Readers’ picks: Nightlife & The Arts
Recognizing Chico’s most entertaining people and places
Recognizing Chico's most entertaining people and places
Bar (Chico)
1ST PLACE: The Banshee
134 W. Second St., 895-9670Stepping through The Banshee's doors in downtown Chico is like taking a trip into another world. Its classy, old English-style furnishings make visitors feel as if they've walked into a big-city joint. Cozy tables await guests in back, or sit by the front to make new friends. While food can be a tasteless afterthought in some pubs, the fare at The Banshee is prepared and served with care—which explains why this downtown hotspot also won the category of Best Drunk Munchies.
2ND PLACE: Duffy’s Tavern
337 Main St., 343-77183RD PLACE: Argus Bar + Patio
212 W. Second St., 520-8223Bar (Oroville)
1ST PLACE: Spirits Lounge
Gold Country Casino, 4020 Olive Highway, 538-4560Spirits Lounge offers a comfortable break from the lights and sounds of Gold Country's busy casino. With regular live music, ranging from bands to DJs, and a monthly lineup of drink specials, a night at the Lounge is never a dull affair. So, sit back with a local beer or a signature cocktail and have fun!
2ND PLACE: Feather Falls Casino Brewing Co.
3 Alverda Dr., 533-38853RD PLACE (tie): Miner’s Alley Brewing Co.
2053 Montgomery St., 693-43883RD PLACE (tie): Sweetwater Saloon
1849 Sixth St., 533-5242Bar (Ridge)
1ST PLACE: Canteena
6067 Skyway, 877-5215For several years running, the Canteena on Paradise's main drag has scored the most votes for best watering hole on the Ridge. The Canteena offers food, live music, big-screen TVs and friendly vibes in a sports-bar atmosphere, keeping those up the Hill entertained since 2003.
2ND PLACE: King’s Tavern
5771 Clark Road, 877-71003RD PLACE (tie): The Wine Room & Pub
6256 Skyway, 872-88893RD PLACE (tie): Lynn’s Optimo
9225 Skyway, 872-1788Mixologist
1ST PLACE: Liz von Aspern
Christian Michaels Ristorante, 192 E. Third St., 894-4005There's no shortage of friendly bartenders in this booze-loving college town. So, to be named the best—and the Best Mixologist at that, as the art of mixology takes much more than the ability to pour a beer—is a particular honor. One happy returning customer noted: “Liz von Aspern has a great personality, and does everything in her ability to make the customers happy. She has a million-dollar smile, and is a very genuine person.” We'll drink to that!
2ND PLACE: Scott Barwick
Two Twenty Restaurant, 220 W. Fourth St., 895-1515; and Argus Bar + Patio, 212 W. Second St., 520-82333RD PLACE: Jason Corona
Crush Italian Cuisine & Lounge, 201 Broadway, 342-7000Happy hour
1ST PLACE: Crush Italian Cuisine and Lounge
201 Broadway, 342-70002ND PLACE: Christian Michaels Ristorante
192 E. Third St., 894-40053RD PLACE: The Pour House
855 East Ave., Ste. 270, 893-3000Sports bar
1ST PLACE: Bella’s Sports Pub
134 Broadway, 893-5253During football season, baseball season, basketball season, hockey season—heck, any sports season—this is the place to be, assuming you can squeeze in. Bella's Sports Pub is that narrow (but cozy!) bar on Broadway that gets raucous on game days and always draws people from all corners of Chico. Their wings are absolutely top-notch, and sports fans are otherwise satiated with the big-screen TVs and cheap and plentiful beer.
2ND PLACE: The Graduate
344 W. Eighth St., 343-27903RD PLACE: The End Zone
250 Cohasset Road, 899-7070Watering hole for townies
1ST PLACE: The Handle Bar
2070 E. 20th St., Ste. 160, 894-2337When Carolyn and Brian Kanabrocki opened The Handle Bar in Chico, they aimed to create an unpretentious, comfortable atmosphere and offer quality microbrews in the early days of the craft beer revolution. They've succeeded at both in spades, and this is the second consecutive year their bar on the south side of town has been named the top townie bar.
2ND PLACE: Duffy’s Tavern
337 Main St., 343-77183RD PLACE: Studio Inn Lounge
2582 Esplanade, 343-0662Venue for live tunes
1ST PLACE: Sierra Nevada Big Room
1075 E. 20th St., 893-3520Perfect acoustics, a big dance floor and the world-class brews of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. flowing all night long make the beautiful Big Room the best place in Chico to catch an eclectic mix of touring and local folk, Americana, rock, blues and funk acts.
2ND PLACE: Lost on Main
319 Main St., 892-24453RD PLACE: The Tackle Box Bar & Grill
379 E. Park Ave., 345-7499Local music act
1ST PLACE: Defcats
Classic rock from the '60s to the '90s is what you get at a Defcats show. Members Aaron Lyon, Ron Relf, Shawn Bentley, Tom O'Conner and Mick Nantel come together to celebrate dance tunes at nightclubs and casinos around the area, as well as community events like the recent Omega Nu Barn Dance. And they're booked to rock the Halloween party at the Chico Elks Lodge Oct. 30.
