- February 22, 2012
- City: Chicago
- No Comments
$9 for Admission to The Art Institute of Chicago (Up to $18 Value)
Art involves creativity and a release of inner emotions, unlike Latin, which involves rote memorization and stifling emotions through three years of law school. Enjoy magnum opuses instead of magna cartas with this Groupon.
for One Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago (Up to Value)
Stepping through the doors of the Art Institute of Chicago can be a breathtaking experience, and not only because of the exquisite architecture under its high ceilings, such as marble staircases; the Institute houses thousands of works of art from all over the world, works spanning five millennia of human creativity. Guests can take a miniature world tour—without becoming an ant and crawling across a globe—by exploring the Institute’s collections, which include new sectors dedicated to African and South Asian art. Georges Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte — 1884 and Gustave Caillebotte’s Paris Street; Rainy Day draw visitors into the expansive Impressionist collection, with works by artists including Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Mary Cassatt. A two-story modern wing displays remarkable works by European and American artists. Visitors can also take in traveling exhibitions such as Light Years: Conceptual Art and the Photograph, 1964–1977, running through March 11. Exclusive to Chicago, the exhibit explores the emergence of photography in the world of contemporary art and includes works by Eastern European artists rarely shown in the U.S.
Children under the age of 14 and Art Institute of Chicago members are admitted for free, and Illinois residents are admitted for free the first and second Wednesday of every month.
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago seeks to educate and inspire the public with collections of artwork from all over the world, representing the immense potential and variety of human creativity. Intricate sculptures created in South Asia date back as far as the second century, and photography exhibits trace the work of lens masters all the way back to 1839. The Institute’s contemporary sectors build on that embrace of humanity’s more recent mediums of inventiveness by showcasing wild outgrowths of artistic genres, including new media, conceptual installations, and self-portraits painted using only blue cheese salad dressing. A two-story modern wing, meanwhile, houses nearly 1,000 influential pieces by American and European artists such as Pablo Picasso, René Magritte, and Salvador Dalí.
Groupon Says
The Groupon Guide to: Family-Portrait Backgrounds
Does Photoshop have a tool for adding liver spots?
- February 21, 2012
- City: Chicago
- No Comments
$15 for $30 (or $35 if Redeemed Sunday–Wednesday) Worth of Sushi and Japanese Fare at Blue Fin Sushi Bar
Sushi can be thought of as a super food, since it contains precisely proportioned nutrients in every bite and temporarily enables the capacity to whistle in multiple languages. Harness the power of the sea with today’s Groupon to Blue Fin Sushi Bar in Wicker Park:
- For , you get worth of sushi on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.
- For , you get worth of sushi on Sunday–Wednesday.
Blue Fin Sushi Bar’s cutlery-wielding chefs present dozens of rolls in a modern dining room that mirrors their forward-thinking interpretations of traditional sushi. Extra-spicy tuna adds a polychromatic pop to the top of the Kamikaze maki (.95), which emulates the way seaweed rises up from the deep to pull the sun over the horizon daily. Jalapeno lends kick to Ocean Drive roll (.95), empowering it to face the tempura-fried might of the Rainbow Dragon roll (.95) and its crunchy shrimp, spicy mayo, tuna, and salmon. Tongues leap out to smack lips in anticipation of the Shiroyama roll (.95), each piece crowned with a baked scallop and spicy mayo, much like the anointing of the Queen of the Lobster Ball. A full bar keeps throats slick with libations, and guests can bring their own brews for a fee per person.
Groupon Says
The Groupon Guide to: Ferrari Ownership
Which Ferrari-ownership tip is also the slogan for “War Horse”?
- February 20, 2012
- City: Chicago
- No Comments
$10 for Comedy Night for Two to ComedyComedy’s “Chicks are Funny” in Aurora (Up to $24 Value). Four Shows Available.
