About
Location
Don't let our Berwyn address fool you. FitzGerald's is conveniently located just 6 blocks from the Forest Park Blue Line stop at Oak Park Ave!
We're also easily accessible from the Eisenhower Expressway (Hwy. I-290 -- “The Ike”).
History
FitzGerald's has been a gathering spot since it was built in the early 1900's. Up to 1925, the frame building at 6615 W. Roosevelt was a roadhouse used as a hunting lodge and sporting team headquarters. As more buildings rose along Roosevelt Road, the club was home to several nightclubs, the best-known being The Hunt Club, which flourished through the 1950's and early 60's--acts included Turk Murphy, Bob Scobey and Lil Armstrong. After the Hunt Club closed, the space became the Deer Lodge, complete with pool tables and a fortune teller.
The FitzGerald famly bought the building in 1980, and since that time FitzGerald's has gained a national reputation for excellent live music in a casual, comfortable atmosphere. Along the way, the family purchased the buldings on either side of the club; the corner building now houses a private party space and "get away' bar, and the building to the east is currently occupied by Capri Ristorante, a popular Old World Italian restaurant. This is a separate business from FitzGerald's -- to make a reservation or for more info, call them at (708) 637-4085.
FitzGerald's On Film
Major motion pictures, commercials, and more have been shot on location at FitzGerald's.
The Color of Money
©1986 Touchstone
Martin Scorcese's pool hustling flick featuring Paul Newman and Tom Cruise featured a scene at FitzGerald's--the first 20 minutes or so, when Newman discovers Cruise (and Oak Park native Mary Mastriantonio) was shot in the club. Fun Fact! Tom Cruise performed all of his own trick shots.
A League of Their Own
©1992 Columbia Pictures
Columbia closed down FitzGerald's for three weeks to shoot the 5 minute roadhouse sequence. In this scene, Oak Park native (and Huskie softball star!) Megan Cavanaugh drunkenly comandeers the mic for a serenade to her one true love. FitzGerald's still features the stage mural that was painted for the film.
FAQ
Here are answers to some of the most common questions people have about FitzGerald's:
WHERE CAN I PARK? You can park anywhere on Roosevelt Rd. or the side streets; no meters or permit restrictions. You may also find a spot on the parking lot in front of the club, although those tend to go quickly. Make sure NOT to park in business parking lots or the mini-mall to our west. Those are for their customers only and you will be towed.
DO YOU SERVE FOOD? FitzGerald's does not serve food, but there is an excellent Old World Italian restaurant right next door - Capri Ristorante -- and they are happy to deliver your dinner to the club. Call Capri at (708) 637-4085. You are also welcome to order food from nearby restaurants for delivery but please, NO OUTSIDE DRINKS.
WILL THERE BE A PLACE TO SIT? This is a tough one. The amount of furniture varies depending on the band/ticket sales, though we almost always have SOME furniture. Best to call a few days before the show and ask how it's looking.
HOW DO I GET ADVANCE TICKETS FOR A SHOW? There are two ways to get advance tickets. 1) Stop by FitzGerald's after 5p.m. any day except Monday (closed) and a bartender can sell you tickets. 2) Go to http://www.ticketweb.com. If you're not sure whether to buy a ticket for whether advance tickets are being sold (for smaller shows you usually just pay at the door), give us a call at (708) 788-2118.
CAN I RESERVE A TABLE? - No. Our doors open at 7pm (or 1 hour prior to shows that begin before 8:00pm), so your best bet is to come early and stake your claim.
IS UNDER 21 OK? Aside from the occasional all-ages show, FitzGerald's is a 21+ club. However, those under 21 ARE allowed if accompanied by a parent.
HOW MUCH ARE YOUR DRINKS? Bottled beers run from $3.50-$5 -- draft pints $5-$7; standard liquors $5; premium liquors $5-$10 -- wines from $5-$8/glass.
IS THIS A DRESS-UP PLACE? Not at all. Our atmosphere is casual and comfortable, with music fans from 21 to not telling.
