The Lounge at Underground Chicago — Photo courtesy of Underground Chicago
Since 2007, Underground in the River North neighborhood of Chicago, has elevated the nightclub music scene with its own sound through a distinct music philosophy and presentation. It seamlessly fuses the hottest music of now, past hits and what’s to come, in one of the sexiest spaces in Chicago.
Underground shut down for six months in early 2013 to undergo extensive renovations, opening up again in August to a hot new look that's complete with fresh interiors, newly exposed spaces, sleek décor, updated tech elements and an elevated food and beverage program.
The hot club attracts a rotating guest list of who’s who of Chicago notables, celebrities, international DJs and celebrity live acts - including Katy Perry, John Mayer, Kanye West and more. Recent celebrity sightings include Robin Thicke, Aaron Paul (from Breaking Bad), Lil John, Randy Jackson, Sophia Bush, Samantha Ronson, Nick Cannon, Michelle Williams (of Destiny’s Child), Joakim Noah, Lance Briggs, Michael Bay and Michael Shannon.
Space
Depending on your mood, Underground has two unique spaces to entertain. The Club offers a higher-energy, more modern club vibe. It’s equipped with a 40-foot high-definition digital video wall that serves as the backdrop of the newly-elevated DJ booth, which controls the state-of-the-art sound and lighting system throughout the space.
By contrast, the newly revealed Lounge space offers a completely different experience. Set just beyond an incredible glass display of the working boiler room, The Lounge has an old-school, upscale lounge vibe feel complete with plush seating with funky patterns, rich woods, swanky music and a one-of-a-kind groundbreaking mixology bar.
The party never ends at The Lounge at Underground Chicago — Photo courtesy of Underground Chicago
Sound
Since audio is important to any nightclub scene, the improvements to both sound and lighting systems will stun both regulars and first-time patrons.
The Underground doesn’t just play music: it has created its own sound through a distinct music philosophy and presentation. By arranging and re-arranging music in new and different ways, The Underground keeps guests stimulated through unique sets by notable and up-and-coming DJs and live acts.
Through its unrelenting focus on sourcing the best in music talent, it’s been able to attract some of the top DJs in Chicago and beyond. Guests are treated to DJs who bring their own sounds and are able to mix music genres ranging from pop, hip hop, rock, disco, funk, dance and more.
Drink
With the renovations came an updated beverage program. Curated by Rockit Ranch Productions President & Partner Arturo Gomez, the program includes a progressive set of nightclub offerings in The Club and an extensive mixology and champagne concept in The Lounge. Specialties include the salted caramel margarita, raspberry whiskey tea and blueberry mule.
Drinks at Underground Chicago — Photo courtesy of Underground Chicago
The Club has bottles in all spirit categories along with a complete selection of champagnes, served in a number of ways. Rather than just focusing on traditional nightclub fare, Underground steps it up a notch with an extensive cocktail menu that offers a mix of original and classic cocktails, as well as reinterpretations of traditional favorites.
If a break is in order from dancing and imbibing, Underground has some sweet late-night bites. Created by Executive Chef Amanda Downing, three dessert options are available for partiers: an ice cream sandwich, mini cones or strawberry pop-tarts.
