Nightclubs and Nightlife in Chicago
May 18th, 2009
There are a handful of cities in the United States that are notorious for their nightclubs and nightlife and Chicago happens to be one of those happening hot spots. If you’re headed to the windy city for a night of fun you’ll want to check out at least a few of the downtown attractions listed below from the moment you arrive at O’Hare or Midway.
Long steeped in jazz culture, Chicago is a haven for those who love good jazz performed by jazz greats and Andy’s Jazz Club and Restaurant has a long standing reputation as one of the best jazz clubs around. Local performers line up to play at Andy’s and they cover a wide variety of styles from traditional and swing to bop, fusion, Latin and afro-pop. Check out the ever changing Spotlight Performer Series to see if your favorites are coming to town and make sure to get your tickets early as Andy’s is one of the most popular jazz spots in town. Don’t forget to check out the menu, make it an evening and enjoy Andy’s delicious culinary delights while experiencing some of the best jazz around.
Another popular jazz alternative is Green Dolphin Street. You’d never believe this swanky nightclub used to be an auto garage but it underwent its magical transformation with grace and came out the other side as a sexy, retro 1940’s style venue. The average crowd indulges in martinis and cigars from the club’s own humidor and then settles in for some traditional style jazz music. Green Dolphin Street also has a full menu with some very upscale prices and ala carte ordering. If you’re looking for an evening full of class and sophistication and a laid back atmosphere that still grooves, then Green Dolphin Street is definitely the place to spend your evening.
If you want music but something a bit more modern, give Metro a try. Metro is Chicago’s premiere venue for live rock acts who are just on the cusp of becoming multimillion dollar mega stars. Once you’ve checked out your new favorite band, keep your ticket stub and head downstairs to Smart Bar. That ticket will get you free admission to more music, drinking and fun as the subterranean dance club packs them in seven nights a week. It’s your chance to rub elbows with the future stars of the music scene.
Let’s keep with the public transportation theme for a minute and mention Transit Nightclub. A warehouse beneath the el train wouldn’t appeal to many but Transit found a way to turn it into one of the hippest dance clubs in town. Rather than going all kitschy with the theme, Transit keeps things simple and serious. This huge club sets its décor around the surroundings with geometric shapes and sparse furniture accenting the postindustrial metal staircases. If you’re lucky enough to get invited up one of those staircases you’ll find a couple extra special VIP rooms. Die hard dance fans will love the atmosphere and the bone shaking bass beats. Come dressed to impress, the club may be low key but the clientele is not.
More music, more dancing and more fun can be found hidden in the River North gallery district if you look hard enough. The Funky Buddha Lounge uses the surrounding industrial region to camouflage this happening hot club. The outside features a Buddha sculpture on the door lets you know you’re in the right place, but be prepared to be wowed when you enter that door. The inside is a mélange of all that is cliché in clubs, red lighting, black leather and faux fur, candles and secret dens for canoodling. The old crowd used to grove to the standard fare of hip-hop, bhangra, funk, African and soul music but lately a new crowd has moved in and Thursday nights feature a much younger set that is ready to rock while Fridays and Saturdays feature the eclectic crowd who are out to see and be seen.
A more well known and high-energy nightclub can be found at Crobar. Top international DJs grace the stage at Crobar and get the crowd to their feet. Packed into this smaller nightclub you can’t help but feel the excitement of the music and the crowd. Acts and themes change regularly so check out the website to see what the upcoming entertainment may be. No matter what it’s bound to be exciting and loud.
If you’ve hit the famous Randolph Street’s Restaurant Row for dinner then you’ll be happy to know you can stay right in the area and hit one of the current chic hotspots. Bon V has a lounge feel with a much noted atrium-style top level and opulence abound (or at least what struck the owners as opulence). And speaking of the owner, sports fans will want to take note that Casey Urlacher, brother of famed Chicago footballer Brian Urlacher is one of the owners. With a somewhat famous tie in it’s no wonder that rumors of celebrity sightings at this nightclub.
If you still haven’t had enough of the nightlife, head to the Martini Ranch for a late night nightcap. With a menu of more than 60 martinis there is no doubt you’ll find something to your liking, as long as you like it tasty and strong. The Martini Ranch is open until 4am every night except Saturday when it pushes the curfew back to 5 am. Not only are there incredible drinks at this late night hour, but you can also order traditional American tavern fare from their late night menu. Don’t worry about the party winding down, the Martini Ranch features some of Chicago’s best DJs who will keep that party vibe jumping. Or look for your oasis in the land of confusion and head out to the beer garden and one of the heated tables for that quiet evening nightcap.
In the windy city the hotspots blow in and out of favor with the in-crowd. Expect your favorite nightclub to be the happening hip place to be one night and a passé cliché in a few months. Keep your ear to the ground and look for long standing favorites to be your touch point and trendy enclaves to be the icing on your evening.
You’ll get more milage out of your wallet if you take advantage of the savings at Hotels Cheap for discounted rates on quality Chicago hotel rooms.
(cc: photo credit: laffy4k)
Categories: Nightlife
