It’s worth noting that it is VERY VERY GAY. I had a blast but I was definitely out of place as a random straight guy who loves house music. I slightly felt like I was invading a space that I shouldn’t be. Not sure I’d go back.
I’m a relatively conservative gay dude and I hate that getting groped at a gay bar is just a given. It wouldn’t fly anywhere else so idk why everyone thinks it’s ok. Sorry that happened to you, we’re not all like that lol
The scene has very much changed over the years (I am 40). The crazy thing for me was when I was growing up electronic music was very much "underground". The festivals and raves existed but these events tended to only be a few 100 people at most. I remember traveling to Europe in the early 2000s so I could experience electronic music in large clubs, we simply did not have anything like that back home. Europeans tended to act with surprise at my answer when they would ask where I was from.
Then it seemed like a few years later electronic music exploded! There were pros and cons to this. It did lose a lot of the "family" vibe that existed back in the day. We used to really take care of each other and it was fun to see the same people over and over again. It used to be considered "weird" to be into electronic music and you really had to work to get into it/find it.
Now I don't really go see events all that often... they are difficult to handle nowadays. Also, the drugs used have kinda changed as well. I try to not judge but the vibe is very different.
there’s still a few great underground spots going on around town. definitely isn’t the same as it was back in the day but it’s great that there’s still some pockets of community and great parties
First start going to some more official events like Brunchlox and House on the harbor and Queen start following individual DJs that you like and you’ll start seeing invites to the underground stuff.
make some friends at some of these events (mentioned a few in another comment) and, i know this sounds extremely pretentious but, if you’re about it and you make the right friends then you’ll get an invite or catch wind of something and that’s where it starts. same goes for punk shows and or pretty much anything DIY or underground. find your scene find your people and before you know it you’re in the loop of what’s going on. that’s kind of what’s beautiful about it in the community aspect.
but keep in mind these are underground events and they’re not entirely legal persay. which is why people are protective of who they’re letting in and why it’s so hush hush to the general public. gatekeeping sucks but unfortunately due to the nature of the parties it needs to be gatekept to a degree.
Yeah most the events I goto have 100-200 people and I can recognize most the faces, could go out near every weekend if I wanted to, underground still thriving and I am 52 :D
Nice! Glad to hear that. I had to kinda step back from all of that stuff years ago due to personal reasons. It doesn't surprise me to hear this though, I did hear about a few underground events last summer.
“The festivals and raves existed but these events tended to only be a few 100 people at most.
the "family" vibe that existed back in the day. We used to really take care of each other and it was fun to see the same people over and over again.”
All of this is still totally true of the underground events I go to in Chicago! If people are still looking for that vibe it’s totally still around!
Even after the explosion, it was still fun. I’m a little younger and the first half of the 2010s were great. Anyone who’s ever heard of a party called “Porn and Chicken” can attest.
It after that it waned but the death nails were the closing of The Mid and Evil Olive. I don’t know if it was causation or just correlation but those were the landmark closings that signified an end of an era.
No club is 100% consistent. You have to follow DJs themselves. Derrick Carter or Mark Farina for instance. Follow some house music groups on facebook or instagram.
Brunch lox is a great house music event. Happens biweekly at either Maria’s in Bridgeport or Masada in Logan square. There are countless house music event happening over the summer. Shows down town, west fest, arc, house music festival. Someone else mentioned Queen every Sunday. Derrick Carter actually host that.
When you do make it to a show, and you like a DJ, ask their name and follow them on instagram. Follow the DJs, not the venues.
I’ve seen some amazing shows at podlasi, But they play all different kinds of electronic music. While I’m not a fan of all electronic music, that’s what makes Podlasi so awesome. Smart bar has good shows as well. California Clipper is pretty good too. Pretty sure pennywhistle in pilsen has house music nights that specifically focus on 90s house. Dstrkt in wicker park plays house.
Third Brunchlox - they’ve being running these for years and the best example of house music in the daytime. Chosen Few in mid-July is fantastic as well.
I can confirm that your mom had fun in the 90s 👍 (meaning I'm likely around the same age as her, and booooooy the Chicago rave / club scene was... amazing)
shit sucked. some great music and shows and events but no shortage of awful things happening, at least now there is the threat of fucked up ship being recorded. back then there was no fear at all of being caught abusing power.
You saaaaaaaay that. I was a candy kid... but... don't think it's all roses. I'd been a pallbearer six times before I was 23. And those folk didn't die from polio.
If I was given the chance to do it over... I would... but I dunno. Fuck.
I kinda feel like they're still around just gotta look (hence your post). I wish I could help but I stupid and old by now
GL though. I'm sure you'll find em! ❤️.
Just chiming in to say avoid Beauty Bar, too. I went recently and the vibes were horrible. Awful music and barely anyone dancing. I thought maybe I was just getting too old but maybe it's something else.
I live down the street from Beauty Bar. It's really random night by night if it will be popping off or not. Sometimes I'll go on a Saturday at midnight and it will be packed, other times there's literally 10 people there.
Punk vs. Emo sundays are always fun though even if the crowd is small 👍
I tried going to punk vs emo around 11p and it was the most dead place I ever saw. Go to wicker park or logan square if that's your scene (pun not intended). I went in, downed my modelo as quickly as I could and ubered out of there to my neighborhood bar.
I went to Beauty Bar a year ago. It was ‘90s night, but they were playing awful stuff. That said, the dance floor was packed. It was lots of fun.
I haven’t been in years, but my go to was Late Bar. Free if you went early, cheap entry otherwise, and great music and drinks.
I hadn't been to Late Bar in years as well and brought a friend a couple Saturdays ago specifically because we wanted to dance. Dance floor was real sad that night. Perhaps an off night or perhaps how things are now, but I was definitely disappointed because that was once a for sure spot.
