A couple years ago while in New York City, I took a self-guided tour of famous locations of television shows. Recently, I took advantage of a beautiful day to check out TV or movie locations in my hometown of Chicago.
Built in 1915, the Biograph Theater, now the Victory Gardens Theater, is on the National Register of Historic Places. FBI agents shot and killed John Dillinger outside the Biograph. Naturally, it was used in Public Enemies, the biographical crime drama, but it also appeared in High Fidelity, About Last Night and other films.
Chris’s Billiards is one of my favorite places to shoot pool. More famously, it was used in The Color of Money.
Dr. Richard Kimble’s home in The Fugitive features an indoor pool, a rooftop deck, an elevator and other luxuries added in a renovation prior to filming. It was recently on the market for $3.6 million.
In High Fidelity, John Cusack’s character owns Championship Vinyl, a failing record store. It is now a bicycle shop. Also in High Fidelity, Cusack takes a date to Strega Nona, now Grassroots Grill. Lisa Bonet’s character performs at Lounge Ax, which is now Soiree Bar Lounge.
Championship Vinyl
Strega Nona (Grassroots)
Lounge Ax (Soiree)
John Candy as Buck takes his girlfriend to O’Sullivan’s in Uncle Buck. It is now Emmitt’s Irish Pub. Buck lives in an apartment across the street from Wrigley Field.
In About Last Night, Rob Lowe’s character bumps into Demi Moore’s character in front of Kelly’s Pub. Opened in 1933 under the El tracks, Kelly’s remains a Chicago favorite.
The opening for The Bob Newhart Show featured Marina Towers in downtown Chicago, but the exterior shots of his character’s apartment building belongs to a condo building several miles north.
One last location I did not visit on this day was the 95th Street Bridge, as seen in the opening sequence in The Blues Brothers. I crossed this bridge hundreds of times in my youth and was actually there for one day of filming.
Photo courtesy of Karen Oaks
I had fun visiting these memorable locations. There are many more in and around Chicago, and I will visit more in the future. I am also checking out other cities for similarly famous locations as we all #ComeBacktoTravel.
— John Wroblewski, online writer
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Apr 17, 2025United Airlines Launches Direct Flights from Newark to Madeira, Faro
We’re calling it now: Portugal is going to be the destination of the summer thanks to a new partnership between Madeira Promotion Bureau, VisitAlgarve and United Airlines. These destinations are excited to announce the launch of two new direct flights routes from Newark (EWR) to Portugal’s Madeira (FNC) and Faro (FAO).
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
April 2025
Apr 17, 2025Budapest, Hungary’s Vibrant Capital, Emerges as a Go-To City for Business and Beyond
Straddling the Danube River, the Hungarian capital splits into two parts: Buda and Pest. Buda sits on the west of the river with a series of historic buildings nestled among steep hills, while Pest is flatter and located on the east bank of the river.
Daily
Apr 17, 2025Exclusive St. Barts Hotel Offers for 2025
Embrace the warm breezes and turquoise waters of St. Barts with these exclusive hotel offers available this year.
Sponsored Content
A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways
This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.
Daily
Apr 16, 2025Wine Festivals and Events Happening in California This Month
April marks California’s Down to Earth Month wine celebration. Wineries throughout the state participate with fun-filled festivals and events, with a focus on sustainable winemaking.
Aranui Announces Expansion with Second Ship
eFlyer News
Apr 16, 2025eFlyer Deals
Apr 16, 2025The Lake House on Canandaigua Debuts Spring in Bloom Vacation Offer
Head to the Finger Lakes region in New York this spring and stay at The Lake House on Canandaigua. This boutique property welcomes spring with the all-new Spring in Bloom Vacation offer.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
eFlyer Deals
Apr 16, 2025Holland America Line Celebrates 152 Years of Cruising with Anniversary Sale
Holland America Line celebrates 152 years of memorable cruises with its Anniversary Sale, through April 30. With this promotion, guests receive up to 30 percent off cruise fares, onboard credits of up to $300 per stateroom and 50 percent reduced deposits.
ShareThis