Category Archives: Deals

Holiday Gifts Galore at Randolph Market Dec 15-16

Get your holiday shopping and party planning off to the
right start with wares in all price ranges, from thrifty to extravagant, and
not to mention the brilliant ideas you’ll get in regards to your own holiday
displays.

You will discover fabulous keepsakes from embroidered hankies to
estate jewelry with everything in between. Timeless antiques and modern
treasures including vintage and indie fashion, furniture, jewelry, art,
decorative objects, house wares, and more will make this holiday show a
memorable experience. Get a jump on the holiday season, beginning with vintage
cheer spanning the decades!

Have all your holiday decorating, party planning, fashion and entertaining questions answered by the vintage kings and queens at the Randolph Street Market’s 6th Annual Holiday Market, December 15 and 16.

The Randolph Street Market is the perfect one stop shop for your holiday needs when it comes to tabletop, indoor/outdoor décor, holiday fashion and jewelry, and so much more. Make this season as unique as the selection of wares you’ll find at the market with free giftwrap on site and free furniture delivery in Chicago.

Randolph Street’s 6th Annual Holiday Market

WHEN:
Saturday, December 15– 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday, December 16– 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

WHERE:
Beaux Arts Plumber’s Hall, 1340 W. Washington Street, Chicago FREE PARKING in huge onsite parking lot only steps away from entrance    

PRICE: Discounted $8 tickets are available in advance (click here); general admission $10, students with ID $3 or $5 at the gate. Children 12 and under free.

NEW IN 2012: Every paid admission gets a $5 or $10 shopping voucher good toward purchases. For more information, visit www.randolphstreetmarket.com

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Double Feature Holiday Shows, NOT TO BE MISSED

Santa’s Dead! & 

Dirty Carol’s Christmas

The company that brought you SNOW WHITE AND
THE SEVEN DRAG QUEENS, TWINKIE AND THE BEAST and ALEX IN WONDERLAND are
premiering something new this holiday season! 

Giving homage to classic
noir films and Christmas television specials, MidTangent Productions
presents a dazzling and daring musical double feature like no other! 



SANTA’S DEAD!

It was just a few days until Christmas. All over the world, children
anxiously awaited that morning when all their dreams would come true.
The elves at the north pole worked and worked. The reindeer were
groomed, the toys were made, and the candy canes were bent. 

All seemed
quite well, but one person wasn’t happy and she was going to make sure
that this Christmas she finally got what she wanted! Mrs. Claus and her
conspiring lover, Bubba, had a plan up their jolly sleeves. The elves
suspected foul play. With the help of a private dick and the Queen of
the North Pole, these elves were going to get to the bottom of this, but
they had to hurry! With just a few hours until Christmas, could Mrs.
Claus and Bubba get away with this horrible crime? Would Santa be
avenged? Would the reindeer survive the cold after being completely
shaved due to scabies infection? These mysteries and more to be solved,
crime-fighters!


DIRTY CAROL’S CHRISTMAS

Welcome to Dirty Carol’s Christmas; a party like no other! Come join us
for a little singin’, a little dancin’, and a lot of drinkin’! Your host
for the evening, Dirty Carol, will keep you entertained while trying
her best to get into anyone’s pants. Both family and friends will stop
by to share some Christmas memories and perhaps a song (or seven). This
isn’t your typical holiday party, so leave the warm fuzzies at home,
because Dirty Carol and her friends will leave you feelin’ Dirty!

Performance Dates:
Fridays and Saturdays: through December 22
All show times 9:00pm

Tickets are $10

Shows are 21+

Written by MTP Artistic Director Tony Lewis and company members Aaron
Michael Adamkiewicz and Karla Meyer, these shows continue MTP’s
dedication to bringing original works with a familiar twist to the
Chicago GLBTQ community. This production features many MTP Artistic
Ensemble members both in front and behind the curtain and will have
surprise guest appearances and live entertainment between these one-act
shows.

 

Get Tickets Here!