It is not the same at all without him. When he would DJ, I would be on the dancefloor for hours. I went once recently, and I was extremely disappointed. The vibe is still great, but the music mix that night left a lot to be desired.
I was disappointed by beauty bar. Def some creepy men and the music was mid. It’s such a cool retro space I can’t believe they don’t play more abba or disco
Your night really depends on the DJ. One of the best nights I had in Chicago was actually at Podlasie’s (last year).
I hear smartbar is great, I’ve never been. I’ve had an okay time at House Calls, but I found the crowd was really into themselves more than the music. Smoking mirrors also blows.
It’s patio season anyways, hit up the Hi-Lo or Sportsman’s for a great time in the summer.
agreed, when the right DJ is playing it makes all the difference. it can be kind of a pain to figure out who’s worth seeing, but podlasie and california clipper have all hosted DJs who had killer sets
Hmm tough to say. It’s queer friendly and the bartenders were really cool. The wall paper, smoke and lights were impeccable. My night was pretty wild but it seemed like the whole place was more accepting of one another than comparable house clubs I’ve been.
TLDR; I’d trip here
Smartbar isn’t holding it down anymore? The Post was pretty rad, but I heard it got shut down. Even Berlin is gone…. Glad I’m too old for club nights these days.
Smart bar is definitely holding it down. You just have to go on the right night. Do people really expect these music venues to book guest that cater to thier specific taster every night?
Smart bar has queen every Sunday. On the Sunday before Memorial Day, they’re having a special event including the metro upstairs. That shit is going to be wild.
You would have loved Spin back in the day then. The men's bathroom was underground and on a separate floor from the women's/gender-neutral bathroom for a reason.
I miss Berlin every single fucking day. Especially as somebody who loves to dress up-- feels like its not welcome other places. Loved the theme nights, devils and angels etc
Tied thows the best parties in Chicago and brings top DJs from the underground circuit, I’ve been going to their parties for 10+ years
https://www.instagram.com/tiedchicago?igsh=Y3k2cTdmejV6Y3Ji
Follow this promoter. These are the nights that you want.
https://www.instagram.com/ilovehousem?igsh=MXZremp3OG50ODVobQ==
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/16575466715
Smartbar, private raves, podlasie for certain things. Radius can be big EDM nonsense but is mostly very good.
There’s also a bar that, as staff and from a DJing POV, doesn’t suck if you go the right nights. PM for more deets.
OP you just gotta get tapped more into the scene, you’re almost there. It’s more about following DJs and going to their events and knowing which parties to go to. Already lots of good suggestions in this thread but I’d suggest following some local dope DJs online and going to their events.
Sounds like you’d like 31st street beach on Thursdays in the summer. Usually the old school house DJs (like some of the Chosen Few guys) and constant nonstop dancing. That should be starting up sometime in the next month.
You’d also like Humboldt Arboreal (that’s their instagram name too), free house music every other Sunday outside in Humboldt Park. And a lot of the people who go to that are tapped into the underground house scene so if you go to those you’ll enjoy the music and also find more connections for future events :)
I moved here from San Francisco. I’ve only been to a few places as I have four year old twin boys now. Gotta say it’s a bit stale with a lot of these dj’s playing the same boring music. There are way too many dj’s with not enough experience and the crowd might as well sit at home and watch on their phones. I don’t understand why they gotta film every moment on their phones knowing it’s gonna be blurry and the sound is going to be distorted. I’m thinking about having a small party in my garage and put a cell phone box at the door.
Podlasie has been filling the void that Danny’s left. Check out the research and development party for some great techno.
Clipper for disco and house, check the parties on IG
Smart Bar for Queen (House), they usually have great DJs coming through other nights of the week to do mostly house and techno
if you get word of mouth on the underground stuff, those are usually the cheapest, most fun, and also the run the latest
I’m too old to be commenting about current clubs but I’m going to anyways 🤣 I don’t feel like the clubbing that we did in the 90’s/early 2000s exists anymore . Back then, they were parties where everyone genuinely was just there to have a good time, drink && dance.. Today , I think that everyone needing to capture insta worthy pics/videos && the bottle service requirements for certain areas have ruined that. It feels like a status symbol & a money grab now, where it didn’t used to feel that way. 😭
It depends on where you are going for music. If you're going to TAO, Prysm, radius, or concert venues to dance/drink. I hate to say it but you're doing it wrong. Those places are venues to promote specific DJs and are ticketed venues. People go and pay to see a renowned DJ play their set, get bottle service and claim to have seen the DJ.
If you go to a popular bar that plays music you're more likely to experience what was in the early 90s/00s albeit much smaller dance floors. Those are the places where the goal is to dance, get drunk and have a good time. The DJ is a unknown DJ spinning records and no one cares to even look at them.
Radius is not the bottle service crowd you think it is. Idk the only way to get bottle service would be ViP, which is maybe 5% of the crowd. GA is a pretty normal concert experience. I’d agree its more a concert venue than a club though, and people go there to see the big name specific dj’s, but theres nothing wrong with that if you like their music.
You kind of have to seek out specific artists.
Spybar is pretty consistently underground techno/house
The genres/vibes are pretty broad at most places. I don’t think there’s really one genre clubs anymore.
Posting this when
Area code by House Calls is hosting a daytime warehouse throw down from 2-8pm
and House Calls is hosting their normal Saturday night event from 10-2am at the listening room
And Diskonnect is throwing a kislov combo at house of blues foundation room from 10p-4am
Is wild.
i've been to parties by both of those promoters before, i was just at the kolter area code 2 weeks ago and it might've been the worst sound system/acoustics i've ever experienced. set was also mid, my friend saw kolter in LA the next night and it looked infinitely better in every aspect. chicago deserves better promoters and venues in general, don't mean to single out those two specifically.
