The Hideout Inn: A Chicago Music Landmark
The Hideout Inn, located in the Elston Avenue Industrial Corridor between Chicago’s Lincoln Park and Bucktown neighborhoods, is a renowned music venue with a rich history. Established as a music venue in 1996 by Tim and Katie Tuten and Mike and Jim Hinchsliff, the Hideout has become a cornerstone of Chicago’s live music scene. Originally built in 1881 as a boarding house for factory workers, the building transitioned into a public house in 1916. During the Prohibition era, it operated as a speakeasy, and in 1934, it became a legal bar known as the “Hideout.” Its name is said to derive from its secluded location in an industrial zone, which made it a discreet gathering place.
In 1947, Angelo “Sax” Favia took over the Hideout, and in 1954, his nephew Phil Favia and Phil’s wife Eleanor “Chuckie” Favia used their honeymoon money to build a back room, expanding the venue. The Favia family managed the Hideout until 1996, when it was sold to the Tutens and Hinchsliffs. Katie Tuten’s father was a regular at the bar, and she and Tim became frequent patrons in the mid-1980s. In 2019, the Chicago Tribune recognized the Tutens and Hinchsliffs as “Chicagoans of the Year in Music.” Katie Tuten also played a significant role in founding the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) in 2020, advocating for public funding to support venues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Hideout is celebrated for its music performances, hosting regular acts like house band Devil in a Woodpile and artist-in-residence Robbie Fulks from 2011 to 2017. The Hideout Block Party, held from 1996 to 2017, grew from a small gathering to a major event attracting up to 7,000 attendees. Beyond music, the venue hosts community events such as Soup & Bread and The Interview Show.
Praised by the Chicago Tribune and The Guardian, the Hideout is described as a beloved local bar that feels like a family living room with legendary music. It has been featured in national lists, including Esquire’s “Best Bars in America” and USA Today’s “Top 10 Best Small Music Venues in America.” As of 2018, the Hideout operates only in the evenings, featuring a front porch with picnic tables and a back performance area. Despite potential impacts from the proposed Lincoln Yards development, the Hideout remains a vibrant part of Chicago’s cultural landscape as of 2025.
Verified venue information
| Location | Chicago, United States |
|---|---|
| Opened | 1996 |
| Official website | www.hideoutchicago.com |
| Information checked | 2026-08-20 |
Map
Sources
Wikipedia / Wikidata / Official website
Image: MisterJayEm / CC BY-SA 4.0 CC BY-SA 4.0
See the official website for the latest show information
Artists who have played here
- Robbie Fulks
- Devil in a Woodpile
Names from the Wikipedia article.

