Crocodile Rock!

Sorry, but the above title is not referring to Elton John's classic hit where he tells the tale of 1960's rock 'n' roll. The Crocodile "rock" I'm referring to would be that of Wicker Park's newest weekend spot, where you can enjoy a fine lager, a free personal pizza with purchase of said lager, and the only place on a Saturday night where you can dance to the illest 90's jamz!

Located at 1540 N. Milwaukee Ave. right in the heart of the Wicker Park night life, The Crocodile, offers a laid back bar atmosphere upstairs, and a basement party vibe downstairs. This being a brand new addition to the neighborhood, i did some research to see what other people had to say. After reading a majority of negative reviews all complaining of slow service and bitching about only getting one free pizza with your first drink, and not a free pizza with every drink (Hey Chubbs!...do you really need more than one FREE pizza???!!!), i decided to check it out anyway.

Myself and a few friends arrived at The Crocodile around 12:30 this past Saturday, and with in 5 minutes i had a cool, refreshing vodka tonic in hand. Through out the evening the prompt service at the bar was very consistent, so I'm not sure what everyone is complaining about. Although i did not cash in on my free pizza, I'm sure it was delicious... everyone knows there is no such thing as bad pizza. It's aaaalllll gooood baby!... especially when its free! As i made each step down the stairs towards the basement, I could feel the rolling bass line of Digital Underground's "Humpty Dance" grow louder and heavier, and i knew right then and there that everything was going to be ok.

Every other Saturday night, The Crocodile hosts UBERJAM, where you'll find a basement bar filled with funky fresh freaks breaking out all the hippest dance moves. You would have thought you were an extra on the set of House Party with the DJ's of the night spinning everything from Young M.C. and Salt 'N' Peppa to Biz Markie and Bell Biv DeVoe (click the link you'll recognize the song).

So despite all the bad reviews, I had a "fresh" time at The Crocodile that night, and would definitely go back for the dance party alone. I thought the music was fly and a refreshing change of pace from the usual bar scene. Even if it was for just one night, it was a fun throwback to the era of High Fades, "Motown Philly," and Gordon Gartrell shirts.

So if you find yourself craving a new joint to beak out your Running Man or show off your Tootsee Roll, head down to The Crocodile for the weekly UBERJAM! Word to yo' mother!