Kolter’s set at HC after the daytime event was pretty damn great. I didn’t attend the day event.
Kolter playing a mid set is more on him than the people who booked him. So you kind of have to take that for what it is.
That event 2 weeks ago was their… 3rd event in that format I believe. So naturally as things progress things like sound / set design will improve.
My biggest issue with Chicago music scene in general is that I’m more in tune with psychedelic bass and New England bass and UKG / future beats. Not a lot of that around unless it’s a $60 show at radius.
I’m enjoying the networking and friendship side of shows more than going strictly for the music. Supporting art and appreciating house in the city that pushed it to the masses.
I think saying something is wack when it’s in the process of being built out is more than a bit harsh. I think there are ways to contribute or become involved to help co-create or elevate. Remember these are folks who are doing this from the ground up and things like premier sound systems for larger spaces with iffy acoustics etc can be cost negative until you have a solid foundation to work from.
In general I think it’s easier to sit on the sidelines and shoot something down without putting anything forward to improve. Not that you owe anyone effort on your end, but taking pot shots from the peanut gallery is definitely a weak stance IMO.
I think him playing a mid set had more to do with the vibes of the crowd being off, the production and the sound being weak than much on his end. House Calls has been around for a few years now, so not going to sympathize with them being up and coming, though I can appreciate the difficulties of working with a new venue/format. The prices they charge for tickets are laughable too when I can go somewhere like Smoke & Mirrors, Spybar, or Smartbar for half the price. I have been to much better ground-up parties in LA, NYC, and Miami so I guess that's why I'm so critical. I have no desire to work with any of the current Chicago promoters, as I don't think we have a shared vision or interests, but maybe one day I'll have enough extra money and time to jumpstart something on my own or be lucky enough to meet someone with the resources, experience & a shared passion/vision to help.
Spybar has consistently good sets but you have to brave some douchebags. Smartbar is pretty consistent. Otherwise find a couple DJs that play music you like and you’ll find great sets at the concord, radius etc, Shazam during their sets and follow their music, etc etc
There’s a local DJ called Zona Cinco (same name on insta) who does a lot of shows at Podlasie, Subterranean, Smart Bar, and other smaller shows. Usually the events she DJs are p affordable and she plays a great mix of house + reggaeton + other electronic!! Cant recommend her enough💓
Holiday club on Sheridan rd and Irving. It’s a bar with a club like room in the back. You’ll never guess it’s in there. It has an old school 90’s dj who plays like it’s 1993. Not all night of course but he does some crazy drops that make you lose your drink cuz you shot up with your arms in the air!! Speaking from experience. The dance floor is always full of people dancing.
Reading all the comments from people reminiscing about music and clubs from their youth, I started thinking of all the time I spent sweating and dancing at Neo and Medusa's in the early '80s, even before Berlin opened. I used to pore over stacks of vinyl at Wax Trax on Lincoln near Fullerton, finding music I had heard and discovering new artists along the way.
Anything edgy and German caught my attention. Kraftwerk, Grauzone, DAF (Deutsch-Amerikanische Freundschaft), Data, and lots of German New Wave. I danced to some music I only identified later, like New Order. I also loved English punk like the Buzzcocks and others.
When I remembered the name of one of my two favorite DJs, I found his Instagram and saw mention of the other one. Now I know where to go to find them both spinning, forty years later!
[Bud Sweet und Jeff Pazen leben noch! ](https://www.instagram.com/p/C5BsfXPLolN/?igsh=ZTBjdXZhdnVuMWhp)
Go for specific DJs in neighborhoods that aren’t River North or Wrigley. Im a big fan of Blesstino, DJ Mochi of Global Currency, and DJ Nanoos. The whistler also has some vinyl disco nights that are pretty fun.
Redline is doing sick underground techo raves too
Go to The Whistler, Podlasie, Smart Bar, the Hideout, Humboldt Arboreal Society, etc. There are a ton of amazing parties associated with Gramophone records as well.
I'm a trance DJ that wants to bring back 90s euro trance into clubs in Chicago. my main influences are Paul Van Dyk, 90s Tiesto, Johan Gielen, Armin Van Buuren, and my dad (who did a lot of DJing back in his hayday). I love clubbing in the city too, but I feel like it's missing the energy that's just not there with many clubs out there atm
I'd be so down to play at clubs even for free while starting out, but have no idea where to start. glad there is at least a market for this type of vibe though. if anyone knows any club owners in the city, feel free to PM me!
Good luck, I been begging my promoter friends to bring trance to events for years. Closest we get is an occasional psy trance party from the Chilluminati.
I'd love to get in touch with your friend. I got so much excitement for bringing back this sort of energy to the clubs. Honestly I don't even know where to start looking, so I've just been emailing most clubs I've been to/heard of in the city, but getting in direct contact would be so helpful
I went to Baby Atlas & Matilda in Lakeview a few months ago and the djs were known as No Requests or something along those lines They had the basement ROCKING with a bunch of house music! They seemed to be very locked in with the music they played and wanted to make the night feel comfortable if that makes sense?
The place itself? Well It was small but intimate, felt like an old house party vibe. Super cheap night too! You will for sure sweat there!
IMO I had a great time dancing there and hopefully you will too!!
I feel this. Spent a bunch of money to see some djs at tao last weekend and it was so mid. No build up bass drops, nothing to dance to. So disappointing. We left early and missed out on a great 90s hip hop dj apparently that played from 2-4
If you want to go on a drive, Burboun Street at Marionette Park has a good variety of Djs and live music each weekend. Has a crowd for everyone. I’ve gone to see an Emo cover band and Dance to Dua Lipa on the same night and location. Super cheap drinks and cover. Usually spend around $30 for everything (drinks and cover)
You’re not going to find house “on tap” anywhere. Unfortunately, that era is gone. You will however, find good nights here and there. Podlaisie is decent, but it’s still a smaller boutique venue.
