Best Nightlife: Chicago, IL Dance Clubs

Smart Bar in Wrigleyville has been a destination for dance-partiers since 1982.  Since developing a relationship with popular concert venue The Metro (conveniently located upstairs), Smart Bar hosts rock and dance fans alike allowing for award-winning co-mingling, co-rocking, and co-getting down.  Lakeview’s Berlin harkens back to Belmont Ave’s longtime punk scene and simultaneously connects to the future.  You may encounter drag queens, exotic dancers, and other controversial icons on the dance floor at this gay (super) friendly club.  Don’t show up before midnight!  Depending on who’s playing, The...  Read more »

Smart Bar in Wrigleyville has been a destination for dance-partiers since 1982.  Since developing a relationship with popular concert venue The Metro (conveniently located upstairs), Smart Bar hosts rock and dance fans alike allowing for award-winning co-mingling, co-rocking, and co-getting down.  Lakeview’s Berlin harkens back to Belmont Ave’s longtime punk scene and simultaneously connects to the future.  You may encounter drag queens, exotic dancers, and other controversial icons on the dance floor at this gay (super) friendly club.  Don’t show up before midnight!  Depending on who’s playing, The Hideout’s live band lineup may be everything you need for a night of dancing.  If you’re looking for a sure thing, head there on any Saturday night for the Hideout Dance Party.  The crowd here is hip, eclectic, and fun.  The Empty Bottle draws a similar crowd for its frequent live shows.  They have “music friendly dancing,” so this is a great place to go if you’re looking for really good music.  Things can get loud here, but it’s for the better!  Vision is constantly bringing in some of the hottest DJ’s playing the best new dub step, electro house, and drum step.  Danny’s Tavern in Bucktown seems like an unexpected location for great dancing considering how small it is, but step inside for inexpensive drinks, great music, and a crowded dance floor.  Reggae nights and a monthly The Smiths dance party are some of the most popular events here.  River North’s Sound-Bar is made for dancing.  The best is the Friday night Release party in this huge club.  Check out the upper areas for some of the best hip hop in the city.  The Underground is one of Chicago’s favorite places to see and be seen.  Be sure to dress to the nines at this exclusive club in River North where you’ll dance to beats dropped by a roster of internationally-known DJ’s.  The Hangge-Uppe is a favorite casual late night spot in the Gold Coast where retro music meets top 40 and dance beats.  It’s a funny mix between sports bar and dance club, so take it easy and enjoy dancing until 4:00am on most nights. 

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