Chicago

America’s Second City is the metropolis of the Midwest, teeming with majestic skyscrapers, overstuffed pizzas, loyal sports fans, elaborate hot dogs, mind-boggling museums, and late-night bars. It’s also renowned for a rich musical history that begins with the blues in the 1920s and includes influential record labels such as Chess, Delmark, Bloodshot, Touch & Go, and HoZac.

Before you wear out your Chucks from the glut of things to see and do, check out these favorites from the rock’n’roll renegades at Victim of Time, a Chicago-based “what-to-do for weirdos everywhere” that sprung from the moldy scraps of garage/punk rag Horizontal Action.

Note: Canderson moved to California in mid-2007 but considers Chicago his second home.



CANDERSON Delilah’s (2771 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-472-2771). Mike Miller is the Spuds McKenzie of rock’n’roll bars. He travels the world in search of the greatest whiskey, bourbon, beer, music, and art. They have the world’s greatest selection of bourbon (really. Honestly. It’s a fact. No bar can touch them), a well-stocked jukebox, and cool DJs most nights.

TODD Non-venue bars I like are Innertown Pub (1935 W. Thomas Ave.; 773-465-5568) and Delilah’s, but I rarely go out to bars that don't have shows anymore. If they have good music going, late-night 5am bars like The Continental (2801 W. Chicago Ave.; 773-292-1200) can be ok, but they’re usually too crowded.



BRETT Permanent Records (1914 W. Chicago Ave.; 773-278-1744) has everything you need, from rare psyche to modern must-haves. The owners are great people who love music and they have a cute cat, too.

CANDERSON Ask Todd. He’s the master of this category.

TODD Permanent is hard to beat for new stuff that comes out and is gone in a flash, as well as used stuff. Dave's (2604 N. Clark St.; 773-929-6325) and Reckless (3161 N. Broadway, 773-404-5080; 1532 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-235-3727; 26 E. Madison St., 312-795-0878) are always worth a look, too. But really, the area is so large, I'm sure there are tons of stores I've never even heard of, even after living here for 13+ years. I kind of like knowing that I don't really "know" what the best store is, and that I might stumble upon it someday.



BRETT Quimby’s (1854 W. North Ave.; 773-342-0910)! The best bookstore in the city that somehow carries every ’zine, magazine, and book you could possibly be interested in.

CANDERSON Village Discount Outlet (2032 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-486-7603), Uprise Skate Shop (1820 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-342-7763), and the cheap liquor store right around the corner from where you are.

TODD Right on with Quimby’s, and also Shake Rattle and Read (4812 N. Broadway; 773-334-5311) in Uptown and Laurie’s Planet of Sound (4639 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-271-3569) for an insane selection of music, films, and movies.



BRETT That's a hard one. Let's go with Smoque BBQ (3800 N. Pulaski Rd.; 773-545-7427)—it's the best BBQ made by skinny, ex-programmer nerds in the world.

CANDERSON Chicago Diner (3411 N. Halsted St.; 773-935-6696) for vegetarians. Handlebar (2311 W. North Ave.; 773-384-9546) for veggie, fish, and cheap beer. So many hot dog and pizza places have their own personal charm. I’ll say the obvious: Hot Doug’s (3324 N. California Ave.; 773-279-9550) for their gourmet sausage selections (including veggie) and Pequod’s Pizzeria (2207 N. Clybourn Ave.; 773-327-1512) for their deep-dish pies with caramelized crust. Oh, and Chicago’s Pizza & Pasta (3114 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-477-2777) cuz they deliver til about 5am and my old roommate would order it, pass out, and then I’d have a terrific breakfast.

TODD I'd say Smoque as well, or Superdawg (6363 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-763-0660), Dixie Kitchen & Bait Shop (5225 S. Harper Ave.; 773-363-4943), or Wishbone (1001 W. Washington Blvd., 312-850-2663; 3300 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-549-2663). Basically anywhere I can get fried green tomatoes and free corn cakes. Hema's Kitchen (2411 N. Clark St.; 773-529-1705) for Indian, and Paradise Pup (1724 S. River Rd., Des Plaines; 847-699-8590), too!



BRETT Pratt Pier (1050 W. Pratt Blvd.). Not only a great fishing spot, but one of the best views of the skyline in the city.

CANDERSON Lake Michigan, indeed. Also Blue Festival—lots of bad bands but occasional precious gems. Museums are superb. Art Institute (111 S. Michigan Ave.; 312-443-3600) is my fave.

TODD All along the beachfront is great, and the Signature Room (875 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-787-9596) on top of the John Hancock Center is pretty nice.



BRETT Cobra Lounge (235 N. Ashland Ave.; 312-226-6300): always free through the door, cheap drinks, and tater tots! And Ronny's (2101 N. California Ave.; 773-278-7170)! Sure, it smells like doo-doo, but it has that lawless magic that makes for the most memorable shows.

TODD Cal's Liquors (400 S. Wells St.; 312-922-6392) (best spot; too bad they can't have outdoor seating anymore), Cobra Lounge (all free shows and cheap drinks), Beat Kitchen (2100 W. Belmont Ave.; 773-281-4444) (best sound), Ronny’s (for that "above-the-law" feel), and The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia Ave.; 773-227-4433) for true ambience.