When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
NEVER HAVE I EVER
Why NEVER HAVE I EVER is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Never Have I Ever is a semi-autobiographical comedy-drama series centered around Devi Vishwakumar, a first-generation Indian-American teenager navigating the ups and downs of high school life. Created by Mindy Kaling, the series offers a heartfelt, humorous, and realistic portrayal of adolescence, cultural identity, and family dynamics. The show blends comedy and emotional depth, tackling themes such as grief, friendship, and growing pains in an accessible way. With a runtime of about 30 minutes per episode, it makes for an easy and engaging binge-watch experience. The story shines with its diverse cast and the authentic representation of an Indian-American family without relying heavily on outdated stereotypes. Set primarily in Los Angeles, the series combines relatable teen scenarios with cultural nuance, making it a welcoming and entertaining gathering place for friends to connect over shared experiences or fresh perspectives on adolescence and identity.
Here's what people think of NEVER HAVE I EVER
As of recent, NEVER HAVE I EVER holds a 3.9-star rating based on 264 reviews.
User reviews for Never Have I Ever rate it around 3.9 out of 5 based on over 260 assessments, reflecting a generally favorable reception. Positive reviews highlight the show's realistic and relatable characters, noting how it avoids stereotypical portrayals often seen in similar media. Viewers appreciated the show's balance of humor and emotional moments, especially how it depicts the complexity of teenage life and family relationships with sincerity. The short episode lengths and engaging story arcs contribute to an enjoyable binge-watching experience. However, some negative feedback mentions that the plot can feel familiar or repetitive, and a few viewers found portions of the dialogue or some characters less appealing or unlikable. Criticism often points to occasional drag in pacing and the acting quality not meeting everyone's expectations. Despite these critiques, the show stands out as a significant step forward in diverse storytelling, resonating well with many audiences, particularly those craving representation and genuine emotional themes in teen comedies.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Takeko Simms
What can I say about this spot? True drink pours so get your drink on (responsibly, of course)! Cute, friendly bartenders please tip them well! Go-go dancer yes see previous tipping policy. Music always on point! And to top it off a depictions of one of my best friends from back in the day Jojo Baby!
JON SPEAKE
Was first time going there for a special event loved it was basically an underwear night wish they had more underwear nights at least one day every month or more would be fun easier to do that than some costume type things!! Maybe try to do something even more sexier more revealing pasty night jockstrap night something so many people I talk to wish they had something like that even more revealing sexy than underwear 𤣠but it was really cool great people will be back I like the sexy naughty events đâ¤ď¸đ Please have a lot more anyway you could do some kind of nudist night would be fun A lot of people I met there wish they did they said and that seems like a great idea Everyone likes the free feeling đâ¤ď¸đ!!
Margima Nono (Gima)
My husband and his close friend went out the first time coming to this place and we did not expect how this place was going to be. I really liked the atmosphere here definitely a different kind of vibe like futuristic vibe yet had a aesthetic feel to it coming into the front part of the bar especially. A bit more in the younger crowd tho. It is quieter in the front part of the space but going towards the back into the club area is a lot louder and the music is definitely has beats to vibe too. Over all experience was awesome and yet chill.
Amy
Edited review (see image for club owners response to inital review): Letâs clear up a few thingsâespecially since the club responded with a âbreakdownâ which included some blatant inaccuracies. First, I was charged $5 for a bottle of water, not $2 as claimed. If you're going to justify the charge, at least be honest about what you're charging customers. It's baffling that a business waits until someone is "truly in need" of water before offering it. The whole point of providing water is to keep people hydrated so they can continue enjoying their time, not wait until they're on the verge of blacking out. Charging for water over basic customer safety? Itâs just a blatant cash grab at the wrong expense. Second, I bought a couple of drinks. One bartender used a jigger, yes, but another clearly didnât and free poured, which is exactly why I said my drinks tasted watered down. If youâre going to claim consistency, then ensure your staff actually practices it. Maybe next time, you should just make my drink with a garden hose so I can actually get a cup of water around here. As for the music: No, I didnât expect a "FiVe-HoUr FaN cLuB eXpErIeNcE", but I did expect to hear more of the artist the night was themed around. Thatâs just basic event follow-through. What really stands out, though, is the tone of the club's response to my initial review. Instead of engaging respectfully with a paying customerâs feedback, you chose to get snarky and dismissive. That tells meâand probably anyone else readingâthat genuine customer feedback isnât taken seriously here. Inital review: Do yourself a favor and avoid this bar. Not only do they charge for water (a basic necessity when drinking), but the drinks are watered down as well. I asked for tap water but they say the only option is bottled water. On top of that, I went for a themed night, and they didnât even play the artistâs music! What's the point of a themed night if you're not even going to follow through with the theme? Save your money and go somewhere that actually cares about their customers.
