First of all– this bar is called LIVEWIRE now, not Metal Shakers. I went here because the reviews(although admittedly outdated) made it sound like a fun place to listen to metal. When we arrived the music was horrible, live, and we even waited through a couple of bands to complete disappointment. Sorry guys, just not into cheese rock. The best part– it was empty, hard to get to, AND on all on a Saturday night… I don’t normally feel the need to leave reviews like this, but I wish someone had left these notes so I would at least know what I am getting into.
Dann B.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Chicago, IL
Heavy Metal dive bar. I don’t even really know what else to say about this place. Drinks aren’t cheap, I don’t know if I’d call them expensive though. GWAR footage was played all night on the TVs even though we weren’t listening to GWAR. I don’t think I’d fork over another $ 10 cover to get in here again. All in all if you like metal, you’ll like this place. Me, I give metal 3 stars so that’s what this place gets. It’s not bad, I just don’t see a real draw. Crowd was friendly though.
Kevin G.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Chicago, IL
My band OCEANSAREGRAVES( ) played at this bar and had a fucking AWESOME time. I will be frequenting this place on the regular for sure. This bar is a dive for sure. PBR tallboys are 3 dollars and everyone is friendly as fuck. I’ll be there getting super shitfaced as often as possible, come say hello.
Pete U.
Rating des Ortes: 1 San Diego, CA
The good, i think the beer wasnt overpriced, kind of a dump, well a total dump by most peoples standards, which will keep most people away, some decent shows at times The bad, i dont think the beer was cheap either, like 3 for a the blue ribbon, alot of crappy metal The Really Bad(the ugly) this place looks like it was decorated by a kid that was in high school in the 80, your typical posters on the wall«clockwork orange and the like» skulls and crap, and the«bouncer» or bounced i should say is a douche (this type of) metal needs to realize its like the WWF, totally full of shi*, this place blows
Chris W.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Chicago, IL
This place is a shithole to be brief but they’re cheap with a wicked bartender named Jackie. Shes a very cool chick. You can find live music here, badass DJs who are in love with metal, and special themed nights such as this Sunday, which is metal horror movie night. Depending on when you go, it might be dead, but worry not because you can still have a good time. All of the people I’ve run into there are at the least friendly. They have a dartboard and scoreboard too which should keep you busy for a while, and a pool table. This is the place to go to if you’re looking for a shitty metal dive bar.
Meg g.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Chicago, IL
If, like me, you need more Norwegian Black Metal in your life, head on over to the northwest side’s première metal dive bar — Metal Shaker. They have ice-cold Okocim and a hot bartender(my friend Jackie) who will chat with you about thrash and doom records or an upcoming show with appearances by bands such as: Morgue Supplier, Fascist Insect, and Killer Dolphin W/Rabies and Hex Machine. Also fun: the artwork on the fliers in the bathroom.