Chicago gave birth to house music in the early 1980s. The city remains home to some of the best clubs where this legacy thrives today. This musical revolution grew from underground roots into a worldwide phenomenon that proved Chicago knows how to throw a party.
Smart Bar has been a cornerstone of the scene for almost 30 years. The city’s clubs regularly feature world-class DJs like Derrick Carter and The Blessed Madonna on any weekend. Chicago’s nightlife stretches from the packed dance floors of River North to stunning rooftop lounges with breathtaking views of the skyline.
The downtown clubs stand out because of their incredible variety. TAO brings its pan-Asian inspired nightclub experience while The Promontory fills its calendar with live music events. ROOF at theWit Hotel creates the perfect mix of lounge atmosphere and spectacular city views. The best nightclubs in Chicago create unforgettable moments every night – whether you want to dance until dawn or sip sophisticated cocktails in style.
Smart Bar
Smart Bar, the life-blood of Chicago’s nightclub scene, sits in the basement of the historic Metro building. This underground institution has championed house music and electronic beats over 40 years since opening its doors in 1982. The club stands apart from flashy River North venues by emphasizing substance over style with exceptional sound quality and genuine musical experiences.
Smart Bar music legacy
Smart Bar’s reputation as one of the best nightclubs in Chicago stems from its steadfast dedication to authentic dance music. Joe Shanahan never intended to build a dance music empire. He wanted a space to share records with his service industry friends after late shifts. His DJ’s trip started during his South Side grammar school days. He played records in his garage until he bought two turntables and a Numark mixer.
The club’s musical foundation emerged from:
- Early roots of house music
- Disco sounds from the late ’70s and early ’80s
- Electro-hip-hop like Afrika Bambaataa
- British influences including The Clash, New Order, and Depeche Mode
Smart Bar has hosted legendary figures in electronic music through the decades. The venue has featured pioneers like Frankie Knuckles and Afrika Bambaataa alongside modern stars like Jeff Mills, Ben UFO, and SHERELLE. The club’s advanced Funktion One sound system sounds phenomenal on the central dance floor, solidifying its place among the best clubs in Chicago downtown.
Mark Farina started attending in the mid-80s during his “industrial days of Ministry and Front 242.” He received his first weekly residency at Smart Bar in 1987 and named it “LSD Tuesdays”. The club continues this tradition of supporting local talent through its renowned residency program. Chicago DJs like DJ Heather, Michael Serafini, and Ariel Zetina perform alongside international headliners.
Smart Bar crowd and vibe
Smart Bar offers a unique night life Chicago experience. A 2006 makeover refreshed its esthetic, yet the venue managed to keep its youthful energy while honoring its history. The subterranean setting mirrors its underground programming focus as it lets visitors take a closer look at house, techno, club, jungle, drum & bass, and more.
The inclusive environment strikes newcomers immediately. Smart Bar’s priority stands clear: “The first thing they see when they walk down those stairs is our laminated policy on the wall, telling you that you’re safe here. You can be yourself here, you can dance here”. This safety commitment sets Smart Bar apart from mainstream venues with aggressive staff or expensive pricing.
The welcoming approach attracts a diverse, friendly crowd free from judgment. The club’s inclusive values shine through features like gender-neutral bathrooms. Queen!, the popular Sunday night party, exemplifies this open atmosphere: “Queen! was always an open party too, just like the [other] gay parties were, where it wasn’t just white people, and it wasn’t just white DJs”.
A photobooth captures memories while ample seating areas provide rest spots. Simple all-black décor creates an intimate backdrop that goes together with one another with smoke, lights, and disco balls. One patron described Smart Bar as “part chosen home, part refuge, part local dive with really big speakers”.
Smart Bar pricing and entry
Note that these details matter to experience this iconic venue in Chicago’s downtown nightlife scene:
The club opens Friday through Sunday, 10 PM to 4 AM (Fridays and Sundays) and 10 PM to 5 AM on Saturdays. Smart Bar admits guests 21 and over with strict ID requirements—one valid government identification showing proof of age.
Cover charges vary “at the door’s discretion”. Students get $5 off tickets before midnight with valid student ID. Wait times range from 20-40 minutes based on arrival. The club skips strict dress codes, allowing comfortable self-expression.
