Drop Pin • Kelly Deasy
We’re back with another Drop Pin, a recurring segment in which a few of the our homies give us the low down on what they believe to be some of the “go to” locations in and around Chicago. This time around, we're talking to Kelly Deasy from booking agency Monterey International. The Pittsburgh native also co-founded her own event production and management company Movers & Shakers while attending Columbia College Chicago. If she looks familiar, you might have seen her at apartments, lofts and unique spaces around the city as Deasy is also an A&R for Sofar Sounds Chicago chapter.
With such a packed schedule, let's check out where this mover and shaker takes time out to kick back and relax.
Eva’s Cafe
Best cafe in town. It's a hidden gem, tucked around the corner from the entrance to the Sedgewick Brown Line stop in Old Town. It doesn't command a lot of attention from the outside however inside, it's everything you could want in a great cafe. Solid wifi, delicious coffee and food made fresh in what looks like your childhood home kitchen, big comfy arm chairs, and a wood burning fireplace. Eva's is my ideal coffee shop to take friends visiting town or just to hideaway and get some serious work done.
Village Discount in Rosco Village
Easily my favorite spot for shopping because of the consistent, incredible finds for extremely cheap prices. While the place may look a bit daunting at first, as any great thrift store should, if you’re up for digging through the racks you'll come across some great pieces no doubt. I've walked away with loads of clothes and I rarely spend over $20 at once. It's a great place to find bags, records, and home ware items too....if you can even make it to the bottom floor!
Thalia Hall
If you have not yet been to Thalia Hall, I highly suggest making it down to Pilsen to check out this spot ASAP. Not only do they present an extremely well-rounded mix of touring artists coming through town in a beautifully restored 900 cap room, but the building’s also filled with just about everything you need for a very successful night out. Dusek’s, the first floor restaurant, has some quality eats and a great beer selection- perfect for hitting up before the show. I always recommend venturing down to Punch House in the basement after the show to hang out in their swanky 70’s mod bar (complete with a secret rotating bookcase door) to enjoy some very strong and very delicious house made punch.
90 Miles Cuban Cafe
Again, another great place in Roscoe Village. 90 Miles Cuban on Clybourn is small and can be easy to miss but it's some of the best Cuban food. Awesome coffee drinks and my favorite empanadas. The food comes out quick and you can hang out inside and eat at the counter or on their outdoor patio. Try the stuffed pepper dish and make sure you get a good sized portion of Maduros - sweet, fried plantain chips.