Schoolyard: Code Name Renegade

Tonight we proved our utter obsession with Chicago trivia nights by going to 3 venues.  We started out at in Lincoln Park’s Clybar, which we were especially excited to review as it was the first, and at only time only, place we played pub trivia.  However, in the two months or so since we’ve last been, Clybar has come under new management, and they’ve nixed their Tuesday night trivia/$1 taco special.

We then hightailed it to Rocks, also in Lincoln Park.  We know from past experience that you have to arrive at rocks EARLY on trivia night– we walked in at 7:15 and all the tables were already full for 8pm trivia.

Finally, we landed at the Schoolyard in Lakeview.  We arrived at 7:30, giving us plenty of time to get a table, order, and eat before trivia started just after 8 (as advertised).  Tuesday night specials include half priced salads, $2.50 Coors Light, $4.50 Guinness, Harp, and Smith.  They also serve a drink called a cherry bomb (Red Bull and cherry vodka) for $4.  There is some debate about whether one should sip this drink or take it as a shot.  There is also some debate about whether one should order this drink at all.  It smells pretty terrible, but certain team members insist that it’s pretty good.  Also, for those who love PBR as much as we do, it’s $4 for a bottle at Schoolyard.

The atmosphere at Schoolyard isn’t great.  The tables are pretty packed in and the the plentiful giant TVs can be distracting.  But other than that, it’s hard not to like Schoolyard.  The trivia host, Tim, is a chatty, likable guy who kind of looks like Seth from Superbad.  And the questions, provided by Brainstormer Pub Quiz, are challenging but within reach.  Trivia consists of 7 rounds: 2 general knowledge rounds, a handout round (this time geography questions on Colonial Africa), a movies round, a picture round (also on a separate handout),  a round on mottos and slogans, and a final round of general knowledge. For those who feel cocky early on, it should be noted that questions get harder as they go.  First and second place teams receive gift certificates to the bar, and the host also gives out a round of drinks and a DELICIOUS skillet cookie for the high scoring teams from rounds 3 and 5.  Also, the host also has a table of random prizes (6 packs of beer and t-shirts), that teams are openly invited to take.

Word to the wise:  if you sit at the table underneath the 4 giant TVs, you have an unfortunate view straight into the men’s urinals every time the bathroom door swings open.  Another fun fact about Schoolyard: Friday nights are “Cougar Fridays.”

We met jovial Schoolyard regulars, “Team: I’ll take potpourri for $100,” who were also tonight’s winners.  They spoke of winning “the trifecta”: the skillet cookie, the free round of drinks, and the first place gift certificate.

Final verdict: good food, good specials, good trivia.  It’s definitely worth trying out Schoolyard.

Schoolyard Tavern and Grill
3258 N. Southport,  Chicago                                                                                                            
8-10pm
$5 per person
4 paws! (out of 4)

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