Cocktails cost between $10-15. Credit card purchases include a 4% fee, while cash purchases avoid this charge. Coat and bag check services cost $4 (cash only), and the club requires checking backpacks and larger bags.
The 100-year-old Auditorium Hall houses Smart Bar, but it has some accessibility limits. Guests must walk down one flight of stairs to reach the basement level, making wheelchair access impossible. The slightly raised dance floor sits three steps up from the main level.
Smart Bar’s blend of legendary status, musical excellence, and inclusive atmosphere makes it a must-visit among the best clubs in Chicago. Four decades later, it stays true to its founding values while evolving with dance music—preserving Chicago’s house music heritage and redefining the limits of the scene.
TAO Chicago
TAO Chicago stands tall in a 19th-century Romanesque Revival building, showcasing the city’s glamorous nightlife scene. This River North hotspot pairs upscale dining with one of the best nightclubs in Chicago. The 34,000-square-foot space spans multiple levels and brings Las Vegas and New York nightlife energy to the Midwest.
TAO Chicago ambiance and decor
The landmark building, designed by Henry Ives Cobb in 1892, blends historical charm with Asian-inspired luxury. This architectural masterpiece served as the Chicago History Museum’s home before becoming a hub for magazine publishers, design schools, recording studios, and nightclubs.
The entrance leaves guests in awe. A massive century-old Chinese gate leads to the 7,000-square-foot nightclub through a lantern-lit exterior alley that resembles Japanese temple gates. This dramatic entrance sets the stage for what lies ahead.
The interior creates an immersive experience with:
- 40-foot-tall ceilings with original soaring windows
- Two separate nightclub areas connected by an operable wall
- A 10-foot-tall Japanese bell that reveals a massive disco ball
- 20-foot-tall murals by artist Hush
- Restored brick walls and arch floor-to-ceiling windows
The dining room below features a round black ceiling panel with carved, large-scale gold Chinese calligraphy—paying tribute to the space’s original domed ceiling. Guests can marvel at TAO’s signature 16-foot-tall Quan Yin statue, which comes alive through 3D projection mapping technology.
A spiral staircase floats above the restaurant like a spindle, echoing the building’s neo-Romanesque turrets. The second floor welcomes guests with a “host wall” of traditional Chinese lucky cat figurines (Maneki-Neko), believed to bring prosperity to visitors.
TAO Chicago music and events
The night life Chicago scene at TAO is different from typical city clubs. DJs create a high-energy atmosphere with commercial sounds instead of underground beats, mixing house, hip-hop, and EDM that mirrors Las Vegas nightclubs.
The nightclub opens Fridays and Saturdays from 10 PM to 4 AM, staying open until 5 AM on Saturdays. Regular events showcase local talent and world-renowned DJs. The 2025 lineup features artists like Laidback Luke, following performances by KSHMR, DJ Justin Credible, and Sam Feldt.
Two distinct spaces can work independently or merge into one massive venue. This smart layout works for various crowd sizes and events. The club can hold 1,700 people, making it one of the largest clubs in Chicago downtown.
The atmosphere stays electric all night. One guest put it perfectly: “If you love a high-energy night out, this is the place to be. The DJ lineup is always top-tier, the music keeps the crowd going all night, and the mix of house, hip-hop, and EDM beats creates the perfect atmosphere to dance, vibe, and completely lose yourself in the moment”.
TAO welcomes everyone. The venue draws a mix of young partygoers in the nightclub, corporate clients, and even families enjoying dinner while their babies sleep.
TAO Chicago pricing and reservations
This best night clubs in Chicago spot needs planning ahead. A dinner reservation won’t guarantee nightclub entry—that’s up to the doorman. Many guests choose table service to secure their spot.
Bottle service delivers a premium experience, with minimums from $200 to $3,500 based on the night and talent. Table options fit different group sizes:
- Lotus Room Table: 8 guests, $200 minimum
- VIP Table for 6: 6 guests, $300 minimum
- VIP Table for 12: 12 guests, average cost $600
- Chandelier Room Table: 10-15 guests, $300-$3,500 minimum
Bottle service comes with standard mixers (orange juice, cranberry juice, sodas) and garnishes. The bar stocks premium alcohol like Gray Goose vodka, Jameson whiskey, Patron tequila, gin, rum, and champagnes from Perrier-Jouet and Veuve to Dom Perignon and Cristal Rosé.
