Top 10 Best Nightclubs in Chicago [Updated 2023]

The city of Chicago has long been known for its late-night clubs and entertainment venues. In the 1980s, DJs Ron Hardy and Frankie Knuckles began spinning a new strain of disco music built from bass and drum machines in Chicago clubs, establishing the city as a hub of dance culture and the birthplace of house music. While you can no longer bust a move inside these most legendary Chicago nightclubs, a new crop of late-night destinations has stepped up to make sure the music and dancing never stops. Whether it’s the jam-packed season of summer music festivals or winter in Chicago, these dance clubs keep electronic acts and talented DJs on stage late into the night. If you’re looking for spots with crowded dance floors, energetic soundtracks and attractive clientele, hop into the queue at some of the best nightclubs and dance clubs in Chicago.

To keep up with the constantly changing Chicago party scene, as well as find the perfect fit for you, you can use the free Discotech app to search nightclub events by date, buy tickets, sign up for guestlists, or even reserve tables if you’re feeling super-fancy.

Tao

Tao gives you dinner and a show with their exclusive restaraunt and nightclub

TAO Chicago is located by the city’s historic River North stone castle that dates back to the late 1800s. This nightclub opened its doors in 2018, letting guests into its spacious nightclub and restaurant hybrid space. At TAO you’ll find the structure transformed into a multi-level lounge, restaurant, and separate adjoining nightclub by the hard work and design of Rockwell Group. It’s two floors also contain four private dining rooms and a large bar. A grand staircase connects TAO’s ground and lower level seating, creating the ultimate platform to see and be seen. The custom staircase includes round banquettes and Chinese daybed-influenced sofas.

TAO Chicago draws heavy inspiration from the brand’s other locations of TAO New York, TAO Las Vegas, and TAO Los Angeles. As in its New York location, a 20-foot tall Quan Yin statue stands atop a koi pond; using 3D projection mapping technology, Rockwell Group’s LAB designed subtle animations bring this signature statue to life. TAO Chicago has a capacity of 1,000+ and its nightclub can function as two separate rooms or one large one, with a removable wall. At the periphery of the club, guests can find secluded booths where they can enjoy some rest and respite from the intensity of the club and its crowd. When going to TAO, dress to impress as this venue is a celebrity hotspot and you might catch the likes of Kourtney Kardashian, Taraji P. Henson, or Chicago Cubs players inside.

Prysm

You have to experience the energy of this place for yourself to truly understand it

Prysm is located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood just minutes outside downtown Chicago. The club is known as one of Chicago’s top-rated hybrid venues and allows its guests to experience live music acts, private special events, and nightclub performances. The massive venue is 10,000 square feet and consists of three distinct spaces: the Main Room, the Mezzanine, and the Champagne Lounge which is also known as No.9 to its more regular patrons.  (Please note that the Main Room and Mezzanine features EDM music, and the Champagne Lounge has a hip hop DJ, so there is always something for everyone in a sense.)

An unrivaled guest experience awaits partygoers with a perfect blend of concierge service and unforgettable energy. As they take in the state-of-the art sound and lighting, as well as a 20 square feet LED wall, they are delivered an unparalleled multi-media experience which can be tailored towards the guests’ specific needs.  With a total capacity of 850, PRYSM can host a range of group sizes, providing both intimate atmospheres for smaller groups, and big room ambiance for large scale events. Designated music-driven theme nights and top talent ensure there’s always a party. Late nights, great nights.

MASQ

Luxurious and sleek, MASQ is a perfect spot for bottle service

Located on the third floor of the luxurious and suave Hubbard Inn near River North, Masq is a lounge with an artistically driven, theatre-inspired throwback feel. The space is decorated in the dual tones of black and white with dramatic velvet furnishings adding to the lounge’s mysterious and enthralling vibe. At Masq, patrons can enjoy a variety of cocktails and an excellent selection of bottle service. If they wish to change up the mood, they can go downstairs to the Blue Violet mixology-driven lounge which features even more creative and outlandish drink options in a garden themed menu or they can enjoy the delectable food options on executive Chef Babula’s menu on the first floor which is more reminiscent of Hubbard Inn before its revamp and remodel.

Bounce Sporting Club

Mixing the best of both world’s – bottle service and sports

Based off of the iconic Bounce Sporting Club in New York, Bounce Sporting Club Chicago is a massive clubhouse where guests can come to enjoy amazing American cuisine,a variety of brew, and watch plenty of games from its numerous television screens that line the walls of the main room. If the busy and energetic nature of a sports club is a little too rowdy for you when you want to enjoy the Superbowl or other final games, Bounce also offers a private dining room that you can book for you and your friends private game day party. And if you are here more to party than actually take in what’s happening on the screens, Bounce’s beautiful spacious rooftop setting will be more your speed. Whatever mood you’re in, Bounce is ready to provide excellent service. The venue also has a resident DJ and a bouncer, making Bounce truly live up to all aspects of its name.

