Night Owls

Saturday Night, Chicago
Chicago is always bustling, whether it be the middle of the work day or the middle of the night, there's always something to do. On the weekends, however, the city seems to come even more alive. There are hundreds of places to go, from clubs to dives to museums to galleries- whatever you're into, Chicago has you covered.

This past Saturday I attended my first piano bar, Howl at the Moon, a dim lit, jam packed fun house that serenades you all night with piano renditions of your favorite songs. Bars aren't known for being quiet places, but this one amplifies that fact with full on sing-a-longs that are likely fueled by the alcohol selection (Howl at the Moon sells buckets of mixed drinks). And yes, they played Sweet Caroline...twice.

After hours of belting out tunes and taking down beers it was time to go. Walking out onto Hubbard Street late on a Saturday night is like walking into an overcrowded flea market of cabs with crowds of people bartering for a ride. Crowds stand on the sidewalks, which by midnight are so full of smoldering cigarette butts and wobbly legs that you have to guess where to step. Catching a cab here is like a fight to the death. Everyone exchanges glassed over glares over outstretched arms; the first hand to the yellow handle reaps the glory.

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Back to Reality 

It's Monday and time to get back to the salt grind, as my mother would say. There won't be time for Sweet Caroline today. But the next time I get that itch, I know there's tons of places that are just minutes away.