Categories: Nightlife
Chicago Lounges
Author: Jody Robbins
Posh Haunts vs. Unique Spots
Empire Liquors sits next to the venerable Double Door in the Wicker Park neighborhood, the newly opened creation of nightlife entrepreneur Matt Eisler. It's an oasis of calm in this often rowdy neighborhood, and the herringbone slate floor, metallic walls, and Gothic archways all contribute to the ambience here, as do unique cocktail selections. The ambience at The Matchbox is anything but loose; in fact, it's tight as a drum, and that's the way generations of Chicagoans have liked it, and wedging your way through the crowd is just part of the game at this bar that's only 10 feet wide at its widest. Expect to see people from all walks of life and claustrophobics need not apply.
If you're stepping into High Roller-ville, and want to show it, then head to Stone Lotus , the latest see-and-be-seen "liquor spa" that's posh enough for any taste (think 60-foot waterfall). Indulge in the custom drink creations that are served with flavor-matching food combinations that are the brainchild of highly regarded chef Dale Levitski, formerly of Orange, La Tache, and Trio. And for an evening spent in an entirely different manner, head the crew toward the 10pin Bowling Lounge, where good times come at the price of not being afraid to rolling a few gutter balls, or in not making too much of yourself when you exhibit your championship bowling skills. Set in Hotel Sax, this is the bowling high life offered to you on a platter, with 24 lanes in operation, designer bowling shoes, and upscale grill food.
A favorite spot for the locals, you'll see a cross-section of Chicago nightlife consumers in the downstairs, Far East-themed lounge at Japonais, one of the city's premier contemporary Asian restaurants. Overlooking the Chicago River, and sporting a laidback-in-Saigon type of feel, it ranges between candle light-clad conversations and more out-and-out partying as each night progresses. Prepared by renowned sushi chef Jun Ichikawa, the sushi here is worth the trip in and of itself. Set in the Fulton Market District, Chicago's own meatpacking area, the Fulton Lounge is a cool gathering spot for those having dinner at one of the restaurants garnering notice in this area, or visiting one local art gallery or another. The fully sophisticated vibe is very simple with an open floor plan and conversation-friendly noise levels thanks to the high ceilings.
Le Bar, located right in the heart of the Gold Coast, is warm and inviting. It offers the option of mingling your way through the crowded bar side of the room or relaxing with friends amidst the cushion-heavy couches and enjoying high-end spirits poured tableside. It's a very different atmosphere being served up at the Signature Lounge, where quiet whispers prevail, perhaps in awe of the view here at the top of the John Hancock Building.
Check out places of interest near Chicago Lounges:
Ai
358 W. Ontario Street,
Chicago, IL 60610
This River North Japanese Sushi Restaurant & Lounge opened it's doors in late-September 2007. From the siblings who brought Ringo Japanese Restaurant and Tsuki to Lincoln Park, comes this lounge/restaurant with authentic Japanese cuisine.
Andy's Jazz Club
11 E. Hubbard St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Bin 36
339 N. Dearborn St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This spot has everything for the oenophile, with a retail store, tavern, restaurant and cheese bar.
Exposure Tapas Supper Club
1313 S. Wabash Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60605
A new staple in the South Loop, Exposure Tapas Supper Club works as both a restaurant and a music-centric lounge.
Green Zebra
1460 W. Chicago Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60622
A contemporary, vegetarian-focused restaurant offering small plates, Green Zebra’s menu is comprised of immaculately presented dishes listed from lightest to heaviest and features only the freshest seasonal ingredients. Rounding out the bill of fare is an inventive menu of non-alcoholic cocktails and a stellar half-bottle wine list that pairs flawlessly with the food.
La Pomme Rouge
108 W. Kinzie St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Meaning "The red apple" in French, La Pomme Rouge offers an opulent, parlor-style venue for eating and drinking.
Powerhouse Restaurant & Bar
215 N Clinton,
Chicago, IL 60661
Targeting the business crowd, Powerhouse, located in Chicago's West Loop, serves a powerful American menu with a focus on steak.
Salud Tequila Lounge
1471 N. Milwaukee Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60622
Chic Bucktown nightspot Salud features authentic Mexican fare and an extensive selection of premium tequilas.
Signature Room at the 95th Floor
875 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Sitting high above street-level, the Signature Room in the John Hancock building offers a breathtaking view of the city and a warm ambiance to match. Serving a high-class dining experience, from Sunday brunch to evening cocktails, the Signature Room puts the Magnificent in the Mile!
The Boundary
1932 W. Division St.,
Chicago, IL 60622
A mix of sports bar and well-heeled social spot, The Boundary is a viable nightlife option in a neighborhood known for its dining more than its drinking.
