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Green Dolphin Street
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Jazz & Blues Nightlife Jazz & Blues Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Jazz & Blues, Venues & Event Spaces [Edit]
2200 N Ashland Ave(at Webster Ave)
Chicago, IL 60614
Neighborhood: Bucktown
(773) 395-0066
- Hours:
Mon, Fri 10 pm - 4 am
Wed 9 pm - 3:30 am
Sat 10 pm - 5 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Anthony M. said: "My fourth rooftop but first time here! I love that this place did not make me wear a stupid badge around my neck and we were allowed to go everywhere. (other places make you wear a badge and restrict your access to levels based on the…" read more »
115 reviews for Green Dolphin Street
115 reviews in English
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Review from Liesel F.
Baltimore, MD
9/22/2011
If you can manage a Tuesday Hangover, check out the Boom Boom Room party of Monday!
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Review from Sideways J.
Chicago, IL
2/8/2012
Music good. Bar and drinks so-so as others have said.
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Review from Jean P.
Chicago, IL
3/27/2011
Just came back from this place hours later....have to say their bartenders suxx!! They charged $5 for a bottle of water, when asked for facet water,.. lukewarm water given, with no ice. He didn't even fill it up.
By the way that bartender name is "Randell." After speaking to the other bartender (a lady) in hopes to get better service all fails:( She was just as bad as him. Where do they get these characters from?
By all means train the staff you hire. We left right out of this place and WILL NOT BE BACK..EVER!
Until the staff is trained I HIGHLY SUGGEST NOT WASTING YOUR TIME NOR MONEY!!!! -
Review from Angie M.
Chicago, IL
1/29/2011
I've been to Green Dolphin twice - both times were on a Monday night, Industry Night. Do you want the good news or bad news first? I'm feeling pessimistic today, let's do the bad.
When we arrived my initial thoughts were: hell no. Never again. They made us stand outside in the FREEZING weather. I wouldn't complain if it was really busy inside, but upon arriving inside after a tumultuous cover charge (it went from $20 to $10 to $5) it was clear they were just trying to create a buzz. I understand buzzes are good for business, but for cripes sakes, put some g-d heat lamps outside.
The service was bad, the drinks are expensive ($8 for a measly vodka, cranberry, $5 for a Corona), and it smelled like a combination of taco bell and dirty balls in there.
Some dudes were obvs on X, which is fine, but one of them looked like he needed water badly.
On to the good:
Green Dolphin grew on me, for nothing else than the crowd. This is the PERFECT place for people watching. It's diverse, versatile, and there are some DAMN good dancers. I'm not talking about people swinging their hips and grinding, but real, trained dancers in stilettos (both male and female, or trans) breaking. IT. DOWN. with pirouettes, fuettes, Rocket-like kicks, breaking, b-boying, you name it.
The music was decent. Mostly house, which I dig.
The dancers are the reason I will return to The Green Dolphin. -
Review from Dj Nightwolf ..
Chicago, IL
12/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
"House music all night long.
Say what?
House music all night long.
Say what??
House music all night long.
Say what???
HOUSE MUSIC ALL NIGHT LONG!!!
Hey DJ, break it on down!" - The Jungle Brothers
When I think about Green Dolphin Street, I think "House music all night long," and that part of The Jungle Brothers' song plays in my head.
Monday night is THE NIGHT to be there, if you're a house head like me. Boom Boom Room Mondays have been going on for a while, and by a while, I mean, years--many years. Seriously, the folks who run Monday nights know what they're doing and they bring in a lot of talented DJ's every week to feed our insatiable appetite for house music.
When you arrive, you are greeted by doorman Byrd Bardot, and two club kids, Sal-E & Jojo, who put some serious work into their makeup and outfits for the night. If the guys at the door are put this much work then you know the guys behind the decks are sure to put in some serious work!
Monday nights here are always a great time regardless of whether you roll with a small group or a large crowd. The crowd is pretty diverse, the drinks are good, the tunes get ya movin, and it all feels right!
