from Time Out Chicago via Shelf-Awareness
Time Out Chicago / Issue 182 : Aug 21–27, 2008
Just opened
Chinaski’s
Photo: Matt Taplinger
A GOOD PLACE TO GET LIT It’s not the bookstore the neighborhood badly needs, but Chinaski’s is nevertheless doing its part to bring a little literary culture to its strip of Damen Avenue. Having taken over the Whiskey Road space a few weeks ago, the owners refashioned the bar to be a haven for people who like beer and words in equal amounts. (To wit, the name of the bar is taken from an autobiographical Charles Bukowski character.) The stage in the back room will now be put to use at a weekly Wednesday-night literary open mike, a comedy open mike on Thursdays and other bookish events, and the sandwiches on the menu are named for maverick authors and poets. But fans of Whiskey Road need not go into mourning yet—one thing Chinaski’s has kept around is the Monday-night baskets of unlimited bacon. 1935 N Damen Ave at Homer St (773-252-8531).
— David Tamarkin