Restaurant bookings work for groups up to 10 people, with larger parties needing direct contact. Cancel by 10:00 PM the day before or pay a $25 per person no-show fee.
TAO’s dress code runs stricter than other clubs in Chicago downtown. The restaurant encourages smart casual-elegant attire. These items aren’t allowed:
- Baseball caps
- Athletic apparel
- Tank tops
- Baggy clothing
- Exposed chains
- Flip flops
- Shorts (okay in restaurant, not in nightclub)
Large bags, backpacks, and professional cameras stay outside. The nightclub requires guests to be 21+ with ID, but the restaurant welcomes all ages.
General admission options run limited—no guest list exists, and regular entry isn’t usually available. Cover charges apply nightly, with online tickets costing less than door prices.
TAO Chicago delivers an upscale, Vegas-style experience that stands out from the city’s underground venues. The stunning Asian-inspired design, electric atmosphere, and premium service create the perfect spot to experience Chicago nightlife at its most glamorous.
The Promontory
The Promontory sits in Chicago’s historic Hyde Park neighborhood. You’ll find a completely different vibe here compared to downtown’s glossy nightclubs. This cultural hub draws inspiration from fire pit council rings at nearby Promontory Point and celebrates the South Side’s rich musical heritage. The venue combines modern design with great acoustics, making it one of the best nightclubs in Chicago for people who want live shows beyond electronic dance music.
The Promontory music programming
The Promontory celebrates Chicago’s diverse musical world through carefully selected performances, rather than focusing just on DJs. Black artists and inclusive events find a welcoming home here. One regular attendee shares, “The Promontory has become my go-to for black inclusive events. I’ve gone for Party Noire dance get downs and most recently to support local black creatives and businesses”.
The venue offers a rich mix of genres:
- R&B and neo-soul showcases featuring artists like DRAM and Chase Shakur
- Hip-hop performances (both mainstream and underground)
- Jazz and live instrumental sets
- Comedy shows and spoken word events like The Moth StorySLAM
The venue’s love for 90s R&B and hip-hop stands out. They play rare tracks that other clubs in Chicago downtown rarely touch. A visitor’s excitement shows in their words: “What won my love is how DEEPLY they dove into the 90’s R&B/hip-hop archives. You can go anywhere in the city and hear This Is How We Do It or Poison… I have never gone to an establishment that played Jason Weaver’s ‘Love Ambition’ before”.
Past performers at one of the best clubs in Chicago include Tiwa Savage (2022), TEMS (2021), Simi (2022), Kelela (2017), and Kiana Lede (2019). Tickets usually cost between $15 and $35, depending on who’s performing.
The Promontory neighborhood vibe
Located at 5311 S. Lake Park Avenue West in Hyde Park, The Promontory captures the neighborhood’s community spirit perfectly. This venue values cultural connection and inclusivity more than the flashy night life Chicago spots downtown. The space features a restaurant downstairs and performance venue upstairs.
The place strikes just the right balance between fancy and welcoming. A visitor puts it well: “The space itself is upscale but not so upscale that it seems exclusive. The space is intimate and dim with dark colored wood. The bar in the middle of the entrance is massive”. People feel comfortable here whether they’re celebrating something special or just having a casual night out.
Hyde Park Handmade markets happen during the day, giving South Side makers and BIPOC businesses a place to shine. This community focus sets The Promontory apart from other best nightclubs in Chicago. The venue works hard to keep the South Side’s musical heritage alive and thriving.
Music lovers get an intimate experience with fantastic sound quality. The room comes equipped with “a great PA with speakers in the ceiling spaced through the room”. Many shows feature “the front half had small round tables with 4 seats each and the back half was rows of seats without tables”, perfect for both sitting back and dancing.
The Promontory pricing and schedule
Events happen all week long, with the busiest nights Thursday through Sunday. Shows usually start between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM. The venue fits about 800 people when full.
