We've graduated! No more college bars!

September 20, 2007 6:27 AM

Chicago next week. What are the hot night spots?

My college buddies and I are meeting up next weekend in Chicago. We're going to be based at Northwestern, but we're willing to make the trek to Chicago to enjoy a night out.

We're looking for a swanky, loungy type club. You know, the type with bright lights, lots of cocktails, cute girls, and a place where people dress up. So far, our buddy hosting us has given us "Manor Chicago" - deduced by googling and random internet sites. This place any good?

We're not looking for the college dive bar experience- we did that a TON in college, and my friend at Northwestern says that Evanston can take care of that.

Also, what's the "district" in Chicago, where there's a lot of hot spots?

posted by unexpected to food & drink (7 comments total)

You would be looking for Rush Street. Plenty on clubs fitting your description there.

Here is a quick list. I haven't been down on Rush in awhile but that whole area is brimming with cuties and white collar types.
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 6:59 AM on September 20, 2007

Downtown not right on Rush and Wicker Park/Bucktown are more popular with the clubbing Chicagoans I know. Centerstage has pretty good descriptions of various clubs. I can't give a specific recommendation, as I tend towards dives, but when I do join the club-goers Soundbar is usually the night out choice. (Note: that bar has a pretty strict no gym shoes, etc policy.)
posted by ejaned8 at 7:42 AM on September 20, 2007

Rush & Division: Where your dirty uncle goes and where the suburban girls come when they go downtown. Wicker park / the strip of Division between Ashland and Western are smaller places (some dives, some lounges).
posted by true at 9:11 AM on September 20, 2007

Club Rumba on Hubbard St. is an excellent time. A moderate salsa skill level is probably good to get the most enjoyment but people watching is exceptional there.
posted by JJ86 at 11:04 AM on September 20, 2007

metromix is a great place to search for Chicago clubs as well.
posted by garlic at 12:36 PM on September 20, 2007

Actually, Manor isn't bad. It's relatively new (the old Pasha) and it's a lot of fun. Kind of in the same vein as RiNo and Y bar. Good place, really.
posted by BuddhaBelly at 2:36 PM on September 20, 2007

Sounds like you want Rush street; forget Wicker Park there are no dress clubs there.
posted by sic at 3:27 PM on September 20, 2007