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Unless otherwise stated, bars and clubs are open daily, have a cover charge after 9/10pm, and have DA.
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La Pomme Rouge La
Pomme boasts two salons: Paradis (paradise) features elegant couches,
fireplaces, and a Victorian sideboard; Enfer (hell) has fabric-covered
walls, dozens of pillows, and the design decadence of an opium den. In
the curtained booths of the main room enjoy the extensive list of
champagnes and wines and the posh nibbles, such as caviar. 108 W. Kinzie St. 312 245 9555 Adm. Fri & Sat
Whiskey Sky Nightlife goes sky-high at this intimate club on the 33rd floor of the W. Chicago Lakeshore hotel.
Locals and guests mingle among ‘70s retro furnishings while soul and
light house music provide the beat (though there’s no dancing) to a
backdrop of stunning views. 644 N. Lake Shore Dr 312 255 4463 Free
Zebra Lounge An
illegal speakeasy during Prohibition, this tiny piano bar has stood the
test of time and competition, packing in loyal revelers nightly. Zebra
prints dominate the décor, and martinis are the drink of choice. Singing
along with the pianist to show tunes, torch songs, and oldies is
expected .
Zebra Lounge
Funky Buddha Lounge This
favorite is easily identified by the fat, happy Buddha statue outside.
Inside, a mixed crowd of urban hipsters and young professionals sip
everything from beer to bubbly in the low-ceilinged lounge. As the
evening unfolds, the dance floor heats up with clubbers grooving to
soul, salsa, hip-hop, R&B, house, rap, and reggae. 728 W. Grand Ave. 312 666 1695
Four A
varied crowd packs the neon-lit two-storey high dancefloor of this
off-the-beaten-track club, while local DJs spin techno, rave, and
hip-hop. Opt for the signature drink, Four Martini – a blend of four
Stoli vodka flavors and a splash of orange juice – while you check out
the laser light show under the 4-ft disco ball. 1551 W. Division St. 1 773 235 9100 Closed Sun & Mon
Le Passage Tucked
along an alley and down a flight of stairs is the alluring Le Passage.
The candlelit, wood-paneled room is divided by gold-wrapped columns.
Velvet chairs are free for lounging early on, but later they’re reserved
for big spenders. The dance floor fills up late, with DJs playing pop
remixes. 937 N. Rush St. 312 255 0022 Closed Sun & Mon
Bin 36 This
lofty space is a triple pleasure, with its high-end restaurant, casual
café, and sociable wine bar. The large, zinc-topped oval bar is a lively
setting for couples to share conversation and a cocktail, or for
singles to mingle. “Wine flights” are a must-try, offering four
half-glasses of different, but related, wines .
Bin 36
Le Bar In the beautiful Sofitel Hotel,
a fashionable, over-30, mixed crowd fills this lobby lounge after work,
lingering until the wee hours. Black-clad servers dispense martinis
with scrumptious flavors such as chocolate and raspberry. 20 E. Chestnut St. 312 324 4000 Free
Le Bar
Sonotheque This
small, aluminum-clad nightclub forgoes dancing, and instead focuses on
the pure enjoyment of the music. In fact, every visual aspect here
serves to enhance the fantastic audio system: padded walls absorb sound,
while the square-cut metal ceiling tiles diffuse it throughout the
room. The sonic theme is further complemented by sleek steel and cool
gray décor. J Bar This
sleek, luxurious lounge in The James hotel offers signature
deconstructed cocktails, such as a Ketel One martini with a vermouth and
olive lollipop, or the James – made with Stoli Raz, elderflower and
lime juice, served in a martini glass coated in a hard, raspberry candy
shell. Modern design, low-slung lounge seating, candlelit cocktail
tables, and plasma screens with video art all go to set the swanky
scene. 610 N Rush St. 312 660 7200 Closed Sun & Mon
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