Chicago, Illinois
Nightclubs, Bars and Pubs Directory

Chicago Nightlife and Nightclubs

Though the city may be windy, that does not give enough reason for the partying to stop. Chicago nightlife offers a number of lounges for relaxing and bars and dance floors for those just itching to put on their dancing shoes.

Comedy nights are classic at Second City. This hotspot has been the most established source of top comedic performances in Chicago. Its two stages creates a real showcase of improve acts, guaranteed to tickle everyone’s funny bones. Included in the list of Second City alumnae are Tina Fey, Rachel Dratch and Horatio Sanz, all of whom are members of the legendary show Saturday Night Live. John Belushi also frequented the stage at 1616 N. Wells Street.

The Funky Buddha Lounge is located in an industrial setting on 728 West Grand Avenue. As if to adhere to its surroundings, a big steel door with a happy Buddha greets guests out front. The inner lounge, however, veers away from that theme with red lights and candles, a fusion of black leather and leopard skin couches, plus aged lighting from ancient church fixtures. DJs deliver the same diversity in the music that they play. Loungers will enjoy heating up the dance floor with the funk, hip-hop, soul, house, bhangra and African beats concocted by the best music mixers in town. For a cover charge of around USD$15-20, the crowd packing the Funky Buddha Lounge ranges from yuppies to clubbing kids, who all come for the unique ambiance and the trademark martinis.

Another industrial venue turned hotspot is Green Dolphin Street. This former car garage has changed dramatically into a chic 1940s restaurant and nightclub on 2200 North Ashland Avenue. The stogie smoking crowd can be seen downing martinis while relishing all the best jazz performances that the Chi-town can offer. Cover charge goes from around USD$10-15. The club’s main room however, is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

If after a long, late afternoon of shopping at designer stores like Prada and Barneys on Oak Street, you may stumble upon a narrow alley that reveals the almost fully hidden entrance to Le Passage. Typical of an exclusive club, guests would have to line up alongside the velvet rope and convince the gate keeper that they are worthy of being let in. Once picked, patrons are then led down a flight of stairs into a stylish and chic nightclub furnished with French décor. Another treat is Le Passage’s bartender, Yow Low who makes for interesting conversation over a few drinks with his numerous anecdotes and stories. For music lovers, the array of music on the play list includes R&B, hip-hop, house, acid jazz, soul and funk. The famished will also find refuge in the rich French fusion dishes served by Le Passage. The exclusivity of this club attracts the rich, famous and the beautiful. Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest days for this swanky club. At times, even members of the fashion industry converge here on Wednesdays for special events like runway presentations.

After a long work week, yuppies usually hang out at the Spoon, found over at 1240 N. Wells Street. This bar and restaurant charms its customers and regulars with an Old Town feel. Weeknights give people the chance to wind down with a yummy Mucho Mango martini.

At the Martini Ranch on 311 W. Chicago Avenue, martini aficionados can stay up till a few hours before the sun rises on the Windy City. Open until 4am even on weekdays, patrons will enjoy 40 different twists on the martini. There are only four booths to accommodate guests, so it is best to come early if you prefer not to sit at the bar. One of the highly praised drinks is the chocolate martini, coupled with a pop-rock musical selection to keep customers high on energy. The back room allows for some recreational pool while the beer garden provides tables and ample heat for chilly nights.

Fans of upcoming rock and alternative bands in the city can check out Metro, which is within an old auditorium on 3730 N. Clark Street. Serving as venue to big time name acts such as REM, Pearl Jam and Chicago native Smashing Pumpkins, Metro boasts of its credibility in the music scene. Groups that are on the rise and rapidly gaining exposure from radio stations and even MTV, end up playing at the Metro. Tickets that are normally priced at $12-$20, may be purchased by phone, through the box office at the adjacent record bar or through Ticketmaster.

Watching concerts at the Metro translate into free entrance at the Smart Bar, a club located in the same area and is open every night of the week. The simple and clear-cut aura of the bar appeals to those who just want to party without the pretensions. The crowd and their fashion sense is as diverse as the music which jumps from punk and gothic to underground house and ethereal. Parties almost always start late so cover charge is disregarded before 11pm. The bar operates until 5am during weekends.

Amidst the industrial impression that Chicago may bring, the city also has some glamour to offer. Along 710 N. Clark Street, Narcisse is one such place where one can find extravagant chandeliers, deluxe fabric on its furniture, not to mention walls that are painted gold. Table tops are made of glass and carry famous names of champagne etched elegantly on the surface. The bar list carries an assortment of wines, over 50 types of champagne, some of which read steep prices, as well as martinis and other libations people can indulge in. To complement the alcohol intake, caviar, French-Italian tapas and desserts are also on the Narcisse menu.

People on the look out for some fun in Chicago will not be disappointed, given the variety of nightspots available to them. Whether it be dancing the night away, getting a good laugh, or letting loose at a fantastic concert or with a number of martinis, Chicago nightlife welcomes those who seek to take a break from reality.