'Serious about music' Lots of live blues at Cool River

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'Serious about music' Lots of live blues at Cool River
April 30, 2009
BY CAROLE SHARWARKO
Southtown Star

n a nutshell: In a word - music. In two words - blues music. Owner Mike Maracich said Cool River Draught House and Eatery in Homer Glen is "serious about music." On its large stage, Cool River hosts big Chicagoland blues names including Billy Branch and Ronnie Baker Brooks, son of blues legend Lonnie Brooks (who makes appearances). Cool River also presents other local favorites, such as the Afrodisiacs, American English and Mr. Blotto. Thursdays are blues jam nights, Fridays feature bands, and Saturdays always offer blues shows.

Decor: There's nothing low-key, small or understated. Cool River is part downtown music venue, part roadhouse. The positively massive bar has an open ceiling, exposed ductwork and several neon signs.
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Cool River Draught House & Eatery

Address: 12622 W. 159th St., Homer Glen.

Phone: (708) 301-8006.

Hours: 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Mondays to Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sundays.

Credit cards: All major cards are accepted.

Seating: Plant yourself at the wrap-around bar if you want to watch a game. Sit at one of several high-boy tables if you want a good view of the whole place. A separate seating area by the stage would make watching a show quite comfortable.

Crowd: Men, and many working-class men. It was a Tuesday when we visited, and there was a Chicago White Sox game on. But the bar seems quite male-dominated.

Food: A full menu lets you have just about whatever pub grub you desire, including a bevy of fried starters. There are daily food specials including a half-pound signature burger for $1 on Mondays. Tacos are $1 on Tuesdays.

On tap: You name it. There are 21 beers on tap, and approximately 100 altogether offered at Cool River.

Signature drink: Whatever whets your whistle, but Maracich said he's working with a brewer to come up with his own beer.

Value special: Get a designated driver for Wednesdays, when 1-liter Long Island iced teas are $3.

Music: The piped-in music seemed schizophrenic when we visited, with songs getting cut off. Apparently the live music is more of the focus.

Amenities: There's lots to do here, with a pool table, video games, darts, a boxing game and three giant high-definition television screens. The place has "something for everyone," Maracich said.

Parking: Cool River has its own lot. Keep an eye out for it, though, because if you have to turn around you'll be fighting 159th Street traffic.

Bathrooms: The facilities need a little attention. The toilet paper ran out on the Tuesday we were there. And the men's room door was open for some reason.

An odd extra: An antique barber's chair sits in the middle of the bar. The conversation piece is used as a shot chair, and was unfortunately broken by one rather large patron. Maybe it's better left for viewing.

Lighting up: A nice heavy tent with windows is attached to the entryway to keep smokers out of the elements.