The Joynt
The Joynt is a River North jazz bar and club that caters to a mature crowd. The Joynt sets the tone for its clientele with big band jazz acts and DJs that spin top-40 hits associated with prior generations. The layout of this club is divided into four separately themed rooms, alongside its outdoor café. The Joynt is notable for its piano and retro bars that greet guests with swing music and iconic photographs featuring classic American stars. This Chicago nightclub opens nightly until 2 a.m. or 3 a.m.
The Joynt
650 N. Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 573-2233
thejoyntchicago.com
Sound-Bar
Sound-Bar is a bilevel River North dance club that moves crowds to dance with hip-hop, techno and trance music. The 20,000-square-foot space features separate rooms for dancing, VIP seating and varying musical themes. The main dance floor is listed as 4,000 square feet, and its modern look is embellished with stainless steel, glass and metallic-colored furnishings. Further, the club prides its self upon generating quality acoustics with cutting edge technology. The DJ booth overlooks the floor, and is powered by six turntables and EAW high-performance loudspeakers. Sound-Bar prohibits athletic wear upon the premises and enforces a strict code of conduct. According to management, "You will be ejected from the club for stupid behavior." Sound-Bar opens on Fridays and Saturdays until 4 a.m. and 5 a.m., respectively. Cover charges apply.
Sound-Bar
226 W. Ontario St.
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 787-4480
sound-bar.com
Spin
Spin is a Lakeview dance club that overlooks the intersection of Belmont and Halsted. Locals recognize this particular corner as the heart of Boys Town, and the epicenter of Chicago's gay culture. Although Spin is accommodating to all sexualities, more conservative partygoers may elect to bypass this "anything goes" venue. For example, Spin often entertains its crowds with Drag Queen and shower shows. In terms of music, house DJs operate from a top-40 and techno music play list. Spin Nightclub is a bi-level venue with billiard tables, three full bars, and one separate retro lounge. Spin is open every night and cover charges apply.
Spin
800 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 327-7711
spin-nightclub.com
Victor Hotel
Chicago's Victor Hotel actually has no affiliation with any lodging outfit. The Victor Hotel is a nightclub that is tucked away within the meatpacking section of the West Loop. This establishment plays up its location with nondescript entryways and vintage Victor Hotel signage. The outdoor presentation effectively screens out-of-towners and is designed to attract Chicago's authentic partygoers. Inside, the Victor Hotel caters to its thirty-something crowd with lounge seating and artwork that actually fits the mold of a boutique European hotel. The Victor food menu is composed of appetizers, such as shrimp tempura, mini burgers and smoked salmon sandwiches. Consider reserving tables and entire rooms for bottle service to host your private party. Victor DJs set the tone for the evening with house, top-40, and funk. Victor Hotel opens from Thursday to Sunday into the early morning hours. Smart, business casual dress is preferred.
Victor Hotel
311 N. Sangamon
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 733-6900
victorhotelchicago.com
Vision Nightclub
Vision is a tourist-friendly haunt that capitalizes upon its close proximity to River North hotels and Michigan Avenue shopping. This is a four-level club that presents various themes within its different bars, dance floors and lounge areas. Rap, pop, rock and house music genres are all readily available at Vision upon any given night. Vision actually traces its roots back to an original church, which was bought and repackaged into a nightclub by the controversial Peter Gatien. Gatien, or the "King of New York Clubs," once controlled an empire of American nightclubs from coast to coast, prior to being deported back to his native Canada upon U.S. tax evasion charges. Today's Vision is a mega-club that regularly attracts internationally acclaimed DJs throughout the week. Excalibur is open for business next door, and both clubs operate in tandem as part of an entertainment complex.
Vision Nightclub
640 N. Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 266-2114
visionnightclub.com
About The Author
Kofi Bofah has been writing Internet content for one year. His articles appear on eHow and Associated Content. He is originally from Silver Spring, Maryland. This 2002 BSBA graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the founder of ONYX INVESTMENTS, which is based out of Chicago. Kofi Bofah enjoys writing about business, finance, travel, transportation, sports and entertainment.