You can chill at the bar when you walk in, or go to the back room and dance to a set by one dj, or go to the main room with a full on club/stage/lighting set up and get your dance on in there. Both rooms have bars so you don't have to go far to quench your thirst after some serious dancin.
When you come to Green Dolphin Street, just make sure not to get too crazy. I've seen some questionable behavior between patrons and go-go dancers, and by questionable behavior, I mean, patrons putting money in the dancers pants using nothing but their there mouths! :O
I highly recommend Monday nights at Green Dolphin Street to all my fellow house head Yelpers.
Holla!!!™Listed in: House Music All Night Long
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Review from Gerry X.
Chicago, IL
12/28/2010 16 photos
So I get here early for the better parking, and boy was it early. Let me specify that this was the Boom Boom Room night on mondays which is industry night and fun for for all.
But because it was early, it also let me talk with a few friends I hadn't seen in awhile. Good stuff. Now onto the review.....
Door staff....awesome.
Bartenders all were professional with their customers, having that flair that made you want to hang out at that bar, and each bar having their own characteristics about them.
Dance floor and ball room are quite spacious, this place has a coat check an outdoor area which isnt open in the winter (check on availability)
Before 10 could get you in Byrds good graces for free adminssion, the house music was top notch.
I think I need to get out more.
I added pics. Check 'em.
I assume Fri and Sat are good nights for many venues, but I have not been. -
Review from Allen B.
Chicago, IL
3/2/2011
"House music all night long...house music all night long."
Do you love house music? True Chicago beats? Then Monday nights at Green Dolphin is your place to find good music you can dance too. Enough said. Enjoy it. -
Review from Jermaine H.
Chicago, IL
8/31/2010
I had a pretty good time when I first came here a little bit ago, but one situation in particular left a bad taste in my mouth. So... I say to ANYONE going to Green Dolphin, be sure to "Steer clear" of a bartender - (near the boom boom room) - named DANI; she's very pushy, rude, and should definitely retake customer service 101. I couldn't believe the attitude she gave me for simply asking a question. Totally a liability to this place!!!!
And for those wondering what occurred-- I went to the bar where no one was waiting on a drink and simply asked her if I should order there or go around to the other connecting bar nearby. She SHOUTED "What?" in a very repulsive manner as I repeated the question very politely. She then gave me a nasty look and asked if "I had ever been to a bar before." Quite the opposite response considering I was a customer asking a simple question. I replied to her that I actually work in the industry - a bar / lounge in River North as a matter of fact and that she needed to check her attitude.
Don't get upset with customers because NO ONE was purchasing any drinks from your bar. It would probably have something to do with your vile and crappy demeanor. So, that night...she certainly didn't get my business or the business of any one else that was in my party that evening.
So, to the MANAGERS and OWNERS of this fine establishment, please retrain this trash talking low-life and be sure to do extra advertising to get her some extra customers. Looks like she needed it!!! -
Review from Lisa D.
Chicago, IL
6/2/2010
I love that the place has a parking lot next to it for free parking. I also love the atmosphere and the Wednesday night dj for salsa. The floor is narrow and yet accessible and in very good shape. The climate control here is also fabulous and the bartenders are lovely.
there are just two annoying factors:
1. The crazy disco lights, very dizzying when you are spinning.
2. Lack of toilet paper. I swear, everytime I go here they are out of it, bring some napkins from the bar into the bathroom.Listed in: Hot Salsa
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Review from Ana S.
Chicago, IL
8/21/2010
Green Dolphin is technically not closed,since they are continuing their Boom Boom Room nights on Mondays. This place is House heaven! Monday nights are great for all you House heads out there. Great underground house music that you won't find anywhere else. If you get there by 11 you can possibly score free admission. Great acts have been coming here too,this past Monday Chicago House Sensation DJ Colette and Dj Heather were there. A very diverse crowd here,you can find anyone from all walks of life. People seriously come here to dance to great house music,so it's not pretentious at all. Dress code is pretty laid back here,you can find people with Adidas track suits and Puma sneakers sporting the dance floors. You will also find peeps doing dance offs which makes for great entertainment.
