Despite its edge, Holiday Club welcomed all types of demographics-professionals, club kids and baby boomers alike.
For those who worry that the gentrification of Chicago’s formerly fringe neighborhoods means age-old establishments like the classic dive bar are becoming a thing of the past, we offer proof to the contrary. Holiday Club, a dive bar in the best sense of the word, just celebrated its 15th anniversary.
With its unusual-but-it-works “Rat Pack-meets-punk theme,” Holiday Club still packs in the crowds. Maybe it’s the shimmering Vegas-esque sign outside. Or the crazy kitsch inside, like the vintage posters and light fixtures to the martini shakers, the jukebox and the ever-popular photo booth. It’s all the collection of Holiday’s popular owner Tim Juliusson, a Peoria native and veteran of the ‘80s punk scene. Juliusson started his education in bar management and all things punk rock at Exit Lounge, one of Chicago’s famed punk rock clubs. While being 22 years old, new to the city, and a door host at a popular Chicago nightclub certainly had its advantages, it was learning the behind-the-scenes-side of the business that was the real key to Juliusson’s success. He enjoyed it so much that he actually took a pay cut to work full-time at Big Time Productions, then owner of Exit and other popular clubs like Crobar, Kaboom and Outtakes. It was there he learned how to effectively network and promote a successful bar business.
After looking at what seemed like hundreds of real estate listings, he found the coveted “corner location”. With only a modest savings, Tim negotiated a lease of a space on Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park to house his business. Wicker Park was a bastion of art and culture in the late 80’s and early 90’s. It was a conveniently located area of the city that was cheap enough to live for folks in the arts community. More often than not, the artist types in that neighborhood have been known to support the independent local businesses. And Holiday Club was just that-independent.
With enough money to buy just a few bottles of liquor to start, his extensive personal music collection of the Misfits to Sinatra to fill the juke box, and a handful of knick-knacks like some old college trophies and an autographed Ramones poster for decoration, he was ready to open.
In May of 1993, Holiday Club was launched. (Ask Tim about his original idea for the name) It was the quintessential dive bar - “no televisions, no credit cards and no attitude” was the rule. The only flashiness was found on the shimmering gold sequined sign outside. It became THE destination in a neighborhood craving, yet resistant to gentrification. Despite its edge, Holiday Club welcomed all types of demographics-professionals, club kids and baby boomers alike.
Business was good. Gentrification arrived and Tim cashed in. He sold the building to a real estate investor looking to change the neighborhood. And so began the search for the next perfect location. In 2002, Holiday Club opened its doors a second time. There were now two locations. Even after the building was sold, the original Wicker Park spot remained open for a couple of years but Tim was soon finding out that Uptown was the place to be. The rock and roll loving artsy types, Holiday’s core customer base, found themselves getting out priced in the now trendy Wicker Park & Bucktown neighborhoods, and began to move elsewhere. The demands of the affluent young professionals on the rise wouldn’t have allowed this pure independent neighborhood bar and grill to remain true to its roots. Now, located at 4000 N Sheridan (corner of Irving Park), Holiday Club is located next to the Sheridan red line stop. It’s just 4 blocks north of the Wrigley Field bleachers but far enough away from the game-day craziness that a landmark baseball stadium brings to the neighborhood.
While skeptics might say this new and improved location is just not the same as the original one; this writer begs to differ. Sure, Holiday Club now accepts credit cards. It has flat screen TV’s. And has a nice chilly air conditioner for the summertime months. But if you look more closely you’ll see that the core elements have really stayed the same: The customers. The edge. The late night kitchen serving American comfort food. And finally, the workaholic and charismatic owner who logs hefty hours to ensure everyone feels at home. Someone once said that the definition of becoming a bar regular is “when the place becomes the person and the person becomes the place”. That must be why Holiday Club has lasted 15 years. It is its own “regular” amongst a plethora of imposters. Holiday Club is the true classic dive.
Holiday Club Chicago Private Party Room
Hooked on Holiday? We’re your one stop shop for birthday parties, charity events, rehearsal dinners, bar mitzvahs, bachelor/bachelorette parties, baby showers, karaoke parties and of course…holiday parties !
This comfortable retro lounge features ambient lighting and a versatile floor plan. We can accommodate an intimate party of 30 to 300 of your closest pals. Holiday Club is equipped with a full kitchen and a range of award winning menu items sure to satisfy both the carnivore and veg-head in your crew. We offer several food and beverage options sure to float your boat.
The private lounge includes:
• Full service bar with professional bartender
• Access to a full service kitchen
• Fully equipped DJ booth set-up
• Intimate dance floor with disco ball
• Private restroom
• A/V hookups including TVs, jumbo movie screen, VHS/DVD player, cable
Holiday Club Rule #1: Live to party!
Don’t let the hassle of planning a fun party put the kibosh on your special event. Let us do the thinking for you, kids! Take a peek at our on-line pricing guide and then give us a ring-a-ding-ding at 773-348-9600 to get your party started.
What’s the Deal?
Package 1: “The Tea Totaler”
$20 per person for 2 hours, $25 pp for 3 hours
Enjoy unlimited beer (domestics, imports, drafts &bottles) wine and soda
Package 2: “The Thrifty Shopper”
$25 per person for 2 hours, $30 pp for 3 hours
Enjoy unlimited beer (includes domestics, imports, drafts & bottles), well drinks, wine and soda
Package 3: “Feelin Groovy”
$30 per person for 2 hours, $35 for 3 hours
Enjoy unlimited beer (includes domestics, imports, drafts & bottles), call drinks, wine and soda
Package 4: “Livin Large”
$35 per person for 2 hours, $40 pp for 3 hours
Enjoy unlimited beer (domestics, imports, drafts & bottles), premium drinks, wine and soda
Got something else in mind? Let us know cuz we aim to please!
• No room charge for parties with food and beverage package. “Cash Bar” parties will be subject to room charges…hey we gotta pay rent, too!
• Non-refundable deposit will be deducted from final bill
• 20% gratuity will apply to all parties
• Extra charges may apply for additional service, cleaning or holidays
• Don’t be a party pooper! But just in case…full refund only for cancellations no later than 3 business days prior to event
