5 dance clubs in Chicago, editor-picked by TableJourney. All Chicago nightlife.
Smartbar ★ 4.9
Wrigleyville / Lakeview · 3730 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613
Smartbar in Chicago opened beneath Metro in 1982 and built the city's house and techno scene with Frankie Knuckles and Derrick Carter residencies.
Tip: No 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 ★ 4.4
River North · 646 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60654
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.
Tip: Late weekends only, doors typically open at 22:00. Table reservations through the site; the booth and dance floor share one room downstairs.
Prysm ★ 3.9
River North · 1543 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642
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.
Tip: Friday 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 ★ 4.3
Wicker Park / Bucktown · 2011 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
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.
Tip: Doors 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 ★ 4.2
Wrigleyville / Lakeview · 954 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
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.
Tip: Wednesday, 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.