When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
The Wild Hare & Singing Armadillo Frog Sanctuary
Why The Wild Hare & Singing Armadillo Frog Sanctuary is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Wild Hare & Singing Armadillo Frog Sanctuary, located in Chicago's vibrant Wrigleyville neighborhood, is a unique and inviting spot perfect for meeting up with friends. Known as the "Reggae capital of America," this venue offers a lively atmosphere fueled by live reggae music every night of the week, providing an authentic Jamaican cultural experience right in the heart of the city. With three bars, a spacious lounge, and a large open dance floor, it creates a perfect setting for socializing, dancing, and enjoying great music together. The menu specializes in Caribbean cuisine, featuring flavorful dishes that complement the vibrant musical backdrop. The Wild Hare balances being a premier music venue and a welcoming gathering place, combining the warmth of Caribbean hospitality with Chicago's lively nightlife. Whether you’re catching a live band, savoring Caribbean flavors, or simply enjoying the lively ambiance, The Wild Hare & Singing Armadillo Frog Sanctuary stands out as a great destination for friends to gather and celebrate.
Here's what people think of The Wild Hare & Singing Armadillo Frog Sanctuary
As of recent, The Wild Hare & Singing Armadillo Frog Sanctuary holds a 4.4-star rating based on 1335 reviews.
Reviews from visitors highlight the venue’s consistent delivery of great reggae music and excellent Caribbean food, earning it a strong 4.4-star rating from over 1,300 reviews. Many guests praise the quality and variety of live music, with reggae acts performing six or seven nights a week, creating an authentic and spirited environment. Positive reviews often mention the welcoming and knowledgeable staff, the perfectly crafted drinks, and the delicious Caribbean cuisine, including memorable sauces and dishes that leave a lasting impression. Additionally, patrons appreciate the ample space for dancing and the overall energetic vibe conducive to celebrating special occasions and casual nights out. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to occasional issues such as crowding during peak times, slow service during busy hours, and higher price points compared to other local bars. A few reviews also note that the loud music may not suit all tastes, especially for those seeking a quieter night. Overall, the reviews reflect a strong reputation for great music, friendly atmosphere, and tasty food, with minor service hiccups that do not significantly detract from the overall experience. The Wild Hare & Singing Armadillo Frog Sanctuary remains a highly recommended spot for reggae lovers and anyone looking for a lively, Caribbean-flavored night out in Chicago.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
A T
Decided to go on a Sunday night for a reggae band event. Difficult to find as the entrance is in a back alley. Attendant at the door wouldn't honor their advertised admission cost until I showed it on my phone. Club level was on a rooftop - which is great, but you have to climb 2 flights (no elevator). Band was almost an hour late in performance, then took a break after 30 minutes. The drinks were the best part of the evening.
willy wonka
This place is amazing. It's a venue that legends have performed at. Reggae landmark open mic both music and comedy. Was here 12/16/2024 for my friend and favorite artist Rickey Hill . Drove cross country for the show and would do it again. Wild Hare kicks ass thanks guys
Ebony Chapman
I love this place. It never gets old for me. I've been going here for years. I love the drinks and wings with the sweet spicy sauce. Reggae is my life. Stay live and thanks for the great times.
Jennifer Collette
The atmosphere at this place was very nice. They had a live band that was really good with room for dancing. Overall, I liked this place because of the music and the atmosphere, I wanted to love this place, but I was disappointed with the food we ordered and the cover charge at the door. I had the jerk chicken tacos with fries. My fries were cold, and they tasted old, so I didn't end up eating them. The chicken on the tacos did not taste seasoned. I believe the "jerk" was just some sauce added over the top of the tacos, and the chicken itself was not jerk. When we got the bill, there was almost a $14 pre-included tip that it did not appear that we had an option of not paying. We were visiting Chicago from out of town and had heard about this place ahead of time. My husband saw an ad online that said the cover was $10 per person for the night we planned on attending. At the door, they charged us $15 per person. The bouncer at the door did not care when we told him the cover was supposed to be $10. He just repeated himself saying, $15. This place was also recommended to me by someone who grew up in Chicago, so I was really excited to check it out. My husband wrote a review explaining the cover, along with his review of the food he ordered. The business responded, saying they were certain he was mistaken about the cover charge. My husband uploaded a screenshot of the flyer showing the $10 cover on his review. They did tell him to email them about coming back in and giving them a second chance, so he did email them. In the email, he let them know we would take them up on the offer and come back in. He also let them know that we would only be in Chicago that evening and the following evening. I waited to write my review of this place until after we went back in and tried the food a second time, but they did not respond to the email and we did not end up getting to go back in and give them a second try. All that being said, I can not recommend this place...
Juliette Craig
If you like to dance, this place is utopia! My friend and I had the time of our lives dancing for hours and soaking up the positive vibes. I won’t embarrass myself by loading videos from the dance floor, but you get the idea. This place is a Chicago treasure and the security guard called us family.
How to reach The Wild Hare & Singing Armadillo Frog Sanctuary
None
Website: None
Why The Wild Hare & Singing Armadillo Frog Sanctuary may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Wild Hare & Singing Armadillo Frog Sanctuary with your friends? This distinctive Chicago venue offers a unique blend of live music, cultural vibrancy, and welcoming atmosphere that makes it ideal for gathering with friends or family. The Wild Hare is renowned as a hub for authentic reggae music and eclectic live performances, creating an immersive experience that goes beyond a typical night out. Friends can revel in the inclusive and diverse crowd drawn from many backgrounds, fostering a communal vibe ideal for laughter, dancing, and shared memories. The venue’s large, open dance floor and quality sound system ensure everyone has space to move and enjoy the rhythms fully. Combined with its great food and attention to craft cocktails, it provides not just entertainment but a full sensory experience that bonds groups together in a lively, relaxed setting. In essence, it is much more than a bar or a club; it’s a place that activates joy, community spirit, and cultural connection, making it the perfect rally point for friends seeking a memorable night out.