Average ticket prices at The Promontory in 2025 hit $77.68, but many shows cost less than $50. Friday events have the lowest historical average at $42.27. Budget-friendly options include:
- The Moth StorySLAM: From $15
- Music performances: From $20-$30
- Special events: From $9.99-$25
The Promontory strictly enforces its 21+ policy with valid ID required. No exceptions exist – you won’t get in or get a refund without proper ID showing you’re at least 21.
Drinks cost less than many downtown clubs in Chicago, but some rules apply. The dress code says no thong slippers, Crocs, tank tops/jerseys (unless it’s a themed event), slides, or ski masks. The venue has elevator access, making it more welcoming than some of Chicago’s older spots.
Parking on Hyde Park streets can be tough on weekend nights. Taking a rideshare or public transit makes more sense. The Metra Electric Line’s 53rd Street station sits nearby, making downtown trips easy.
The Promontory shows off Chicago’s musical diversity. It gives both classic and current artists a place to shine while welcoming everyone who loves good music.
Dorian’s
A vintage record store in Wicker Park hides Dorian’s, which turns the night life Chicago scene on its head. This cool speakeasy makes you walk through a record shop to find its cocktail bar and music venue. The space blends vinyl culture with nightlife to create something that feels both old-school and modern.
Dorian’s hidden entrance and concept
The journey starts at 1939 W North Avenue, where a regular-looking record store displays a thoughtfully picked collection of vinyl albums. People often browse the records without knowing what lies beyond. The magic unfolds through a hidden door at the back, leading to Dorian’s proper—a stylish cocktail lounge and one of the best clubs in Chicago that values mystery and exclusivity.
This spot transforms from a daytime record store into a nighttime cocktail lounge, paying tribute to classic speakeasies with a modern twist. Brick walls, plush velvet couches, and soft lighting create an intimate vibe. Unlike other flashy clubs in Chicago downtown, Dorian’s keeps things elegant with vintage-style fixtures and carefully placed record players.
This hidden spot welcomes guests every day of the week:
- Monday-Friday: 5 PM to 2 AM
- Saturday: 2 PM to 3 AM
- Sunday: 2 PM to 2 AM
The record store isn’t just for show—it’s a real vinyl shop with carefully picked albums. Music lovers can buy records during the day or before stepping into the lounge. This setup smoothly bridges day and night, attracting music fans around the clock.
Dorian’s DJ lineup and music style
Music at Dorian’s stays true to its vinyl roots. DJs spin actual records instead of digital tracks, keeping the art of turntablism alive. Soul, funk, disco, jazz, and hip-hop dominate the soundscape, with rare gems and forgotten classics you won’t hear at typical night clubs in Chicago.
Local vinyl DJs make up the regular lineup. Weeknights bring relaxed soul and jazz vibes, while weekends pump up the energy with disco and house beats. The music adds to the atmosphere without drowning out conversations—a perfect balance that sets Dorian’s apart.
“Soul Sessions Sundays” and “Funk Fridays” have become local favorites. These themed nights draw dedicated crowds who love the carefully chosen music. Regular nights might feature anything from Brazilian bossa nova to Japanese city pop—always on vinyl through top-notch speakers.
A regular put it perfectly: “The music at Dorian’s hits that sweet spot where it’s cool enough for music snobs but accessible enough for everyone else. You’ll walk out humming songs you didn’t know you loved.”
Dorian’s pricing and drinks
Cocktails shine as a main feature here, not an afterthought. The seasonal menu mixes classic drinks with creative new ones. Drinks cost between $13-16, putting Dorian’s in the mid-to-upper range of best clubs in Chicago downtown.
House-made ingredients and unique flavor combinations make their signature drinks stand out. Bartenders know their stuff and love helping guests find the perfect drink. Beer ($6-8) and wine by the glass ($12-15) round out the options for those who want to keep it simple.
Most nights don’t have a cover charge, unlike many other best nightclubs in Chicago. Weekend crowds might mean waiting 15-30 minutes to get in through the record store. Browsing vinyl makes the wait more fun than standing in a regular line.
Reservations work a bit differently here. The bar takes limited bookings for early evening spots (before 9 PM), then switches to first-come, first-served. Large groups should call ahead, especially on weekends when the place fills up fast.