I know you must be saying-partying on a Monday night? Yes,that's right. Once you go you will never look at Chicago nightlife the same again. It's primarily local Chicagoans so you won't get that suburban/touristy/let's get wasted crowd. I'd take that then an overcrowded expensive club on Saturday nights ANY day. -
Review from Dee C.
12/26/2010 1 Check-in Here
went here because our British friend wanted to go to a place that had house music. This place was pretty dead....but then again we went on a weekday, what did we expect? It actually picked up pretty fast. This place has like 4 pretty big room, and has a lot of space (especially on a slow day like a Monday). We were really pretty early and left early so it was pretty dead.
I would have to say, this place has most the most random crowd, I mean really RANDOM (if you understand what I mean), but we still enjoyed it.
I was too tired to stay, so we left. I got a free drink since we knew someone that worked there and our friend got us in for free...hence the 4 stars. I will have to go back, because I have heard pretty good things about this place, but on a weekend.
Green Dolphin...I shall see you next time. -
Review from Nina M.
Chicago, IL
2/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I made an appearance at Boom Boom Room (industry night) for some house music. No line, we got there a little after 1 am, which is the time it gets going. They had a live band/dj in one room and different house music in another.
This place is slightly the size and layout of some clubs in Cancun, for example. Not really crowded even til 2:30 am. The crowd is all over the place, but pretty much house music lovers and people dancing either by themselves or with somebody. They had 2 shirtless guys dancing on 2 small stages in the center of the room.
Pretty much all kinds of people. And the guy at the door had a white wig, a huge faux fur coat, a veil and underneath the veil- a moustache.
The negative is the smoke machine, but I guess it goes with the theme of house music. Also, I found out afterwards that a woman was shot in the back a week ago here and I prefer not to go to places where people get shot (refer to Plush).
An experience for some and a weekly event for others. -
Review from Michelle M.
Chicago, IL
11/6/2010
MONDAY! MONDAY! MONDAY! WOW...I'm calling all my House Heads! Music is the natural highhhhhhh! Take me up Mr. DJ.
I can't say anything bad about this place when it comes to Boom Boom Room on Mondays. I always I mean ALWAYS have fun when I come to dance my ARSE off. Love the fun atmosphere of this place.
Thanks you G.D. for many great drunken nights. -
Review from Caroline A.
Chicago, IL
2/19/2007
I love the Green Dolphin Street. Such a classic place for live music and dancing. I've always had a great experience. I attended a birthday dinner here a while ago, and the food was excellent. Service was so friendly and nice too.
There's always a GREAT mix of people here. From young college kids to regulars in their 40's and 50's. There are some ballroom dancers that are just amazing to watch. Perfect change from everywhere else in the city. -
Review from Carol M.
9/30/2008
Dark. Sultry. Sexy.
Reminds me of a speakeasy. The first time I came here was a Tuesday night when they had salsa dancing lessons. It was pretty dead. There were about 5 gay dudes, 2 girls, and one seemingly straight couple.
however!
If you wanna learn how to dance...this is the night. Despite the lack of a crowd, there were still several young men that were more than willing to take this white girl's hand and lead me on a few little numbers. Left feet and all.
I'd like to come back for the jazz night. I hear they have those too.
**UPDATE** They also do weddings! My cousin is getting married here soon. I'll let you all know how they do it! Excited! -
Review from Ellen M.
8/20/2006
This is a beautiful club, and if my first visit last night is typical, a fantastic live music venue. We sat in the room with the long bar. There was a smokin' hot blues/R&B group with a woman singing a great lead. Our server had some great moves - enough to inspire me to stuff tips in his jeans. Later they removed several tables and played house music. We all danced and it was great.
After that was salsa dancing. We didn't stay for that since we had to get up in another five hours for the airport, but there was a looooong line of people outside just for that.
