Best Nightclubs in Chicago Downtown

The Lounges of Chicago

For nearly a century, Chicago is the city that understands how to party. Dance clubs are popping up everywhere in Chicago with the best DJs turning tracks and night-goers twerking till two in the morning.

So here’s the lowdown on the down low when it comes to Chicago’s nightlife.

TAO

Chicago isn’t known for its glamour, but this Asian nightclub and restaurant hoped to change that when they set up in the ancient Chicago downtown building first erected in 1892.

Whether you’re an Asian wanting to throw away your early 20s, or B-list celebrity, TAO is the ideal place for you. Beneath the nightclub, there’s a restaurant. The food in the restaurant is Asian.

Dance Bars Chicago

The Underground

For corporate events, it’s the best nightclub venue (if that makes any sense); that’s according to IL Meetings and Events Magazine readers who voted in 2014.

Since it can hold 400+ guests, if you’re looking for fun ways to entertain clients, The Underground is ideal for client appreciation events, employee appreciation events, etc.

With ambient lighting and a combination of music-controlled lasers and a cozy lounge, you’ll be able to project your logo on several large monitors for your corporate soirée.

Spybar

If you love to dance or just love watching other people dance, then Spybar is the place to be. Some of the best house DJs are drawn to this Chicago nightclub because of its urban, grungy, underground (literally) ambience. Rolling Stone even called Spybar a paradise, straddling balls to the wall clubbing and cozy lounge atmosphere.

Sub 51

Beneath the lower-floor Hub 51 eating establishment sits an intimate lounge and nightclub called Sub 51.

Nightclubs Chicago

Smart Bar

For almost 30 years, Smart Bar has been offering percussive house music in Wrigleyville. Buried beneath the Metro concert hall, Smart Bar caters to LGTBQ events (no straights allowed).

Untitled

Just when you thought nightclubs couldn’t get any more boring (each with drinks, dinners, dancing, and DJs), you’re about to find out about Untitled.

How’s that for a brand name?

So far we’ve looked at TAO, Underground, Spybar, Sub 51, Smart Bar.
The most interesting thing about each of the above venues is their name.

With the confidence to pick such a forgettable brand name, you know that whatever they’ve got going on at Untitled has to be good.

When you’re finished boozing it up in The Windy City, you’ll want to go home and watch one of the many movies set in Chicago.

Bars and Nightclubs in Chicago