If you’re braving this town on Halloween — costumed, besotted masses be damned — you better be braving it for good reason.
Said reason: we’ve got a line on a few private spectacles you don’t want to miss. Namely, a Kill Bill-inspired izakaya dinner followed by your choice of three sexy-but-spooky after-dinner parties.
No silly costume necessary. Leave the kids to the candy (and a sitter).
Step One: The Outfit
While All Hallows’ Eve is an excuse for the kids to dress with zero self-conviction, it’s your excuse to dress all in black. We’ve rooted for going all-black here in the past, and while the look might not be as blithesome as a costume, it’s just as eyesome. Hit up Billy Reid and pick up a Fisherman Cardigan and Kieran Boots — then pair ‘em with your favorite pair of black trousers.
Billy Reid, 845 W. Randolph St. (map)
Step Two: The Trick
Revenge is a dish best served cold. In Fat Rice’s case, it’s served as a killer five-course tasting menu. This year the Logan Square hot spot is dressing up as Kill Grill: a haunted izakaya inspired by Kill Bill. Two seatings: 6 and 9 p.m. Tarantino-inspired cocktails. Lots of blood. Get your tickets right here.
Fat Rice, 2957 W. Diversy Ave. (map)
Step Three: The Treats
Children are never satisfied with just one treat. So, too — we’re assuming — how you feel about your after-dinner cocktail options. Below, three grown-man parties to end the night with a proper fright:
Lost Night at the Drifter
Curated by Chicago’s resident grande dame of burlesque, Michelle L’amour, Lost Night is an underground ‘20s Hollywood cabaret party. Expect dark occult vibes. Contortion, Henchwomen. All set in the caverns of River North’s favorite speakeasy, the Drifter. $75 and it’s all yours. Get your ticket here.
The Drifter, 676 N. Orleans St. (map)
Undead Disco: Glitz Glamour and Guts at Cerise
If you haven’t visited the sexy rooftop perch at the Virgin Hotel, here’s your chance. Holy Ghost! headlines this disco dance party. Likelihood of hipster zombies: high. $40. Get your tickets here.
Cerise Rooftop at the Virgin Hotel, 203 N. Wabash Ave. (map)
Blind Tiger: A Circus of Horrors, A Carnival of Curiosities at the Violet Hour
“Spooky” cocktails, magicians and mystics. The James Beard Award-winning cocktail spot is closing its doors for a private Halloween party. A Benjamin gets ya in. Aubrey is who you contact to secure your spot. Email aubrey@violethour.com for tickets.
Violet Hour, 1520 N. Damen Ave. (map)
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