The Green Door is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Chicago, first erected in 1871 after the Great Chicago Fire. Primary Night Club 126 Dance Clubs $$Near North Side "It is important that Chicago has variance with music in its nightlife scene no matter what the style." more Outdoor seating 2. Ive written travel articles for publications like Rick Steves Italy best-selling travel guides, the San Francisco Bay Guardian, and The Chicago Food Encyclopedia. He clearly knows his history and it shows.. text-align: right !important; Check out these old photos to see what Chicagos restaurants looked like in the 1950s. } .awformmain .fltrgt{float:right} The decade didn't start out so promisingly. Ida B. Remembering Manhattan nightclubs. Here at UrbanMatter, we pride ourselves on leading the charge when it comes to Chicago entertainment. Black families in Chicago lost between $3 billion and $4 billion in wealth because of predatory housing contracts during the 1950s and 1960s, according to a new report released Thursday. No, nothing stays the same, and if you want further proof just walk on one of the streets where you spent your youth. None is a more active and intelligent contributor than Philip Wizenick, who spent much of his career working as a bartender at the Drake Hotel, Corona Cafe and other area spots. The impact this place has on Chicago history speaks for itself just browse through their collection of memories submitted to their website by nostalgic patrons. By Jay Gentile. These clubs fostered live music and dancing on a scale scarcely imaginable in 2021. Owned by the same family for three generations, it began as a totally innocent (ahem)soda shop during the tail-end of the nations dry years. Swiss Chalet, Bismarck Hotel, Chicago Antonio's Steak House at 1528 N. Wells Street, Chicago Bamboo Inn Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge at 11 N. Clark Street, Chicago Cafe Bonaparte Sheraton, Blackstone Hotel, Chicago .awformmain .captcha .formrgt{float:left !important} This bar is well-known by DePaul University students who frequent here on the weekends, and god knows also the weeknights. Huge crowds pack in for an upscale, Euro-inspired nightclub experience, with big-name touring DJs and floor-to-ceiling video projection walls for a full-on audio . Memories will be flowing as freely as beer at a frat party when a few hundred people gather from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Connie's Pizza, 1030 N. State St., for "Rush Street Reunion 2015.". Happy first day of #womenshistorymonth! Finally monuments to all the people who have contributed to science, business, activism, education, sports, and the arts are starting to appear. Brought to life by a Swedish immigrant, this bar is one of the focal points of Andersonvilles deeply rooted culture. His nightlife photographs from the 1970s earned Abramson a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1978 and eventually resulted in a beautiful hardbound book,Light: On the South Side, housed in a slipcase along with a 2 LP set featuring Chicago blues as heard from the stage and the jukebox (Numero Group 2009, Grammy-nominated). These are some of the many bars across the country where you can get a drink just like the notorious mobsters of the past. Need ideas? Plus, if youre planning on taking a day to shop, one of the oldest restaurants in Chicago is the perfect place to drop, if you will. Kinzie was considered to be the first resident of the city for many decades. The Playboy Club, which saw 130K guests per quarter in its first years, eventually closed in 1984. They were called "girl singers" at the time, and they sang in all genres, including rock, jazz, pop, country, and R&B. Green Mill This legendary venue is one of Chicago's oldest nightclubs and a favorite haunt of Al Capone. As many others on this list, its been run by the same family for three generations. Nightly performances showcase local burlesque and vaudeville acts, and the carefully curated cocktail menu is printed on Tarot cards. .awsinglecolmn .formsection .formrgt ,.awformmain .doublecolmn .formsection .formrgt{width: 100%;float: left;padding-right: 10px;} Currently Im finishing my Masters in Public History at Loyola University because I love to teach the history of this scrappy city. Visit the Theater District, The Berghoff, and Palmer House Hotel. .awformmain .formsect label { If you weren't living in Chicago in the '90s, you didn't just miss out on some great basketball you missed out on life. Originally called El-Side Tavern for its location beneath CTA train tracks, Kellys Pub is a great spot to reminisce the history of Chicago. Best part? They were probably funny but rebellious. Savor the classic and creative dishes at King Crab House Chicago, a Lincoln Park neighborhood staple that holds the title of the oldest, One of the worlds most famous shopping streets is right here in Chicago. Suburbanization, the easy allure of staying home and watching TV, and the inexorable rise of rock and roll all did their part to doom jazz clubs like these and their role in Chicago nightlife history. Share your memories. 