“Destroy Your Reputation- at the No Exit Cafe*”

Highly Recommended ***** I grew up in Chicago. Back in my day, there were night clubs galore. Entertainment was all over- downtown ( Rush Street in particular), south side and north side. We even had The Villa Venice in unincorporated Northfield where dinner, a show and even a gondola ride could make for a special evening. I had the good fortune to work for the Brothers Marienthal back in the 1960’s. The owned Mister Kelly’s, The Happy Medium Club and The London House ( the greatest jazz spot in town)- those were great years. I miss them dearly as I do The Sardine Bar, a piano bar off Lake Shore Drive that always allowed the patrons to leave their inhibitions behind and sing along.

On the north side, in Rogers Park, there was a space that had moved from Clark Street to Glenwood Avenue called The No Exit Cafe. This was a great coffee house back in the day and then as the population and the mood of the country changed, its doors were shuttered. Years later, it reemerged as a theater hosting Chicago’s own The Ubique, a charming , award-winning musical troupe that Chicago grew to love. They since have moved up to Howard Street ( the Evanston side) leaving this fabulous space empty again.

Enter Chad Willetts, a drummer, with a love of “jazz”. He and his group have transformed this empty storefront to a marvelous nightclub filled with “Jazz, Booze & Butter” where one can walk in and forget all of what is taking place in this crazy world. enjoy a great drink, some wonderful small plates and a show that will “knock your socks off”. Chad opened this space in 2018 and while many people found it, it was truly one of Chicago’s best kept secrets. The “jazz world” knew, the “Cabaret world” knew, but for the rest of us, ?

Then the pandemic hit and the doors were closed. Tragedy for sure. The word was just getting out about this place of beauty with its true escapism for the evening. They held on and now, as the world is starting to become our world again, they are open, of course following all of the CDC rules ( to perfection, I might add). Last night, Frank, Jane and I were “in house” for the festivities- what a night!

Let me be clear about what Le Piano is– It is a place where guests have a chance to indulge in the “art of listening” while having a cocktail, glass of champagne o a light supper”. Inspired by the Latin Quarter of Paris, located in the shadows of the “red line” ( Morse Avenue station) at 6970 N. Glenwood Avenue in East Rogers Park, Le Piano is a return to what made Chicago great. This is not to be confused with the term “Piano Bar”, because this is far from that. It is a music lovers get-away with musicians from all parts of the world stopping by to play, each night is special and I believe you could come here 6 nights a week and never get bored. I know I could.

The menu of drinks was wonderful. Jane had the pear martini and I enjoyed the special Old Fashion, while Frank loved the bottle of champagne. From the menu we enjoyed the penne pasta served in the chef’s dry sherry cream sauce, parmasian, shallots, asparagus & radicchio, the frenched petite lamb chops with special house “smutz” and golden frites and the chicken with tarragon wine sauce and fingerling frites. Servings were ample and  very flavorful, making the experience even more precious.

For dessert we enjoyed the “pear of nuts” aka Poire De Couilles which we all shared and then our host Chad had Angela, our server , bring us the house special, the Happy Ending”. I will not go into detail about this one but will say that you will in fact enjoy each and every bite and every taste bud you will have will thank you for the experience.

The jazz was great! The music of the Chad Willitts Trio was amazing. In an intimate space such as this, you can watch the interplay between the musicians while you listen to the creation of music and their interpretation of familiar songs. The piano player, Bobby Schiff was an old friend of mine. I had not seen him since the 1960’s ( except once when he played a gig at Water Tower Drury Lane). He is still a whiz at the keyboard and we were able to have some minutes to talk about our lives and re-connect. Ms Stacey McMichael on the Bass is dynamic, highly energetic and has great timing for comedy as well as an amazing ear for music.. They along with Willitts are joined by guest artists each week- tonight the sax player, Anthony Bruno , was absolutely amazing and they all worked great together.

There was a full set while we enjoyed drinks and bites, followed by a break where I was able to catch up with Bobby and then the show. What a show- music the way it should be heard ( and felt, as one does with “jazz”). Each player did their own little solo and a guest from the crowd joined in with some jazz vocals ( she was powerful- what a range) and then Frank and I were introduced to the crowd. We were then escorted to a special place, under the grand piano, on a cushion and rug where we could close our eyes and just feel the music around us. An absolute amazing experience. We were then called to the mike to tell the others. We did a little, but also told them to listen to Sunday’s broadcast on WCPT so they could hear more. For me, the experience made me recall the days of yore when I would visit The London House each evening after our second show at The Happy Medium. I almost felt that George and Oscar Marienthal were watching over me last night and saying ” Al you found a place that makes us proud”!

As we come out of hibernation ( what Covid has produced) and people are seeking laces to go that will not remind them of the last 12 months in their family room, Le Piano just might be the place. There is a $15 Salaire D’Artiste fee ( the Artists need to cover their costs), no minimums and very affordable prices on their menu. Great drinks, great food, great service and great music! Who can ask for anything more!

Le Piano is located at 6970 N. Glenwood Avenue in East Rogers park. Phone number is (773) 209-7631 and the website, where you can get the events and hours (as well as the menu) www.lepianochicago.com