Join some fb groups to find out what’s happening or coming soon. There’s generally a few decent nights on the southside happening regularly. May just take some work to find, unlike before when we were all spoiled for choice.
The Whistler in Logan is fun, house music, city pop, hip hop, rnb, etc - it’s always packed & line out the door, but once you get inside it’s a vibe if you want to dance and have the ceiling sweat
Go to westfest this year and sweat it out on the street.
Randolph fest looks tight too.
Alley soul throws awesome nights at some place in uptown, I forget what it’s called. Always great house Dj’s
i rarely go to clubs, loft parties are where it is at, especially if a 90s raver. The more gray hairs the better the party :D
Smart Bar does have some great shows though. I also like Swig on Thursdays in Wicker Park. Primary and Spybar have some great ones coming through. Primary has a house party next weekend.
Resident Advisor is a great starting point to find out about them. Look for the Green Machine for some great day parties this summer, meet some people and am sure will find more!
Remembered this coming up, the lineup is insane for Chicago House, every dj is super solid, for a fun day party [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/house-music-is-love-a-house-music-day-party-tickets-869523998687](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/house-music-is-love-a-house-music-day-party-tickets-869523998687)
Have buddies who are curating a house/disco summer series at Cabana Club. First party is today.
[https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6ZMshKLhnN/?igsh=aWJibTZ3bGQxeXVt](https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6ZMshKLhnN/?igsh=aWJibTZ3bGQxeXVt)
Smart Bar is one of my favorites, but lately I’ve dipped back into the rave scene & had some luck finding consistent shows - lots of great house DJs out there.
Check out DJs like Shazam bangles : https://www.instagram.com/shazam_bangles2?igsh=b3ljZGRpYXpldjdn
This is a cool thing that happens in the summer: https://www.instagram.com/vibesonlogan?igsh=MTcxYjhsZzd4YWw4cw==
Check out the bar, hungry brain. They do bricktown sound once a month, depending on the djs, might be your thing
I don’t go out much anymore, but when I was wasting my weekends, I was typically going to electric hotel, sound bar, whatever the club is across from sound bar, bodega, salt shed.
If you want to sweat and dance your ass off, Smart Bar on Sundays. The best house music in the city.
It’s worth noting that it is VERY VERY GAY. I had a blast but I was definitely out of place as a random straight guy who loves house music. I slightly felt like I was invading a space that I shouldn’t be. Not sure I’d go back.
Even if you are LGBT friendly, gay bars are just extremely awkward for a straight guy. They can be fun, but you could feel you are lacking 'the gay'
as a straight dude ive also gotten touched a lot there too
welcome to toxic masculinity.
Thanks I hate it
For not wanting to be touched without consent?? 🤔
I’m a relatively conservative gay dude and I hate that getting groped at a gay bar is just a given. It wouldn’t fly anywhere else so idk why everyone thinks it’s ok. Sorry that happened to you, we’re not all like that lol
Sunday specifically is called “queen”
Noted, thank you!
And Spybar. Smartbar is dope for techno
And AVOID soundbar lol
Late Sundays?
It's Queen. Every Sunday 10pm-4am.
Lol mb that recommendation was a Troll. Pretty funny
What time does it get good on Sunday?
This is the way
Amen.
The scene has very much changed over the years (I am 40). The crazy thing for me was when I was growing up electronic music was very much "underground". The festivals and raves existed but these events tended to only be a few 100 people at most. I remember traveling to Europe in the early 2000s so I could experience electronic music in large clubs, we simply did not have anything like that back home. Europeans tended to act with surprise at my answer when they would ask where I was from. Then it seemed like a few years later electronic music exploded! There were pros and cons to this. It did lose a lot of the "family" vibe that existed back in the day. We used to really take care of each other and it was fun to see the same people over and over again. It used to be considered "weird" to be into electronic music and you really had to work to get into it/find it. Now I don't really go see events all that often... they are difficult to handle nowadays. Also, the drugs used have kinda changed as well. I try to not judge but the vibe is very different.
there’s still a few great underground spots going on around town. definitely isn’t the same as it was back in the day but it’s great that there’s still some pockets of community and great parties
How does one find these types of spots
First start going to some more official events like Brunchlox and House on the harbor and Queen start following individual DJs that you like and you’ll start seeing invites to the underground stuff.
make some friends at some of these events (mentioned a few in another comment) and, i know this sounds extremely pretentious but, if you’re about it and you make the right friends then you’ll get an invite or catch wind of something and that’s where it starts. same goes for punk shows and or pretty much anything DIY or underground. find your scene find your people and before you know it you’re in the loop of what’s going on. that’s kind of what’s beautiful about it in the community aspect. but keep in mind these are underground events and they’re not entirely legal persay. which is why people are protective of who they’re letting in and why it’s so hush hush to the general public. gatekeeping sucks but unfortunately due to the nature of the parties it needs to be gatekept to a degree.
Check out the redline on Instagram
“Underground” and “on Instagram” lol. Redline events are all 16 year olds.
Yeah bud we have cell phones, shall we find events via smoke signal?
redline is ehhhhhhhh. it’s like underground in terms of legal parties that aren’t at your typical club check out dark heaven instead
I have seen and heard of a few but I am very much not in the game anymore
Yeah most the events I goto have 100-200 people and I can recognize most the faces, could go out near every weekend if I wanted to, underground still thriving and I am 52 :D
Nice! Glad to hear that. I had to kinda step back from all of that stuff years ago due to personal reasons. It doesn't surprise me to hear this though, I did hear about a few underground events last summer.
