Branch out from Chicago’s typical club scene and try your hand at salsa dancing. And if you’ve already had some ballroom experience, find your new favorite spot to dance the night away.
Alhambra Palace is an institute of Middle Eastern fine dining and entertainment that came together after the owner built his authentic collection of art and artifacts to furnish the establishment. Every week, they put on their famous Salsa Tuesdays at 7 PM. Live music, DJs, and classes chug on until 2 AM.
Alhambra Palace, 1240 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 666 9555
This seemingly under-the-radar bar comes alive on the weekends. Every Friday and Saturday night, salsa dance your troubles away at Dylan’s Tavern and Grill. They also have live Miami salsa bands once a month across their two floors of entertainment space.
Dylan’s Tavern and Grill, 118 S Clinton St, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 876 2008
It’s not all cheap beer and baseball games. The famous Cubby Bear just across the street from Wrigley Field is usually a sports mecca, and it’s likely even to grow in popularity due to the Chicago Cubs’ recent success. But every Sunday night for just $10, they offer DJs spinning salsa music, live bands, and even lessons at 7:30 PM. Expand your horizons without ever leaving the comfort of your favorite Wrigleyville bar.
The Cubby Bear, 1059 W Addison St, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 773 327 1662
Class up your evenings with a trip to Little Italy’s Vintage Lounge. Every night of the week it’s an upscale cocktail bar inspired by the 1920s, perfect for groups of any size. On Mondays, bring your salsa dancing shoes and enjoy their corresponding specials. They sling $2 tacos, $5 margaritas, and $4 Coronas.
Vintage Lounge, 1449 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 526 3647
Kick your technique up a notch by enrolling in a class led by professionals. The Dance Academy of Salsa in Humboldt Park has drop-in sessions every day of the week. They vary in experience levels and cost just $15 per one hour class. It’s the quickest way to brush up on your moves during the week in order to shine at your favorite bar’s salsa nights on the weekends.
Dance Academy of Salsa, 2731 W Division St, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 773 395 8693