Tommy Gun's Garage
Tommy Gun's Garage
4.5
This location was reported permanently closed
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The area
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Neighborhood: South Loop
This downtown neighborhood offers a variety of activities ranging from cultural to sporting. If you happen to visit during football season, you may bump into a boisterous few fans on their way to a Bears game on the southernmost tip of South Loop. On the flip side, Museum Campus offers cultural and educational experiences in its planetarium, museum and aquarium, all situated along the lakefront. Grant Park is one of Chicago’s premier locations for green space and recreation with views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Take a stroll down memory lane in the historic Prairie District where you can enjoy views of old historic homes. Restaurants, theaters, and clubs are spread throughout the neighborhood along with a collection of burger joints along Michigan Avenue just across from the park.
How to get there
- Cermak–McCormick Place • 2 min walk
- Cermak–Chinatown • 6 min walk
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2,521 within 3 miles
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944 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
336 reviews
Excellent
217
Very good
85
Average
22
Poor
10
Terrible
3
JMick6
Geneseo, IL53 contributions
Jan 2020
The minute we walked into the garage (KNOW THE PASSWORD!) it felt like we stepped into the year 1929. The gangster taking the password gave my grandsons, and another young man, a hard time. They loved it! Sonny waited on our table. He was friendly and hustled to get our orders, did an excellent job. The food was delicious. A salad or soup, choice of meat with a baked potato and green beans. My 11 year old grandson had the soup and salmon, said they were both really good. My 9 year old grandson, a picky eater, did not like the meat choices but ate all his green beans! The chicken Marsala was also very good. The show was entertaining with a mixture of dancing, singing, skits and audience participation. Very clever and funny! My grandsons loved that Sonny, our waiter, was in the show. There was no foul language and any suggestive comments or skits were not over the top. Went right over my grandsons heads. The next day I took my grandsons to the Chicago Historical Museum. After the fun experience at Tommy Guns they were able to much better relate to many of the displays. Made history come alive! Can’t wait to go with my husband!
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yorellana
Boston, MA152 contributions
Oct 2019
This is a riot! As a group visiting Chicago we were treated to a great, funny show. I have not been in a dinner theatre in a big while, and this took the cake. You are instructed to arrive and show up at the location, see ‘Gloves’ who will escort you in. –You are given a password, but I am not telling you since snitches gets stitches! We were shown to our table, and to our waiter Lefty took care of us. Italian food cannot disappoint, and my lasagna was quite cheesy. The guys were true mobster regalia, and the dolls were just delightfully attired. One felt both posh and caught doing something bad during prohibition. The cabaret show was funny, especially when members of the audience are involved. We had a huge Canadian contingent and they got the butt of the jokes. There were several birthday parties at nearby tables, and an anniversary. All of them were acknowledge, including where we came from. Time flies when you are having such a great time, and one of our own was selected by a sultry doll and played along. –You do not have a choice, there are wise guys with guns around! The evening was fun with light entertaining. The show really reflects the spirit of the city.
Written November 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fayebird
Victoria, TX244 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
We were in Chicago for a weekend getaway and went to this show, which was fun -- nothing to brag about, but we had a good time, even though it is expensive. The area is not in a good part of town, so there's no need to get there early because you can't get in until right before the show. The prime rib was very good, and the staff and performers were very friendly. Some people dressed in the flapper dresses, but that's not necessary. We dressed in jeans, etc., and fit right in.
Written February 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hilary K
Dundee, UK25 contributions
Nov 2018
My friend and I planned our trip to Chicago back in April. One of the first things we planned was Tommy Gun's as a friend had been before and said it was a good night and that we should go. We booked it for November the 8th, just last week. We had a txt message on the day to say it was cancelled that night, no explanation. We were really upset as we had really looked forward to it.
Written November 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lizm54
Loughborough, UK177 contributions
Oct 2018
My daughter and I had tried to book this venue for the weekend but were unable to get a table, consequently we ended up going on a thursday night, and I did get the feeling that it would have more of an atmosphere if there had been more people there.
The staff were very good and very welcoming and made you feel at home, but the building which was obviously a converted garage felt a bit cold and although the decor was great it did need to be busier to give the right impression.
We had been told to be there at 6.30 for drinks, meal about seven, but we had to wait until the final table came in at about 7.40 before they started serving dinner, had we known we would have arrived a bit later as we felt rather at a loose end until everything got going. We did order drinks as soon as we got in and these were reasonably priced and good.