HYDRATE       3548 N. Halsted

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North Halsted Window Walk Dec. 8th

The Northalsted Window Walk. 

Saturday DEC 8th
A festive little way to support the businesses of Northalsted & an excuse to drink hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps (sm). We will be kicking things off at Space Park at 2pm and then heading out to stroll the street & support businesses without the fear of being bitten or trampled. Additional details are available at www.northalsted.com. Cocktails, shopping and prizes…what’s not to enjoy?

This
holiday season when you buy a Northlasted Gift Card, you automatically
get an extra 20% value on your card. For example, purchase a $100 gift
card and get $120 on your card!

The best part? The Northalsted Gift Cards can be used at over 70 locations on North Halsted between Belmont and Broadway. Click here to buy your giftcard today.

They always sell out, so get yours before they’re gone!

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Seasons Greetings and Tax Season

Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays!

You know what that means – 
      Tax season is just around the corner!
the 2013 tax filing season could be a “real disaster,” IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman said Thursday, if Congress doesn’t make key tax decisions before Jan. 1.
 
“You could have a real disaster in the filing season where there is total confusion,” Shulman said during a speech at the National Press Club.
Members of Congress strongly disagree on tax policy and most have agreed to put off any substantive changes until after Nov. 6 elections. That doesn’t leave much time to make decisions and revamp IRS procedures before the traditional Jan. 1 beginning of tax season.

Some strategic planning done before year’s end can amount to significant savings for some. I often meet with clients during the last few months of the year with an eye toward projecting their tax liability and developing a plan to reduce their tax liability.
A self-employed individual can expect to pay approximately forty-five percent tax on income that reaches into a higher tax bracket. Income taxed in a lower tax bracket is taxed at approximately thirty-five percent. The key to managing a tax liability is to know when you have income that goes into a higher tax bracket. 
Single taxpayers pay a higher (25% versus 15%) rate of tax when taxable income exceeds $34,500. 
You want to  reduce taxable income thereby lowering the tax liability. Additional business expenses will reduce all three federal, state and self-employment tax liabilities. Taxpayers can also purchase equipment or vehicles before the end of the year that can net huge tax savings. For example, a$2,000 computer purchase will end up costing only $1,100 when the tax savings is factored into the purchase. Learn what deductions you can or should take. 
There are also tax deductions, retirement funding for example, that we utilize that will reduce the federal tax but not the self-employment tax. Planning and projecting a tax liability is an integral segment of the tax preparation process. If you are a small business entrpreneur that has a tax bill of more than $500, you should be paying quarterly estimated taxes. You could be hit with IRS penalties which can severely impact your business’s cash flow.
In addition to tax deductions there are some tax credits that have been reauthorized and some credits set to expire have been extended for two years.TALK TO SOMEONE WHO KNOWS HOW TO HELP YOU!
Tax credits are beneficial because they directly reduce the tax while a tax deduction reduces the amount of money being taxed. Once again I particularly like the energy credits, particularly the solar credit, and the education credits. Credits for windows and doors still exist, but are capped at 10% up to $500 (windows are capped at $200). 
The modified education credit is now referred to as the American Opportunity Tax Credit. This credit has been expanded to include expenses for course books, supplies, and equipment. The credit is equal to 100% of the first $2,000 spent and twenty-five percent of the next $2,000 per student each year. Therefore, the full credit amount of $2,500 may be available to a taxpayer who pays $4,000 or more in qualifying expenses. 
Remember that I am here throughout the year to answer any questions you might have, and I am looking forward to helping you maximize those tax deductions and credits in the upcoming tax season! MENTION THIS ARTICLE WHEN CALLING OUR OFFICE.
Happy Holidays!
Linu Thomas
Provident Light Advisors
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Johnny Weir at SCARLET Dec 9th 3pm

..