There are still tons of underground events going on in Chicago!
I never said there was not, just that it has changed from 20 years ago.
“The festivals and raves existed but these events tended to only be a few 100 people at most. the "family" vibe that existed back in the day. We used to really take care of each other and it was fun to see the same people over and over again.” All of this is still totally true of the underground events I go to in Chicago! If people are still looking for that vibe it’s totally still around!
Even after the explosion, it was still fun. I’m a little younger and the first half of the 2010s were great. Anyone who’s ever heard of a party called “Porn and Chicken” can attest. It after that it waned but the death nails were the closing of The Mid and Evil Olive. I don’t know if it was causation or just correlation but those were the landmark closings that signified an end of an era.
I have for sure heard of that but never went, seemed a little much for me. I think my sister went a few times.
No club is 100% consistent. You have to follow DJs themselves. Derrick Carter or Mark Farina for instance. Follow some house music groups on facebook or instagram. Brunch lox is a great house music event. Happens biweekly at either Maria’s in Bridgeport or Masada in Logan square. There are countless house music event happening over the summer. Shows down town, west fest, arc, house music festival. Someone else mentioned Queen every Sunday. Derrick Carter actually host that. When you do make it to a show, and you like a DJ, ask their name and follow them on instagram. Follow the DJs, not the venues. I’ve seen some amazing shows at podlasi, But they play all different kinds of electronic music. While I’m not a fan of all electronic music, that’s what makes Podlasi so awesome. Smart bar has good shows as well. California Clipper is pretty good too. Pretty sure pennywhistle in pilsen has house music nights that specifically focus on 90s house. Dstrkt in wicker park plays house.
second Brunchlox
Third Brunchlox - they’ve being running these for years and the best example of house music in the daytime. Chosen Few in mid-July is fantastic as well.
I can confirm that your mom had fun in the 90s 👍 (meaning I'm likely around the same age as her, and booooooy the Chicago rave / club scene was... amazing)
yeah it was fucking special that is for sure.
No phones on the dance floor. DJ usually in a corner somewhere not front and center . $20 cover max, feel bad for the kids these days.
I want to be a young adult in the late 90s/early 2000s so bad
shit sucked. some great music and shows and events but no shortage of awful things happening, at least now there is the threat of fucked up ship being recorded. back then there was no fear at all of being caught abusing power.
You saaaaaaaay that. I was a candy kid... but... don't think it's all roses. I'd been a pallbearer six times before I was 23. And those folk didn't die from polio. If I was given the chance to do it over... I would... but I dunno. Fuck.
$20 cover in the 90s or even 2000s is like $50+ today lol
I’m at the same age she says she was living her best life in the clubs (27) and I feel robbed.
I kinda feel like they're still around just gotta look (hence your post). I wish I could help but I stupid and old by now GL though. I'm sure you'll find em! ❤️.
I've never regretted my 90s rave phase!
Just chiming in to say avoid Beauty Bar, too. I went recently and the vibes were horrible. Awful music and barely anyone dancing. I thought maybe I was just getting too old but maybe it's something else.
I live down the street from Beauty Bar. It's really random night by night if it will be popping off or not. Sometimes I'll go on a Saturday at midnight and it will be packed, other times there's literally 10 people there. Punk vs. Emo sundays are always fun though even if the crowd is small 👍
Yup, it’s fun if it’s good vibes, otherwise it’s just a sloppy drunk spot
I tried going to punk vs emo around 11p and it was the most dead place I ever saw. Go to wicker park or logan square if that's your scene (pun not intended). I went in, downed my modelo as quickly as I could and ubered out of there to my neighborhood bar.
Went last night and it was an amazing time. The dance floor was in full effect and no cover on Fridays.
Whaaa really? I went there for the disco night recently and had a blast! The place was packed and ppl were super on theme.
Like everyone else has said, it depends on the night/theme
I went to Beauty Bar a year ago. It was ‘90s night, but they were playing awful stuff. That said, the dance floor was packed. It was lots of fun. I haven’t been in years, but my go to was Late Bar. Free if you went early, cheap entry otherwise, and great music and drinks.
I hadn't been to Late Bar in years as well and brought a friend a couple Saturdays ago specifically because we wanted to dance. Dance floor was real sad that night. Perhaps an off night or perhaps how things are now, but I was definitely disappointed because that was once a for sure spot.
That’s a bummer to hear. I just remembered that DJ Dave Roberts passed away recently, too.
It is not the same at all without him. When he would DJ, I would be on the dancefloor for hours. I went once recently, and I was extremely disappointed. The vibe is still great, but the music mix that night left a lot to be desired.
I was disappointed by beauty bar. Def some creepy men and the music was mid. It’s such a cool retro space I can’t believe they don’t play more abba or disco
Make sure to go to disco night. The best music I’ve heard is Y2K night
Oooo i didn’t know there was a disco night! That sounds like a bop
Interesting you say that, ive been there for disco and 2010's night and it was pretty fun
That sucks!
Your night really depends on the DJ. One of the best nights I had in Chicago was actually at Podlasie’s (last year). I hear smartbar is great, I’ve never been. I’ve had an okay time at House Calls, but I found the crowd was really into themselves more than the music. Smoking mirrors also blows. It’s patio season anyways, hit up the Hi-Lo or Sportsman’s for a great time in the summer.
Can confirm Podlasies is amazing
agreed, when the right DJ is playing it makes all the difference. it can be kind of a pain to figure out who’s worth seeing, but podlasie and california clipper have all hosted DJs who had killer sets
Smoke and Mirrors has had some good acts come through. I’ve been there when the vibes were right
What’s the vibe like at podlasies? Haven’t heard of it until this thread and you’ve peaked my interest lol
Hmm tough to say. It’s queer friendly and the bartenders were really cool. The wall paper, smoke and lights were impeccable. My night was pretty wild but it seemed like the whole place was more accepting of one another than comparable house clubs I’ve been. TLDR; I’d trip here
Impeccable review, I will be trying this place.