I did think the meal was a dissapointment - this is not a fine dining establishment - the menu is quite basic, soup or salad to start, and when they say salad they mean just salad - iceberg lettece, cucumber and dressing - not even a tomatoe in sight. Portions were large which I suppose is good but there is only so much lettece you can eat. The main courses were enormous but not particularly well presented, I had a huge peice of salmon which was Ok, with a boring huge jacket potatoe,and green beans ( these were tasteless - frozen beans I think) . My daughter had the same veg with the most enormous very rare steak - we found the portion size overwhelming but I guess there are people who do like this. The food felt as if it had just been slapped on the plates with no finesse at all. However maybe this is in keeping with the era.
Dessert was served halfway through the stage show which started after we all had our main course. The show was entertaining - the waiters, MC, and lady on the bar were all in the cast, and they all did a good job of multi tasking.
all in all it was an experience but I would definitely only want to go there for a drink not to eat.
The staff were very good and very welcoming and made you feel at home, but the building which was obviously a converted garage felt a bit cold and although the decor was great it did need to be busier to give the right impression.
We had been told to be there at 6.30 for drinks, meal about seven, but we had to wait until the final table came in at about 7.40 before they started serving dinner, had we known we would have arrived a bit later as we felt rather at a loose end until everything got going. We did order drinks as soon as we got in and these were reasonably priced and good.
I did think the meal was a dissapointment - this is not a fine dining establishment - the menu is quite basic, soup or salad to start, and when they say salad they mean just salad - iceberg lettece, cucumber and dressing - not even a tomatoe in sight. Portions were large which I suppose is good but there is only so much lettece you can eat. The main courses were enormous but not particularly well presented, I had a huge peice of salmon which was Ok, with a boring huge jacket potatoe,and green beans ( these were tasteless - frozen beans I think) . My daughter had the same veg with the most enormous very rare steak - we found the portion size overwhelming but I guess there are people who do like this. The food felt as if it had just been slapped on the plates with no finesse at all. However maybe this is in keeping with the era.
Dessert was served halfway through the stage show which started after we all had our main course. The show was entertaining - the waiters, MC, and lady on the bar were all in the cast, and they all did a good job of multi tasking.
all in all it was an experience but I would definitely only want to go there for a drink not to eat.
Written October 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SusanRR9
Toronto, Ontario49 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
On September 27th I received booking confirmation and then the day before we are supposed to go I get an email saying they have sold out for a private booking. I am offered other dates that don't work and request a refund...no response. Have sent a second request for a refund....still no response. Maybe it's better to buy tickets at the door or find somewhere else to go!
Written October 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sunjunkie85
Greenwich, UK38 contributions
We visited Chicago as a group of late 20-something's and thought based on reviews that this would be a sure fire hit. I hate to write this but this evening is only suitable for older people and in particular older women. The idea is amazing, an undercover/speakeasy style bar with a theme and dinner, and singing waitresses. It starts promising as you enter a plain door with a password next to a parking lot, very authentic. And the compare was very charming, taking us ladies to our seats. But from then on, it was not (for us) the 'rip roaring' 20's show we expected. The audio sound system is not up to standard. The singers were varied in talent- some were reasonably entertaining but I can't believe how slow paced the show was. Too much slow 'audience interaction' where lots of people were called on stage to act out something. Shame that right at the end when the ladies did a Chicago musical number was when it started livening up. The older ladies in the audience seemed to love the 'story' of the place (where sometimes one actor / waitress played 3 different roles!?).
Sadly also, the food was not up to any sort of standard. A starter consisting of a bowl of plain salad leaves and a pot of salad dressing? The salmon I had, had no seasoning and unpleasant wrapped in foil. Being approached through dinner to buy cheap paraphernalia also wasn't great.
I feel bad for writing this as clearly some effort has been made to try and make this an entertaining venue but it needs be ramped up in the quality stakes. We only had 3 nights in Chicago and it was felt by all that we wish we had known this wouldn't be appropriate for an under 30/40 audience.
Sadly also, the food was not up to any sort of standard. A starter consisting of a bowl of plain salad leaves and a pot of salad dressing? The salmon I had, had no seasoning and unpleasant wrapped in foil. Being approached through dinner to buy cheap paraphernalia also wasn't great.
I feel bad for writing this as clearly some effort has been made to try and make this an entertaining venue but it needs be ramped up in the quality stakes. We only had 3 nights in Chicago and it was felt by all that we wish we had known this wouldn't be appropriate for an under 30/40 audience.
Written September 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Delighted33
Crowley, Texas95 contributions
Jun 2012 • Family
Tommy Gun's Garage served a great meal and more than you could or should eat. The Skits were very entertaining. We laughed at the slap stick commedy. It was a little pricey, but we weren't disappointed.
