Nightclubs in Chicago

Berlin is Chicago's most inclusive and musically diverse nightclub — a Boystown institution since 1983 presenting new wave, industrial, hip-hop, and house music in an environment that has always welcomed Chicago's LGBTQ+ community alongside everyone else. Berlin's extraordinary longevity and its commitment to genuinely eclectic music programming make it one of the most culturally significant clubs in American nightlife history.

Empty Bottle is Chicago's most beloved independent music venue — a Ukrainian Village dive bar and 350-capacity music room that has been presenting experimental rock, jazz, and avant-garde music since 1992, consistently ranked among the best music venues in America by national music press. Its eclectic programming philosophy, neighborhood character, and the legendary back room where everything from jazz to noise to country has been presented create the perfect Chicago music bar.

Green Mill Jazz Club is Chicago's most historic and atmospheric nightclub — an Uptown institution dating to 1907 that was Al Capone's favorite speakeasy and has presented live jazz seven nights a week for over a century without interruption. The Green Mill's original wooden booths, pressed tin ceiling, and continuous 100+ years of live jazz make it the most atmospheric entertainment venue in Chicago and one of the most historically significant bars in America.

Lincoln Hall is Chicago's most beloved mid-size music venue — a beautifully renovated Lincoln Park theater presenting the best emerging and established artists across indie rock, folk, and alternative genres. Its intimate 500-person capacity, outstanding sound, and thoughtful programming have earned it consistent praise from both Chicago's music community and national touring acts who consistently name it their favorite Chicago venue.

Prysm is Chicago's most technologically spectacular nightclub — a River West venue with an extraordinary LED ceiling system creating immersive visual environments for international headline DJs and Chicago's most fashion-forward nightlife crowd. Its commitment to the intersection of technology and dance culture makes it one of Chicago's most exciting large-format nightlife destinations.

Schubas Tavern is Chicago's most venerable independent music venue — a 1903 Schlitz Brewing Company tied house in Lakeview that has been presenting singer-songwriters, indie rock, and Americana artists since 1989. Its intimate 150-person capacity, Schlitz building history, and role in launching the careers of dozens of artists (Liz Phair, Andrew Bird, Sufjan Stevens played early Chicago shows here) make it an irreplaceable part of Chicago's musical heritage.

Shrine in the South Loop presents live Afrobeat, reggae, and hip-hop across a nightclub, restaurant, and rooftop lounge complex near Chinatown.

Smart Bar is one of America's most historically important underground electronic music clubs — a Chicago institution that has been at the forefront of house music culture since 1982, helping to birth and develop the genre that became the most influential musical movement of the late 20th century. Every major house music DJ from Frankie Knuckles to Larry Heard to Derrick Carter has played Smart Bar, making it sacred ground for electronic music culture worldwide.

Soho House Chicago is the Midwest outpost of the global members club — a 40 West Loop loft building with private bars, rooftop pool, and intimate music performances that serves Chicago's creative industries community. Its role in anchoring the Fulton Market creative economy and providing a members-only social infrastructure for Chicago's most creative professionals makes it one of the city's most influential private social clubs.

Spybar is Chicago's leading underground electronic music club — a basement venue beneath River North with a world-class sound system and a booking policy focused on international house and techno talent. An institution for Chicago's club community since 1993, Spybar regularly draws European DJs and serious electronic music fans visiting the city.

Spybar is Chicago's most respected underground electronic music club — a River North basement club that has presented the world's finest house and techno DJs in an intimate, low-ceilinged space perfectly designed for focused dancing. Its reputation for quality bookings without compromise and the genuine dance music culture it maintains make it essential to Chicago's electronic music community.

The Mid is Chicago's premier large-format electronic music nightclub — a 2,100-capacity River North venue with world-class production presenting international headline DJs for Chicago's most important electronic music events. Its scale and production capabilities enable it to host the same artists who perform at European mega-clubs in a Chicago context that honors the genre's American origins.