5 editor picks in Chicago.
5 dance clubs in Chicago our editors have drunk at, sorted by score. All Chicago nightlife.
Smartbar in Chicago opened beneath Metro in 1982 and built the city's house and techno scene with Frankie Knuckles and Derrick Carter residencies.
TipNo dress code, no bottle service, no VIP. 400 capacity on a Funktion One rig; Sunday's Queen! party is the long-running queer dance night.
Spybar in Chicago is the River North underground house and techno room that runs late every Friday to 04:00 and Saturday to 05:00 with a 240-capacity rig.
TipLate weekends only, doors typically open at 22:00. Table reservations through the site; the booth and dance floor share one room downstairs.
Prysm in Chicago took over the old Crobar warehouse on Kingsbury Street and runs a 1,400-capacity main room with LED ceiling and weekend EDM bookings.
TipFriday and Saturday open at 22:00 and close at 04:00 and 05:00 respectively. Table reservations through Discotech are the easier path past the line.
Subterranean in Chicago has anchored Wicker Park's six-corners since 1994. Three floors host hip-hop showcases, indie nights and a Wednesday open mic.
TipDoors usually 20:00 with show at 21:00. The balcony has the clearest sight line over the floor; Wednesdays are free open mic on the main stage.
Decibel in Chicago opened April 2026 in the old Berlin Nightclub space, flipping cocktail bar The Belmont into a late-night techno and throwback dance club after 22:00.
TipWednesday, Friday and Saturday after 22:00 the room becomes Decibel. Cover runs $5 to $10 at the door; earlier hours it stays the Belmont cocktail bar.
Water activity · 1.5 hours
Climb aboard a 90 passenger historic riverboat & sip cocktails while cruising the Chicago River! Relax and learn about the history & architecture of the city via live ...
2 hours
Unleash your creativity with a fun paint and sip experience in Chicago. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with music, drinks, and plenty of laughs as you create your own masterpiece.
Guided tour · 2 hours
Discover Chicago's Ukrainian Village on a Mid-Century Cocktail Bar tour. Visit three hidden bars, enjoy craft cocktails & beers for you to purchase, and maybe experien...