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Best Spots For Cabaret In Chicago

By Jessica Cage

You may be trying to figure out what to do this weekend, something fun and exciting that you and your friends can do to fill your nights. Maybe you are tired of the club scene and the movies are just not enough. Why not go for some live entertainment? The night calls for cabaret. Chicago has some of the best venues for just that. If you should know anything about Chicago, it is that it has a rich history in comedy and cabaret. This is a tradition that has not died. In fact, there is a growing community of performers and supporters who are dedicated to not only ensuring that the tradition goes on, but continues to improve along the way.

Kiss Kiss Cabaret
(credit: Kiss Kiss Cabaret/Facebook)

Kiss Kiss Cabaret
2257 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 404-7336
kisskisscabaret.com

This weekly cabaret show happens every Friday night and includes the best of comedy, magic, burlesque and so much more. Performed at the Greenhouse Theater center, Kiss Kiss Cabaret is a delicious stew of entertainment and a definite must see. Group deals are available so visit with friends and make the experience a lot more enjoyable when the tipsy sing-along, led by Max Flattery, begins.

UP Comedy Club
(credit: UP Comedy Club/Facebook)

UP Comedy Club
230 W North Ave, 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 662-4562
upcomedyclub.com

Up Comedy Club provides unlimited laughs in a cozy environment, perfect for date night or a night out with your closest friends. Enjoy the entertainment of headlining comedians, improvisation and comedic plays. At Up Comedy Club, the goal is to pay tribute to Chicago and its rich history of comedy. Explore the history of this city with a hysterical twist. The Second City's History of Chicago pokes fun at all things Chicagoan, while providing a little education as well. Buy your tickets now and get ready for some side-splitting laughter.

Related: Best Places To See Ballet In Chicago

elcircocheapo
(credit: elcircocheapo.com)

El Circo Cheapo Cabaret
2041 W Carroll Ave #306
Chicago, IL 60612
(773) 782-6662
elcircocheapo.com

El Circo Cheapo Cabaret is a venue that was made for artists to not only showcase their talents but also try out new and risky parts of their act. Dedicated to helping pull the arts through the recession, El Circo Cheapo is known as "the poor man's Cirque du Soleil." Enjoy acrobatics, jugglers, aerialists and much more. A plus is that no two shows are alike thanks to a cast that keeps on changing. The early show at 7 p.m. is family friendly, but come at 10 p.m. and it's 18 and older only.

Davenport's Piano Bar and Cabaret
(credit: Davenport's Piano Bar and Cabaret/Facebook)

Davenport's Piano Bar
1383 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 278-1830
davenportspianobar.com

If you are looking to enjoy smooth vocals, Davenport's Piano Bar may be the place for you. The two-drink minimum ensures that you will be feeling good while you take in the sweet sounds of the singers. Davenport's provides an upscale look paired with a comfortable feel. This combination makes it the perfect place to get an audio escape from the hectic city life. Check out the cabaret schedule online to find a performance that works for you.

Gallery Cabaret
(credit: gallerycabaret.com)

The Gallery Cabaret
2020 N Oakley Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-5471
gallerycabaret.com

The Gallery Cabaret has been in business since 1988. Open 365 days a year, it is a big player in entertainment in Chicago. Every night between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., the stage lights up and the enjoyment begins. With open mics, The Two Hour Comedy Hour, the CupCake Comedy Show and so much more, there is an endless supply of laughter and fun being handed out at The Gallery Cabaret.

Magic Cabaret
(credit: magic-cabaret.com)

The Magic Cabaret
2257 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 404-7336
magic-cabaret.com

Performed every Wednesday at The Greenhouse Theater in Chicago, The Magic Cabaret is a live magic show that is dedicated to providing entertainment as well as education on the history of magic in Chicago. It actually refers to some of the great Chicago magicians in the act. This mystical concoction is executed by P.T. Murphy and David Parr, two amazing entertainers who have lifelong connections to magic and the need to perform. Tickets available at www.tix.com.

Related: Best Historical Sites In Chicago

Jessica Cage is a freelance writer from Chicago. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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