Most days, it seems we can’t get where we’re going fast enough. The “L” is delayed, so order a Via and when it finally arrives ten minutes later, we hit traffic. Maybe it’s a sign we need to stop rushing toward the future and slow down. What better way to do that than to spend some time at a place that hasn’t changed since Prohibition? Here are seven of our favorite spots that are stuck in time…in a good way.
The 7 Most Old-School Spots in Chicago to Eat, Drink or Just Instagram
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Published Aug 9, 2017
The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge
Opened in 1907, this Uptown jazz bar was once a haunt of none other than Al Capone. In fact, you can still snag a seat in his favorite booth on the bar’s west side. Just think twice before you start hatching any schemes.
4802 N. Broadway Ave.; 773-878-5552 or greenmilljazz.com
The Berghoff
Back in 1898 when this German restaurant opened, you could get a beer and a sandwich for a nickel. Those prices have inflated over the years, but you can’t put a price on dining at what is easily the Loop’s most iconic restaurant.
17 W. Adams St.; 312-427-3170 or theberghoff.com
The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
This museum, located in the former mansion of Samuel M. Nickerson, a prominent 19th-century banker, really puts the phrase “Gilded Age” in context. Seventeen types of marble as well as onyx, alabaster, carved and inlaid wood cover practically every surface. And we haven’t even touched on the collection of art and antiques.
40 E. Erie St.; 312-482-8933 or driehausmuseum.org
Gene & Georgetti
Chicago’s not short on great steakhouses, so why not choose by seniority? Gene & Georgetti is the city’s oldest, having opened in 1941. While it's perfected the chops and pastas, it hasn’t messed with the ambiance: Expect a cozy vibe that takes you back.
500 N. Franklin St.; 312-527-3718 or geneandgeorgetti.com
The Rookery
Construction of this early skyscraper was completed in 1888, but Frank Lloyd Wright redesigned the two-story skylit lobby in 1905. What remains is a prestigious Chicago landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Best of all, it’s free to just pop in and gawk.
209 S. LaSalle St.; 312-553-6100 or therookerybuilding.com
Club Lucky
Club Lucky’s Formica-topped bar is an exact replica of the original, from when the spot opened in 1938. Queue your favorite Rat Pack tune on the jukebox, then sidle up to a barstool for a martini. We don’t usually say this, but ring-a-ding-ding.
1824 W. Wabansia Ave.; 773-227-2300 or clubluckychicago.com
Cafe Brauer
This Prairie-style landmark boasts soaring ceilings with Tiffany-style lamps that date back to 1908. Oh, and the terrace views of surrounding Lincoln Park ain’t bad either.
2001 N. Clark St.; 312-742-2000 or lpzoo.org
