The Redhead Piano Bar is one of Chicago’s premiere piano bars. It caters to an upscale, 30-something through 50-something crowd, although younger patrons will filter in on the weekends. Most are probably from the nearby River North, Lincoln Park, and Gold Coast neighborhoods, and a smattering of out-of-towners probably find their way here as well.We descended a half-flight of stairs and stepped into the dimly lit lounge to find that the place was absolutely packed. Dark red walls covered in a sheet music motif provide the backdrop for black and white photos of old Hollywood stars including Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, and Marilyn Monroe. The piano is situated just inside the front door, near the window. There are two large rooms. The bar and smaller tables are in the front; the back room is more for those favoring conversation over music. Once we realized that every table was occupied, we found a place to stand near the front window, out of the way and behind the people sitting around the piano.
The music was enjoyable enough, although we were expecting more loungy, Sinatra-type stuff. The play list consisted mostly of 70’s and 80’s rock, with songs from artists such as Billy Joel, Eagles, Elton John, Bruce Hornsby and the Range, and Phil Collins getting the nod more often than not. A few more current selections from the likes of John Mayer, Five for Fighting, and Diana Krall were sprinkled in. This resulted in an impromptu game of Name That Tune with The Better Half, and you’d better be on your toes to match wits with her. Our rule is that the first person to correctly name the title and artist gets a point. Currently, she leads our ongoing game by a shade over two million points.
The Redhead features an extensive martini list of perhaps two dozen concoctions. The beer list is pretty standard, and they offer about ten selections each of red and white wine by the glass.
If second-hand smoke is an issue, you might want to reconsider an evening at The Readhead. After about an hour and a half, I felt like I’d smoked two packs myself.
I’m not sure I’d want to make an entire evening of The Redhead, but for a visit after dinner or as a last stop before calling it a night, this well-known establishment is as good an option as any. And judging by the size of the crowd, The Redhead Piano Bar has plenty of followers.
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About the dress code: The Redhead Piano Bar’s web site uses the term proper attire required. I’d describe their clientele as wearing business casual or better. The doorman seemed to pay particular attention to our shoes as we walked in, giving me the distinct impression he’d put the kibosh on anyone trying to pass through his door wearing sneakers or flip flops. Anything but the nicest looking pair of jeans might leave you ripe for rejection as well.