Although many have said that comedy is not pretty, it doesn’t explain why most men carry pictures of Milton Berle in their wallet. Fetch some fetching laughs with today’s GrouponLive deal to see “Chicks are Funny,” presented by ComedyComedy at The Comedy Shrine. For , you get two tickets for general-admission seating (up to a value, including all fees). Choose from the following dates:
- Thursday, February 23, at 8 p.m.
- Thursday, March 1, at 8 p.m.
- Thursday, March 8, at 8 p.m.
- Thursday, March 15, at 8 p.m.
ComedyComedy at The Comedy Shrine wrangles touring headlining comics and the sharpest local wits in a shiny venue packing enough talent to require two performance spaces. Recently relocated near the Fox Valley Mall, where its outpouring laughs taunt the stoic food court, the freshly christened facility sports two theaters that host comedy acts such as “Chicks are Funny,” a weekly celebration of the Chicago area’s beloved female comedians. Host Tiffany Ellen induces guffaws while audiences peruse offerings from local, female-owned businesses such as Dazzle Jewelry’s art-deco bracelets and Vault Denim’s designer jeans, which require a combination to unzip. Chicagoland’s top female comedians finish out the evening with chuckle-stirring standup routines.
Groupon Says
The Groupon Guide to: Sassy T-shirt Slogans
Which T-shirt is the best T-shirt to wear to a funeral?
- February 20, 2012
- City: Chicago
- No Comments
Whiskey Flight and Tacos for Two or Four at Bullhead Cantina (Up to 64% Off)
Tacos and whiskey go together incredibly well, because when it comes down to it, a tortilla is just a funnel for delicious things. Gnaw on physics with this Groupon.
Choose Between Two Options
for whiskey and tacos for two (a value)
- Two whiskey flights, with four half-ounce whiskeys per flight
- One taco special, including 12 tortillas and choice of fillings
- Chips and guacamole
for whiskey and tacos for four (a 2 value)
- Four whiskey flights
- Two taco specials
- Chips and guacamole
Bullhead Cantina
Within the exposed brick walls of Bullhead Cantina, an expansive taco bar exemplifies owner Paco Ruiz’s dedication to hands-on eating, inviting hands to wrap house-made corn tortillas around fillings ranging from carnitas and portobello to avant-garde entries such as grilled sweet potatoes or roasted beets. True to its name, the cantina also boasts an unwavering love of whiskeys, loosening tongues with flights chosen from a rotating selection of bourbons, ryes, and blended whiskeys. Craft and classic brews anoint palates with crisp blends of hops, malts, and the occasional misplaced gummy bear, while creative cocktails such as the Bourbonaid⎯a blend of lemonade, iced tea, vermouth, and bourbon⎯easily dissolve lingering stressors.
Groupon Says
The Groupon Guide to: America’s Most Haunted Stadiums
Which US state is now just a lime green mist?
- February 20, 2012
- City: Chicago
- No Comments
$25 for a Shared Seven-Course Michelin-Starred Japanese Prix Fixe Meal for Two at Lure Izakaya Pub (Up to $51 Value)
The ocean has long been a stage for humanity’s grandest achievements, from Magellan’s circumnavigation of the globe to Columbus’s discovery that lobsters look like tiny monsters. Set sail for seafood with this Groupon.
for a Shared Seven-Course Japanese Prix Fixe Meal for Two (Up to Value)
Japanese and contemporary European flavors blend together in a formidable menu featuring fresh oysters and green-tea-washed mackerel pike extolled by Out Chicago.
Lure Izakaya Pub
Sleek wooden panels and minimalistic tables stand stoically within the Michelin-recommended Lure Izakaya Pub, amplified by monsoons of colorful florescent light and nonstop wafts of innovative Japanese tapas. Chefs arrange succulent pork belly, house-made tofu, and freshly netted seafood into small plates shareable at both dinner and brunch. The menu also gives star billing to a rotating roster of new creations crafted from seasonally available ingredients, as well as wood-grilled tapas flavored with a hint of cherry, apple, or the second little pig.
