Chicago has a long history as a city that knows how to party. After all, this is where house music (the ultimate dance genre) was born. The early house music scene helped establish Chicago as a go-to for nightlife, with underground clubs and pulsing dance floors popping up in every corner of the city. That legacy lives on today in Chicago’s nightclubs and lounges, where you’ll find top DJs spinning beats and partiers dancing till dawn every night of the week.
Here’s a primer on some of the top Chicago nightclubs. Just make sure to plan an extra day to recover.
Spybar is a Chicago institution known for attracting top house DJs to its underground space. Head north to Wrigleyville to check out Smart Bar, which has been dropping beats in the neighborhood for nearly 30 years. Tucked away below popular music venue Metro, Smart Bar brings in cutting-edge DJs from around the world and plenty of LGTBQ+ events.
Untitled does it all — cocktails in a throwback lounge setting, live entertainment from jazz to burlesque, and late night dancing. Other popular haunts in the River North circuit include speakeasy The Bassment and sultry Gilt Bar.
Adding a new level of glamour to the Chicago nightlife scene, TAO is an pan-Asian restaurant and nightclub in a historic downtown building. The dramatic space, a favorite of visiting and local celebrities, is the perfect spot for anything from a special occasion dinner to a night out on the town.
Chicago’s hotels get in on the fun too. The J. Parker at Hotel Lincoln, ROOF at theWit Hotel , and I|O Godfrey, all offer cool lounge-y vibes and stunning nighttime views.
Looking to experience Chicago’s neighborhood nightlife? Beauty Bar in West Town lives up to its name — get a manicure before hitting the dance floor. The Promontory has a full calendar of music and dance events. Or take a trip to Hydrate, a staple of the LGBTQ+ nightlife scene in the Northalsted neighborhood.
