The lights are brighter, the beer is better, and the bathrooms are finally clean. But Carol’s Pub still feels like the neighborhood honky-tonk it was when it opened in 1972.
For many years, Carol’s was the last remaining spot on the north side where audiences could hear traditional country music. Diamondback got started in the mid-70s, with singer and pedal steel guitarist Teddy Douglas as bandleader. Over the years, as openings arose in the lineup, Carol’s bar manager and doorman Jimmy Curry slotted in new players—another anachronism in an era when bands tend to run themselves. Goodman is the longest-serving member of the current group, having replaced Douglas, who left in September 1999. “They didn’t want a girl in the band, but they got stuck with me anyway,” she says, laughing.
Carol’s won’t have a house band anymore, but Diamondback will rotate regularly through the schedule (they’re back Saturday, January 5). Among the acts Warm has on the schedule are Chicago honky-tonk traditionalists Dan Whitaker & the Shinebenders (Friday, January 4) and the Steel Woods, a southern-rock band from Nashville (Saturday, February 16). He’s reserving Thursdays for groups playing original music.
“They kept the old charm but cleaned it up,” said Hope Brown, 72, of Albany Park, who’d returned to the bar Friday after having been a regular for nearly 30 years. She scanned the audience, a good mix of younger and older folks. “It’s nice to see this many people coming out to hear the old country.”
Hirtzig, 54, tended bar for nine years at Carol’s before it closed, but on Friday he was enjoying drinks by the front door with friends, watching people stream through the front door. Would he ever consider slinging drinks again, like in the old days?