Groupon Says
The Groupon Guide to: Sassy T-shirt Slogans
Which T-shirt is the best T-shirt to wear to a funeral?
- February 18, 2012
- City: Chicago
- No Comments
$20 for $40 Worth of Locally Sourced, Seasonal American Fare and Drinks at erwin in Lakeview
Buying locally sourced ingredients is an easy way to support the community, unlike filling fire hydrants with beer or making every citizen comayor. Eat your way to a clear conscience with today’s Groupon: for , you get worth of contemporary American fare and drinks at erwin, located in Lakeview.
erwin culls a range of seasonal, market-driven American fare from local sources when possible to ensure freshness and fill out an eclectic menu that helped the eatery garner a Michelin award. Starters such as roasted beets () provide a delicious lipstick substitute for those who forget their smile paint, and the syllabus of freshly prepared entrees includes the Scottish salmon () and the spicy crab cakes (). By presenting mélanges of produce in the form of such entrees as a braised cabbage, lentils, and relish dish (), erwin opens its metaphorical arms to dedicated vegetarians. The restaurant also serves weekend brunches, wherein patrons can order a lox platter () or eggs benedict (). Drinks such as a glass of the 2009 Chilean ventisquero (), one of many internationally sourced vinos, pair well with hearty meals or prewine-stained suits, and erwin’s family-friendly atmosphere encourages kinship-strengthening noshing.
Groupon Says
The Groupon Guide to: Subtle Self-Promotion
How much bragging should you do in your will?
- February 18, 2012
- City: Chicago
- No Comments
One, Two, or Three Oil Changes with Inspections and Fluid Top-Offs at Zepeda Auto Service (Up to 53% Off)
Without oil, cars wouldn’t run, boats wouldn’t motor, and Beverly Hillbillies would have no reason to jig. Hoot and holler with this Groupon.
Choose from Three Options
- for one oil change with inspection and fluid top-off (a .99 value)
- for two oil changes with inspections and fluid top-offs (a .98 value)
- for three oil changes with inspections and fluid top-offs (a 4.97 value)
Zepeda Auto Service
For more than 20 years, the ASE–certified technicians at Zepeda Auto Service have meticulously perused the latest factory bulletins to ensure that their customers receive the most advanced care. Technicians strive to maximize fuel efficiency through routine maintenance services, such as oil changes and tune-ups, and perform both basic and complex repairs—all of which come with a lifetime warranty. Zepeda’s technicians work on a wide range of makes, such as Cadillacs, Audis, Toyotas, and Micro Machines.
Groupon Says
The Groupon Guide to: Field Trips
Is it moral to speak through a puppet?
- February 17, 2012
- City: Chicago
- No Comments
Indoor Walking Tour or Pub Crawl for Two at Chicago’s Finest River Walk Tour (Up to 60% Off)
A walking tour acquaints you with the city around you, helping you avoid disaster during future scavenger hunts and upcoming bouts of amnesia. Get a few steps closer with this Groupon.
Choose Between Two Options
- for a History Lovers or Pedway Lovers tour for two people (up to a value). Children 12 and younger regularly are admitted for .
- for a Pedway Pub Crawl for two people (up to a value)
Knowledgeable guides lead informative amblings through the city’s weatherproof network of heated subterranean thoroughfares. Winter tours spend more than two hours treading the grounds between 111 East Wacker Drive and the Renaissance Hotel. During History Lovers sessions, conductors shepherd expeditions through the Cultural Center’s Tiffany Dome, City Hall, and the State Street Macy’s while dispensing enthralling narratives of Chicago’s tumultuous ascent to the title of sixth-ranked Alpha City. Alternatively, Pedway Lovers tours equip wayfarers with routes across the system’s 40 blocks of tunnels, concourses, and skyway bridges, stopping occasionally to show the best spots to startle passersby with echoing shouts.