What kind of activities can you enjoy at The Wild Hare & Singing Armadillo Frog Sanctuary? One of the main draws is the live music running six nights a week, with a strong emphasis on reggae due to its deep roots in Jamaican culture. The venue hosts both national and international acts, creating a vibrant showcase of talent that appeals to a broad audience. Whether you want to dance close to the stage or soak in the music from the bar or upstairs lounge, there is ample space for every preference. The music programming is eclectic, frequently featuring live house bands and rotating DJs playing everything from reggae to other genres, which keeps the energy dynamic and fresh. Beyond music, the sanctuary offers a crafted menu of Caribbean-inspired comfort food and an impressive list of cocktails designed to complement the tropical atmosphere. This combination of culinary and cultural delights means groups can enjoy extended visits, savoring food and drinks while engaging fully with the entertainment.
Why is The Wild Hare & Singing Armadillo Frog Sanctuary so perfect for group meetups? The venue’s design maximizes social interaction with a large, open space that invites mingling and dancing. The dance floor itself is expansive and essentially free of obstructive furniture, allowing friends to move together and enjoy the live performances in an unconfined way. For those who prefer a slightly quieter setting, or perhaps are hosting a more intimate group, the upstairs non-smoking lounge provides a private area with its own bar and catering, offering a view of the main stage, which enables groups to maintain connection with the event while enjoying a cozy atmosphere. The three bars scattered throughout the venue also reduce wait times and make grabbing a drink convenient for everyone. Additionally, the Wild Hare is experienced in hosting private events and celebrations, so groups planning birthdays, reunions, or other special occasions can customize their experience with tailored playlists, food options, and full venue buyouts available—ensuring a personalized and hassle-free celebration.
What can you expect from the food and drink offerings at The Wild Hare? The menus here are thoughtfully crafted to match the venue’s eclectic and Caribbean-inspired vibe. You can expect classic comfort foods with flavorful twists that reflect island influences, making the food not just a side dish but an integral part of the experience. Highlights such as fish and chips have been praised for being ‘delicious,’ while the rum punches and craft cocktails add an authentic tropical flair to the night. The bar serves a variety of both solo drinks and shareable cocktails, perfect for groups wanting to toast together. Additionally, non-alcoholic options like ginger beer are popular for guests who prefer something refreshing without alcohol. The attentive staff ensures prompt service, despite occasional reports of busy nights, making group ordering straightforward and enjoyable.
How does the venue support a great cultural and musical experience? The Wild Hare & Singing Armadillo Frog Sanctuary is built around its strong commitment to music and culture. It has established itself since 1986 as one of Chicago's premier reggae clubs, drawing crowds who appreciate both the music's roots and contemporary interpretations. The stage is large and elevated, set in a room that stretches nearly a quarter block long with high ceilings, providing excellent acoustics delivered by a high-quality sound system. The walls are adorned with vibrant black-light art featuring reggae legends like Bob Marley, enriching the visual aspect of its cultural homage. The staff, mostly rooted in Jamaican culture themselves, foster an environment that feels authentic and welcoming. This cultural richness is supplemented by a diverse crowd, ensuring a lively and inclusive vibe. Moreover, the venue regularly features local Chicago talent and acts from around the world, making it an epicenter for artistic exchange and community gathering.
What practical amenities and highlights make group visits easier and more enjoyable? The Wild Hare’s spacious layout, including multiple bars, a large open dance floor, and an upstairs lounge, means groups don’t have to split up or lose each other in crowds. The inclusion of a non-smoking upstairs room with a private bar and Caribbean catering makes it perfect for those who want a slightly quieter or private space while still enjoying the main event. Bathrooms are attended with small tips expected for amenities, ensuring cleanliness and convenience. The location in Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood means it is easy to access via public transit or parking, though parking can get busy during peak hours. The staff are known to be attentive and welcoming, contributing to a smooth and comfortable experience. For those who want to keep the memories, The Wild Hare occasionally offers merchandise that celebrates its unique cultural mix, perfect for fans of the venue.
What unique elements set The Wild Hare apart from other nightlife destinations in Chicago? Unlike many other bars or music venues, The Wild Hare & Singing Armadillo Frog Sanctuary combines the intensity of live performance with a strong cultural identity rooted in reggae and Caribbean tradition. Its commitment to presenting diverse, quality acts seven nights a week distinguishes it as a cultural landmark rather than just a party spot. The expansive dance floor and high-quality sound system ensure that music lovers get an immersive auditory and physical experience, while the blend of classic comfort food and artisanal cocktails creates an all-encompassing nightlife destination. The venue’s name itself—Wild Hare & Singing Armadillo Frog Sanctuary—reflects its quirky and inviting character, contributing to its reputation as a fun, memorable place to gather. For groups wanting to share a culturally rich, musically vibrant, and enjoyable time with friends or family, it offers something few other venues can match.
In summary, The Wild Hare & Singing Armadillo Frog Sanctuary is an exceptional place for friends to rally because it blends live music, cultural richness, generous space, excellent food and drinks, and a welcoming community into one vibrant venue. Whether you want to dance the night away, enjoy a private party, or simply soak in some of Chicago’s best reggae and live performances, it provides a setting that helps any group create lasting memories together. The mix of energized live acts, quality sound and lighting, multiple bars, and delicious food make it not just a venue, but a lively urban sanctuary perfect for meetups of all sizes.