Charles Nawara
Great bar with good drinks and super friendly bartenders! Everyone is always so nice and welcoming. The types of events they host are so varied that there's always something for every type of person. The space is really nice too with spots for dancing in the back or sitting and relaxing. I can't say I've had a bad experience here
How to reach NEVER HAVE I EVER
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Why NEVER HAVE I EVER may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Never Have I Ever with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a fun night out is all about finding a place that sparks excitement, offers a lively atmosphere, and serves as a social hub â Never Have I Ever in Chicago excels in all these respects. This venue is uniquely designed to create memorable experiences centered on connection, playfulness, and nightlife energy. Its name alone evokes curiosity and interaction, inspired by the classic party game that encourages sharing, laughter, and breaking the ice. Whether your group is close-knit or just getting to know one another, this place offers an unpretentious yet vibrant setting where laughter and conversations flow effortlessly. The intimate lounge portions and energetic nightclub vibe coexist, allowing for both relaxed chats and full-on dancing. Its location in Lincoln Park, a bustling neighborhood known for nightlife and dining, makes it accessible and convenient for groups aiming to rally at a spot that feels special yet easy to get to. If you want a combination of engaging activities, social cocktails, and dynamic music, Never Have I Ever is worth considering as your next meetup destination with friends or family.
What activities does Never Have I Ever offer that make it ideal for group meetups?
Never Have I Ever provides a variety of activities designed to cater to different tastes within a group, ensuring everyone finds something to enjoy. One of its standout features is the presence of multiple bars â specifically three, with one in the front and two in the back near the dance floor â allowing guests to easily grab drinks without long waits or crowded lines. This setup is perfect when you come with a group because members can split up to get their favorite drinks and still meet back with no hassle. The venue often hosts live music and DJ sets focused on hip-hop and other popular genres, energizing the crowd and providing a compelling reason to dance, sing along, or simply vibe to the tunes. For groups that enjoy nightlife culture, the dance floor in the back space creates an exciting hotspot where everyone can let loose. Moreover, the bar doubles as Chicagoâs first agave den, offering specialized cocktails made with agave spirits like tequila and mezcal, which adds a unique tasting adventure for cocktail enthusiasts in your group. This combination of a buzzing social scene and specialized drinks ensures that meetups are not just ordinary hangouts but celebrations of night-time fun and friendship.
How does the ambiance and staff affect the meetup experience at Never Have I Ever?
The overall vibe of Never Have I Ever plays a significant role in shaping your group's night, but reviews show a mix of opinions regarding service and atmosphere. Some visitors appreciate the nightclubâs late-night energy, friendly mixologists, and the creative cocktail menu that ensures the drinks complement the experience. The presence of expert mixologists contributes to carefully crafted drinks, which enhances gathering moments where friends try new beverages and share their favorites. However, there have been critical reports about service quality, citing rude bartenders and subpar customer interaction on certain occasions. While this feedback suggests there might be inconsistencies, such experiences can depend on timing and staff shifts. Nonetheless, the venueâs commitment to offering a lively nightlife destination in Lincoln Park means they aim to improve and maintain a fun welcoming environment. For groups, this means itâs wise to visit during busy nights to soak in the energetic crowd but also be prepared to manage expectations around staff engagement. Ultimately, the lively music, spacious dance floor, and multi-bar setup encourage guests to focus on the shared good times and vibrant atmosphere.
What makes Never Have I Ever stand out as a nightlife hotspot in Chicago?
Never Have I Everâs location in Lincoln Park places it among Chicagoâs vibrant nightlife scene, but its distinguishing factor is its dual identity as both an agave-focused lounge and a nightclub. This unique pairing makes it more than just a place to drink or danceâitâs an experience tailored to adventurous palates and social atmospheres alike. Being recognized as Chicagoâs first agave den means it offers a curated selection of agave spirits that you may not find widely available elsewhere, allowing your group to explore distinctive margaritas, tequila flights, and mezcal cocktails. This emphasis on agave creates a fresh narrative that appeals to cocktail lovers eager to discover nuanced flavors and new favorites together. Additionally, the venue hosts events and new happy hour menus that make meetups affordable and lively, perfect for groups who want to maximize fun without overspending. The late night hours allow for post-dinner gatherings that can extend well into the early morning hours, encouraging extended visits where you can fully immerse in music, dancing, and socializing. Thus, Never Have I Ever strikes a balance of nightlife innovation, quality drinks, and cultural vibrancy that resonates deeply with Chicagoâs partygoers.