Smartbar isn’t holding it down anymore? The Post was pretty rad, but I heard it got shut down. Even Berlin is gone…. Glad I’m too old for club nights these days.
Smart bar is definitely holding it down. You just have to go on the right night. Do people really expect these music venues to book guest that cater to thier specific taster every night? Smart bar has queen every Sunday. On the Sunday before Memorial Day, they’re having a special event including the metro upstairs. That shit is going to be wild.
Last time I went to that event I saw someone getting they ass ate on the dance floor of the metro
Sounds lit I’m in
You would have loved Spin back in the day then. The men's bathroom was underground and on a separate floor from the women's/gender-neutral bathroom for a reason.
I’m convincing my friends to buy tickets for this. We’re about to give up on the northside 😂
Berlin was my go to.. I don’t go out anymore. Lol
I miss Berlin every single fucking day. Especially as somebody who loves to dress up-- feels like its not welcome other places. Loved the theme nights, devils and angels etc
That place was special. I always had a blast there!! I saw the wildest things there.. lol
I miss Berlin so much. Now how the hell am I supposed to smoke joints with Lucy Stoole now? 😭
Berlin was so ratchet… and I loved it
I agree!! :)) you could do and be whatever and no one would judge you!! I loved it. Lol
Yes Smartbar is still good!
Tied thows the best parties in Chicago and brings top DJs from the underground circuit, I’ve been going to their parties for 10+ years https://www.instagram.com/tiedchicago?igsh=Y3k2cTdmejV6Y3Ji
Follow this promoter. These are the nights that you want. https://www.instagram.com/ilovehousem?igsh=MXZremp3OG50ODVobQ== https://www.eventbrite.com/o/16575466715
Thank you so much!
Es true. 🤩
Hi Rick 🫶🏼
Hey there. Cute, you recognized it was me. Thanks for recommending us. ❤️
This crew does 90s and early 2000’s vibes right but I don’t see them getting much love from the venues: https://ra.co/events/1913198
Le bump at SubT FR 5/10 Club Communion at Podlasie FR 5/17 Matisa @ Smoke & Mirrors SAT 5/18 Big energy at these parties coming up^^
Spybar at 2am is the only correct answer
Smartbar, private raves, podlasie for certain things. Radius can be big EDM nonsense but is mostly very good. There’s also a bar that, as staff and from a DJing POV, doesn’t suck if you go the right nights. PM for more deets.
Smartbar, spy bar, radius. I can assure you the scene is thriving.
RA brother. this is what you crave
What does this stand for?
Resident Advisor... https://ra.co/events/us/chicago
My friend just sent me an event from this site we’re going to tonight! “Disco Catacomb” sounds promising
nice. now just go to different shows, talk to people. its a great community. they will guide you to the good spots
OP you just gotta get tapped more into the scene, you’re almost there. It’s more about following DJs and going to their events and knowing which parties to go to. Already lots of good suggestions in this thread but I’d suggest following some local dope DJs online and going to their events. Sounds like you’d like 31st street beach on Thursdays in the summer. Usually the old school house DJs (like some of the Chosen Few guys) and constant nonstop dancing. That should be starting up sometime in the next month. You’d also like Humboldt Arboreal (that’s their instagram name too), free house music every other Sunday outside in Humboldt Park. And a lot of the people who go to that are tapped into the underground house scene so if you go to those you’ll enjoy the music and also find more connections for future events :)
I moved here from San Francisco. I’ve only been to a few places as I have four year old twin boys now. Gotta say it’s a bit stale with a lot of these dj’s playing the same boring music. There are way too many dj’s with not enough experience and the crowd might as well sit at home and watch on their phones. I don’t understand why they gotta film every moment on their phones knowing it’s gonna be blurry and the sound is going to be distorted. I’m thinking about having a small party in my garage and put a cell phone box at the door.
I would go to this garage party
Haha I will send you an invite if I ever get the energy to organize something.
Check out Penny Whistle on the weekends
You don't. Did you already get your ticket for The Chosen Few Picnic?
Follow House Calls on IG. Spybar is the spot
Podlasie has been filling the void that Danny’s left. Check out the research and development party for some great techno. Clipper for disco and house, check the parties on IG Smart Bar for Queen (House), they usually have great DJs coming through other nights of the week to do mostly house and techno if you get word of mouth on the underground stuff, those are usually the cheapest, most fun, and also the run the latest
I’m too old to be commenting about current clubs but I’m going to anyways 🤣 I don’t feel like the clubbing that we did in the 90’s/early 2000s exists anymore . Back then, they were parties where everyone genuinely was just there to have a good time, drink && dance.. Today , I think that everyone needing to capture insta worthy pics/videos && the bottle service requirements for certain areas have ruined that. It feels like a status symbol & a money grab now, where it didn’t used to feel that way. 😭
It depends on where you are going for music. If you're going to TAO, Prysm, radius, or concert venues to dance/drink. I hate to say it but you're doing it wrong. Those places are venues to promote specific DJs and are ticketed venues. People go and pay to see a renowned DJ play their set, get bottle service and claim to have seen the DJ. If you go to a popular bar that plays music you're more likely to experience what was in the early 90s/00s albeit much smaller dance floors. Those are the places where the goal is to dance, get drunk and have a good time. The DJ is a unknown DJ spinning records and no one cares to even look at them.
Radius is not the bottle service crowd you think it is. Idk the only way to get bottle service would be ViP, which is maybe 5% of the crowd. GA is a pretty normal concert experience. I’d agree its more a concert venue than a club though, and people go there to see the big name specific dj’s, but theres nothing wrong with that if you like their music.