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Vanite Paul Mitchell MITCH Party Dec 8th

VANITE Paul Mitchell Salon will be hosting a special party at Minibar, Saturday December 8th! (3341 North Halsted Street )
There will be a champagne reception, lots of MITCH giveaways and a chance to win a trip to LAS VEGAS! It all starts at 9pm. 
As busy men we don’t have the time better yet the knowledge to know
what’s better for our hair. Fast pace life’s full of family, work,
relationships and the gym keep us on the go. Our hair might get
neglected time to time. We don’t have time for shampoo and conditioner!
Do we?
Men I’m here to say yes we do! Thanks to Paul Mitchell and the NEW men’s
Mitch line! Specifically the 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner, Double
Hitter.  Double Hitter is a sulfate-free shampoo with a healthy lather and rich
sent. This 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner is perfect for us on the go!
Washes and leaves our hair full and healthy ready to take on the world!
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Special Holiday Sale and Party Dec. 5th

BestGayChicago.com
invite you to Celebrate the Holidays and Shop LOCAL.

2 of our favorite new small businesses at one Boystown address!

MEBLE Design Studio & Vanite’ Paul Mitchell Focus Salon

Meet and greet the dynamic mother-daughter duo Agnes & Danuta at Meble Design where they sell antiques, artwork, unique interior design pieces, upholstery and accent items – all AMAZINGLY PRICED.

From pictures and accents to couches and chairs – it’s ALL HERE!
Need a custom piece created or have an item you would like refurbished, updated or bedazzled? That’s their specialty!
ALL guests will enjoy 30% off store items or services discussed during this special event!

ALSO, meet Kinley Preston and her staff at the brand new Vanite Paul Mitchell Hair Salon for men & women.

Kinley will be on hand showing off her gorgeous new salon space and you can pick up Paul Mitchell samples and ENJOY 30% OFF all Paul Mitchell products.

PLUS, everyone gets a BestGayChicago.com swag bag of goodies, just for stopping by!

Come have some wine and cheese and shop and mingle!
Please RSVP, if you can.

Its an Open House event party 5-9pm, so stop in and peruse and mingle anytime convenient and bring a friend.
But if you do stop by during the day, just mention BestGayChicago.com and the 30% off special will apply.

It is so important that we are aware of the small businesses in our community so that we can refer them to friends and support and shop local when we can so that they continue to be in business in the future.

3161 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60657

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Hawaiian Luau benefiting the Team to End AIDS Dec 4th

Join Coach Ross and Paul for a Hawaiian Luau benefiting the Team to End AIDS (T2) and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. 

No cost at the door! 
Come to get lei’d and stay for fruity drink specials, T’s tasty dinner and appetizer options, sexy shot-sellers, and a costume contest. 
Come dressed in your tacky Hawaiian shirts or as a tacky tourist and win fun door prizes. Additional door prizes and a 50/50 raffle increase your odds of walking home a winner! 
Hope to see you there for a night of fun benefiting
a great organization. A special thank you to T’s Bar and Restaurant for donating the space and a portion of the night’s drink and food tab to Team to End AIDS!
Coach Ross will be running the Honolulu Marathon for the fifth consecutive year and this will be his 18th marathon over the past 5 years. He has been a T2 Coach for two years and an AFC runner for all five years.
The Honolulu Marathon will be Paul Ketz’s third full marathon with T2 and his fourth event with the Team to End AIDS in 2012. In addition to more marathons with T2 in 2013, Paul will complete his first triathlon and Half Iron Man races.  TUESDAY  DEC  4th    7-10pm  
T’s   Restaurant   5025 N. Clark St., Chicago, Illinois 60640
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A Very Mary Christmas with Ru Pauls Drag Race Star MIMI IMFURST

I have been a fan of Mimi Imfurst, long before Ru Paul ever even had his first thought for a drag race show!

 I think it was about 2007, I was in New York city and heard about this outrageous queen who did this crazy over-the-top campy holiday show,
“A Very Mary
Christmas.”

Conceived and delivered by writer/performer Mimi Imfurst and
composer/lyricist/arranger Mike Pettry (winner of the 2007 Jonathan Larson and
Fredrick Loewe Awards), the show ran every year at Don’t Tell Mama. It was the holiday MUST SEE SHOW!