2ND PLACE: Bogg
3RD PLACE: Kyle Williams
Local comedian
1ST PLACE: Chris Bobertz
Chris Bobertz has been described as “the strong silent type … with an air of mystery.” He is often seen performing comedy at venues around town, peeking out from the hood of his sweatshirt. His soft-spoken demeanor and truthful subject matter connect with audiences in a pure way. “Whether it's his kids, his stay-at-home fathering, his passion for the workplace or his elusive wife, Chris' stories will leave you in stitches,” says one friend.
2ND PLACE: Annie Fischer
3RD PLACE (tie): Kyle Bowen
3RD PLACE (tie): Melissa J
3RD PLACE (tie): Steve Swim
Karaoke night
1ST PLACE: Madison Bear Garden
316 W. Second St., 891-1639Walk out on the back patio of the Mad Bear on a Monday and just try to resist going up to the mic to belt out a rendition of your favorite Katy Perry song. That's right, Monday night is Bear-e-oke night, and that's where you'll find all of Chico's lead-singer wannabes—and hopefuls. Even if you don't sing, it's always fun to see all the crooners and entertainers try their hand on the stage.
2ND PLACE: Maltese Bar & Tap Room
1600 Park Ave., 343-49153RD PLACE: Studio Inn Lounge
2582 Esplanade, 343-0662Open mic
1ST PLACE: Has Beans Coffee & Tea Co.
501 Main St., 894-3033For many years, this downtown coffee shop has hosted weekly musical open mic nights, where anyone's invited to take the stage and share their talents. There is a handful of regulars, but you can also discover new local talent. The shows are 7-10 p.m. Thursdays, and musicians sign up the day of at the shop. Bring your own instrument, or use the guitar and drum set the house makes available.
2ND PLACE: The Maltese Open Mic Comedy
1600 Park Ave., 343-49153RD PLACE: Studio Inn Comedy Night
2582 Esplanade, 343-0662Place to dance
1ST PLACE: Crazy Horse Saloon
303 Main St., 342-7299When it comes to boot-scootin', Chicoans need not go any farther than the Crazy Horse Saloon. The cowboy-themed bar attracts a wide range of people, from college kids to older country fans. And with a huge dance floor smack in the middle of the bar, it's no wonder it's locals' favorite for cutting loose.
2ND PLACE: The Beach
191 E. Second St., 898-98983RD PLACE (tie): Lost on Main
319 Main St., 892-24453RD PLACE (tie): Madison Bear Garden
316 W. Second St., 891-1639Bloody Mary
1ST PLACE: Duffy’s Tavern
337 Main St., 343-7718Each bartender at Duffy's has his or her own little twist on the Bloody Mary. Some pour in a little Guinness, some a nip of Pale Ale, along with the horseradish, Worcestershire sauce and staples of vodka and tomato juice, salt and pepper. But let's not forget the other delicious accoutrements—green beans and olives. This is a top-notch Bloody Mary and Chicoans know it!
2ND PLACE: Nash’s 7th Avenue Omelette House
1717 Esplanade, 896-11473RD PLACE: Joe’s Bar
749 W. Fifth St., 894-3612Margarita
1ST PLACE: Tres Hombres Long Bar & Grill
100 Broadway, 342-04252ND PLACE: La Hacienda
2635 Esplanade, 893-82703RD PLACE: Casa Ramos
216 W. East Ave., 894-0119; and 2490 Fair St., 893-5050Martini
1ST PLACE: Crush Italian Cuisine and Lounge
201 Broadway, 342-70002ND PLACE: Christian Michaels Ristorante
192 E. Third St., 894-40053RD PLACE: 5th Street Steakhouse
345 W. Fifth St., 891-6328Place for a glass of wine
1ST PLACE: Wine Time
26 Lost Dutchman Dr., 899-92502ND PLACE: Monks Wine Lounge
128 W. Second St., 343-34083RD PLACE: Crush Italian Cuisine and Lounge
201 Broadway, 342-7000Place to see art
1ST PLACE: 1078 Gallery
820 Broadway, 343-1973The 1078 is an integral piece of Chico's identity as a place for artists, and it's been that way for 34 years. The gallery hosts a rotating mix of showcases for contemporary and experimental artists working in all media—visual, performance, literature, film and music.
2ND PLACE (tie): Chico Paper Co.
345 Broadway, 891-09002ND PLACE (tie): Chico Art Center
450 Orange St., 895-8726Visual artist
1ST PLACE: Janet Lombardi Blixt
For several years now, Janet Lombardi Blixt has been recognized as Chico's Best Visual Artist. That might be because she makes some beautiful paintings, many of them of local landmarks, but also because she takes pride in sharing her skills with other aspiring artists in town through her Chico Art School.
2ND PLACE: Caitlin Schwerin
3RD PLACE: Christine Fulton
Theater company
1ST PLACE: Blue Room Theatre
139 W. First St., 895-3749The Blue Room Theatre is something of an institution here in Chico, despite going through many changes over the years. One thing that hasn't changed is its dedication to offering a strong mix of classic and contemporary plays, some even written locally, and all performed by an excellent cast of local actors. Let's not forget its Young Company, either, which works with young aspiring actors to hone their craft.
2ND PLACE: Chico Theater Company
166 E. Eaton Road, Ste. F, 894-32823RD PLACE: California Regional Theatre
(800) 722-4522Casino
1ST PLACE: Gold Country Casino
4020 Olive Highway, Oroville, 538-45602ND PLACE: Feather Falls Casino
3 Alverda Dr., Oroville, 533-38853RD PLACE: Rolling Hills Casino
2655 Everett Freeman Way, Corning, 528-3500