If you want to experience a place holistically, you must experience its nightlife. On that note, we will be discussing the third-largest city in the US, Chicago. This beautiful city in Illinois is famous for many things, especially its vibrant music, delicious food, astonishing architecture, and iconic neighborhoods. However, for a taste of its best, you must check out the city at night, and what better way than visiting the top 15 best nightclubs in Chicago.
Spybar
Spybar is one of the most uber-cool clubs in the River North neighborhood. Thanks to its “global vibe,” Spybar attracts several electro and underground techno artistes from around the world. It has served as one of the favorite party spots around since 1995. It is recommended to book a table early to have a groovy experience and enjoy a seamless party.
Address: 646 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60654, US | Timings: Friday & Saturday: 10:00 pm to 05:00 am, Sunday to Thursday: Closed | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/Spybar?share | Phone Number: +13123372191
Smartbar
This one-of-a-kind subterranean club is located around Wrigley Field, right below the Metro Rock venue. You will often find star DJs from the world over crafting their magic to get the crowd groovy all night, namely, Derrick Carter, Black Madonna, and Mark Farina, etc. Serving as the backbone of the nightclubs in Chicago, Smartbar is home to electro and techno beats and sports one of the best sound systems.
Address: Metro / Smart Bar, 3730 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613, US | Timings: Thursday, Friday & Sunday: 10:00 pm to 05:00 am, Sunday: 10:00 pm to 04:00 am, Monday to Wednesday: Closed | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/13Lt75oeXYT787a59 | Phone Number: +17735494140
The Green Mill
The Green Mill has embellished the Chicago nightlife for over a century. The club’s rich heritage attracts a crowd of all ages who come to enjoy the jazz performances as they lounge and sip on some heady cocktails. This long art deco bar and its throbbing atmosphere are also famous for hosting Hollywood movie stars and celebrities.
By Kenneth C. Zirkel, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 4802 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640, US | Timings: 04:00 pm to 01:30 am | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/G37Rq1iGzjFfSV2S9 | Phone Number: +17738785552
Berlin
Nearly four decades old, Berlin is one of the most diverse bars of Chicago. It has won several awards for being the best gay bar in the city. The interiors and architecture of this club are inspired by the local art and culture that give way to a cozy atmosphere. The music ranges from house to new wave, and the theme nights such as MadonnaRama and Stardust will mesmerize you.
Address: 954 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, US | Timings: It is temporarily closed due to the ongoing pandemic. Please check https://berlinchicago.com/index.html for more information | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/dxqjhvNb5V3bVzHq7 |Phone Number: +17733484975
Beauty Bar
Chicago Beauty Bar is just as famous as the ones in New York, Austin, and San Francisco. The interiors are inspired by the 60s beauty salon, with sparkling walls complementing the disco balls. Some of the recurring party themes include Emo vs. Pop-Punk, Timehop Thursdays, etc. On Friday nights, you could simply walk in and enjoy the Happy Hours with a drink of your choice.
Address: 1444 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642, US | Timings: Friday: 07:00 pm to 01:00 am, Saturday: 07:00 pm to 02:00 am, Sunday: 08:00 pm to 01:00 am, Monday to Thursday: Closed | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Z7JaKXFpokuptCZU9
The Underground
Would you miss the chance to visit the “sexiest places in the world?” Oh, no! That’s not what we are saying. It’s how the prestigious Cosmopolitan magazine has honored the Underground. The location of this clandestine nightclub, in the River North neighborhood, is also convenient. The Underground is also famous for bringing in the hottest DJs, making the audience experience wicked and wild fun all night long!
Address: 56 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654, US | Timings: Friday: 10:00 pm to 04:00 am, Saturday: 10:00 pm to 05:00 am, Sunday to Thursday: Closed | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ecXoRrRSZ4ettzEb7 | Phone Number: +13126447600
TAO Chicago
The specialty of TAO Chicago is that the second floor is the windy city’s hottest nightclubs with an amazing atmosphere, whereas the first floor features one of its top Asian restaurants. Hence, once you’re done dancing your heart out at the club, you can step down for a hearty meal of lobster wontons, Peking duck, and more.
Besides the disco ball and towering murals, a 10-feet-tall Japanese bell will grab your attention. You will often see some of the biggest names in the DJ industry setting the tune. Just to give you an idea, Afrojack and Deadmau5 performed in the opening weeks.
Address: 632 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654, US | Timings: Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 05:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Friday & Saturday: 05:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Monday & Tuesday: Closed | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/EtW8V2QdhuTviFLDA | Phone Number: +12248880388
Joy District Chicago
Joy District is one of the most premier dance clubs, illuminating the nights of the place. It is located on the second floor of the Joy District building, including a drinking and multilevel dining structure. It’s one of the hottest clubs that you must visit, especially if you genuinely want to experience the Chicago nightlife. Star celebrities and DJs who have performed here include Demi Lovato, Louis the Child, Ludacris, and Travis Scott.
