The Sweet Spot at the Empty Bottle

Typically speaking, there’s no fail-safe best place to watch a show; it depends entirely on what you want to get out of the night. If your favorite band is playing, you obviously want to be front and center. Same thing if it’s the band of a boy or girl you have a crush on—if they see you rocking out, you might have some spiritually intense eye contact. If it’s an opening band you hate, find the point furthest from the stage that still offers easy access to the bar. Any situation in between is a crapshoot—unless you’re at the Empty Bottle. In that case, head to the back of the room, up a few steps from the main floor, and go stand next to the soundboard. Not only can you hear and see everything better, it’s usually the last place to fill up during a busy show. Find a spot under an air vent and you’ve got your own personal comfort zone. 1035 N. Western, 773-276-3600, emptybottle.com. —Miles Raymer

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