Home > Chicago Bars & Clubs > Editorial Review > Inside: Cobra Lounge

Excuse me. I'm with the band. Well, actually, I might just be in one.

That's what it feels like hanging out at West Town's just-opened Cobra Lounge, which is very Wicker Park-meets-Warehouse District in that rough-yet-polished sort of way. This bar/restaurant/soon-to-be live music venue aims to serve as an all-purpose rock 'n' roll destination in this otherwise barren desert, at least by barhopping standards.

Inside: The snake marks the spot. Look for a giant, red and black cobra sign surrounded by flashing gameshow light bulbs. Inside, the same color scheme sets a dark and sexy, come-hither tone, from the bartops covered in high gloss automotive paint to the leather dining room tablecovers to the hanging chain light fixtures and behind-the-bar tiles. The only place this moody palette strays--and we still can't quite figure this one out--is in the uber-girly, Pepto-Bismol pink ladies' powder room befitting Barbie's Dream House.

A curtain-covered opening connects the bar's loungier smoking side (where exposed brick and high beams lend Gothic, cavelike flair) to the non-smoking restaurant. The art proves Cobra Lounge doesn't take itself too seriously; check out the painting of a skeleton puffing on a cig, or the trio of '80s heavy metal, creature fantasy prints.

Owner Sean McKeough says he considers the venue his big art project, so keep your eyes peeled for slight changes, especially to the dining/concert side. Handcarved wood panels will soon be erected around the stage, enclosing it as a lounge area for 20-25 when there's no show on the sked.

Tunes: All rock, all the time. DJs spin from a lofted booth, giving them a bird's-eye view of the bar, and a high tech sound system pipes the music to both sides of the venue. Earlier in the night, it's your choice, thanks to a rock-stocked jukebox. McKeough hand selected the CDs, including some of his faves like Kyuss, Motorhead and Queens of the Stone Age. You'll also find The Ramones, The Who, The Beatles, White Stripes, Radiohead and, a fitting selection, Detroit Cobras.

Live acts: Stay tuned! Live music is on the horizon for at least two nights a month, when dining tables will be removed to open up the room and a cover charge will be collected at the door.

Drinks: A straightforward menu lists a selection of wines by the glass ($5-$8) or bottle ($21-$39), and whiskeys, vodkas, rums, tequilas and other alcohol priced by brand ($4-$30). Then there's the bottled and draft beer, ranging from a $1.50 High Life or $2 PBR can to $4-$6 imports and $5 pints, including Rogue Dead Guy Ale. Unfortunately, we got sticker shock when a friend's $8 Grey Goose sported an additional $5 martini charge. We balked. A manager took off one of the extra charges; we called to get the scoop a few days later. Though there was a glitch in the register's computer program that night, going forward, expect a $2 upcharge for drinks on the rocks or martinis.

Eats: An opening week menu boasted mini burgers, panko-crusted chicken fingers, buffalo wings and other bar food in small or big plate options, depending on your appetite ($5-$14). Heftier entrees included the Cobra filet ($24) and grilled steak wrap ($17). Look for an expanded menu soon when the lounge begins weekday lunch service.

Service: Our cute, bubbly waitress sported Mukluks and a smile, and though attentive and friendly, she didn't seem too clued in to the menu yet. Better table lighting might have helped all of us; we could barely read the menu by candlelight.

Crowd: A majority of the crowd had that Wicker Park, Ukie Village edge and dressed in dark colors, though as long as you express your personal style and are comfortable with it, we say anything goes. Overall, we got a friendly vibe. Luckily, the pretension you might expect from hipster hangs or super-sceney spots wasn't really evident here.

Getting there: Cabs are few and far between, so try and catch your return trip home when someone else is getting dropped off. Otherwise, the Lake Street Green Line stop is minutes away. But if you can coax a pal into being the designated driver, your best bet is probably Cobra Lounge's free parking lot.

Bottom line: Raise your hand in the air, hold up your index and pinky fingers, and say it with us: Rock on!

Karen Budell is the metromix nightlife producer.

Originally published March 29, 2006.

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