Clubs in Chicago

The Double Door is a Wicker Park standby that has provided live music to its Chicago audiences since 1994. Wicker Park is an eclectic neighborhood favored by locals because the area is tucked away from Wrigley Field, Loop and River North tourist traps. Headline acts that have performed at the Double Door include the Rolling Stones, John Legend, Kid Rock, Smashing Pumpkins and Common. Aside from these notable acts, the Double Door welcomes local talent and emerging artists to move the crowd from the Big Stage. The three-level interior is dark and industrial---with focus on the main stage and full bar. Double Door's basement attachment, or "Dirtroom," entertains 75 patrons with pool, leather chairs and booths. Cover charges apply for shows; and the Double Door opens nightly into the early morning hours.

Double Door Nightclub
1572 N. Milwaukee
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 489-3160
doubledoor.com

Kingston Mines has operated as a staple of Chicago's renowned blues scene since 1968. This 1,500-capacity blues club greets Lincoln Park party goers with its iconic orange and black awning at Halsted Street. Inside, live bands set the tone for the night upon two separate stages. Further, Kingston Mines serves food and drink to compliment the live music. The menu carries a largely Cajun influence of Southern fried okra, shrimp baskets and catfish. Cover charges usually apply to attend shows. However, Sunday through Thursday college nights offer free admission to those with student ID. Live blues are performed on stage nightly until 4 a.m. or 5 a.m.

Kingston Mines
2548 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 477-4646
kingstonmines.com

The Ontourage Night Club is a hard-charging dance club in Chicago's River North entertainment district. This large venue is a 10,000-square-foot space with sleek lines and bass-heavy JBL Custom Shop Dance 3 stereo equipment. Meanwhile, laser light and smoke shows illuminate the dance floor to encourage party goers to dance. The bi-level club features two separate dance floors, four bars and seven VIP areas for bottle service. Ontourage DJs spin hip-hop and house music Thursdays through Saturdays into the early morning hours. Cover charges apply, and a business casual dress code is enforced. Ontourage caters to the 22- to 25-year-old set.

Ontourage Night Club
157 W. Ontario St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 573-1470
ontouragechicago.com

The Spy Bar competes amid the tourist-friendly River North dance clubs that operate between the Chicago River and Chicago Avenue. This dance club is notable for its electronic, techno and Latin musical selections. Young male and female patrons descend its stairwell, ready to party with denim jeans and fitted shirt ensembles. Spy Bar décor aligns itself with the air of espionage, and the mysterious color scheme features black, blue and gray. As of December 2009, this club welcomes party goers every night except Tuesdays.

Spy Bar
646 N. Franklin St.
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 587-8779
spybarchicago.com

Transit welcomes guests beneath Chicago's elevated, or "El," tracks at the West Loop. This grittier section of the West Loop is a neighborhood in transition, and is identified with warehouses and industrial landscaping. The facility is a 10,000-square-foot club that features three rooms and themes on any given night. Transit DJs and go-go dancers move the party with combinations of house, rap, salsa and reggae music. Services include valet parking, special event booking and shuttle transportation to accommodate larger groups. Transit opens for Friday and Saturday night crowds. Cover charges apply.

Transit Nightclub
1431 W. Lake St.
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 491-8600
transitnightclubchicago.com