10pin Bowling
330 N. State St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This hip, nightlife-centered Chicago lounge features 24 bowling lanes and an extensive martini list. Edible fare here is served from a small plates menu, perfect for sharing.
Ai
358 W. Ontario Street,
Chicago, IL 60610
This River North Japanese Sushi Restaurant & Lounge opened it's doors in late-September 2007. From the siblings who brought Ringo Japanese Restaurant and Tsuki to Lincoln Park, comes this lounge/restaurant with authentic Japanese cuisine.
Andy's Jazz Club
11 E. Hubbard St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
B.L.U.E.S
2519 N. Halsted St.,
Chicago, IL 60614
Chicago blues house features local artists every night at 9:30 p.m. Cover varies.
Bamboo Room
616 E. Golf Rd.,
Schaumburg, IL 60173
South Pacific-inspired lounge, with nightly DJs.
Big Chicks
5024 N. Sheridan Rd.,
Chicago, IL 60640
The colorful Uptown bar caters to a mostly lesbian and gay clientele but is very straight-friendly.
Bin 36
339 N. Dearborn St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This spot has everything for the oenophile, with a retail store, tavern, restaurant and cheese bar.
Blue Chicago
536 N. Clark St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Sample the sounds of the sultry saxophone, the bold bass, the thundering trumpet and the daring drum beats at Blue Chicago, one of Chicago's best blues clubs. Open seven nights a week, Blue Chicago features some of the best names in blues and jazz.
Chaise Lounge
1840 W. North Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60622
More nightlife venue than restaurant, the menu at Chaise Lounge is straightforward and the outdoor seating is priceless.
Double Door
1572 N. Milwaukee Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60622
Wicker Park's premier live music venue. Cover varies.
Exposure Tapas Supper Club
1313 S. Wabash Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60605
A new staple in the South Loop, Exposure Tapas Supper Club works as both a restaurant and a music-centric lounge.
Harlem Avenue Lounge
3701 South Harlem Ave.,
Berwyn, IL 60402
Blues fills the air every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Harlem Avenue Lounge.
Le Passage
937 N. Rush St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
A top Chicago nightclub for going on a decade, this Gold Coast neighborhood nightlife haven attracts a high-profile crowd. It seems likely that this will be a club destination in Chicago for years to come.
NV Penthouse Lounge
116 W. Hubbard St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This ultra-hip modern lounge sits atop 7 floors and serves an exclusive crowd. Take in the sweeping views of the Chicago skyline while the new-wave DJs keep the pop music thumping in the background. The outdoor terrace is a popular place to imbibe a pricy, but well-made drink.
RiNo Lounge
343 W. Erie,
Chicago, IL 60610
Rino lounge is a new Chicago hot apot that already has the celebrities visiting. This posh after-hours hot spot with animal and naturalistic motifs boasts sightings of stars like Entourage's Jeremy Piven, David Schwimmer, Michael Jordan, and the cast of Prison Break.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]-->
Salud Tequila Lounge
1471 N. Milwaukee Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60622
Chic Bucktown nightspot Salud features authentic Mexican fare and an extensive selection of premium tequilas.
Stone Lotus
873 N. Orleans St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Asian "tranquility" meets posh, Chicago nighttime scene. Voted best new bar in the country.
The Boundary
1932 W. Division St.,
Chicago, IL 60622
A mix of sports bar and well-heeled social spot, The Boundary is a viable nightlife option in a neighborhood known for its dining more than its drinking.
The Redhead Piano Bar
16 W. Ontario St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Top-notch piano players make The Redhead Piano Bar a sought-after venue when it comes to sophisticated live music in Chicago. Gather around the piano, or head toward the back of the room for more intimate conversation.
Tryst
3485 N. Clark St.,
Chicago, IL 60657
Tryst is the most chic place to be if you're in Wrigleyville, that is--if you're not into the whole sports bar mania that is Clark Street.
Violet Hour
1520 N. Damen Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60622
Excellent cocktails and a manageable noise level make this not-cheap lounge a viable alternative to more high voltage entertainment.
10pin Bowling
330 N. State St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This hip, nightlife-centered Chicago lounge features 24 bowling lanes and an extensive martini list. Edible fare here is served from a small plates menu, perfect for sharing.
Blue Chicago
736 N. Clark St,
Chicago, IL 60610
Sample the sounds of the sultry saxophone, the bold bass, the thundering trumpet and the daring drum beats at Blue Chicago, one of Chicago's best blues clubs. Open seven nights a week, Blue Chicago features some of the best names in blues and jazz.
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Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60604
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is the heartbeat of Chicago. The CSO has numerous concerts and special events throughout the year. See the full list at their website. Tickets range from $10 to $200.
