The Kinetic Playground: User Reviews

Cool Uptown music spot
By ladysaraxxx from bucktown, December 16, 2008

Overall rating:

It seems to be the only place in uptown that is worth the trip plus it's open late! Saturday 5am and it doesnt have that creepy 5 am bar meat market vibe. ie Estells or Nick's Uptown. There is a good variety of music represented there and the crowd is diverse. free parking or the red line makes it super easy to get there especially before or after an Agaon or Riv show.

Late Night Party
By Splinter from Uptown, December 26, 2007

Overall rating:

Maybe it's because years have passed since the last entry on this page, but I really liked the place!!! The staff was cool! The venue was comfortable and the drinks were good!
They had inexpensive beers as well as standard Bud selection in bottles and really good mixed drinks, but none of those reasons are why I went (though it's nice to see PBR somewhere outside Wicker Park). I went because there was some incredible electronica playing there. It was a rare show. I think that's what they specialize in... shows that actually mean something.
For instance, I saw Cyro Baptista & Clyde Stubblefield together on a double bill. I guess that show was booked for those into world class drums and percussion and the ticket was also a keeper (like artwork?). Whatever, I keep stubs, and this one is cool. Last time I was there late night (until 4am) the bar was pretty packed. Some would say this is a late night music venue and it sounds great.
I took a close look at the walls and they're completely soundproofed past the metal mesh. I think the place was built for sound! The sound kickin'! I'll say it looks kind of hippie from the outside, but inside... it's all class! They cater to a touring music scene, generally a live music scene, though I'm down mainly with the DJs.
There seems to be a lot of Grateful Dead related projects this way, but if you have your ear to the wall, then this may be your spot! I look forward to seeing how they develop as a venue in the city. They're about the same size as the Abbey Pub & Double Door.
I like the sightlines better than at the Abbey. The stage is set up differently and there's a plateau in the back of the room so it's easy to see over heads. Also there are couches to sit on which also really help. I was told there was a coat check, but I didn't see it.
The venue is wheelchair accessible... which I think is cool as one for one of my buddies.
This is my first review... so I don't know if I covered what you are looking for.

Nicest staff you can find....
By Carrie from chicago, IL, July 29, 2006

Overall rating:

Nicest staff you can find. Drink prices were very reasonable.Ladies washroom was better than downtown clubs washrooms!!! Where can you get free parking in the city. Loved it. I guess the type of people depend on the bands that nite.

I went there sat night....
By Chrissy from chicago, il, May 20, 2006

Overall rating:

I went there sat night. the music was ok, the crowd was kinda trashy, but the drinks were good. It's open till 4 am but dies down after 1. Minimal seating on plastic Ikea cushions.