We didn't have dinner here so the Saturday night cover was $20 per person, except the bride-to-be. They have their own parking lot - $10.
During the band's set, a young japanese woman appeared on stage with her guitar and did great solos. I chatted with her later and learned she considers herself a jazz & blues student and always wanted to get to Chicago. Nao seemed to love this club and Chicago - worth the 7000 odd mile journey, she said. I can't wait to come back.Listed in: Rocking live
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Review from Jennifer Y.
Cincinnati, OH
3/25/2009
This review is ONLY FOR BOOM BOOM ROOM on Monday Nights.
Ummmmmmm .... probably one of the best Chicago House nights. Super diverse crowd (gays, lesbians, straights, undecideds, whites, blacks, yellows, blues, tall, short, round, square, drag queens, trannies, yuppies, hipsters, yupsters, etc., etc.) that somehow always gets along with each other. It's amazing.
Music is great -- they have great DJ's come in and spin and usually have two rooms going. Lots of people dancing, lots of people chilling, lots of people drinking, every body having a grand ol' time.
I haven't been in months because I've been on my surgery rotation ... I think it's time I revisit.
Seriously, I've never had a bad night here. Don't arrive before 11pm and get there before 12 midnight with your name on the guestlist (email rsvp@boomboomroomchica...). And don't forget to call in sick in the morning.
I'll see you on the dance floor.Listed in: Dance Dance Dance Dance Dance!
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Review from Tom S.
Chicago, IL
8/29/2008
I've been going to Green Dolphin Street for years for any number of reasons. The first time I was introduced to GDS I didn't even know it was a jazz club. I was there with a bevy of other poseurs for a GQ magazine event. Unfortunately the faux "gold" sponsoring vodka made me feel as if I'd been hit by a mac truck the next morning. It was not a good thing, but the service during the event and the venue itself intrigued me enough that I knew I wanted to go back ... and at least hear some great music and drink REAL premium liquor.
I've been to other corporate events, private functions, birthday parties, birthday dinners and simply for a night of dining. The huge space is remarkably intimate, or can be, due in part to the different areas that fill the space.
I'm always a sucker for Pan-seared Scallops and GDS does them as well as anyone. The accompanying roasted saffron corn sauce goes a long way to my desire for it. The sweetness of the roasted corn plays nicely with the sea sweetness of the scallops and somehow the sear is heightened by the heady saffron. The dish is rounded out with buttered endives and an oil of chervil couli.
I also appreciate the care taken in roasting vegetables for Roasted Vegetable Fondue. The fondue itself is an unctuous sauce of three different cheeses that complements that caramelization of the perfectly roasted seasonal vegetables.
Steak is the name of the game at this venue, take your pick from Chateaubriand Diana for Two [impossible to resist for an anniversary] or Peppercorn Filet; a personal favorite, however, is the Caribbean Steak, skirt steak marinated in ginger, soy and spices and grilled to your specifications.
Sides are on the side, so to speak, and come in small or large. Standards include vegetables and starches, but the Truffled Mac - n - Cheese is the route to go here, particularly if you get he Peppercorn Filet. Garlic Potatoes Moussaline are another fine choice.
For dessert, the Chef's Tasting Surprise has been a disappointment on more than one occasion; opt instead for Brandy & Banana Crepes or Chocolate Liqueur Crème Brûlée.
Check out the website for information on shows and be mindful of the dress code which can be strictly enforced, depending on who the maitre d' is. Better safe than sorry.
Get thee to Green Dolphin Street, but please, don't ask me to dance.Listed in: Drinkin' an' a swillin'
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Review from Christmas D.
Chicago, IL
8/29/2007
This place is CLASS-AY!
Since it is not on ANY beaten-path, it is definitely a destination-spot. But why go anywhere else for the evening when this place has it all?
Dinner: Yummy, full-fat entrees and apps. that chef changes pretty frequently. Loverly atmosphere in one of 2 dining rooms OR you can order at the bar from their abbreviated menu.