Over 2000 years ago in the little hillside town of Bethlehem a miraculous birth occurred….” You might think you know the real story, but you don’t. At last, Jesus’ mother sets the record straight. ‘A Very Mary Christmas’ is a musical retelling of the months leading up to the birth of Christ, as told by the Virgin Mary. With the help of her sidekicks — the jazz trio The Three Weissmans — Mary also shares the intimate details of her relationship with her boyfriend God, her love for her husband Joey, and her journey to stardom,” explain press notes.


‘A Very Mary Christmas’ features parodies of holiday songs including We Need A Little Christmas, Like A Virgin and Joy To The World. Highlights include a finger puppet show and an audience sing along. Called “worst than the sin of abortion” by religious extremist organizations and hailed as “twisted” by the Catholic Advocacy Coalition, see the show that asks: Do you really know the people you pray to?

MIMI brings her classic Christmas show to Hydrate, Dedc. 13th, 2012.  Hydrate and Absolut are proud to present, RuPaul’s All Star Drag Queen, MIMI IMFURST!

Move over Lady Gaga, the Madonna – the Virgin Mary is back after 2000 years and ready to set the record straight, so to speak.

Drag Queen commedianne Mimi Imfurst, plays the Virgin Mother and is
ready to make the yuletide gay! Oy Vey Maria, there’s a stranger in the
manger!

General Admission tickets are only $10!  $15  at the door.

$25 VIP includes hosted Absolut bar 8-9pm and preferred seating. THESE WILL GO FAST!

You do not want to miss this hysterical Christmas show!!!

 More events at Hydrate»

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FRED SAYS Yorkie Raises Money for HIV AIDS Dec. 8th

Who Is Fred?

I’m a cute little yorkie

 with a big heart!

I am a Yorkshire Terrier in Chicago and adopted by my Dad, Rob Garofalo. 

Dad says I’m a miracle because I helped him through
some of the darkest periods in his life (professionally, health wise
and personally).

I seem to have a therapeutic affect on people,
because I’m cute as a button and sassy.

It was Daddy’s idea to put me
to work — using my image to sell boxes of greeting cards. The proceeds
go to care for HIV+ adolescents who do not have health insurance. I don’t
mind because it is a great cause.

AND WE’RE HAVING A PARTY!

Saturday, December 8, 2012
4:00pm until 7:00pm
 @  SCARLET      3320 North Halsted Street

Fred
is raising money to support the healthcare of HIV+ Teens this holiday
season at Scarlet! There will be drinks, complimentary hors d’oeurves
from the generous folk at Taverna750, raffle prizes and lots of holiday
cheer!!

Also there will be the live world premiere screening of
Fred’s first promotional video to support the charity’s work — it is
not to be missed!!

So please come join us and bring your friends.

Suggested donation of $10 or $20. The $20 donation includes a box of
Fred Says greeting cards – which make an excellent holiday gift.

Facebook  invite

Fredsays.org


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Black Friday Deal One Day Only at Farrells Extreme Body Shaping

Black Friday Fitness Sale!
 We’re doing 50% off for all classes (except 5am, 6am). 
 Applies to 7am, 9am, 4:30pm, 5:30pm, 6:30pm & 7:30pm.
Farrells Extreme Body Shaping   Enroll online!  with  promo code  FRIDAY
or stop by  –  right off the Red line NORTH AVE stop, south of the Apple Store
Phone (312) 624-9794
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Revolucion Mexican Steak House OPENS on Broadway

Revolución (3443 N. Broadway), is a a new Mexican steakhouse from the folks behind El Mariachi (3906 and 3420 N. Broadway). To my knowledge this is Chicago’s FIRST Mexican Steakhouse. 

