Sure, you could stay home and watch cartoons on Sunday night, but why not go out and see actual live comedy performers on stage for free? Every Sunday at 8:00 pm, Cole's Bar presents Cole's Chicago Cabaret, a free comedy show. The drinks aren't free, but there are lots of specials, such as cheap … [Read more...] about Free comedy at Cole’s Bar in Logan Square
How to see iO Chicago cheap
Once upon a time, it was known as ImprovOlympic, but then the International Olympic Committee complained. Now, it's just iO Chicago, located at North and Kingsbury. iO is both a theatre and a training center for improvisational comedy. There's are shows every day, some in repetoire and some by … [Read more...] about How to see iO Chicago cheap
Feeding yourself and your family when you’re in a jam
One of the best ways to save money is to learn to cook and learn to shop. These are skills that take some practice to learn, and you need to eat. If you find yourself in a bind, or if you are simply looking for some low-cost menu ideas, here are some suggestions: If you know nothing else, know … [Read more...] about Feeding yourself and your family when you’re in a jam
Free music on Mondays at the Empty Bottle
Want to see some great bands for free? Every Monday night, the Empty Bottle has a free music night. That's right, free. The lineup usually includes two or three local bands, and this is your chance to hear the Next Big Thing before they become popular. Doors open at 9:00 pm. The Empty … [Read more...] about Free music on Mondays at the Empty Bottle
Where to find out about gallery openings
Most art galleries have free receptions when a new exhibit opens. These are open to the public and are designed to show off an artist's work, educate people about what's new and happening in the art world, and maybe even cultivate some buyers! There are a handful almost every weekend in Chicago, and … [Read more...] about Where to find out about gallery openings
Discount store review: Socksco
Are you in need of clean socks or underwear? This is the department store of super-discount underwear stores. It's recently moved into a new, larger space with free parking next door. Socksco is a wholesaler, so most of its products are sold by the dozen or more. Many of its customers are flea … [Read more...] about Discount store review: Socksco
Cheap Hairdos at Capri Beauty College
Capri Beauty College has two locations, in Oak Forest and in New Lenox. Both offer a range of hair cut, color, perm, and relaxing services by its students. The prices are good, with haircuts starting at $8.00 and color starting at 286. Senior citizens also get a 20% discount on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, … [Read more...] about Cheap Hairdos at Capri Beauty College
ComEd’s Residential Real Time Pricing may save you money
ComEd has a pricing program that may allow you to save money: Residential Real Time Pricing. I've been signed up for several years, and it saves us money. The annual statement just arrived and reported that we saved 13.9%, or $325.39, in 2013. The way it works is that your electric rate per … [Read more...] about ComEd’s Residential Real Time Pricing may save you money
Skechers Factory Outlet Store
Skechers operates a lot of factory outlet stores, including one in Austin that I visited recently. The selection was large; you'd probably find something in your size, even if it's an unusual one. The selection is the draw. The prices are not. With few exceptions, the prices were no better than … [Read more...] about Skechers Factory Outlet Store
Top Ten: Fun things to do in Lincoln Park
The Lincoln Park neighborhood is just north of downtown and full of lots of great free things to do. At one time, it was ground zero for Chicago's yuppies. That's less the case than it used to be, but as the home of both DePaul University and some gorgeous old apartments, you'll see a great mix of … [Read more...] about Top Ten: Fun things to do in Lincoln Park
Leo’s Dancewear Factory Store
Leo's Dancewear used to have an outlet store in Chicago. That closed; the replacement, in River Forest, is more of a retail store that receives some deep discount items, especially unsold products from past catalogues. The front of the store has a standard array of leotards and tights. Women's … [Read more...] about Leo’s Dancewear Factory Store
Further Afield: Bailey’s Discount Center
If you're returning to Chicago from a trip out east, you may have seen the billboards in Northwest Indiana directing you to Bailey's Discount Center. Chicago on the Cheap correspondent Ally Gercken checked it out. The drive was definitely worth it if you are looking for furniture. They had so … [Read more...] about Further Afield: Bailey’s Discount Center