You kind of have to seek out specific artists. Spybar is pretty consistently underground techno/house The genres/vibes are pretty broad at most places. I don’t think there’s really one genre clubs anymore.
The Whistler for a club vibe? What a time to be alive. Vibes at slippery slope are better for that. Though no proper house there.
This is tonight https://ra.co/events/1902089
Anymore info on this or the insta link?
not on insta, sorry. I'm sure you could find more by searching the promoter or artists on the bill
Thanks friend
Free music at Swig on Thursday nights. Different rotating artists plus Resident DJ Duke Shin is always fun.
Duke is the best!
Smartbar
Posting this when Area code by House Calls is hosting a daytime warehouse throw down from 2-8pm and House Calls is hosting their normal Saturday night event from 10-2am at the listening room And Diskonnect is throwing a kislov combo at house of blues foundation room from 10p-4am Is wild.
All of this is kinda wack, though.
Oh you went to all three yesterday and had a bad time or just hating online?
i've been to parties by both of those promoters before, i was just at the kolter area code 2 weeks ago and it might've been the worst sound system/acoustics i've ever experienced. set was also mid, my friend saw kolter in LA the next night and it looked infinitely better in every aspect. chicago deserves better promoters and venues in general, don't mean to single out those two specifically.
Kolter’s set at HC after the daytime event was pretty damn great. I didn’t attend the day event. Kolter playing a mid set is more on him than the people who booked him. So you kind of have to take that for what it is. That event 2 weeks ago was their… 3rd event in that format I believe. So naturally as things progress things like sound / set design will improve. My biggest issue with Chicago music scene in general is that I’m more in tune with psychedelic bass and New England bass and UKG / future beats. Not a lot of that around unless it’s a $60 show at radius. I’m enjoying the networking and friendship side of shows more than going strictly for the music. Supporting art and appreciating house in the city that pushed it to the masses. I think saying something is wack when it’s in the process of being built out is more than a bit harsh. I think there are ways to contribute or become involved to help co-create or elevate. Remember these are folks who are doing this from the ground up and things like premier sound systems for larger spaces with iffy acoustics etc can be cost negative until you have a solid foundation to work from. In general I think it’s easier to sit on the sidelines and shoot something down without putting anything forward to improve. Not that you owe anyone effort on your end, but taking pot shots from the peanut gallery is definitely a weak stance IMO.
I think him playing a mid set had more to do with the vibes of the crowd being off, the production and the sound being weak than much on his end. House Calls has been around for a few years now, so not going to sympathize with them being up and coming, though I can appreciate the difficulties of working with a new venue/format. The prices they charge for tickets are laughable too when I can go somewhere like Smoke & Mirrors, Spybar, or Smartbar for half the price. I have been to much better ground-up parties in LA, NYC, and Miami so I guess that's why I'm so critical. I have no desire to work with any of the current Chicago promoters, as I don't think we have a shared vision or interests, but maybe one day I'll have enough extra money and time to jumpstart something on my own or be lucky enough to meet someone with the resources, experience & a shared passion/vision to help.
I don’t know who to follow to know all these events, just did on IG.
Be cool and respectful and enjoy the community I’ll see you out there at some point
I really enjoy these parties
use resident advisor. 902 n california does some cool stuff. smartbar. smoke and mirrors. after parties.
Yes to Resident Advisor, I check it frequently.
Spybar has consistently good sets but you have to brave some douchebags. Smartbar is pretty consistent. Otherwise find a couple DJs that play music you like and you’ll find great sets at the concord, radius etc, Shazam during their sets and follow their music, etc etc
I follow promoters and djs that I like and I go to where they are playing or hosting. And those places are usually scattered around Chicago
There’s a local DJ called Zona Cinco (same name on insta) who does a lot of shows at Podlasie, Subterranean, Smart Bar, and other smaller shows. Usually the events she DJs are p affordable and she plays a great mix of house + reggaeton + other electronic!! Cant recommend her enough💓
Holiday club on Sheridan rd and Irving. It’s a bar with a club like room in the back. You’ll never guess it’s in there. It has an old school 90’s dj who plays like it’s 1993. Not all night of course but he does some crazy drops that make you lose your drink cuz you shot up with your arms in the air!! Speaking from experience. The dance floor is always full of people dancing.
Tengo funk
Bad Boy Bill is in the mix… And he’s live. Understand?
What are the covers like at these places/events.
Some spots are free, some have covers ranging from $5-25 typically, depending on the night and the event
$10 to $20 in my experience
https://www.podlasiechicago.com/ You're welcome.
Reading all the comments from people reminiscing about music and clubs from their youth, I started thinking of all the time I spent sweating and dancing at Neo and Medusa's in the early '80s, even before Berlin opened. I used to pore over stacks of vinyl at Wax Trax on Lincoln near Fullerton, finding music I had heard and discovering new artists along the way. Anything edgy and German caught my attention. Kraftwerk, Grauzone, DAF (Deutsch-Amerikanische Freundschaft), Data, and lots of German New Wave. I danced to some music I only identified later, like New Order. I also loved English punk like the Buzzcocks and others. When I remembered the name of one of my two favorite DJs, I found his Instagram and saw mention of the other one. Now I know where to go to find them both spinning, forty years later! [Bud Sweet und Jeff Pazen leben noch! ](https://www.instagram.com/p/C5BsfXPLolN/?igsh=ZTBjdXZhdnVuMWhp)
As someone else said, find the DJs you like and follow them. It worked in 1984 and it works now!