Address: 112 W Hubbard St 2nd & 3rd floor, Chicago, IL 60654, US | Timings: Monday: 07:00 pm to 12:100 am, Tuesday & Wednesday: 05:00 pm to 12:00 pm, Thursday & Friday: 05:00 pm to 02:00 am, Saturday: 11:00 am to 03:00 am, Sunday: 11:00 am to 02:00 am | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/JoyDistrictChi?share | Phone Number: +13126513979
Disco
Massive mirror balls, gigantic light dance floors, and an overall retro aesthetic — the Disco, located above celeste in River North, boasts all these and more. The best part about it is that it gets you the greatest of current-day music while staying true to the retro theme.
Occasionally, Disco brings the nostalgic 70s, soul, funk, and more that will keep you dancing on the lighted floors. Visit the nightclub during the weekends to experience fine champagne while dancing your heart away.
Address: 111 W Hubbard St 3rd floor, Chicago, IL 60654, US | Timings: Thursday & Friday: 09:00 pm to 04:00 am, Sunday: 09:00 pm to 05:10 am, Monday to Wednesday: Closed | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/4HXTXTnCu4rRQV2w8 | Phone Number: +13128289000
LiqrBox
Situated in the Right North neighborhood, this vibrant bar was launched in 2018. It is well known for its electrifying ambiance and boasts a 7,500 sq. foot space. This three-level building pulses custom street-art decor along with rhythmic lighting.
LiqrBox is also famous for its prominent “adult” juice box cocktails, which will enthrall you to dance all night. The whimsical drink and food menus give you plenty of options to choose from. In terms of music, live entertainers and international DJs playing EDM, hip-hop, and the top 40 are regular features.
Address: 873 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60610, US | Timings: Timings: Thursday, Friday & Sunday: 11:00 pm to 04:00 am, Saturday: 11:00 pm to 05:00 am, Monday to Wednesday: Closed | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/Liqrbox?share | Phone Number: +13127674444
Electric Hotel
The name comes from its origin — a warehouse that used to operate as an electrical supply company. Perhaps this is the reason why as soon as you enter this nightclub, the steady beats churned out by the DJs electrify your body and compel you to hit the dancefloor. Boasting the Instagram-apt neon signs, exposed brick walls, a disco ball that finishes the decor, and a well-stocked bar, Electric Hotel allows you to dance till 3 am.
Address: 222 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60654, US | Timings: Wednesday: 09:00 pm to 04:00 am, Thursday: 11:30 pm to 04:00 am, Friday: 10:00 pm to 04:00 am, Saturday: 10:00 pm to 05:00 am, Sunday to Tuesday: Closed | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/4zHP7rMHgS7augDB7 | Phone Number: +13123744683
Cuvee Chicago
It is said that Cuvee Chicago lights up when the whole town goes to sleep. It is one of the most elite nightclubs that is best experienced late at night. This upscale lounge is known for offering an exquisite experience. If you want to feel special and dance till the wee hours of the morning as the DJ churns out some great stuff, you must check this luxury dance den.
Address: 308 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654, US | Timings: Wednesday to Friday: 11:00 pm to 04:00 am, Saturday: 11:00 pm to 05:00 am, Sunday to Tuesday: Closed | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/qcsa1tHxkJT9z6mu6 | Phone Number: +13127021258
Prysm Chicago
Located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, Prysm is one of the highest-rated hybrid venues. From live music performances by renowned DJs to special events to an enticing bar menu, Prysm’s massive 10,000-sq.-feet floor has space for all. Time to hit the dance floor, we say!
Address: 1543 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642, US | Timings: Monday & Friday: 10:00 pm to 04:00 am, Saturday: 10:00 pm to 05:00 am, Sunday: 08:00 pm to 02:00 am, Tuesday to Thursday: Closed | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/PRYSMchicago?share | Phone Number: +13125464141
Tunnel
The Tunnel is one of the premier lounges of Chicago, located just above the Old Crow Smokehouse in River North. As you can guess by the name, it is a subterranean club inspired by London’s iconic urban tunnels. It has been a favorite since its inception in 2015 for many reasons! One of the obvious ones being the high-energy nightlife and the never-say-die spirit of the in-house DJs.
From EDM, hip-hop, pop to the 2000s classics, you can groove to a vast variety of music. Whether you visit the Tunnel for the first time or you’re a regular, the interiors will always leave you in awe.
Address: 151 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654, US | Timings: Thursday & Friday: 09:00 pm to 02:00 am, Saturday: 09:00 am to 03:00 am, Sunday: 08:00 0m to 12:00 am, Monday to Wednesday: Closed | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/V6ExfeWopN5UKdTGA | Phone Number: +17733488899
Debonair Social Club
Located in Milwaukee Avenue and stands as the exclusive nightclub in the area, Debonair Social Club boasts a world-class music system combined with skilled DJs. This two-floor club is one of the oldest nightlife destinations in the area. It is recommended to visit this hotspot on weekends. Don’t forget to experience both levels since multiple parties are held on the vast dance floor.
By Outlawyr, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 1575 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, US | Timings: Thursday & Friday: 09:00 pm to 02:00 am, Saturday: 09:00 pm to 03:00 am, Sunday: 10:00 pm to 02:00 am, Monday: 09:00 pm to 02:00 Tuesday & Wednesday: Closed | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/jA2NicUpHr3qpAoWA | Phone Number: +17732277990
The above list is just a glimpse of the throbbing party scene and the eclectic clubs of this vibrant city. So if you want to get groovy to some hard-core music or just dance away your night to your heart’s content, Chicago is the place to be.
