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.
Address: 3730 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.