Cocktails/Lounge: Old-school style! Martinis, single-malt scotches, digestifs, big red wines... While they have beer, it's easy to feel outta place drinking one here - save that for the sports bar. Also, I guarantee you will feel more comfortable having dressed-up to come here rather than showing up in a t-shirt and jeans (though I don't believe they specifically disallow this).
Dancing/Live Music: This swing/salsa/ballroom floor is grown-up sized! A lovely full-bar provides libations while the neon "Liquors" and "Greet Dolphin Street" signs contribute to the warm atmosphere. There is a full-sized stage in here to accommodate even a medium-sized "big band".
Outdoor Garden: Stroll among the flowers and torches along the river in this tucked-away little sanctuary. Have a cocktail or dinner al fresco. If you own a boat, you can dock here and walk up to the garden and in for dinner!
We were married here 3 years ago and everything was FABULOUS. The staff was cheerfully accommodating when our outdoor wedding had to be moved inside without any such contingency plan. The food was impressive, the service impeccable, the staff friendly.
We returned for our 3-year anniversary. I wished that there were more seafood options to be had but everything we did get was very good. BONUS: Free Salsa lessons! On Tuesday nights they offer these and then the DJ spins salsa tunes 'til 2am so you can perfect your newly-learned moves.
WARNING: this could be hazardous while sporting a dinner-induced food-coma, but fun nonetheless!Listed in: Superior Eats
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Review from Kristin C.
Chicago, IL
2/15/2008
My Valentine surprised me with dinner at Green Dolphin Street this year. Imagine my complete excitement when I found out we weren't REALLY taking the Ashland bus to the Hollywood Grill (This is what he originally told me). Phew, crisis (and break-up) averted!
Anypoop, I had faith that this Valentine's Day would turn out to be a winner. I was SO excited to try Green Dolphin Street because I have driven by it countless times and I also have heard rave reviews. Walking in, I loved the space immediately. It is HUGE. The hostess gave me a rose (every female of the evening got one - not just me :)before she led us to our table in the back. . .
My ONE complaint would have to be how close the tables were to each other. When we got to our spot, the two couples on either side of us immediately stopped their conversations and gave me the stink eye. SO sorry. I didn't create the set-up, pals. It was a little too close for comfort. Another drawback from these close quarters was since the menu was Prix fixe, we got to see everything before we ordered. No surprises :(
The set menu DID have a few options. I went for the Caesar salad over the apple-walnut one and I chose the Filet Mignon over the salmon. We also ordered a bottle of Robert Mondavi - no disappointment there. Out waiter was perfect. The food was delicious (although my meat was a little TOO rare). Even though I am not a dessert person, the chocolatey cake (which was a part of a dessert sampler tray) was UNBELIEVABLE.
I will come back to Green Dolphin Street - especially for some jazzy time. Just when we left, the band was warming up. Phooey. If it wasn't a work night, there would have been no stopping me! -
Review from Andre W.
12/26/2008
Used to hit this spot up on Mondays when they play house music. I really liked it because they would always play my favorite joint, "Change For Me" by Erro. Very cool place, real chill and mellow. It was ususally a diverse crowd so it was very flavorish. There was a $10 cover and the drinks were a little overpriced. Most of the people that frequented the place were really cool and friendly and was there to have a good time and get their dance on.
I have attempted to go on Friday and Saturday nights. Everytime I would ride by I would see this long ass line and I would just turn my ass around. I heard pretty good reviews about those particular evenings, but unless I get there @ 9:30, I probably won't be able to find out. Parking can be hit or miss sometimes.
Great place to hit up on a Monday night if you are a House-headListed in: Places You Can Dance Your Ass…, Music Venues, Be Clubbin'
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Review from julie q.
4/15/2010
So, I'm scheduled to have my wedding here on 10/16/10. I can't get ahold of anyone since they supposedly closed. Does anyone know how to get ahold of Jessica Bergman, Sam Spaveno, or Jesse Williams??? ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED!!!
Thanks. -
Review from An P.
