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For two decades, The Hideout's been a center for counterculture, hidden in between Wicker and Lincoln parks, right across from a city of Chicago truck yard. But one of Chicago's least-likely candidates for expansion is doing just that, confirming what Eater Chicago reported in June. On Thursday, they'll unveil The Hideout Riverwalk, a new live-music venue along the Chicago River that will serve alcohol and food.
The project is what they're doing instead of the Hideout Block Party, which was nixed this year, but will return in 2016.
"Instead of a three-day block party, we'll do a three-month riverwalk festival," co-owner Tim Tuten said.
Tuten says they'll open for business at 11 a.m. on Thursday and stay open until Nov. 1 on the Chicago River between State and Wabash. They'll host some familiar acts who have performed at The Hideout. Crain's reports free all-ages shows will go from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. every weekday, except Wednesday. They'll also host shows from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Check The Hideout website for updates. They'll close around 9 p.m., for the first couple weeks, but Tuten says they'll be flexible, in case folks are hanging out before the mandatory 11 p.m. close for riverwalk establishments.
There's focus on affordable beer and food, giving workers of all persuasions — from suits to construction workers — an option along the river. They wanted to break the mold, where the cheapest beer found could be $6 or $7, Tuten said. There will be a cheap canned beer, like PBR, available every day. Mae Governale is the manager and drink designer for the project, said Tuten. They'll serve five special cocktails and pour Lagunitas Brewing Co. beer, that includes a special beer brewed for Expo Milan 2015: Fusion XXXI Mozango. Foodwise, they'll have items from Bridgeport Pasty. There will also be food surprises, perhaps Taco Tuesdays, Tuten said.
"It's just going to be real Chicago. It's the Hideout; Chicagoans hanging out after work," he added.
The crowd will be different downtown and with sunlight, but for now, Tuten and company are concentrating on the next 10 weeks of programming. They can't say if they'll return for future seasons on the river.
