By END
January 13, 2010
I'm not as hard core as I think I am. Not even close.
There is this strip of bars on the West side that open at 6AM. When I first heard this, I immediately thought who in their right mind would want a drink at that hour?! What kind of town did I move to! Then it was explained the plethora of early rising bars are conveniently located next to Georgia Pacific, a paper mill. Shifts at the mill can run into the wee hours when this little mama is still tucked in bed. Then I started to think that this was such a great idea. There are an incredible amount of jobs that entail random hours or what the norm considers unconventional hours. I was thoroughly impressed with these establishments. My goal was to wake up with the roosters and hit one up. I'm hardcore, I don't need my beauty sleep and who says I can't have a beer when the sun isn't even up yet? If I can stay out all night till the early morn', I can certainly wake up and begin my adventure just as early. Jekyll and Hyde, here I come!
As I stated before, I'm not hardcore. I can't really say I'm even medium core...
I rolled outta bed around 8 and the thought of putting anything liquid other than orange juice in my body seemed wrong to me on so many levels. I still went to Jekyll and Hyde, just, like, 9 hours later.
There is parking on the streets with no meters, I just parked on the side and hoped it was okay. You do that in Chicago and you better believe there's a hidden sign somewhere laughing at you, declaring you're an ass and getting a $60 parking ticket. As my girlfriend and I walked in, all eyes from the boys at the bar turned and looked. They all smiled and gave their attention back to their beers. I walked up to the bar and saw on tap they had Miller Lite, Coors Light and Bud Light. I ordered a Coors Light, I'm being hardcore, remember? Coors Light is so more hard core than Bud Light ;) These tappers will run you $2.50. Pretty cheap. AND it was happy hour, 2 for 1. Actually they have two separate happy hours: The first one begins at 6AM and the second one begins at 4PM. Best. Idea. Ever. They only accept cash, so if you find you're out, just use the ATM inside. There is also a full liquor bar if you fancy something more potent.
You can sit at the bar, it's along the right side of the building and is rectangular shaped. Or there are a few tables on the other side. There is also a small stage in the back corner set up for performances. Above the stage is this huge mural of Jekyll and Hyde from the classic tale. When we arrived the bartender turned on some tunes. I didn't mind the quiet but the music did bring some more atmosphere to the bar. I liked Jekyll and Hyde. Cheap beer, 2twohappy hours, friendly faces, a stage for shows... but I wanna try it early in the morning and see what's buzzin' around there. I'm curious. And I need to work on my hardcore-ness.
