The 7 most exclusive members-only clubs in Chicago and how to join the University Club of Chicago. While the first floor of the Tao Chicago functions as an Asian-inspired restaurant, serving dishes such as Pekingese duck and lobster wontons, the second floor of the venue is one of the most popular nightclubs in the city. The space, with capacity for 1000 people, has impressive murals and a disco ball mounted under a 10-foot-high Japanese bell, setting the stage for crowded parties with the soundtrack of some of the best DJs in the world (Deadmau5 and Afrojack performed during the club's opening weeks). Coverage costs are often expensive and reservations are almost essential for the most important events, but if you have money to spend, this is one of the glitziest nightlife spots in Chicago.
The kitschy concept of Beauty Bar, in Chicago, aligns with the New York and San Francisco versions, with shiny walls and salon furniture from the 60s. Hang out under the disco ball at popular and recurring parties like Emo vs. Pop-Punk or show up for happy hours on Friday night. And if your nails need a little work, you can often get a manicure and martini in the main room.
A relatively new addition to Chicago's nightlife, Le Nocturne channels the more casual atmosphere of a French nightclub, with a relaxed and elegant dress code. Residents include prominent Chicago house DJs such as Ron Carrol and Paul Johnson, exemplifying the club's reverence for local talent. Inside, you'll find a dance floor flanked by a 25,000-watt European audio system and a set of nearly 100 pieces of intelligent lighting that move and change color in response to whatever is spinning. And if you need a break from the beat, there's a small patio on the sidewalk where you can refuel before seeing the crowd inside again.
The Lakeview club, a favorite hideaway for local weirdos since the 80s, once lived up to its name by regularly presenting German new-wave music and art installations. Nowadays, Berlin is best known for its weekly drag shows and nighttime dance parties that keep the music going until 4 in the morning or later. This huge Northalsted club has been serving the LGBTQIA+ community for more than four decades. With multiple levels, rooms, and even a rooftop terrace, the space can accommodate more than 1,000 people at a time.
Start the week off right by singing your favorite songs from Musical Mondays or take your best steps during Friday night's dance party. When you need to refill, order one of the signature frozen cocktails. An elegant, modern destination with several levels of European style in the busy club scene of River North, this venue has kept clubbers busy since its opening in 2004, with progressive house and techno DJs touring on a regular basis. With a solid line-up of resident DJs, seven bars scattered throughout the space and a powerful sound system, the different dance floors of this club always seem to show off a spectacular scene.
Not much has changed at Underground, Billy Dec's former River North nightclub, which was once bunker-themed (it now looks like most contemporary clubs, with lots of lasers, blinking lights, and LED panels). It's a reliable place to see sets of touring DJs and potentially see some local baseball, basketball and football players spending money on bottle service. Do you need a way to pass the time before the doors open? The 1920s-themed Underground Cocktail Club serves elegant mixed drinks in a space inspired by speakeasies located just above the underground club. Located above Celeste, in River North, Disco takes its retro aspirations to the surface, with a gigantic illuminated dance floor and lots of huge mirror balls.
The playlists are also a conscious throwback to the 70s, full of key disco (duh), funk, soul and house music tracks. Show up Friday and Saturday nights for champagne and dancing at this Instagram-worthy club. Founded in 1995, this 300-person club in River North transmits its global atmosphere and invites underground techno and electronic artists from all over the world to perform. The narrow confines make this one of the most exclusive dance floors in the area, so you'll need to arrive early (or book a table) if you want to secure a spot at the party.
Do you miss the days when you drank boxes of juice with your friends? This spacious River North club serves many of its cocktails in plastic boxes, allowing guests to safely drink alcoholic beverages as they explore the enormous three-level space. Neon lights, graffiti and bright sculptures decorate the long corridors, where you're likely to see groups taking pictures of a miniature slot machine. People who go to bed early don't need to apply it. LiqrBox doesn't open until 11 at night and keeps rocking until 4 in the morning (5 in the morning on Saturdays).