Chicago, IL
10/29/2009
I have heard of Green Dolphin Street and I have always seen it passing by Ashland and Webster and have never stopped in. The Boom Boom Room Mondays have been going on for years and years and I still have never had a chance to check it out.
On Monday I rolled into The Green Dolphin for their Boom Boom Room Halloween Party and was greeted by two doormen and I was luckily on the guestlist which was on both Facebook and you could e-mail in an RSVP to avoid paying cover. Outside there was also valet parking with a private lot and some easily accessible street parking.
Inside, the first room had some dining tables and was wooden and dim. It kind had the old school Italian restaurant feel to it and I easily grabbed a drink. The room directly to the east of the first room had a sports bar feel with large TVs and people munching on some food. This room was very big, but very empty at 9pm, so we rolled onto the third room.
In the third room the DJ was spinning and the walls were lined with windows so you could see outside. There was plenty of room to dance but for some reason there was a carnival strength hammer game thing taking up insane amounts of space in the middle of the dance floor. This thing totally blocked the dance floor but people danced around it anyway.
The third room had a club theme with laser lights and strobes. There was space for go-go dancers, but unfortunately they were all dudes in their underwear that night, so did not appeal to me. There were plenty of people in costume dancing and I was not bothered by the six foot tall drag queens.
Overall, Green Dolphin is a happening spot with great music and plenty of room for everyone. Don't try to get here at 9pm because you'll be disappointed with the number of people in the place, but it will pack up by 11 or so. I like that Green Dolphin tries to be a little bit of everything and has enough room to pull off the execution. Extra points for good service (it never took me more than a minute to grab a drink) and easy street parking!Listed in: Chicago Venues with Music, Places to Take Visitors, 4am Bars
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Review from Lesley A.
6/2/2010
*Disclaimer* This review is based on my experience a couple of months ago. I'm not sure if Green Dolphin is closed.
Imagine round circular tables surrounding a dance floor, a long wooden bar, and people who came from a time when swing was the thing. You could tell that those there were regulars. They knew each other.
Green Dolphin was oozing classy and classic on the Tuesday night I went. $5 cover was enough to get me doing the foxtrot, rumba and east coast swinging to a real, live big band that did two sets that ran until at least midnight. Moving across the floor lit softly by blue-hued stage lights was heavenly. Then the seemingly innocent lady near the front was invited on stage to sing. She crooned with soul.
I danced on her notes.
Smooth.Listed in: Dance now, Talk later
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Review from Carol K.
3/18/2007
Green Dolphin Street has been on my list of places to go since I moved to Chicago and last night I finally made it there.
We had a dinner reservation at 9:30 but upon entering the place, there was a great band playing in the main room so we stood at the bar and had a cocktail so that we could listen for awhile. Some people were dancing and others were clustered around small tables set up in front of the stage. It looked like an old time dance/music hall. The bar was beautiful with old wood paneling and the drinks were perfectly poured.
Moving into the dining room- it was a bit more formal- white linen table cloths, green walls and art deco inspired light fixtures. Interestingly enough you could not hear the music from here which was a little disappointing as I guess I thought we were going to be able to eat and listen to some jazz. (I asked about this and was told there is the formal dining room that we were in and if you want to eat and listen to music, you can order from the "club menu" in the main room- simpler bar food is how it was described)
The food was good and the service attentive. We ordered simply; steaks and the standard side fare which was all good. The standout was the "steak and a cake" which came with a crabcake that was very good although it could have had a little less breading on it. The heirloom tomato salad (caprese) was delicious. They also have a nice wine list including some reserve labels. We had no less than 3 people waiting on us and all were personable and pleasant even though we were the last table of the night.
After dinner- we wanted to go back into the main room to listen to the music but as we ventured back to the main room, the whole bar had undergone a transformation while we were eating. Gone were the tables and chairs, gone was the glassware. In their place in the large front room was now a dance club and in the back room salsa dancing was underway. Drinks were now served in plastic cups and the average age had dropped by 15 years! When I asked the manager about it- he said that it was a weekend thing that they "turned" the bar at 11:00pm, but the good news was that we could stay and dance til 5:00am. FIVE AM??? Who knew?