Revolucion Mexican Steakhouse is a rustic hideaway of juicy Steaks, Chops, Seafood with a Mexican flare. And price ranges for everyone.whether you want a lite snack, or maybe a burger, or a full 2-3 course meal. It’s all here. 
Amazing selections including 3 different kinds of Guacamole ($8-9). 3 different kinds of Ceviche ($8). Lots of soups and salads. Over a dozen appetizers ($7-$11). 
 Steaks galore! From Rib Eye to Filet Mignon to Lamb Chops (average $32). And they can come with different types of rubs, signature crusts and sauces. Best of all, the steaks are NOT all ala carte. Steaks and chops include bread service, house salad and choice of potatoes. 

Over a dozen house specialties to choose from ranging from including a 1/2 pound house burger for $11, over roasted chicken for $14 and grilled salmon for $17.  Plus an awesome Taco selection to pick from  Achiote rubbed Tilapia, Shrimp with Chipolte cream sauce  and Sausage with Potatoes (4 tacos for $14). The price points are spot on, the portions are perfect  and this restaurant is so what Boystown and Lakeview needed! Great food that is not overpriced. 
If your are thirsty, there is a full service bar with an extensive wine selection, tequilas, craft beers  (5 beers from local brewery) specialty margaritas (The Cucumber Jalapeno and the “Manhanttan” margarita were probably my two favorites!) and other cocktails.
3443 N Broadway
(at Hawthorne Pl) 
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 697-9314
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Gay Day Brunch with BestGayChicago.com Oct. 21


$30 BestGayChicago.com 

BRUNCH at El Mariachi!
 

Join BestGayChicago.com 
at our first
GAY DAY BRUNCH CLUB!


Sunday Oct. 21st 

at El Mariachi TequilaBar

3906 N. Broadway     12-2pm . 

Join BestGayChicago.com for our first official Sunday Funday GAY DAY  brunch event!


$30 cash
at the door gets you unlimited mimosas, bloody marys,
coffee, juice, sodas, and an awesome entree from their brunch menu and
soppapillas for dessert. $30 includes tax and tip as well.

Please RSVP  ON FACEBOOK (not with the restaurant!)  so we can plan a rough head count. You don’t HAVE TO Rsvp –
but it helps the restaurant out. 

Plus it gives us an idea of how many
swag bags to bring!


We make no money from this event – all the
money goes to the restaurant. 

We hope to do these brunches at various
restaurants 4-6 times a year. 

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Gay Forbidden Sushi Night Oct. 20 at Atmosphere

Asians and Friends Chicago 

annouces its “Forbidden Sushi” 
models for its Sat. Oct. 20
 “Halloween for your Mouth” event at @mosphere, 5355 N. Clark
 7:30 p.m.
“Forbidden Sushi” event, with  live models being a sushi tray for our
costumed guests. It’s a cultural, decadent take on the Eve of Hallows
celebration. In addition, there will be party food, a 50-50 raffle and
exotic dancers following the tasting.

 
Thanks to @mosphere owner Charlie Brown and Lee of Men of Manwatch for … Hammer and Ben!

 Admission (Entry, Party Food, Cash Bar) is Free! 

But reserve your sushi tasting space with a $25 check sent to Asians and Friends Chicago, P.O. Box A 3916, Chicago, IL 60690-3916 by Mon. Oct. 15; or use the PayPal option on this page; or call the Hotline at (312) 409-1573 to make payment arrangements. 
Limited walk-in spaces available. See you there!
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Beer Lovers and Roscoes Fall Craft Beer Expo Oct. 21

BEER LOVERS REJOICE!!
Roscoe’s Fall Craft Beer Expo
Sunday, October 21st 3-6pm

Tasting – Education – Hors d’oeuvres

Featuring Breweries Blue Moon, Southern Tier, Argus, Half Acre,
Firestone Walker, Lakefront Brewery, New Belgium, Magic Hat, and many
more!

