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Chicago's Top 10 Clubs For Dance Music In 2023
Throughout the years, Chicago's nightlife scene has been nothing short of iconic. From jazzy speakeasies that catered to Al Capone and affiliates during the roaring 20s, to the birth of house music in the early 80s—where Frankie Knuckles could be witnessed pioneering the genre at the now-defunct nightclub “The Warehouse”—there’s always been something to do on a Saturday night.
Coming into the second half of the 2000s, a surge in electronic dance music swept across the country, consuming Chicago in its wake. With an abundance of local festivals, live music venues, and meticulously curated production elements, club kids were living through an electronic renaissance unlike any other (myself included).
Annual fests like Lollapalooza, Spring Awakening, and North Coast have stuck around, the latter trending upwards in electronic acts over the years, while the inception of promotor and event production company Auris Presents in 2020 has brought new life to its surrounding community.
Today, party-goers looking to unwind have their pick of upscale clubs, gritty dives, and historic music halls to get their fix.
Check out iEDM's Chicago's Top 10 Clubs For Dance Music below.
10) Podlasie Club
Kicking off the list is Podlasie Club, a no-frills, queer-friendly bar, lounge, and nightclub in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood. Owned and operated by the same family since 1986, the club went from hosting working-class Poles in the 80s and 90s to near closure in recent years due to the pandemic and gentrification of the area.
Thanks to a group of young folks looking for a place to host monthly dance parties, Podlasie stayed open. Now, with a renovation under their belt and a swarm of 20-something's looking to dance the night away, the club boasts a lineup of local DJs spinning some of the best dance, house, and techno in the city each week.
9) Berlin
For over three decades, Berlin has remained a freak-friendly mainstay in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. This famously quirky and eclectic club offers an array of dance music dependent on the night. Ranging from synth-heavy 80s, house, disco, and new wave, to more modern electro and pop-influenced stylings, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Routinely nominated as one of the city's best gay bars, Berlin is a safe haven for hipsters, goths, gays, and everyone in between. Come after midnight for a truly jam-packed dance floor or on Saturdays for weekly drag performances.
8) Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
Situated in the heart of glittering Uptown, the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom is one of the most unique venues to grace this list. First opened in 1926 as a ~literal~ ballroom, this space has played host to everything from concerts and film productions to boxing matches and private events.
With an interior that resembles the courtyard of a Moorish castle, the Aragon is a venue of total enchantment. I've seen everyone from Excision to Tchami here, and each time the painted ceiling, balcony views, and spacious dance floor have only heightened the vibe. Before you leave, make sure to snag a selfie in the bathroom! Post-remodel, the lighting is just *mwah.*
7) Spybar
If you're in the mood for a popular underground enclave, look no further than Spybar. Located in ever-fashionable River North, this basement dance destination is the perfect cross between high octane clubbing and intimate lounging. Featuring chic, minimalist decor, and mod cluster seating, Spybar is as stylish as it is sultry.
Around since 1995, Spybar boasts a lineup of incredible resident DJs spinning electronic, techno, and house music on the regular. Catch Hiroko Yamamura, Sean Strange, and Dustin Sheridan (among others) up close and personal as you groove the night away.
6) Le Nocturne
Another Uptown gem, Le Nocturne is a sleek, ambient spot for late night DJs and dancing. The brainchild of club owner Francois Crokaert, Le Nocturne is meant to recreate the humble French nightclub experience he grew up with—including a “come as you are” dress code.
While house music reigns supreme with resident DJ Paul Johnson, patrons are also treated to Afro Fusion Thursdays and funky theme nights; all set to an impressive 25,000 watt audio system and nearly 100 pieces of intelligent lighting. Need a breather from the dance floor? Enjoy a spacious outdoor patio during the warmer months, or find a comfortable seat inside.
5) Bass Station
The only venue not located within Chicago, Bass Station has been the premiere destination for suburban electronic shenanigans for years. Located in Waukegan, Illinois (about an hour outside of the city) Bass Station bills local, up-and-coming talent and established artists alike—and usually with a theme!
When not operating out of their home base (where you can play Mortal Combat on a projector), Bass Station partners with venues throughout Chicago-land to throw one-off events with frequent collaborator Wub Life Ent. Upcoming events include Blast Radius with headliner MARAUDA as well as Jantsen at Joe's on Weed St.
4) Sound-Bar
A vast, multilevel Euro-style nightclub, Sound-Bar has been one of the hottest destinations in River North since opening its doors in 2004. This upscale-yet-unpretentious venue boasts minimalist decor, a 4,000 square foot dance floor, nine bars, four lounges, and floor to ceiling video projection walls.
On any given night, expect to see big-name progressive house and techno DJs, as well as some of the world's top dubstep talent. Sound-bar will play host to several Lolla aftershows (including ACRAZE and Matroda) as well as Dirt Monkey and Flosstradamus in the coming months.
3) Smartbar
Located at the northernmost tip of Wrigleyville's Clark St. offerings, Smartbar is a vibrant, subterranean nightclub showcasing the vast and varied spectrum of the dance music world. With cutting-edge talent from around the globe and a kick-ass lineup of resident DJs (hello, Derrick Carter and DJ Heather!), an evening at Smartbar will never let you down.
Another queer-friendly, radically open-minded venue, make sure to stop in on a Sunday night to experience their weekly edition of Queen! An underground house and disco party, welcome to all.
2) Concord Music Hall
A standout amidst the Auris Presents umbrella, Concord Music Hall is a beloved mid-size concert hall that supports a variety of genres. From punk and hip-hop to dubstep and metal, the Concord's calendar is always filled with top talent and an energetic crowd.
Located on the cusp of ever-trendy Wicker Park and more modestly-hip Logan Square, this west side staple provides ample space to get down and move. Some of the best shows I've seen at the Concord include melodic bass legend GHASTLY, as well as the wubby, glitch hop producer Of The Trees. Several Lolla aftershows are coming soon, featuring the likes of Wax Motif and AC Slater.
1) Radius
Coming in at the number one spot on this list, to no surprise, is Radius! Boasting a staggering 55,000 square feet, this warehouse-style multiroom venue is currently Chicago's best place to see a blowout EDM show. Previously an old steel factory, this East Pilsen landmark has been transformed into an airy, modern venue complete with a state-of-the-art sound system, exceptional acoustics, mural work, and stunning light fixtures.
If you live in the Chicago area, count yourself lucky! The most highly sought-after EDM Lolla aftershows will be showcased at Radius, including sets from SVDDEN DEATH, Dom Dolla, and MEDUZA. I seriously can't hype this place up enough, you need to experience it for yourself!
Select photos courtesy of Aaron Rolle, Collectiv Presents, Brand1Films, EMK, and Derek Rickert.
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