1. .awformmain .formsect label {margin-left:5px;width:75% !important;font-weight:normal !important;padding-top:0px !important} @media (max-width: 768px) { Once you walk in, take in the vibe, and see all the vintage furnishings, its hard not to imagine this place having a colorful past. Edward Haan of Chicago and Nashville, TN, bearing "No Color Line in Heaven" sign . margin-left: 5px; Stopping by their airport venue is like taking a step back into Chicago nightlife history. TJO ran Bob's at Senn, not the Turfers. Hollstein School was a one-room schoolhouse in Tinley Park. This legendary venue is one of Chicagos oldest nightclubs and a favorite haunt of Al Capone. .awformmain .doublecolmn .fullsection label{width:100% !important} The venue began offering entertainment in 1974. The intimate lounge wouldnt be slinging the delicious cocktails they are today without becoming the second place in the city to obtain a liquor license after Prohibition. In those days, The Tavern Club often represented stop number one in the moveable feast that was Chicago nightlife. He played many of the clubs in the area and has made a fine career as a jazz and blues vocalist and DJ, who also operates theDJ School of Skokie. .switch{position:relative;display:inline-block;width:60px;height:34px}.switch input{opacity:0;width:0;height:0}.switch1{width:100px!important;height:1px!important;border-top-style:hidden!important;border-right-style:hidden!important;border-left-style:hidden!important;border-bottom-style:hidden!important;background-color:#f5efe0!important}#errorfield{width:88%!important;margin-top:0}.errorfield{width:88%!important;margin-top:0}.slider{position:absolute;cursor:pointer;top:0;left:0;right:0;bottom:0;background-color:#ccc;-webkit-transition:.4s;transition:.4s}.slider:before{position:absolute;content:"";height:26px;width:26px;left:4px;bottom:4px;background-color:#fff;-webkit-transition:.4s;transition:.4s}input:checked+.slider{background-color:#2196F3}input:focus+.slider{box-shadow:0 0 1px #2196F3}input:checked+.slider:before{-webkit-transform:translateX(26px);-ms-transform:translateX(26px);transform:translateX(26px)}.slider.round{border-radius:34px}.slider.round:before{border-radius:50%}, Sunshine in January in Chicago! Look at this classic car in Rockford back in 1956. which was supposed to raise nightlife in Chicago to a new level? So were diving into that jet-setting, Mad Men time when Michigan Avenue became the Mag Mile. Join us in looking back on three swanky nightclubs from the 60s. Select from premium Chicago 1960s of the highest quality. .awformmain .formsection .formrgt,.awformmain .formsection {width: 100% !important;float: none;} We want to promote appreciation of our neighborhoods, like with this paradise of a yard at a home in Pilsen. Our small business tour company has been voted Best Tour of Chicago runner up for the past two years. span.absp_contact_mandatory{color:red} This breakfast diner is known throughout the world, having been visited by politicians, celebrities, and athletes alike, making it a staple among Chicagos oldest restaurants. Sixty years old, he is the widowed father of two young children, 12-year-old son Ian and 10-year-old daughter Soleil. From venues, restaurants, and bars to events, festivals, and music weve got you covered. That high-rise condo building, wasn't that where your aunt and uncle lived in a two-flat? Take a look at these stunning historical photos of Chicago in the 1960s that shows the street, roads, transport, nightlife, and everyday life. "The history of Rush Street needs to be documented before it vanishes. In addition to guiding tours, Im a creative writer and amateur genealogist. INDIANAPOLIS An Indianapolis woman is sharing intimate photos that showcase an era in history that many may not have seen. 1957 - chicago nightclubs - 1950s chicago stock videos & royalty-free footage. There is no telling what to expect at the party beyond performances by Danny Long and his trio, Ronnie Laas in a quartet, food and drink, "celebrity vocalists and musicians," disco and dance music DJ'ed by Floodstrand and others, and a screening of some scenes from "The Search For Count Dante" by filmmaker Floyd Webb, about a compelling localeccentric. Mickey's Bar-B-Q / 841 N. Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL. An Irish mainstay, Kellys is one of the oldest family-owned pubs in Chicago, opening just after Prohibition was repealed and the alcohol flowed freely again. .awformmain .formsection label{width:35%;float:left;padding-right:10px;} . Info? Although its the youngest on this list, this Irish pub in Lincoln Park has still had a pretty impressive lifespan, having been around since the late 40s. Chicago Detours is boutique tour company that tells neighborhood and city stories through in-person tours, virtual tours, and custom content for private group events. Cocktails here swerve toward the classicsno one's trying to reinvent the wheel.. .awformmain div,.awformmain label,.awformmain a,.awformmain span,.awformmain input,.awformmain textarea,.awformmain select{-webkit-box-sizing: border-box;-moz-box-sizing: border-box;box-sizing: border-box;} Chicago, IL. 3350 W. 47th St., Brighton Park, Youll feel like youre in a private club when you walk into Coq dOr, The Drakes historic cocktail lounge. Cheerfulness kept creeping in." From 1957 to 1975 Mister Kelly's was one of the city's and country's most famous nightclubs, home to such performers as Ella Fitzgerald, Mort Sahl, the Smothers Brothers, Barbra Streisand, Sarah. I studied Cinema History for my M.A. Now, I drift back and remember the picture in my mind of Rush Street and the mysteries it held. He plans to attend the Sunday reunion, and so does David Marienthal. Even when he fell in love - and that was frequently - he was never submerged by disappointment. .awformmain label.error{color:red;width: 100% !important;} Mar 30, 2014 - Explore Kyle Bryan's board "1950-60's Nightlife" on Pinterest. Rock and roll was a powerful new form of music