Going Broke With Chicago's Best Jukeboxes

By Veronica Murtagh in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 2, 2009 6:15PM

An increasing number of bars turn to DJs to provide a musical backdrop, but we still appreciate a good jukebox. A jukebox is much more than a collection of songs. The clunky cabinet in the back of the bar holds the power to unite people ... especially when those people are fueled by alcohol. Stereotypes melt away and friendships are formed over a pile of quarters and a shared musical interest. With each punch of the numbered buttons, you choose the soundtrack to your experiences.

We drank our way across the city selected a few of our favorite jukeboxes:

Delilah’s
A recent night out at Lincoln Park's rockabilly whiskey haven Delilah's provided the inspiration for this post. Stocked with funk, soul, classic country, punk, indie, garage rock, reggae, hip hop and plenty of the usual jukebox suspects, it doesn't feel at all cliché to claim there's something for everyone hidden within the endearingly nicknamed Emerald. The audiophiles among us will appreciate not only the eclectic mix of genres but selections guaranteed not to be heard elsewhere including Wesley Willis, Jimmy Cliff's soundtrack to the 1972 Jamaican crime film The Harder They Come and the largely forgotten 1980's Indianapolis hardcore/punk quartet Zero Boys.
2771 N Lincoln

Gold Star Bar
A night out amongst the dive bars of Wicker Park is not complete without a stop by Gold Star. Free popcorn, patio furniture used as indoor seating, a competitive pool table and one of the city's best jukeboxes are all traits of this unassuming Division Street storefront bar. While Gold Star may not boast the most extensive jukebox in the city, what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality. A well-curated selection of seminal punk and indie acts read like a wikipedia entry for vinyl collectors. The Clash, Black Flag, T. Rex, Bowie, Mastodon, Buzzcocks and MC5 all make appearances supported by a sprinkling of contemporaries including Radiohead and Tom Waits.
1755 W Division

Rossi’s Liquors
A trip to Rossi's on State Street is always a unique experience. When we claim that this bar attracts all kinds, we aren't kidding. Business types mingle with bike messengers, construction workers and a rotating cast of transient characters. With an exterior you're more likely to walk past than wander in, Rossi's is one of the few remaining dive bars in the heart of downtown. In contrast to its humble appearance, Rossi's boasts a glossy 100,000 song digital internet jukebox. Whether you feel like screaming AC/DC with your coworkers, busting out some Biggie en route to Critical Mass or slow dancing to Springsteen at the close of the night, Rossi's jukebox can fulfill your every intoxicated musical whim.
412 N State

We're always on the lookout for unique jukeboxes...where do you spend your quarters?

Photo via RatsOnParade