Chicago’s Top 10 : Bars & Clubs



Unless otherwise stated, bars and clubs are open daily, have a cover charge after 9/10pm, and have DA.



  1. La Pomme Rouge

    La
    Pomme boasts two salons: Paradis (paradise) features elegant couches,
    fireplaces, and a Victorian sideboard; Enfer (hell) has fabric-covered
    walls, dozens of pillows, and the design decadence of an opium den. In
    the curtained booths of the main room enjoy the extensive list of
    champagnes and wines and the posh nibbles, such as caviar.

    • 108 W. Kinzie St.

    • 312 245 9555

    • Adm. Fri & Sat

  2. Whiskey Sky

    Nightlife goes sky-high at this intimate club on the 33rd floor of the W. Chicago Lakeshore hotel.
    Locals and guests mingle among ‘70s retro furnishings while soul and
    light house music provide the beat (though there’s no dancing) to a
    backdrop of stunning views.

    • 644 N. Lake Shore Dr

    • 312 255 4463

    • Free

  3. Zebra Lounge

    An
    illegal speakeasy during Prohibition, this tiny piano bar has stood the
    test of time and competition, packing in loyal revelers nightly. Zebra
    prints dominate the décor, and martinis are the drink of choice. Singing
    along with the pianist to show tunes, torch songs, and oldies is
    expected .




    Zebra Lounge

  4. Funky Buddha Lounge

    This
    favorite is easily identified by the fat, happy Buddha statue outside.
    Inside, a mixed crowd of urban hipsters and young professionals sip
    everything from beer to bubbly in the low-ceilinged lounge. As the
    evening unfolds, the dance floor heats up with clubbers grooving to
    soul, salsa, hip-hop, R&B, house, rap, and reggae.

    • 728 W. Grand Ave.

    • 312 666 1695

  5. Four

    A
    varied crowd packs the neon-lit two-storey high dancefloor of this
    off-the-beaten-track club, while local DJs spin techno, rave, and
    hip-hop. Opt for the signature drink, Four Martini – a blend of four
    Stoli vodka flavors and a splash of orange juice – while you check out
    the laser light show under the 4-ft disco ball.

    • 1551 W. Division St.

    • 1 773 235 9100

    • Closed Sun & Mon

  6. Le Passage

    Tucked
    along an alley and down a flight of stairs is the alluring Le Passage.
    The candlelit, wood-paneled room is divided by gold-wrapped columns.
    Velvet chairs are free for lounging early on, but later they’re reserved
    for big spenders. The dance floor fills up late, with DJs playing pop
    remixes.

    • 937 N. Rush St.

    • 312 255 0022

    • Closed Sun & Mon

  7. Bin 36

    This
    lofty space is a triple pleasure, with its high-end restaurant, casual
    café, and sociable wine bar. The large, zinc-topped oval bar is a lively
    setting for couples to share conversation and a cocktail, or for
    singles to mingle. “Wine flights” are a must-try, offering four
    half-glasses of different, but related, wines .




    Bin 36

  8. Le Bar

    In the beautiful Sofitel Hotel,
    a fashionable, over-30, mixed crowd fills this lobby lounge after work,
    lingering until the wee hours. Black-clad servers dispense martinis
    with scrumptious flavors such as chocolate and raspberry.

    • 20 E. Chestnut St.

    • 312 324 4000

    • Free




    Le Bar

  9. Sonotheque

    This
    small, aluminum-clad nightclub forgoes dancing, and instead focuses on
    the pure enjoyment of the music. In fact, every visual aspect here
    serves to enhance the fantastic audio system: padded walls absorb sound,
    while the square-cut metal ceiling tiles diffuse it throughout the
    room. The sonic theme is further complemented by sleek steel and cool
    gray décor.

    • 1444 W. Chicago Ave.

    • 312 226 7600

    • Adm.

    • charged some nights depending on the DJ

  10. J Bar

    This
    sleek, luxurious lounge in The James hotel offers signature
    deconstructed cocktails, such as a Ketel One martini with a vermouth and
    olive lollipop, or the James – made with Stoli Raz, elderflower and
    lime juice, served in a martini glass coated in a hard, raspberry candy
    shell. Modern design, low-slung lounge seating, candlelit cocktail
    tables, and plasma screens with video art all go to set the swanky
    scene.

    • 610 N Rush St.

    • 312 660 7200

    • Closed Sun & Mon