The dress code stays relaxed—nice jeans and tops work fine. People tend to dress up a bit anyway, creating a special feel without being too formal.
Dorian’s offers one of Chicago’s most unique nightlife experiences by nailing the perfect mix of great music, quality drinks, and amazing atmosphere.
ROOF at theWit
ROOF at theWit sits 27 stories above the Loop and provides a glamorous escape from Chicago’s typical ground-level club scene. This award-winning venue stands among the best clubs in Chicago with international recognition. It earned “Hotel Bar of the Year” from Nightclub & Bar Awards and ranks as one of the “Top 3 Rooftop Bars in the World” by Travel + Leisure magazine.
ROOF at theWit rooftop experience
The 7,000-square-foot lounge showcases stunning 360-degree views that other clubs in Chicago downtown can’t match. Guests can see Millennium Park’s iconic Bean, the Chicago River, and architectural landmarks from every angle.
A climate-controlled indoor/outdoor space with a retractable glass enclosure sets ROOF apart from other seasonal rooftop venues. This smart design keeps the venue running year-round whatever Chicago’s unpredictable weather brings.
The experience goes beyond just the views:
- Long fire pits with bar stools create cozy gathering spots
- A large projection screen on an outdoor wall displays visual shows
- A high-quality telescope lets guests explore the urban landscape
Chef Steve Chiappetti guides the culinary program with shareable dishes that balance sophistication and simplicity. Guests can choose from sushi, wood-fired pizzas, vibrant vegetable bowls and prime cuts of meat.
ROOF at theWit music and crowd
This best night club in Chicago features upscale commercial beats instead of underground sounds. World-renowned DJs create an energetic atmosphere that builds through the night. The venue keeps a relaxed dinner vibe before 9:15 PM, then changes into a high-energy party spot.
DJs mix top 40 hits with EDM to create a soundtrack that both locals and hotel guests enjoy. The atmosphere changes between weekdays and weekends. Monday through Thursday stays relaxed, while Friday and Saturday nights pulse with energy until 2 AM.
Sunday afternoons draw well-dressed crowds to popular daytime events with brunch and DJ sets. These sessions often book up weeks ahead, bringing together young professionals and fashion-conscious visitors.
ROOF at theWit pricing and dress code
Like other best nightclubs in Chicago, ROOF maintains a “Summertime Casual – Dress to Impress” policy. Sport jackets and dresses work well. The venue doesn’t allow hats, athletic wear, men’s sleeveless shirts, hoodies, or torn jeans. Weekend dress codes get stricter after 8 PM.
Cover charges start after 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays and all day Sundays. Table reservations let you skip these fees. You don’t need reservations to enter, but they’re recommended to guarantee seating.
Expect upscale pricing—cocktails usually range from $15-20. Groups of 5+ must spend at least $50 per person on weekdays and $75 per person on weekends. Weekend nightlife reservations require a $75 per person minimum.
Age rules vary throughout the week. Parents can bring guests under 21 before 7 PM, but the venue becomes strictly 21+ after 9 PM Fridays and Saturdays and all day Sundays. ROOF opens at 4 PM most days, 11:30 AM Saturdays and 1 PM Sundays.
