Alkaline Trio shares favorite Chicago hangouts, plays Congress Theater on 11/20 & 11/21

Although all three members of Chicago-grown punk outfit Alkaline Trio have moved on geographically, bassist/vocalist Dan Andriano says the Second City will always be his number-one place to call home. As the band gears up for a homecoming at the Congress Theatre Nov. 20 and 21 to support its latest release, Agony & Irony. Paste:Local asked Andriano to keep the album's contrasting themes of darkness & light and life & death in mind when sharing his favorite hometown hotspots.

Best Northside place for live music
Metro. “In a way, that was our club-- it’s where we’ve played the most of our shows in Chicago. I love the way that Joe [Shanahan] runs it, as an independent rock venue in a day and age where there’s not a lot of those around anymore. It’s rare that you go into a town and play a rock club like the Metro and find out that it’s just some guy that owns it. And if you do find one, it’s never nearly as nice as the Metro.”

Best Southside place for live music
Reggie’s. “They’re kind of a new place and I’ve only been there once, but as far as I know, that’s about it on the Southside for rock music and we had a good time there over this past summer. There’s also the Bottom Lounge between the North and Southside." Editor's note: The new location is considered more on the Southside.

Best place for a cheap eat
“Without a doubt, Hot Doug’s at California and Roscoe. I get whatever that guy’s got on special, and my bandmates very much enjoy his veggie dog, which is called the Steve Diggle [now named the Pete Shelley]. He’s always got some crazy weird thing on the menu that I want to try and it’s always delicious and always cheap.”

Best place for a splurge
“Le Colonial. It’s a French-Vietnamese place on Rush. It’s one of my favorite restaurants in the world, but definitely my favorite in Chicago. It’s beautiful inside, with a really nice atmosphere, outstanding service, and a fantastic wine list.”

Best place to hang with the guys
Gingerman Tavern. “It’s a great place to go after the Metro and hang out with the fellas.”

Best place to take a lady friend
“It would be the same place as my favorite splurge: Le Colonial. If you can get a seat out on the balcony that overlooks Rush [Street], it’s great to sit out there late at night, drink wine and eat some good food-- that is, when the weather is actually nice."

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