What should groups expect regarding space and layout at Never Have I Ever?
Never Have I Ever features a spacious layout that is well-suited for groups ranging from casual meetups to organized events. The venueâs design incorporates a front bar area ideal for initial arrival and small-scale socializing, while the back section houses the dance floor and two additional bars, creating a natural flow between intimate conversations and energetic dancing. This spatial division lets groups pick their vibe for the eveningâwhether they prefer to chill in a lounge-like setting with crafted cocktails or dive into the pulse of the music on the dance floor. The back area can also be opened for private parties or special events, making this location versatile if youâre planning a birthday celebration, a reunion, or a themed night out. The multiple bars reduce crowding around drink areas and improve the overall guest experience by keeping everything running smoothly. Though some event attendees have voiced concerns about service, the physical setup itself is thoughtful and appealing, fostering both interaction and ease of movement for groups. For meetups, this means you can comfortably spread out, sample different parts of the venue, and reunite throughout the night without feeling confined or overwhelmed.
Why is Never Have I Ever recommended as a venue for game nights and interactive socializing?
The very name âNever Have I Everâ evokes the essence of playful interaction, perfectly lending itself to game nights and social activities with friends or family. This branding reflects the barâs ethos of encouraging guests to break the ice, share stories, and create moments of new experiences â all central to the classic game from which it takes its name. Hosting a meetup here means your group can easily integrate casual games like âNever Have I Ever,â truth-or-dare style conversations, and other icebreaker activities while enjoying cocktails designed to refresh and inspire. The lounge environment in parts of the bar supports these quieter, interactive moments amid the louder nightclub atmosphere. This makes the venue not just a place to drink and dance but a facilitator of shared memories and bonding through candid, fun engagement. Groups who treasure meaningful social connections will appreciate how the layout and the spirit of the venue invite inclusivity and spontaneity, allowing friends and family members of different ages and personalities to enjoy quality time together.
How does Never Have I Ever cater to different group sizes and social needs?
Whether your group is a small circle of close friends or a larger gathering of family and acquaintances, Never Have I Ever adapts to varied social configurations with ease. The venue's three-bar design and segregated spaces provide flexible options for accommodating different numbers without sacrificing interaction or ambiance. Small groups can gravitate towards quieter bar areas for intimate conversations and deep catching-up sessions, while larger groups can claim ample space in the back near the dance floor for high-energy celebrations. The possibility to reserve sections or even the back area for private events adds an extra layer of personalization, making it a prime spot for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or casual corporate meetups. Its Chicago location and open late hours further ease logistics for diverse attendees, ensuring everyone can join without stress. By balancing lively music, specialty drinks, seating areas, and event capabilities, Never Have I Ever ensures that all types of meetups, from laid-back evenings to spirited nights, find the right environment here.
What tips can optimize your meetup experience at Never Have I Ever?
To get the most out of your group visit to Never Have I Ever, some practical tips can enhance the night and minimize potential frustrations. Arriving earlier in the evening can secure better seating options and avoid peak-time service delays that some reviewers have mentioned. Making a reservation, particularly for larger groups or special occasions, is recommended to ensure you have a comfortable and designated space. Exploring the agave cocktail menu is a must for those interested in unique drink selectionsâasking the knowledgeable bartenders for recommendations can lead to exciting discoveries. Engage with the venueâs events calendar to time your visit when live music or DJ performances match your groupâs preferences, adding extra energy to your gathering. Lastly, embrace the playful spirit evoked by the venueâs name by incorporating group games or storytelling elements to amplify bonding moments. With these strategies, the venueâs dynamic environment can be fully enjoyed, setting the stage for a memorable night out with friends or family.
By choosing Never Have I Ever, you are opting for a lively, music-infused venue with a specialty in agave cocktails and a social atmosphere that encourages playful interaction and dancing. Despite mixed reviews on service, the location, layout, and unique thematic offerings make it an intriguing and practical choice for hosting your next group meetup in Chicagoâs Lincoln Park.