Open to the Public – No Cover

ROSCOES
Roscoe’s Tavern & Cafe | 3356 N. Halsted, Chicago, IL 60657
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Markus Ford of Élever Chicago Presents a Pop Up Restaurant Oct. 13, 2012


By now you are already hip to the trend of
“Pop Up” restaurants. And if not, you have a lot of catching up to do.
For those of you who were in attendance at “Internationale – Spring 2012” you already know the scene – pure decadence. Chef Markus Ford of Élever
Chicago presented foods from his travels through Budapest, Prague and
Vienna.

This fall, he wants to take you again through some of his
favorite savory destinations.

Grab your culinary passports and join Élever Chicago for a palate pleasing journey at
Internationale II – Fall 2012.”

Your
flight departs on Saturday, October 13th, beginning at 5pm CST, and
every hour on the hour thereafter until 9pm CST.

Economy Class will feature four courses from all over the world for $65/person. Book a party of 10 or more and be bumped up to Business Class with a complimentary glass of champagne.  BETTER YET, READERS OF THIS SITE MAY ALSO GET BUMPED UP TO BUSINESS CLASS. IN YOUR PAYPAL NOTES, MENTION THIS SITE!
The total flight time should be approximately 2 hours, maybe less with good tailwinds.

 
First Class
passengers
will be treated to a dining experience in an open kitchen
atmosphere with foods prepared directly in front of them by Chef Markus
Ford. Guests who choose to fly First Class will enjoy a private hors
d’oeuvre reception in the Admiral’s Club, in-flight snacks served by our
lovely flight attendants, a champagne greet, unlimited drinks, a
7-course meal complete with boutique vintage wine pairings, a table side
visit from the Élever Chicago
Sommelier, specialty cocktails and food that the Chef has personally
experienced from Egypt, Spain, Morocco, Greece, Austria, France and
Italy. The First Class experience is limited to 30 exclusive guests on a
first-come, first-served basis. $160 The total flight time should be a
leisurely 3 hours 30 minutes, cruising at an altitude of maximum
opulence. “Internationale II, First Class” departs promptly at 7pm CST.

Boarding will be at the
Centered Chef, 177 N Ada.  Right near Randolph, Lake  and Ogden, in the heart of the Randolph restaurant neighborhood.

BOOK NOW ONLINE!

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My Private Chef Presents Fall Cooking Class at Treasure Island

OCTOBER 9, 2012
MY PRIVATE CHEF PRESENTS A FALL COOKING CLASS AT TREASURE ISLAND COOKING SCHOOL, CHICAGO




Looking for some new cooking ideas for fall? 


If so, you will enjoy the cooking class hosted by the popular

Chef Christopher Tong, of the upscale Chicago-based private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef. He has been invited to demonstrate some delicious recipes perfect for Fall entertaining.



This cooking class is at the on-site classroom at the Treasure Island Foods at 2121 North Clybourn, Chicago. It will be held on Tuesday, October 9, 2012 from 7pm-9pm. The cost is $9.00 per person.



Advance registration is requested to reserve your place in the class. To register for the class, visit tifoods.com/cooking_school/class_schedule/



For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.981.8131 or visit our web site: Myprivatechef.net
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WIZARD WALK Bar crawl Oct 6th

On Oct 6, 2012, The Wizard Walk will be hosting the 1st annual bar
crawl and all the wizards in the area are invited for a theme day in Andersonville.

 

This is a free event
including drink and food specials, specialty shots, and some of the most
memorable photo ops of the year!   Stops
included on the Crawl are The Sofo Tap, T’s, Simon’s Tavern, Lady Gregory’s and
Hamburger Mary’s.

 

“A group of us came
up with
the idea for this pub crawl after the last Harry Potter movie.  Who
wants to fun to end?  We are hoping for a 50-person turnout for
this inaugural event.


 Come check us out on Facebook and invite others – http://www.facebook.com/events/408976439158989/
says Ray Villares, Wizard Walk organizer.

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El mariachi Special Event Sunday Sept. 16

 El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill
    3906 N.Broadway
    Chicago, IL 60613

   (773)549-2932

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Biggest Dance Event of the Season! Sept. 15th


GET TICKETS!

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