Enjoy the innovative and whimsical spins on American classics like bone-in wings in a large variety of flavors including maple bacon and Hot Cheetos, house-smoked wagyu brisket “skins,” blackened mahi tacos, pizza disco fries (house fries, marinara, mozzarella, sausage and pepperoni), Cap’n Crunch-crusted chicken nuggets and even fried mac ‘n cheese bars. This is just some of the delicious food on Bounce’s amazing menu which also include options like the works burger (custom beef blend, tomato confit, gruyere, applewood bacon, fried egg, arugula and secret sauce) the French onion soup burger and entrées like 28-day dry-aged New York strip, beer-braised short rib and charred cauliflower “steak.” The fun doesn’t stop there, and the desserts are truly where Bounce puts out all the stops, making gargantuan dishes including one concoction with Rice Krispies, chocolate-chip cookies and other sweets. Their drinks menu is just as creative and extensive.

Joy District

The goal, simply put, is for everyone to enjoy

Whether you’re visiting Chicago from out of town and wish to enjoy a night out in the city, or you’re a River North regular, you’ll be sure to find enjoyment at one of Chicago’s premier dance clubs which is located on the second floor of Joy District’s multi-level dining and drinking structure. At the Joy District nightclub, patrons will be able to immerse themselves in the ultimate partying experience thanks to the venue’s roster of the hottest local DJs and spectacular bottle service. Joy District is a dance party hotspot for local and visiting celebrities. The nightlife spot even enjoys special guest musical performances from the likes of Demi Lovato, Ludacris, Travis Scott, Louis The Child, DJ Flosstradamus and more. Joy District’s club is the perfect place to stay out late with friends or mingle with new acquaintances serving up a unique and exciting experience unparalleled by the other River North clubs in the area.

Liqrbox

With their own “adult” juice box signatre drink, you’ll be feeling just right for the night

LiqrBox is a vibrant bar and lounge located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The vibrant bar and lounge was created by BDG Hospitality Group and 8 Hospitality in 2018. The three-level 7,500 square foot space has an electric ambiance fueled by rhythmic lighting and a custom street-art inspired design. Guests are able to enjoy music from DJs and live entertainers playing top 40, hip-hop  and EDM music as they get their groove on. Liqrbox is known for its iconic “adult” juice box cocktails. The club’s whimsical food and drink menu brings back childhood classic dishes and beverages with a creative adult spin. Guests are able to enjoy elevated versions of nostalgic dishes like pizza rolls (the exterior is a crunchy wonton wrapper with three cheeses and Italian sausage), corn dogs (with shrimp rather than a Weiner sausage), and their own take on lunch-ables (box-ables which feature a fancy selection of cheese and cured meats).

The true showstoppers are the unique ways that the drinks are prepared and served to the guests. Beverages are served up from convenience store-inspired drink dispensers and slot machines. Liqrbox’s unique famous adult “juices” are served in juice-boxes that look like fat neon Zippo lighters with a plastic straw sticking out.

Underground

The place to be if you’re nocturnal and aren’t too fond of sunlight

Conveniently located in downtown Chicago in the heart of the River North neighborhood, Underground is one of Chicago’s most high energy clubs. Named one of the “sexiest places in the world” by Cosmopolitan Magazine, The Underground not only holds true to the name but also the reputation, as guests descend into the exclusive subterranean world of unforgettable, wicked, and wild fun. The venue features the hottest DJs in Chicago and guests are able to enjoy private tables, the VIP experience, and bottle service at this club.

Tunnel

You never know what kind of atmopshere awaits on the other side of the tunnel

Nestled above the Old Crow Smokehouse in River North, Chicago’s newest premier lounge, Tunnel, opened its doors in 2015. As the name suggests, the nondescript entrance on Kinzie Street opens to a hidden covered staircase inspired by London’s infamous urban tunnels. Blending the allure of a high-energy nightlife experience with VIP treatment, Tunnel aims to transform its venue on a nightly basis into a unique scene. The club has a regular roster of DJs who play a variety of music including current top hits in pop, hip-hop, and EDM as well as many beloved 2000s classic club songs on its superior sound system. The interior of the club is exquisite with beautiful design and lighting which all add on to the atmosphere and mystery created by the Tunnel.

Nestled above the Old Crow Smokehouse in River North, Chicago’s newest premier lounge, Tunnel, opened its doors in 2015. As the name suggests, the nondescript entrance on Kinzie Street opens to a hidden covered staircase inspired by London’s infamous urban tunnels. Blending the allure of a high-energy nightlife experience with VIP treatment, Tunnel aims to transform its venue on a nightly basis into a unique scene. The club has a regular roster of DJs who play a variety of music including current top hits in pop, hip-hop, and EDM as well as many beloved 2000s classic club songs on its superior sound system. The interior of the club is exquisite with beautiful design and lighting which all add on to the atmosphere and mystery created by the Tunnel.

Sound Bar

Making sure you get your daily dose of beats and lasers

Located in River North, Sound Bar is Chicago’s hottest upscale nightclub that revolutionizes Chicago nightlife by boasting style, luxury and state-of-the-art technology. The club prides itself on having a variety of separate areas for its guests to enjoy themselves including a total of nine bars and several levels of entertainment within its 20,000 square feet.  Sound Bar’s European minimalist decor features flat screen monitors, laser lights, and floor-to-ceiling video projection walls that enable its clients to project audio-visual presentation throughout the club. Occasionally guests can enjoy magnificent performances from costumed dancers while they enjoy sip on drinks from an amazing selection of alcohol at their table. The music never stops inside the club which has different guest DJs every weekend playing today’s hottest music on the state-of-the-art sound shuttering systems.