Written June 20, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PMATT914
Buchanan, NY129 contributions
Sep 2019
Lissen up youse guys! If you're in the Windy City and looking for some fun, this guy Tommy Gun runs a joint that's really jumpin'! But pay attention when you get confirmation of your reservation. You'll get a password that you'll need to get past the mug at the door who's carrying....well let's just say that they don't call this place "tommy gun's" for nothin'. We were met inside by the maître d', Vito Scallopini. Speaking of which, more often than not the chow in these dinner theatres plays second fiddle to the show. Not here. Our food was very good and they ain't stingy with the portions. After everyone had gotten their food on the table, the wait staff got on the stage and served up a lively cabaret show. In particular, the doll that served us was a multi-talented singer and dancer. Later in the show some of us in the audience were called up on stage to take part. They smartly gave each of us an alias (mine was Rocky Calzone), no doubt in case there were any Prohibition Agents hiding in the crowd. As a matter of fact, I hesitated before I started writing this because I didn't want word to reach the wrong ears, if you know what I mean, and have Tommy Gun's Garage end up getting raided. But then I recalled that late in the show a copper wandered in and....well let's just say that he was persuaded to look the other way. If you're looking for a way to have a fun night in Chicago then I say be sure to give Tommy Gun's Garage a shot.
Written November 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl B
Harvey, LA16 contributions
Mar 2019
We were skeptical about this show and had no reason to be. It was very entertaining! The food was delicious and HUGE portions. The drinks were reasonably priced and tasted delicious. The performers are also your servers and its an interactive show. It's worth every penny!!
Written March 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi. Is this show still running? I see it's website is down.
Written August 26, 2020
Darlene G
Machesney Park, Illinois
Heading here for a Saturday night. Hotel is about a block north of the river in Dearborn. Just wondering if the bus system would be a good way to get to Tommy’s or is an Uber necessary? Planning on ending our night at a bar close to our hotel. So far I’ve been able to plan our weekend around CTA but I’m just not familiar enough with the system to decide if it’s doable for Saturday night fun.
Written March 4, 2020
Hello! Yes, our location is doable by bus or train. Taking an Uber would probably be faster, but will cost alittle extra.
Written March 7, 2020
Can I take my 3 year old? He's used to going to bed at 9:30 so I don't think the late night is a bother, just wondering if it will be scary to him. He also typically likes music and a lot of action. TIA
Written April 8, 2019
I would recommend this for older teenagers only , there are loud noises such as gun shots etc & I can’t imagine young children enjoying it ?
Written April 8, 2019
Visiting in May, wondering if this was appropriate for an 8, soon to be 9 year old? Thanks!
Written April 10, 2018
We had a 9 year old with us and it was fine. The employees were aware of a child there and gave her some special attention. They were very nice. It's a long evening and loud, but she had fun!
Written April 12, 2018
We have French family members that want to see this show. Their English is pretty good, but it's not great. Will they have a hard time following?
Written June 2, 2017
It may be difficult as they all speak with the 1929 accent as well. My whole family, young and old including a non native English speaking person (my wife) loved the place. Just depending on fluency, may or may not be an issue... but if you can help if problems, well worth it to get that gangster Chicago feel.
Written July 30, 2017
You get your dinner first, then the show starts. There is a 10 minute intermission for bathroom break and getting dessert. We got there at 6 (sure) and think we left around 9:15 (not so sure) which included dinner and show.
I had a bottle of wine so don't quote me on the times. Great place, feel free to check out my review if that helps.
I'm handicapped and the staff was accommodating, but my timing might be off a bit per above :)
Written July 30, 2017
I have an 11 year old daughter, is the show appropriate for her age?
Written May 3, 2017
Absolutely! We took ours on our older son's birthday and we all enjoyed. Only slight downside is no kids menu so we wasted a lot of food we paid for. Other than that, can check out my review - we all had a great time!
Written July 30, 2017
Is there free parking? If not free, where do you park if you're driving in?
Written October 10, 2016
Yes free and they watch the parking lot while you are in the show.
Written October 10, 2016
Is the neighborhood safe for a group of women to attend.
Written August 9, 2016
I felt perfectly safe. We attended on a Saturday night and there were employees standing outside to welcome everyone and were also outside when we left.
Written August 10, 2016
We are thinking of bringing a group of about 35 High School students on a trip to Chicago. There is a big concern that the activities we include are not condoning violence, nor be inappropriate language. In the review on Tripadvisor it does say it is family entertainment. Please be honest, would the Principal or the Board have any problem with what is presented? Thank you,
Written October 23, 2015
Jangale, the show is appropriate for high schoolers. Everything is done tongue in cheek as a comedy. There is nothing serious and everything is fun, and hilarious. Your students will love it especially if one of them is called up on stage. Enjoy the show.
Written October 23, 2015
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