Hangar 9
(http://www.thehangar9.com/), 511 s. illinois avenue just south of the train station, +1 618 549-0511. open most evenings 6pm to 2am during university sessions. the hangar has been presenting live music for the last ~9400 days according to their website. once known as a jam-band haven, the music calendar has become more eclectic since the early to mid 1990s, booking punk rock, ska, and other live acts. $1.50-$3.50 draft beer.
PK's
308 s. illinois avenue, +1 618-529-1124. open most evenings 6pm to 2am during university sessions. this is a real tavern for people over 21 who like real taverns. the crowd is a mix of locals and students who are quickly on their way to becoming locals. live music usually blues, but sometimes something quite a bit stranger (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=3927777) is programmed most evening weekends. $1.25 draft beer tuesday nights are $0.75 draft nights and thursday is $1 day draft and rail..
Mélange
607 s. illinois avenue., +1 618 549 9161. mélange is a quiet little spot for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, especially in the afternoon. actually they seem to have about the best wine selection in town read "any". meanwhile there is also a selection of 10 micro-brewed and imported beers. $2 coffee $4-5 wine and beer.
Sidetracks
101 w.college street +1 618 457-5950. located, literally, next to the railroad tracks servicing amtrak and various freight trains, open monday-sunday, open 'til 2 a.m. a former line dancing bar, sidetracks offers a unique atmosphere. from the picture frames dominating the inside walls filled with pictures of former employees, to the railroad artifacts scattered around, the bar's main feature is its beer garden. hosts live djs and live bands, and is considered a significant hang out for the siu rugby men's and women's teams. keep a look out for rugby tournament weekends, which will draw dozens of teams from all over the nation, but also siu alumni.
Crown Jewel Lounge
A treasure that requires no digging, just a drive to the west side of town. Virtual World Promotions books local bands for shows every Saturday night. They have insanely cheap drinks and a great atmosphere. Their website is: www.myspace.com/royalplaza