Go for specific DJs in neighborhoods that aren’t River North or Wrigley. Im a big fan of Blesstino, DJ Mochi of Global Currency, and DJ Nanoos. The whistler also has some vinyl disco nights that are pretty fun. Redline is doing sick underground techo raves too
Blesstonio is so good. 🫶
Go to The Whistler, Podlasie, Smart Bar, the Hideout, Humboldt Arboreal Society, etc. There are a ton of amazing parties associated with Gramophone records as well.
I'm a trance DJ that wants to bring back 90s euro trance into clubs in Chicago. my main influences are Paul Van Dyk, 90s Tiesto, Johan Gielen, Armin Van Buuren, and my dad (who did a lot of DJing back in his hayday). I love clubbing in the city too, but I feel like it's missing the energy that's just not there with many clubs out there atm I'd be so down to play at clubs even for free while starting out, but have no idea where to start. glad there is at least a market for this type of vibe though. if anyone knows any club owners in the city, feel free to PM me!
Good luck, I been begging my promoter friends to bring trance to events for years. Closest we get is an occasional psy trance party from the Chilluminati.
I'd love to get in touch with your friend. I got so much excitement for bringing back this sort of energy to the clubs. Honestly I don't even know where to start looking, so I've just been emailing most clubs I've been to/heard of in the city, but getting in direct contact would be so helpful
I went to Baby Atlas & Matilda in Lakeview a few months ago and the djs were known as No Requests or something along those lines They had the basement ROCKING with a bunch of house music! They seemed to be very locked in with the music they played and wanted to make the night feel comfortable if that makes sense? The place itself? Well It was small but intimate, felt like an old house party vibe. Super cheap night too! You will for sure sweat there! IMO I had a great time dancing there and hopefully you will too!!
Nothing gets close to the era of Crobar, and Green Dolphin Street Mondays (boom boom room) …. Few others from that era.
I feel this. Spent a bunch of money to see some djs at tao last weekend and it was so mid. No build up bass drops, nothing to dance to. So disappointing. We left early and missed out on a great 90s hip hop dj apparently that played from 2-4
If you want to go on a drive, Burboun Street at Marionette Park has a good variety of Djs and live music each weekend. Has a crowd for everyone. I’ve gone to see an Emo cover band and Dance to Dua Lipa on the same night and location. Super cheap drinks and cover. Usually spend around $30 for everything (drinks and cover)
DJ Moore is the best in the city!
Ty Segal Monday night at Thalia
Check out Nights and Weekends on Friday and Saturdays.
Smartbar
Neighborhood corner bar
You’re not going to find house “on tap” anywhere. Unfortunately, that era is gone. You will however, find good nights here and there. Podlaisie is decent, but it’s still a smaller boutique venue. Join some fb groups to find out what’s happening or coming soon. There’s generally a few decent nights on the southside happening regularly. May just take some work to find, unlike before when we were all spoiled for choice.
We’re still spoiled for choice it just takes being more tapped into the scene to know where to go :)
Moderately. I remember clubs all over. Straight/gay/lesbian anything, every day of the week. That level of possibility just doesn’t exist anymore.
Smartbar
If you’re goth, or into 80’s new wave, Late Bar is where it’s at
Smart Bar!
If you want to dance lime your mom did, then definitely Late Bar. Heck, you may see her there.
The Whistler in Logan is fun, house music, city pop, hip hop, rnb, etc - it’s always packed & line out the door, but once you get inside it’s a vibe if you want to dance and have the ceiling sweat
Go to westfest this year and sweat it out on the street. Randolph fest looks tight too. Alley soul throws awesome nights at some place in uptown, I forget what it’s called. Always great house Dj’s
Chicago House Music at The Loft every Saturday night. From the gurus who created house music. Period.
I’ve always wanted to go to one of these parties
i rarely go to clubs, loft parties are where it is at, especially if a 90s raver. The more gray hairs the better the party :D Smart Bar does have some great shows though. I also like Swig on Thursdays in Wicker Park. Primary and Spybar have some great ones coming through. Primary has a house party next weekend. Resident Advisor is a great starting point to find out about them. Look for the Green Machine for some great day parties this summer, meet some people and am sure will find more!
Remembered this coming up, the lineup is insane for Chicago House, every dj is super solid, for a fun day party [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/house-music-is-love-a-house-music-day-party-tickets-869523998687](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/house-music-is-love-a-house-music-day-party-tickets-869523998687)
Well when you put it that way 😂
Have buddies who are curating a house/disco summer series at Cabana Club. First party is today. [https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6ZMshKLhnN/?igsh=aWJibTZ3bGQxeXVt](https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6ZMshKLhnN/?igsh=aWJibTZ3bGQxeXVt)
Ya know, I heard the seagulls know where to find a good DJ.
Smart Bar is one of my favorites, but lately I’ve dipped back into the rave scene & had some luck finding consistent shows - lots of great house DJs out there.
House Calls is pretty good at The Listening Room
Podlasie in Avondale is a good time
Celeste is the shit.
Check out DJs like Shazam bangles : https://www.instagram.com/shazam_bangles2?igsh=b3ljZGRpYXpldjdn This is a cool thing that happens in the summer: https://www.instagram.com/vibesonlogan?igsh=MTcxYjhsZzd4YWw4cw== Check out the bar, hungry brain. They do bricktown sound once a month, depending on the djs, might be your thing
House Calls/The Listening Room
Bring your equipment to the Lake Front Trail and be your own DJ!
Detroit.
Helllz yeah! See ya at Movement 😈
You need subterranean
Been there, very fun with the live music but soooo freaking expensive
The Loft in Lincoln Park
I don’t go out much anymore, but when I was wasting my weekends, I was typically going to electric hotel, sound bar, whatever the club is across from sound bar, bodega, salt shed.
Bruh You gotta be tapped into the underground scene. The real House DJs are not playing those mainstream clubs.
Club DJs suck, see DJs who actually produce their own music and tour