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Tue / Jan 19
Party Earth Review With its military theme and unmarked basement level entrance, The Underground nightclub takes its aura of exclusivity seriously, which suits the see-and-be-seen clientele just fine. Bottle service and celebrity sightings... ... read full review
56 West Illinois Street
Chicago, IL 60654
Red Line: Grand
312-644-7600
Th–F 9pm–4am, Sa 9pm–5am, Su 10pm–4am
River North, Chicago –
With its military theme and unmarked basement level entrance, The Underground nightclub takes its aura of exclusivity seriously, which suits the see-and-be-seen clientele just fine.
Bottle service and celebrity sightings await the stylish patrons who satisfy the laser-eyed bouncer and then head down to a cavernous bomb shelter, where DJs spin from an armor-plated booth and candlelit ammunition crates pull duty as tables for top-shelf cocktails and snacks.
A massive LED world map in one corner could easily be mistaken for a war room fixture were it not for the upscale girlfriend groups and club kids partying with a bottle of Hennessy on the elevated area in front of it.
Massive pillars dotted with radioactive symbols break up the space, while the scattering of supple leather couches are claimed by early birds and groups with reservations, waiting patiently as buxom waitresses in tight military gear make their way over with plates of mini-burgers.
Though there’s no central dance area, there are plenty of nooks large enough to accommodate the sexy ladies and lucky guys who want to shake it up a bit before heading to the two crowded bars for another round of army-themed martinis.
Normally packed wall to wall by midnight, the club really bursts at the seams on theme nights, which range from costume parties to fashion shows.
A select clientele combined with unique events and innovative drinks makes The Underground a distinguished club worth saluting.
Scenesters, upscale club kids, groups of girls, and in-the-know urbanites, early 20s to early 30s.
Variety of DJs spin open form sets that cater to the crowd, ranging from upbeat electro-pop and Top 40 to dark and dirty dubstep. Theme nights throughout the month.
Small plates menu including gourmet mini-burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, pop tarts, and homemade popsicles.
Cover charge $20. Small plates $5–$15. Beer $6–$10, wine $12–$14/glass or $80–$120/bottle, cocktails $12, mixed drinks $8–$12, shots $8–$12, bottle service $250–$1,500, champagne $120–$5,000/bottle. Coat check $3. Valet $10.
Dressy but varies per theme night: designer cocktail dresses, stiletto heels, high-end fashions, classy outfits, dress shoes, blazers, button-downs, vests, ties.
Fridays and Saturdays for a full and lively crowd, though the chance of entry is greatly reduced after midnight. Sundays for Industry Night with half off bottles of Belvedere and Veuve.
Sound-Bar (226 West Ontario Street) is one of biggest nightclubs in Chicago with multiple VIP areas and lots of pretty people.
The Underground User Reviews