The Castaway Beach Bar and Grill

Were you the one like me that never had a chance to go on spring break to disperse of all your stress and catch a few wet t-shirt contest?  Well, in Chicago you'll get that spring break atmosphere if you venture your way far East as North Avenue would go.  There you'll find  a huge facility that rest smack dab in the middle of North Ave. Beach running along Lakeshore Drive. 

What's unique is the design of this establishment, its shape like a cruise liner.  The party is on the roof or in better terms the bow.  It's a bar and grill that includes live booty bumping music and D J's spinning the day and night away.  Think of it as a night club outdoors on the beach.  No shirts, no shoes, no problem.  I must advise you to take public transportation or be ready to shell out 12 bones for parking and be prepare to dodge joggers and cyclists as you make your way towards the entrance.

You'll find typical bar food including burgers, fish and chips, nachos and assorted sandwiches.  Although this is a food blog I will not go much into detail.  I'd ordered the fish and chips and nachos which was okay bit pricey.   It's cheaper to pack your own food and drinks and chill on the beach to start your day then wiggle your way upstairs to the dance floor after some liquid courage.  If you do get tired and overwhelm of the chaos upstairs you can always venture back downstairs and just lay on the beach, go for a dip in the lake or maybe just wait for the sunset.  Either way it's a win win situation for any lazy American.  They're no shortage of volleyball courts, street vendors and performers.  Usually during the week they have volleyball tournaments and nearby is a roller ball rink you can watch and also rent chairs and variety of beach amenities.  

After a hard days of summer work, grab a few friends and make your way to the Castaway for a little r&r.  Enjoy the great view while chowing down on delicious bar food or a big and tall mixer to beat the heat.  Beautiful people scampering around half naked, you can't go wrong plus you'll get a spectacular view of the sun setting behind the city.   Don't forget that this is a perfect location to witness the free water and air show coming up next month.  castawayschicago.com