Comparison Table
| Venue | Location/Setting | Music Style | Operating Hours | Price Range | Dress Code | Capacity/Space |
| Smart Bar | Located in Metro building’s basement | House, techno, club, jungle, drum & bass | Fri-Sun, 10PM-4AM (5AM Sat) | Cocktails $10-15, Students save $5 before midnight | Relaxed atmosphere | Not mentioned |
| TAO Chicago | Housed in a 19th-century Romanesque Revival building | House, hip-hop, EDM | Fri-Sat, 10PM-4AM (5AM Sat) | Bottle service ranges $200-$3,500 minimum | Upscale attire required, no sportswear or hats | 1,700 people |
| The Promontory | Nestled in Hyde Park area | R&B, hip-hop, jazz, live performances | Events begin 7-10PM | Tickets $15-35, average $77.68 | No casual footwear or sleeveless tops | 800 people |
| Dorian’s | Hidden gem behind Wicker Park’s record store | Soul, funk, disco, jazz, hip-hop | Mon-Fri 5PM-2AM, Sat 2PM-3AM, Sun 2PM-2AM | Cocktails $13-16, Beer $6-8 | Smart casual atmosphere | Not mentioned |
| ROOF at theWit | Stunning 27th floor rooftop venue | Top 40, EDM | 4PM-late (11:30AM Sat, 1PM Sun) | Cocktails $15-20, Table minimum $50-75/person | “Summertime Casual – Dress to Impress” | 7,000 sq ft space |
Explore Chicago’s Nightlife with Metropolitan Shuttle
Experience Chicago’s legendary nightlife without the hassle of driving or parking with Metropolitan Shuttle’s Chicago group transportation services. Whether you’re bar hopping in River North, dancing in Wicker Park, or sipping cocktails at rooftop lounges in the West Loop, our charter buses and minibuses make it easy to keep your group together and on schedule. With door-to-door service from the city’s hottest clubs and late-night venues, you can focus on enjoying the night while we handle the logistics. Perfect for bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, or corporate outings, Metropolitan Shuttle ensures a safe, stylish, and stress-free night out in Chicago.
Conclusion
Chicago stands out as a nightlife paradise that caters to every taste and budget. The birthplace of house music stays true to its legacy while challenging musical boundaries. Smart Bar captures authentic underground vibes with world-class sound, and TAO Chicago adds Vegas-style glamor to River North.
The Promontory in Hyde Park keeps the South Side’s musical heritage alive through live performances of all kinds. Behind vinyl records at Dorian’s, you’ll discover a hidden gem – an intimate cocktail lounge with amazing DJ sets. Our nightlife journey ends at ROOF at theWit, where stunning skyline views meet an upscale atmosphere 27 stories up.
The city’s nightlife scene sparkles with variety. You might find yourself dancing to advanced house tracks one night and enjoying craft cocktails on a glamorous rooftop the next. Each venue has its own dress code and price point – from wallet-friendly spots to premium venues that need advance booking.
Chicago’s spirit truly comes alive after dark. These clubs go beyond drinks and music to showcase the city’s architectural beauty, cultural roots, and innovative spirit. Your ideal night out waits somewhere among this mix of historic venues and modern hotspots.
Trends may shift, but Chicago remains a nightlife powerhouse. These five venues just hint at what the city offers after sunset. Grab your dancing shoes and get ready for memorable nights in America’s house music homeland.
FAQs
Q1. What are some popular nightlife spots in Chicago for dancing?
Chicago offers diverse dancing venues, including Smart Bar for underground electronic music, TAO Chicago for a high-energy club experience, and The Promontory for live performances across various genres. ROOF at theWit provides a rooftop party atmosphere, while Dorian’s offers a unique speakeasy vibe with vinyl DJ sets.
Q2. Are there any clubs in Chicago known for playing disco, funk, and soul music? While not exclusively focused on these genres, venues like Dorian’s and The Promontory often feature DJ sets and live performances that include disco, funk, and soul music. Smart Bar also occasionally hosts themed nights that may include these styles, especially during special events or guest DJ appearances.
Q3. What should I expect in terms of dress codes at Chicago nightclubs?
Dress codes vary by venue. Smart Bar is relatively casual, while TAO Chicago and ROOF at theWit enforce stricter “dress to impress” policies. The Promontory and Dorian’s fall somewhere in between, encouraging smart casual attire. It’s always best to check the specific venue’s website or call ahead to confirm current dress code requirements.
Q4. How much do drinks typically cost at popular Chicago nightclubs?
Drink prices vary depending on the venue and type of establishment. At upscale spots like ROOF at theWit or TAO Chicago, cocktails can range from $15-20. More casual venues like Smart Bar or Dorian’s might offer cocktails in the $10-16 range. Beer and wine are generally less expensive options across all venues.
Q5. Are there age restrictions for entering nightclubs in Chicago?
Most nightclubs in Chicago, including those mentioned, are strictly 21 and over, especially during late-night hours. Some venues like ROOF at theWit may allow guests under 21 with parents during earlier hours, but transition to 21+ in the evening. Always bring a valid government-issued ID, as age verification is strictly enforced at all clubs.
