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The Best Nightclubs in Chicago

The Underground hosts big-name acts like Nelly
The Underground hosts big-name acts like Nelly | Courtesy of The Underground

The late-night clubs of Chicago were the breeding ground for both blues and house music. While many of those legendary clubs no longer exist, the Windy City still has a vibrant and dynamic club scene. These are the best places to head to for a big night out.

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Smartbar

Just around the corner from Wrigley Field, Smartbar is a basement club below the Metro rock venue. The long-standing club pulses with house, techno and electro music on its world-renowned sound system and features a rotating line-up of star DJs from across the US and the world. There’s usually a cover fee, but drink deals can help keep the cost down.

Tiki Bar party cruise

Architectural Landmark

Experience the magic of Chicago’s illuminated skyscrapers on this 75-minute Big Bus night tour. The route takes you from Navy Pier, down the Magnificent Mile, along Michigan Avenue, through the Museum Campus, and around the stunning Loop skyline. Enjoy unobstructed views from the open-top, double-decker bus while learning about Chicago’s history and landmarks. Live and audio commentary in English is available throughout the tour. It’s a perfect way to see the city’s highlights and capture its beauty at night.

Spybar

Spybar opened its doors to the dancing crowd in 1995

Another basement club in River North, Spybar has been around since 1995 and can match any nightclub for the big-name house, techno and electro DJs it attracts every week. Spybar describes itself as a “perfect cross-section between high-octane clubbing and intimate lounge atmosphere,” a claim backed up by Rolling Stone magazine, which included it in its list of the top 10 dance clubs in the US in 2013.

Open-top bus tour

Architectural Landmark

Experience the magic of Chicago’s illuminated skyscrapers on this 75-minute Big Bus night tour. The route takes you from Navy Pier, down the Magnificent Mile, along Michigan Avenue, through the Museum Campus, and around the stunning Loop skyline. Enjoy unobstructed views from the open-top, double-decker bus while learning about Chicago’s history and landmarks. Live and audio commentary in English is available throughout the tour. It’s a perfect way to see the city’s highlights and capture its beauty at night.

Berlin

Lake View’s Berlin, inspired by the art and cultures of the owner’s favorite city, opened in 1983. Famously attracting a diverse crowd, the club has won awards as the city’s best gay bar that welcomes all. The music ranges from new wave to house, and Berlin also hosts theme nights, including Stardust and MadonnaRama. The dance floor is small, so be prepared for it to be crowded.

Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

For something a little more old-school and relaxed, the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge has been a part of Chicago’s nightlife for over 100 years. Crowds of all ages still flock to this legendary Uptown club for nightly jazz performances and some of the best cocktails in the city. They also visit to experience a glamorous time when gangsters rubbed shoulders with movie stars at the long Art Deco bar.

The Underground

The Underground has DJs and live acts

Thanks to its owner, bar guru Billy Dec, it’s not uncommon for The Underground to attract a celebrity crowd. (The club counts Kanye West as one of its famous visitors.) Remodeled, revamped and expanded in 2013, its underground bunker theme only extends to the decor, as the DJs, system and drinks are all high-end. Dancers, pulsating light displays and busy screens ensure a wild and energetic atmosphere.

Sound-Bar

In the heart of River North, Sound-Bar is the opposite of Chicago’s intimate clubs, with two levels, nine full-service bars and a 4,000-square-foot (372-square-meter) dance floor. Huge crowds pack in for an upscale, Euro-inspired nightclub experience, with big-name touring DJs and floor-to-ceiling video projection walls for a full-on audio-visual show. If you have a lot of friends, you can rent one of the levels.

The Apartment

Over in Lincoln Park, The Apartment purposefully sets itself apart from a lot of Chicago’s club scene with a laid-back loft atmosphere. The quirky lounge has couches, a bed, a fake fireplace and even a kitchen area with a fridge and other appliances, but there are still dancers on platforms and waitresses doing the rounds with shots. It’s only open a few nights a week, and there’s no cover charge. Consequently, it can get pretty busy, especially with the college crowd.

Chicago by night: river cruise

Architectural Landmark

Chicago is renowned for its stunning architecture, and many visitors enjoy admiring the buildings on a cruise along the Chicago River. Elevate your experience by boarding a floating tiki bar, where you can take in the sights with a drink in hand. The captain sets a fun atmosphere with island tunes as you sail leisurely. Enjoy unique views of Chicago’s architectural marvels and learn about them from your captain. With multiple cruise times available, you can easily fit this tour into your schedule. A central meeting point ensures a seamless start to your adventure.

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