The Real Chicago

Top Menu

  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

Main Menu

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Sign in / Join
  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

logo

Header Banner

The Real Chicago

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Breaking News

Chicago’s hidden gems: Kiss Kiss Cabaret, Unabridged Bookstore, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House and TNT at The Annoyance

General Features
Home›featured-blogs›General Features›Spotlight on The Den Theatre: An artist’s dream — and coffee shop/bar — in Wicker Park

Spotlight on The Den Theatre: An artist’s dream — and coffee shop/bar — in Wicker Park

By TheRealChicagoOnline
May 24, 2015
1451
0
Share:

Endgame-3

By Scott Hartge

Once inside The Den Theatre, there’s a certain kind of creative buzz that is undeniable. Maybe it’s the plush, rustic sofas and chairs in the “Coffee Haven.” Or perhaps it’s the surplus of art that can be found in random corners of the venue, or the variety of performances that regularly take to the stage. These, along with countless other special features, all add up to a theatre experience like few others in Chicago.

The Den Theatre is housed in a building that was originally a department store. Built in the 1890s, the construction provides an expansive loft space for the various stages and rooms. Over its four-plus years, The Den has become a popular host for many theatre companies from the Chicago area. On a given night, there can be a two or three plays happening at once, all from different groups, including The Den’s ensemble cast itself.

“I saw the need for an artistic space where theatre companies can come together and put on their shows” said Ryan Martin, The Den’s artistic director. “We want to put as many artists in one space. When they are working alongside each other, the different theatre companies can mix and pollenate with each other.” p_coffee_haven-940x468

In addition, you can grab a cup of joe and do some work at their relaxing café — or enjoy board game nights, open-mic comedy and beer tastings as well.

Within the year, they will be expanding into the building next door to add a full-fledged restaurant in hopes of offering guests a pre-show meal.

Recently, I attended The Hypocrites’ End Game at The Den. While having a drink in the relaxing café beforehand, I noticed over my shoulder that the curtains, which I initially did not pay much attention to, parted to reveal the backside of the quaint stage for the production, only adding to the charm.

Even in a city as rich in the arts as Chicago, The Den is a one-of-a-kind place that I hope to return to in the near future. Creative buzz included.

The Den Theatre is located at 1333 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park. Visit www.TheDenTheatre.com for more information.

TagsChicago TheaterDen TheatreEnd GameThe HypocritesThe Real ChicagoWicker Park
Previous Article

Chicago’s Signature Dishes: The flautas and tilapia ...

Next Article

The Big City Blog: The Chicago festivals ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

TheRealChicagoOnline

Related articles More from author

  • The Local Corner

    The Local Corner: Exploring the Damen and Lawrence intersection in Ravenswood

    January 28, 2018
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • General Features

    It’s 5 o’clock somewhere: Detailed opinions on where to head for happy hour in Chicago

    October 30, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • The Big City Blog

    Big City Blog: Links Taproom named “Best Beer Bar in Illinois,” Taste of the Gold Coast and new exhibits at ...

    March 9, 2017
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Chicago Insider

    Chicago Insider Monica Reyes on the Duck Inn, discovering unique neighborhoods, and bargains at Akira

    November 10, 2016
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • The Big City Blog

    The Big City Blog: The new Parlay at Joy District, Randolph Street Market, Mamby on the Beach lineup, Mercadito’s Mixology ...

    March 22, 2018
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • The Big City Blog

    The Big City Blog: Steppenwolf’s Front Bar, “Saved by the Bell” pop-up diner, Ravenswood On Tap beer fest and Lollapalooza ...

    June 8, 2016
    By TheRealChicagoOnline

You might be interested

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Tastebud Tours: A walking tour of Chicago that includes generous portions of the city’s best grub? Count us in

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Relationship rejuvenation: Try these unique ideas for adding some romance and fun

  • Around TownHidden Gems

    Chicago’s hidden gems: Swim Cafe, Rudy’s Roundup General Store and Colors and Bottles

Originally launched in 2006, The Real Chicago — as a glossy entertainment magazine, website and email newsletter — has consistently provided the very best insider information, features and reviews to help both tourists and active locals get the most out of exploring the greatest city on Earth.
© Copyright The Real Chicago. All rights reserved.

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login