Music is not necessarily the linchpin of the place, more like a nice distraction. You may sometimes feel the need to clap loudly because you feel bad that no one else is paying attention. Check the Web site for a schedule of upcoming acts. The Map Room offers one of the best beer selections in the city, including microbrews, stouts, ales and pilsners from all over the world. The Map Room also has special beer and wine school sessions where patrons can learn about what makes a bitter pilsner or a full-bodied merlot.
Live music is featured on the weekends.
The Map Room may have a worldly feel to it, but its patrons do not. It's a pretty mellow group of money-making patrons, many of whom probably couldn't tell you where Taiwan was in relation to Thailand. But it's a nice atmosphere nonetheless. Bartenders are especially friendly. The Map Room is the kind of place that develops a local following, and its patrons consist mostly of Bucktown residents.