PRYSM Chicago is a top-notch nightclub in the Lincoln Park area with impressive lighting and sound systems. The upscale atmosphere attracts an elegant crowd, and the bar offers a variety of cocktails, beer and bottle service. Small bites are offered, but the focus is on music and dancing. TAO Chicago is a high-end nightclub located in the River North neighborhood of Chicago.
The luxurious venue has a multi-level space with Asian-inspired decor and offers a dance floor for you. A bar offering cocktails, wine, and sake, and the food menu includes Pan-Asian cuisine. The atmosphere is elegant and sophisticated, and attracts an elegant and affluent crowd. DISCO is an elegant nightclub located in the River North area of Chicago.
The venue has retro-inspired decor and a spacious dance floor with a state-of-the-art sound system. The bar offers a variety of cocktails and artisanal liquors, and small bites are available for those looking for an aperitif. The atmosphere is lively and fun, and attracts a diverse audience. Sound Bar is a popular nightclub located in the River North neighborhood of Chicago.
The venue has several levels, each with a different musical genre and a top-notch sound system. The bar offers a variety of beers, cocktails, and bottle service, and small bites are available for those who need a snack. The atmosphere is energetic and lively, with a diverse crowd of party-goers. Smartbar is a legendary nightclub located in Chicago's vibrant Lakeview neighborhood.
The venue has a state-of-the-art sound system and an intimate dance floor. The bar offers a selection of beers, craft cocktails and, from time to time, food stalls are available. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, and attracts a diverse crowd of music lovers. Spybar is a popular nightclub located in the River North neighborhood of Chicago.
The venue has a dark and intimate atmosphere with a high-quality sound system and a large dance floor. The bar offers a variety of cocktails and beers, but there's no food menu available. The atmosphere is underground and technology-oriented, and attracts a dedicated crowd of music enthusiasts. The Underground is a modern nightclub located in the River North area of Chicago.
The venue has a spacious dance floor with an impressive sound system and lighting screens. The bar offers a variety of cocktails, liquors, and bottle service, and small bites are available for those who need a snack. The atmosphere is exclusive and modern, and attracts an elegant and diverse audience. Beauty Bar Chicago is a quirky nightclub located in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago.
The venue features vintage decor with a dance floor and stage for live performances. The bar offers a variety of wines, cocktails and beers and, from time to time, food stalls are available. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun, and attracts a diverse crowd of music and art enthusiasts. Tunnel is a nightclub located in the River North neighborhood of Chicago.
The place has an underground atmosphere with an industrial style interior and a dance floor. The bar serves cocktails and bottle service, and the club hosts DJs and live music events. The atmosphere is energetic and modern, and attracts a younger audience. Bottle service and table minimums at Chicago clubs can get quite expensive in Chicago, but every nightclub is different.
Located in River North, Sound Bar is Chicago's most popular upscale nightclub that revolutionizes Chicago's nightlife by boasting style, luxury and state-of-the-art technology. Joy District is a multi-level restaurant and nightclub located in Chicago's River North neighborhood. The Joy District club is the perfect place to hang out late with friends or mingle with new acquaintances, offering a unique and exciting experience that is unmatched by other River North clubs in the area. Unfortunately, you can't miss the chance to enter Chicago's most legendary nightclubs of the time (RIP The Warehouse), but a new generation of nightlife destinations has stepped in to ensure that the pace continues.
Some Chicago clubs have a free guest list and have a free guest list with a uniform ratio, free if you have the same number of girls (or more) in your group. Conveniently located in downtown Chicago, in the heart of the River North neighborhood, Underground is one of the most energetic clubs in Chicago. The venue has the best DJs in Chicago and guests can enjoy private tables, the VIP experience and bottle service at this club. The club has a regular roster of DJs who play a variety of music, including current pop, hip-hop, and EDM hits, as well as many of the most beloved classic club songs from the 2000s on their superior sound system.
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