Mike and Denise's

One of the biggest parts of living in suburban Chicago is finding your go-to place when you don't feel like heading out of your way to enjoy a night.  For residents of Aurora, options are generally limited to driving 10 miles north to St. Charles, 12 miles east to Naperville, or choosing areas near the Westfield Fox Valley Mall.  If you don't feel inclined to risk an extended drive to either of these locations, or don't want to hear a poor Top 40/Pop-Country mashup; one of the best locations to visit is Mike and Denise's on Farnsworth Avenue in east Aurora.

During my first visit to this location's bar, I expected to walk into a bar full of older regulars who didn't take kindly to newcomers.  Mike and Denise's was always one of the restaurants that I ended up after high school events, and I never actually got to look into the bar area.  Upon entering, not only was I received normally as a patron; I actually found that the activities and events were geared to span a great deal of ages, and the pool tables are some of the best in the suburbs. 

I'd have to say some of the biggest reasons that I not only went back; but now can consider myself a regular have to be the pool, the music, the drink specials, and the staff.

Pool
As someone who is still heartbroken over the demise of The Green Room in North Aurora, I have always looked for a place to play pool.  Mike and Denise's offers four high quality pool tables, and you are likely to play (as long as you don't show up on Wednesday league nights).  On an even better note, Tuesdays offer free pool to anyone who can hold a table. 

Music
I could go many ways with this.  Utilizing TouchTunes software whenever the system isn't taken up by some of its events, Mike and Denise's offers patrons their choice of music with the biggest online jukebox service available to bars and restaurants.  Secondly, offering karaoke on Tuesdays, Fridays, and sometimes Saturdays; you can always show off your vocal skills or enjoy a good laugh at the expense of your friends.  Finally, Mike and Denise's provides live music events on occasion; of which you can find on their Facebook page or by looking at posters lining the bars.

Drink Specials
Providing great specials on weeknights, and monthly specials on beers; Mike and Denise's can compete with a lot of the other Aurora bars on cost and quality.  My personal favorite, $1.75 Shiner Bock on Tuesdays, always gives me increased courage on the karaoke mic; and draft night on Thursdays ($2 domestic, $3 import, and $4 specialty) allows patrons options in choice and price.  Other than this, many nights carry specials that I have not experienced firsthand.

Staff
You can choose any bars based on the previous two entries, and some bars based on the first; but the best reason to frequent a location is the waitstaff.  With many knowledgeable bartenders, you can always find interesting drink choices; and with split tips, any server will come to help you if your drink is low.  This allows for fast, efficient service provided by any number of workers.

All in all, this bar is perfect for a lot of demographics: family restaurant for early evenings, sports bar with a large quantity of TVs for fanatics, and other events for us, postgrads in suburbia.  Whereas you may not be walking distance like me, this bar is still incredibly accessible and popular.

For more information, check out the Mike and Denise's Official Facebook Page to see more specials and events.