Chicago Nightlife

If you have ever been to Chicago, you've probably experienced its nightlife scene, if not you definitely have to do so. Chicago Nightlife is very unique: you can find anything from dive bars to trendy night clubs. It all depends what you like, and what mood you are in. Best of all is that there is something going on every single day of a week. One night you can chill at a contemporary lounge sipping martinis, the other night you can go to a bar and watch Chicago Bears playing, and the other night you can go celebrity watching at the upscale nightclub. If you are outgoing, have a little bit of extra time, and of course extra cash (it could get pretty expensive), you can have fun every night...but... you need to know where to go. Myself, I have been in Chicago Nightlife industry for some time, and I will share my insider experiences with you.

First of all, I introduce you to the best and the most fun neighborhoods in Chicago. My favorite three are River North, Gold Coast, and Lincoln Park. They have the best mixture of bars, night clubs, and lounges. I have prepared my favorite list of each of them.

Chicago Bars:

Bar Chicago 9 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60610 (312)654-1120

Everyone in Chicago knows this bar. This place is being visited by tourists, conventioneers, college students, and clubbers. It is a place with no constrains. And as the owners say ” Because what happens at Bar Chicago.....Stays at Bar Chicago!!” There is always a party going on. This place has party rituals such as shot ceremonies, hot bartenders, and popular music.

English 444 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60610 (312)222-6200

It is a neighborhood pub, bar, and restaurant. It has 3 levels of nightlife where guests are allowed to "dine, drink and lounge on three different levels." You will have a good time here every day of the week even if you are here for a happy hour or a wild drinking night. English's menu combines American Bistro with Old English flair to create unique experience for its guests.

Rockit Bar & Grill 22 W. Hubbard Street, Chicago, IL 60610 (312)640-1000

Rockit Ranch is a great place to watch a sports game, play pool, or party and listen to all types rock music, ranging from the old classic rock to the new age rock. The owners of the place made this place feel like a raw warehouse with a 21^st century modern comfort. There are different floors, where the first one is a restaurant/grill and the second one is bar with pool tables and music.

Chicago Night Clubs

Moda 25 W. Hubbard st., Chicago, IL 60610 (312)670-2200

Moda is an upscale, late-night club. It’s all about fashion here at Moda. This place incorporates all aspects of the fashion industry. You will see Fashion TV on large LCD screens, pictures of fashion models, and designer names on the walls. You will hear loud music on both floors. The crowd here is fashionable as well, the club implies dress to impress code at the door.

Spy Bar 646 N. Franklin St., Chicago, IL 60610 (312)337-2191

Spy Bar is another late-night club. This 4 AM spot focuses on top-notch house music DJs from all over the world. You will hear the latest tunes though the state of the art sound system. If you are into music, this is the place for you.

Le Passage 937 N Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611 (312)255-0022

I would say it is the swankiest night club I’ve been to. What’s interesting about this place, it is like international gathering of clubbers. You will meet people from everywhere – US, Canada, Brasil, France, and other places.

Chicago Lounge

Fulton Lounge 955 W. Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607 (312)942-9500

If you are into young, sophisticated crowd, and lounge music, this place is for you. It looks like a modern living room with a long backlit bar. Fulton lounge is popular for after work crowd, late night cocktailers, and singles. You can see a red neon sign signaling that this a place of singles.

NV Penthouse 116 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60610 (312)329-9960

This place is way cool. It is on the 8th floor of a building in River North. It seems like you have just discovered something new. At the entrance you get escorted to the elevator where you hear the music and party getting louder and louder as you go up to the eighth floor. When the elevator doors open, the party starts at this small, cozy night spot. This definitely something you need to try when you are in the city.

Martini Park 151 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60610 (312)640-0577

Martini Park has created a new and different nightlife concept. It has a balance of comfort and luxury, relaxing lounge and loud bar with a band or a DJ. It is more suited for middle aged crowd, enjoying over 20 specialty martinis, and luxury but comfortable atmosphere.