After sipping a complimentary first beer or well drink at Houlihan’s at the start of the Pedway Pub Crawl, strollers embark on a journey to the Hyatt Big Bar, Swissotel’s Currents, Fairmont’s Aria, and Tavern at the Park, punctuated by riveting tales of Chicago’s triumphs and tragedies. During the walk, a Second City trivia challenge gives attendees the chance to earn prizes and prove they know which Styx song is represented by each of the stars on the city’s flag.
Chicago’s Finest River Walk Tour
The history buffs of Chicago’s Finest River Walk Tour lead engaging and dynamic tours of the city’s riverfront and subterranean tunnel system. Intimate groups of up to 15 participants saunter along the city’s waterways or navigate the underground tunnels originally developed for speedy traversal by Pony Express riders delivering mail between skyscrapers. During each tour, knowledgeable guides engage strollers in a two-way conversation—or three-way chat for guests listening in with the aid of Chinese or Spanish translators available at an additional charge—about the heritage and history of Chicago. Tours are conducted rain or shine, though guests may be guided to shelter during thunderstorms or periodic discharges of Willis Tower’s rooftop tesla coil, and each expedition is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Groupon Says
The Groupon Guide to: VHS Horror Movies
Is Murder Day in Terror Town the top-grossing horror film of all time?
- February 15, 2012
- City: Chicago
- No Comments
One or Three 60-Minute Swedish, Therapeutic, or Prenatal Massages at Soothe Your Senses Day Spa (Up to 59% Off)
Professional massages leach away muscle tension that can’t be ousted by morning stretches or lying down on the floor of an off-road city bus. Get rid of your knots for good with this Groupon.
Choose Between Two Options
for one 60-minute Swedish, therapeutic, or prenatal massage from a licensed massage therapist (an value)
for three 60-minute Swedish, therapeutic, or prenatal massages from a licensed massage therapist (a 0 value)
Soothe Your Senses Day Spa
The aestheticians at Soothe Your Senses Day Spa draw inspiration from two generations of Creole healing when doling out spa treatments infused with aromatherapy and healing herbs. Services catered toward men and women help banish impurities in muscles, pores, and spirit animals with Eastern healing traditions such as reiki massage and energy therapy. Three levels of spa membership offer discounts on services and workshops, and spa packages pamper clients with half- or full-day programs of massages, nailcare, and facials.
Groupon Says
The Groupon Guide to: Children’s Book Titles
What legal loophole allows you to write your own Harry Potter book?
- February 15, 2012
- City: Chicago
- No Comments
$25 for $50 Worth of Hawaiian-Inspired Cuisine and Drink at Sola Restaurant
Like waking a hibernating bear, waking a dormant stomach causes violent growls that can be silenced only by fresh Hawaiian cuisine and 20 minutes of gentle patting. Ward off vicious appetites with today’s Groupon: for , you get worth of food and drink at Sola Restaurant.
Widely lauded by the local press, Sola Restaurant augments American cuisine with Hawaiian and Asian flavors to create a worldly menu of small plates and delectable entrees. California–native owner and executive chef Carol Wallack, dubbed “an evil genius” by Chicago magazine, infuses the eatery’s locally sourced ingredients with the flavorful zest of warmer climes in dishes such as the cucumber and pineapple sea green salad (). Diners can divvy up an appetizer of artichoke fritters with truffle aioli and soy-lime sauce () or create jobs for out-of-work napkins with the barbecue-sauce-slathered kalua pork served with banana bread ().
For a main course, seared salmon arrives glistening in ginger glaze and truffle-teriyaki sauce (), and the wagyu burger with caramelized onions and cambozola cheese () reclines on its hearty pretzel bun while begging for additional security detail to keep pals from pillaging bites.
Our customers loved this deal last year, earning Sola Restaurant a spot on Groupon’s Best of 2011 list.
Groupon Says
The Groupon Guide to: Modern Romance
Can British couples feel romance?