Ennui
Driving on Sheridan, one cant help but notice the horribly ugly scrap metal sculpture that adorns the corner in front of Ennui. Aptly named, Ennui is one of my favorite places to meet friends, sit around, and for the most part do nothing at all. The atmosphere is nice no matter what time of day and the staff is very friendly. At least once a week, they have live jazz which I've seen pack the tiny place. Sometimes other types of music are featured, but not frequently. Also, there is the occasional art opening from a local artist. Free box wine, anyone? More regularly, the smoking section is filled with any number of local chess players. They're always quasi-competitive and generally rowdy. In terms of food, I hear management plans to expand the usual coffee shop fare with the addition of a kitchen. The food they have is good, but its best to get a recommendation from one of the staff members. They know what the deal is. I only seem to have an appetite for iced coffee.
Heartland
Heartland Cafe, a veritable magnet for aging ex-hippies, is visible from the Morse red line stop. My favorite part about the place is the antique photo booth right next to the magazine rack. The pictures always seem to be a bit overdeveloped, but still worth it for 3 bucks. Heartland is complete with a full bar and a decent sized stage. Really nice decor, too. Enough good music comes through to make an outing worthwhile, and yes, smoking is permitted.
Chase
Chase Cafe occupies an incredibly nice space in the lobby of a huge 1920's Rogers Park hotel-turned-apartment building. There is a good amount of comfortable furniture, a pool table, and most importantly, an original tabletop Ms. Pac-Man cabinet. They have Arachnoid too, both only 25 cents a game, like it should be. Also, there are computers strewn about which I suppose makes the place an internet cafe. If that sounded like it was enough, there is a backroom where shows are sometimes held as are other events. Last time I was there a dance troupe was practicing. Chase has a pretty laid back atmosphere and is not overpriced, plus its open until 2 in the morning.
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