In Which We Endorse the Piano Bar

Music is never just background noise. It sets the tone. True for plate appearances, true for weddings. And definitely true for bars, where nothing will drive patrons home faster than a juke box zero. Below, three new drinking establishments that’ll provide the right soundtrack for your next great night out.

Henry’s Rec Room | River North

The vibe: Opens tonight. A rock ‘n’ roll speakeasy below Henry’s Swing Club. Low-lit. Disco ball. There’s also a dance floor. You know what to do.
The music: Free — yes, free — jukebox spinning 45s. They’ve got everything from Led Zeppelin to The Supremes on the sheets. Go with “Dancing in the Dark.” Proceed to dance like Springsteen.
The poison: Hand-bottled carbonated cocktails. The Margarita will loosen ‘ya up.

Tack Room | Pilsen

The vibe: The newest addition to the Pilsen funhouse, which also includes Thalia Hall, Dusek’s and Punch House. Small, modern piano bar. Opens up to a relaxed sidewalk patio.
The music: Live piano players Thursday, Friday and Saturday night pounding out everything from the Cheers theme to Beyoncé covers.
The poison: Tack Room Buck (menu here), a proper summertime sipper with bourbon and housemade carrot and ginger beer.

The Heavy Feather | Logan Square

The vibe: A rocking, lay-low 1970s den above Slippery Slope. Sunken bar with loungers and vintage jeweled light fixtures that give the room a fuzzy sepia glow. At least one taxidermied bear.
The music: The Eagles. Bee Gees. Lionel Richie. Groovy ‘70s tunes to the max, man.
The poison: Grasshopper. Consider it dessert: ice cream and Hennessy VS Cognac with crème de menthe and crème de cacao.