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.
Address: 954 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Metro in Chicago opened with a R.E.M. show in 1982 and remains the 1,100-capacity beaux-arts indie room Joe Shanahan still books a block south of Wrigley Field.
Tip: Doors usually 19:00 with show at 20:00. Smartbar in the basement keeps going after Metro closes; the same wristband often gets you down.
Schubas Tavern in Chicago has run live music seven nights a week in the 1903 Schlitz tied-house on Southport since 1989, from honky-tonk to indie rock to Americana.
Tip: Doors usually 19:00, show at 20:00. The back room holds 165 standing; the front bar runs into the late hours after the night's show ends.
Metro in Chicago opened with a R.E.M. show in 1982 and remains the 1,100-capacity beaux-arts indie room Joe Shanahan still books a block south of Wrigley Field.
Tip: Doors usually 19:00 with show at 20:00. Smartbar in the basement keeps going after Metro closes; the same wristband often gets you down.
Empty Bottle on North Western has hosted indie, punk and experimental music in Ukrainian Village since 1992 and turned 33 in 2025, with free Monday night residencies still on.
Tip: Open daily 17:00 to 02:00, Saturday until 03:00. Monday's free residency is the easy walk-in entry to the scene. Pizza Friendly Pizza is next door.
Schubas Tavern in Chicago has run live music seven nights a week in the 1903 Schlitz tied-house on Southport since 1989, from honky-tonk to indie rock to Americana.
Tip: Doors usually 19:00, show at 20:00. The back room holds 165 standing; the front bar runs into the late hours after the night's show ends.
The Hideout in Chicago is the Wabansia Avenue clapboard cottage in the Elston industrial corridor, hosting Americana, experimental and the Robbie Fulks Monday residency.
Tip: Tuesday through Thursday close at midnight, Friday and Saturday at 01:00. The room holds about 100 and the bands play through the bar conversation.
Thalia Hall in Pilsen, built 1892 and modeled on the Prague State Opera House, runs touring indie, hip-hop and electronic shows in an 800-capacity balcony room.
Tip: Doors usually 19:00 with show at 20:00. The balcony bench seating fills first; Dusek's restaurant and Punch House bar share the building entrance.
Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago is the South Wabash blues room the man himself opened in 1989 and where he still plays a residency every January.
Tip: Closed Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday close at midnight; weekends run to 01:30. Cover usually $20, kitchen serves Louisiana barbecue.