Address: 1431 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607

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Stephen Calk, Barry Paddor (of legendary Shelter fame), and designer François Frossard created this upscale, luxurious nightclub. Hip locals have attended in masses since its July 2000 opening. DJs spin progressive music through a stellar sound system. The main, or Oval, room has a large oak dance floor and bar. The...

Address: 601 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610

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Pop's offers over 100 different champagnes in an ethereal, elegant room. The sunken bar highlights piano and jazz combos that grace its elevated stage seven days a week. A lovely outdoor garden, domed ceilings, and a roaring fireplace make this spot a romantic classic. Light appetizers, desserts, and a full bar are...

Address: 10 E Walton St, Chicago, IL 60611

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Established in 1989, this tiny venue is open 365 days a year, and Lonie Walker, who founded the place, still plays three nights a week. Live music is offered nightly to an incredibly eclectic group of patrons. Jazz and blues are the main focus, but acoustic guitar and piano music are often featured, as are friends who...

Address: 3420 W Grace St, Chicago, IL 60618

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This Irish pub has been garnering an increasingly steady following since its opening in 1973. The pub is part restaurant, part club as it features a full menu of authentic Irish food (fish and chips, shepherd's pie, and Irish sausage) as well as live music nightly. The best local, regional, and national acts perform...

Address: 1543 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60622

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This enormous warehouse holds 800 people (legally) and is packed almost every night. Local DJs share space with those brought in from New York, Los Angeles, and London. The dance floor and its raised platforms are highlighted by incredible sound and light systems. Specialty stations throughout the space supplement the...

Address: 3655 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

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What could beat roof-top seating looking out onto Wrigley Field? This sports bar offers just that, as well as a bevy of monitors to keep you posted on competitions across the globe. Sports memorabilia lines the walls, reminding folks that Murphy's is a shrine to all things athletic. Daily drink specials make for a...

Address: 1 Oak Pl, Chicago, IL 60611

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Enter through the alley, move past the beautiful blond hostess (having met the cover charge and dress code), descend the stairs, and be transported to a 10,000-square-foot subterranean speakeasy of the new millennium. Le Passage's funky decor and talented DJs spin you from dance floor to two great bars. Yow Bar, named...

Address: 440 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601

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If it seems like Ghostbar popped off the pages of hip "Wallpaper*" magazine, that's because it did. The British publication paid homage to the streamlined club, a polished complement to downstairs' super-trendy N9NE restaurant. Get in the mood with a Ghostini cocktail (complete with Casper swizzle stick), and then sit...

Address: 1565 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

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Live music and an incredible jukebox keep this Wicker Park favorite busy into the wee hours of the morning. Performers vary from alternative and hard rock to hip-hop rock and country rock. The Note's two bars serve everything a thirsty patron could hope for. Pool tables are located behind the stage. Stick around after...

Address: 1106 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

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This beautiful old dance hall, built in 1926, was designed to emulate a Spanish palace courtyard. During its fascinating history, the venue has been myriad things, including an elegant ballroom, orchestra hall, rock club, and host to wrestling and boxing matches. After recently receiving a major face-lift, the Aragon...