MWA Report
THE guide for gettin your crip ass into the cool places in Chicago!

EXIT is at 1315 W. North Ave., 773/395.2700

If you don't know of it, it is a hardcore punk bar...motorcycles, gas masks, and sawblade fans, killer jukebox....

In rating for EXIT I found:

How accessible is it?

(First floor)

(Second floor)

How problematic are the staff?!

Staff: NO complaints here. If you are cool, they are cool. The bouncer will help you up the steps & the manager is ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!!!!

How problematic are the other patrons?!
Patrons:

I have had to speak up-- "Outta my way!" sometimes, but it really depends on the night and the time of night. Late weekend eves are really crowded, so if you really want to go then and not deal with wanting to break ankles I would suggest going early and staying all eve.

Exit. I love this bar. I have known one of the managers for a couple of years, but there is NO escaping the fact that it is grossly inaccessible.

There are 2 stairs to get in the double front door. The rise is quite minimal though, 5" or so each. Ramping would be a good thing...suggest it to them. The cool thing about getting up these stairs/through these doors is that the door guys are very burly and usually quite willing to pop you up the stairs.
Once inside-- They have now rearranged the bar so that the motorcycles are toward the back...there are tables to sit at toward the front..wheelchair fits under them ok.
Bathrooms-- Well, they aren't accessible per se...but one should be adventurous...get someone to open the door...they are narrow, so you can use the door frame to transfer. Now ask them to PLEASE CLOSE THE DOOR so you can pee or whatever. You say you don't want to ask for help. --#1--They are at a bar...what else are they doing beside talking and drinking? #2--If you are stubborn like me, I am sure you can do it yourself.
2nd Floor-- Let's just say that I am not sure that the stairs are even wide enough for a fireman's carry. If someone will carry you up on their back...

So there you have it.

EXIT!

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Standard Dis-claimer: Input is welcome...as well as submissions for places to review or reviews of them. I am very aware that I am only reviewing for mobility accessibility at present. I will attempt to start reviewing for other accessibility issues in the not too distant future.

Who am I? I am a queer cripdyke with MS. I also do web, multimedia, sound & graphic design...check out my company:

or drop email to the cripdyke reviewer.

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My thanks to Mark & everyone at Centerstage for publicizing these reviews.