The Angry Waiter

The Note (1565 N. Milwaukee Ave.), one of Wicker Park’s most eclectic and affordable music and performance venues, takes its final bows tonight, Sunday, turning off its iconic neon signs for good.

The owners aren’t abandoning the space, but they are ditching the live music and dj’s in favor of a jukebox. Word is they’re ripping out the stage and dj booth, remodeling the bar and re-opening in one month under a new, yet to be decided (or maybe just yet to be disclosed) name.

The decision to close The Note apparently centers around eliminating the cover charge. Bands and dj’s cost money which means customers here paid a cover - usually $6 - $10 - and that chased away customers just looking to drink and hangout.

The Note first opened in Bucktown as the awesomely loud, always packed “The Blue Note.” In 1996, they moved to Wicker Park, losing the “Blue” along the way. The owners also own Nick’s Beer Garden (1516 N. Milwaukee Ave.) and the new Nick’s on Wilson (1140 W. Wilson).

Though The Note will be missed, most important to The Angry Waiter is the future of the staff. According to a bartender there, all of the staff is being retained.