Who: Joey Vartanian, 43, Lincoln Park ("born and raised")Job: Owner of Maxbar, and Tin Lizzienow resides (2483 N. Clark St.). "There were no big clubs back then,"he says. "Just smaller new-wave neighborhood bars like Exit." Twenty years later, in 2002, Vartanian made a risky move by taking over ownership of Crobar (1543 N. Kingsbury St.), … Read more
I met a couple of the boys at Cans, sans strippers. After the disappointing outcome, I needed some cheering up, so I headed to an engagement party at The Underground with the birthday boy and his posse. On my way over, I sent a text to the owners to see if we’d have any trouble … Read more
In my
I got my first fake ID when I was a senior in high school; according to it, I was 23 and from Lincoln, Nebraska. I’m not sure how anyone bought it then, since, at 32 now, I still get carded. But in Rogers Park circa 1991, it got me into the now-closed Biddy Mulligan’s every … Read more
I’ll admit it: I’m not what you’d call a sports nut; I’m more of a fair-weather fan. But I did fill out two brackets for this year’s March Madness at espn.com. Even if it’s not likely, I figured I could win $10,000-plus, a vested interest keeps me mildly plugged in to the NCAA tournament. And … Read more
If you’ve ever wondered what happens to primetime TV stars when their shows get canceled, just spend some time at the clubs. Last night That ’70s Show‘s Danny Masterson was in town to host and DJ an event at Stereo nightclub and his high-profile relationship with model Bijou Phillips (daughter of the Mamas and the … Read more
Sometimes just doing my job feels like crashing a party. Forget six degrees of separation; in Chicago, if you know one well-connected person, you can pretty much get yourself invited to anything.Last week a fellow nightlife writer forwarded me a party invitation she’d received from a good-looking gay man who works at the Apparel Center. … Read more
I was talking to my ex the other day about man crushes. No, he’s not gay. Very straight, in fact. He owns a gym, is a martial arts expert, rides a Harley, and likes women. But he’s very comfortable with his sexuality and can point out a man crush-that is, a non-romantic affinity for another … Read more
Readers, I took many of your comments on my last post to heart. Then I called the journalism-community hotline, and it turns out the blog meets its level of standards. Phew! I was worried.In all seriousness, several of the comments held some weight. I would never reveal the e-mailer’s identity-not even to my friends (they … Read more
As the Rolling Stones sang, you can’t always get what you want. I’m perfectly in touch with that notion. I spent Monday evening with an ex who’s still a good friend, although things weren’t always so copasetic. Right now we’re on the same page-meaning I’m not pining away for him-which makes being friends easy, so … Read more