that combined elements of rhythm and blues (R&B), pop, blues, and hillbilly music to create a sound that truly shook America. The name comes from its green door a secret code that served as a beacon for anyone trying to get some of that giggle water. The club opened in 1949. Image courtesy John Hemmer Archive. .absp_success_msg {color: green;font-weight: bold;padding: 10px 0;} If youre a White Sox fan, youll feel right at home here. In January 1989, Gatien sold the building to Fred Hoffman for $3.5 million. More talented they may have been, but The Gaslight Club was perpetually in Playboys shadow. And so will your furry friend, for that matter, since its a dog-friendly bar. #buildingstories #placebasededucation #tourism #bronzeville #southside #vernaculararchitecture, Looking down an #atrium. .awformmain select.required{color:#000} From the legendary blues era to the modern-day house and techno craze, Chicago is always on the party map. Its breathtaking to see! DONATE, Before the money moved in, Kings Cross was a place for born-and-bred locals, clubs and crime, See what really went on during that time in NYC's topless go-go bars, Chris Stein 's photographs of Debbie Harry and friends take us back to a great era of music. You can also support us by signing up to our Mailing List. Complete with nautical fixtures and Viking memorabilia, come here to sample a great variety of Swedish beers or to take a warm sip of glgg, a Swedish mulled wine. Inspired by mid-century Hungarian-French photographer Brassa's street photography of Paris in the early decades of the 20th century, Abramson (1948-2011) began photographing nightclubs on Chicago's South Side - clubs like: Peppers Hideout, Perv's House, the High Chaparral, the Patio . The 1950s started off with a bang. And since Chicago, One of Chicagos hippest areas is also overflowing with beer options. This pub was originally Zagorskis Tavern, owned by an intersex woman Walter Lottie Zagorski, who often dressed in drag. See more ideas about night club, night life, vintage burlesque. . We don't want to rely on ads to bring you the best of visual culture. Over the years prominent Chicagoans like Frank Lloyd Wright, Carl Sandburg and Mayor Daley stopped by to knock a few back in front of Edgar Miller 's scandalous "Love Through the Ages" mural. Taken from the @fairliechicago for a special fundraising eventcongrats to @mediaburnarchive for 20 years of saving incredible Chicago stories recorded on various video formats over the decades. Lengl's Schaumburg Inn (later East Street Pub) / 17 S. Roselle Rd. This place dishes out massive portions, so be sure to come with an appetite. Chicago is so pretty at night! We were the Other Club, mentioned in the same breath as Chicagos Playboy Club. . Nothing stays the same and if you want proof just look in the mirror. text-align: left !important; King, Muddy Waters and Ike and Tina Turner performed. West Town/Noble Square area is home for me. "After Hours With Rick Kogan" airs 9 to 11 p.m. Sundays on WGN-AM 720. "The rest will be mostly about other people," he says. 2023 Chicago Fire FC Season Preview: Can Xherdan Shaqiri Lead Fire to an Improved Finish in His Second Season? These distinct neighborhoods from a vibrant, Hispanic enclave known for its, An industrial stretch of Ravenswood has experienced a brewing renaissance in recent years. Ive played a lot of evil, ball-breaking women. Clip ref LC26 1950s. Over the years prominent Chicagoans like Frank Lloyd Wright, Carl Sandburg and Mayor Daley stopped by to knock a few back in front of Edgar Millers scandalous Love Through the Ages mural. - Douglas Percy Bliss on his friend Eric Ravilious from their time at the Royal College of Art Eric Ravilious loved. Key developments evolving in sale of Brauer Museum artwork by Valparaiso University, Its Chicagos fake birthday: Here are 30 essential foods and drinks to celebrate, from Rainbow Cone to Malrt, Carol Stream man, 35, dies in custody at Cook County Jail, officials say, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. All the nightclubs were still going strong, but a little thing called television began to slowly provide a new source of entertainment that enabled people to stay at home rather than to out to the nightspots. box-shadow: none !important; An absolute staple in the Taylor Street area of Little Italy, its a true veteran of Chicagos oldest restaurants, and the food will have you coming back for more, guaranteed. Although change was in the air, in the 1950s many of the most popular night spots and even a few new clubs were able to hold on as you will see in the following pages. .awformmain .formsection div{margin: 0 0 5px 0;} The level of hospitality provided at this place rivals none, and anyone whos been there can attest! Back then, Simons was a grocery store with a subterranean speakeasy for the areas early immigrants. Tortoise Supper Club is a swanky, jazz-age supper club in River North serving up steaks, chops, and fresh seafood in an upscale atmosphere. We . As a fourth generation Chicagoan, I have been living and loving Chicago by bike, on foot, public transit or automobile. The Black Orchid was declared bankrupt in July 1959, closed, and never reopened. Watra Night Club Chicago was launched in the '90s more than 20 years have passed, and despite that, we are still regarded as the best club in the South area. The clubs, with diminishing revenues, could not begin to compete with the small screen at home that made available, in your own living room, access to the worlds top entertainersall without a cover charge.