It's a long way to the top, if...

As the summer days of Chicago (and maybe even the fall) are behind us, we approach October with our eyes on the prize. The third quarter is over, and as public companies fuss over their financial statements and earnings calls to appease their stockholders, we say to you, our personal shareholders, EBONY is for real in 2009. Through Q3, our attempt at completeness has brought us 76% of the way there. I’d say we’re right on marathon pace and ready to tackle Heartbreak Hill around the corner. As of the most recent count, there are 184 bars total on the list, and we have 37 left after tackling 8 so far in October, and adding 3 new ones with F. O’Mahoney’s, Lincoln Hall and Rockwood Place (replaces Central, which sucks, because going to Central already was one of the low points of the year). I’m willing to bet there is still a couple more out there that we’ll notice on the way and make sure to add them in.

This journey has been a rollercoaster for me. For what started seemingly as a joke, has turned in to a dedication that I had not expected. A major shout out goes to my girlfriend Annie, for putting up with my drunken mess at nights and not getting upset when we spend 8+ hours on a Saturday afternoon going from bar-to-bar instead of doing normal couple activities. Kyle and I are forever grateful to you. There have been many moments when I wanted to just quit and assume normal social activities instead. My work/life/running balance has tipped in many directions this year, but am at a point where I realize I have nothing to complain about. We are in the homestretch and there is light at the end of the tunnel. People have asked us what are goal for 2010 will be. We used to come up with crazy ideas, such as going to every bar on Clark or Western Ave in the city, but honestly, I can’t do this anymore. I have hit my threshold. I am committed to 2009, but after that, my focus needs to be reorganized. But not to end on a bummer, there is much excitement ahead of us; such as Halloween parties and the final 37 bars left to visit. My heart is fully committed and ready to let loose. Fans out there, let’s Rock n’ Roll!

Below is a brief recap of the 8 bars we visited so far this month. Kyle was the key note taker for these establishments and will provide further detail soon, so enjoy.



Blues, #140. This came after a long day of Kyle running the marathon, lots of post-race drinks at Stanleys, and me personally getting little sleep. My previous evening with Hall is worthy of an entry by itself, so Hall if you are up to challenge, feel free to ghostwrite an entry for us. As a teaser, the pre-marathon revelry started way too early at ESPN Zone and included many drinks throughout the evening with the likes of Todd Williams, numerous race directors, running store owners and plenty of banter exchanged with Bob Kennedy and Keith Dowling (who hates Chenoweth) at Timmy O'Toole's and Kity O'Sheas. Back on target, Blues was an impromtu stop from Stanleys for us. We initially wanted to go to Las Fuentes, but it was closed. We then chose Blues over Kingston Mines due to the difference in cover charges. The bar was pretty empty, no surpirse given it was a Sunday night. The live band was rocking, and the only others in the crowd were runners wearing their marathon medals in their club wear. 2 were Italian dudes who spoke absolutely no English, and the other 2 were cougars from LA on the prowl. I think that was a match made in heaven.

Beckett's, #141. Met Baumer here to watch the Hawks game. From the same owners of Wilde, but more of bar/library feel. Seidler thinks this bar is named after the bookstore Beckett's, but I'm 99.9% certain its named after the great writer Samual Beckett, especially considering his face is on the facade of the building.

Witt's, #142. Three of us came here after the 2nd period of the Hawks game. Great Belgian beer specials, so we each had a Delerium.

Galway Arms, #143. Now we begin last Saturday afternoon. This was the post Pumpkins in the Park race celebrations. Met Baumer and Borling here for quiet drinks and good conversation before the night snowballed.

The Other Side, #144. We met up with numerous other EBONY groupies. Probably had a contingent of 10+ here, good times were had.


Frank's, #145. Night now starts to get crazier. We get free shots of our choice once we flash the buisness cards. I am give 3 strikes from the bouncer before being kicked out. I only manage to use 2 strikes before leaving. Consider it a donation to next time Frank.

Matisse, #146. Apparently this bar doesn't allow outisde food, even when the bar is 80% empty. This brings out my inner hulk. My sandwiched is finshed outside on the patio and I let the bouncer know my unhappiness. I make it rain with business cards and say "You are getting the worst review EVER!". This allows the first time either of us have been kicked out of bar on this journey. About time.

The Closet, #147. My uneasiness is called by this lesbian hangout. Good times are had and the evening ends on a high note.