Tao

TAO Chicago is located by the city’s historic River North stone castle that dates back to the late 1800s. This nightclub opened its doors in 2018, letting guests into its spacious nightclub and restaurant hybrid space. At TAO you’ll find the structure transformed into a multi-level lounge, restaurant, and separate adjoining nightclub by the hard work and design of Rockwell Group. It’s two floors also contain four private dining rooms and a large bar. A grand staircase connects TAO’s ground and lower level seating, creating the ultimate platform to see and be seen. The custom staircase includes round banquettes and Chinese daybed-influenced sofas. TAO Chicago draws heavy inspiration from the brand’s other locations of TAO New York, TAO Las Vegas, and TAO Los Angeles. As in its New York location, a 20-foot tall Quan Yin statue stands atop a koi pond; using 3D projection mapping technology, Rockwell Group’s LAB designed subtle animations bring this signature statue to life. TAO Chicago has a capacity of 1,000+ and its nightclub can function as two separate rooms or one large one, with a removable wall. At the periphery of the club, guests can find secluded booths where they can enjoy some rest and respite from the intensity of the club and its crowd. When going to TAO, dress to impress as this venue is a celebrity hotspot and you might catch the likes of Kourtney Kardashian, Taraji P. Henson, or Chicago Cubs players inside.

• 632 N Dearborn St Chicago, IL 60654
• Near North Side
• Thurs: 5PM -11PM; Fri-Sat: 10PM - 4AM
• Dress Code: Strict
• $$$

Joy District

Whether you’re visiting Chicago from out of town and wish to enjoy a night out in the city, or you’re a River North regular, you’ll be sure to find enjoyment at one of Chicago’s premier dance clubs which is located on the second floor of Joy District's multi-level dining and drinking structure. At the Joy District nightclub, patrons will be able to immerse themselves in the ultimate partying experience thanks to the venue’s roster of the hottest local DJs and spectacular bottle service. Joy District is a dance party hotspot for local and visiting celebrities. The nightlife spot even enjoys special guest musical performances from the likes of Demi Lovato, Ludacris, Travis Scott, Louis The Child, DJ Flosstradamus and more. Joy District’s club is the perfect place to stay out late with friends or mingle with new acquaintances serving up a unique and exciting experience unparalleled by the other River North clubs in the area.

• 112 W Hubbard St Chicago, IL 60654
• River North
• Dress Code: Upscale casual to Strict
• $$$

Tunnel

Nestled above the Old Crow Smokehouse in River North, Chicago’s newest premier lounge, Tunnel, opened its doors in 2015. As the name suggests, the nondescript entrance on Kinzie Street opens to a hidden covered staircase inspired by London’s infamous urban tunnels. Blending the allure of a high-energy nightlife experience with VIP treatment, Tunnel aims to transform its venue on a nightly basis into a unique scene. The club has a regular roster of DJs who play a variety of music including current top hits in pop, hip-hop, and EDM as well as many beloved 2000s classic club songs on its superior sound system. The interior of the club is exquisite with beautiful design and lighting which all add on to the atmosphere and mystery created by the Tunnel.

• 151 West Kinzie St. Chicago, IL 60654
• Near North Side
• Dress Code: Strict
• $$

Sound Bar

Located in River North, Sound Bar is Chicago's hottest upscale nightclub that revolutionizes Chicago nightlife by boasting style, luxury and state-of-the-art technology. The club prides itself on having a variety of separate areas for its guests to enjoy themselves including a total of nine bars and several levels of entertainment within its 20,000 square feet. Sound Bar's European minimalist decor features flat screen monitors, laser lights, and floor-to-ceiling video projection walls that enable its clients to project audio-visual presentation throughout the club. Occasionally guests can enjoy magnificent performances from costumed dancers while they enjoy sip on drinks from an amazing selection of alcohol at their table. The music never stops inside the club which has different guest DJs every weekend playing today’s hottest music on the state-of-the-art sound shuttering systems.

• 226 W Ontario St Chicago, IL 60654
• River North
• Dress Code: Moderate
• $$$

Electric Hotel

• 222 W Ontario St Chicago, IL 60654
• River North
• Dress Code: Strict
• $$

Spybar

In the North River area, across from the enormous Sound-Bar is Chicago’s Spybar. At 4,200 square feet, Spybar’s provides a more intimate setting settled in a basement. The style inside is trendy, but subtle. There are oak floors with black walls and above you are exposed rafters. Spybar makes good use of glass and leather in other areas and some really nice indirect lighting. Hip hop and underground music are played, but either as much as house music played by live DJs and blasted out by a state of the art sound system that will not take it easy on your ears. The owners of Spy Bar take the place seriously enough that they spent $1 million dollars renovating it years ago. The investment paid off and Rolling Stone Magazine named it in the top ten of best dance clubs in America! Famous DJ and Producer, Seth Troxler, said Spy Bar is “Basically the only place I play in Chicago.” Spybar doesn’t open till nine, there is usually a cover, but they also offer valet parking to help deal with the downtown location. If you’re in to house music and some EDM, the intimate feeling Spybar provides may be right up your alley.

• 646 N Franklin St Chicago, IL 60654
• River North
• Dress Code: Moderate
• $$

Smartbar

Originally housed on the fourth floor of the magnificent Wrigleyville building (also home to Metro), this venerated dance club is now in the basement. A makeover in 2006 slicked up the looks a notch and brought back a vibrant young crowd. But more important, the club boasts a world-class Funktion One sound system, which sounds tremendous on the central dance floor. Typical bills find cutting-edge DJs from Europe, Detroit and Chicago spinning for the crowd.

• 3730 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60613
• Lakeview
• 10 PM – 4 AM Thurs, Fri, Sun 10 PM – 5 AM Sat
• Dress Code: Casual
• $$

Chop Shop

The Chop Shop is a butcher and deli, bar and restaurant, as well as a state-of-the-art venue. The event space is 6,000 square feet and hosts concerts, charity, corporate, culinary and art events. Located just west of Damen and Milwaukee on North Avenue, these three concepts bring together some of Chicago’s favorite things: encased meat, cocktails and live entertainment.

• 2033 W North Ave Chicago, IL 60647
• Bucktown
• 5 PM - 12 AM Mon - Tue, 11 AM - 12 AM Wed - Thu, 11 AM - 2 AM Fri, 11 AM - 3 AM Sat, 11 AM - 9 PM Sun
• $$

Podlasie Club

The family-run Podlasie Club has been a mainstay in Avondale since 1986. It went through many iterations as a gathering place for the locals. In 2019, Chicago DJs and artists worked together with owners to transform the venue into a haven for the dance community. Podlasie continuously challenges the status-quo in local nightlife by providing inclusive programming, thoughtful sound quality, and a community-centered culture.

• 2918 N Central Park Ave Chicago, IL
• $