My expectations for this place were very different from what I experienced. While I thought it was a jazz club (and I am sure it was back in the day) it now has to turn into a dance club to survive. The lines to get in went all around the building and with a $20 cover on the weekends and pricey drinks, I suspect they are doing okay.
I need to go back on another night to see if I can better match my expectations to the reality of this place. I know it's a place for great music- I just need to find it and it is obvious that late on a weekend night is not the right time.
But as for last night- my adage is "when in Rome do what the Romans would do" so I stayed and danced for awhile just so I could enjoy this amazing space! -
Review from Jacob J.
1/30/2008
So its a Monday night and you haven't gotten the party out of your system yet..
Where to go?
Boom Boom Room Mondays..
Don't call Green Dolphin's phone's wondering what happens on Mondays, the recording says they are closed.
Boom Boom Room is what is happening and it goes till 4am. Cover is usually $10, Dom beers $4, coat check $4 (Kudos, Dave). It would behoove you to coat check since many street park and it can be a long walk for some. Street space is limited due to the location.
If you've never been there on Mondays.. crowd is mixed. Every lifestyle is presented. If you gawk, please go elsewhere. Here; is for those that love hard house and tech house, for those that want to dance, those that love the music. Find those that just dance.. and those that came to pound the floor. Its a scene. With the clothing and the hand gestures, outfits and what nots. I saw the apple bottom jeans, but missed the boots with the fur" The model types and the out of this planet trannies seen.
If your on a "woman patrol" its 50/50 depending on the night. As you drive past looking at the line, don't just look at the legs, check da neck! -
Review from Leang E.
6/25/2006
My throbbing feet say that it was a great place to dance! I don't really dance to salsa or bachata, but it's so intriguing to watch. The ones that are out there dancing are really good. I did dance one salsa dance, but I was mostlly dancing on the main floor. Yes, they have 2 dance floors which is nice - one that has more hip hop music and one that plays latin music. The DJ on the main floor played a lot of the same songs for like 30 seconds or a minute, but mixes it up real well. I left at a little after 4 am...
If you go here for dinner on the weekend you can avoid the $20 cover to get in to party after the jazz music ends at 11pm. I was here with some friends for dinner a few weeks ago. I had the salad which was delicious. I tried some of the steak, lamb, and tuna - all of which were very top notch delicious meals. We had 2 desserts, one of which I would consider one of the best I have ever had! The menu is not huge, but the make the best of the best of what they do make. The jazz music is really good. There's an excellent drink selection. I had ordered a very nice red wine for my friend to go along with his steak and it was perfect. You could come here with friends or a date. It may be a bit pricey, but if I could splurge I would defintiely come here!Listed in: If I had only 1week of meals…
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Review from Tommy M.
6/6/2008
AWESOME! There were 8 of us there on Wednesday for my birthday. The band was great, the service was great, and the place is just flat out cool. Next time I'll have to get a fidora and throw on my pin-striped suit...
I know someone that plays in the band on wednesdays, and I was pretty fired up that they even played a special request from me. I will definitely go back! Get there early, it got pretty packed by 10pm. -
Review from Matt S.
Lisle, IL
12/29/2006
Classy joint. Overpriced cocktails and food, but one of the nicest places to go dancing in the city.
I've never been for any night other than Bill Porter on Wednesday. A great big band, with some legendary musicians, as long as you can suffer through Bill's terrible, TERRIBLE jokes.Listed in: Swing Dancing in Chicago
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Review from Yan P.
San Francisco, CA
7/4/2006
The place is nice, especially the courtyard in the back where you can walk down to the dock and see the river. Very beautiful. However, the food is ridiculously overpriced. $12 for a cheese plate which contained four small bits of cheese that were not even that good. Yikes! Another one of those restaurants that thinks they're so high class that they're gonna charge high class prices (also see Reza's). Unfortunately, the complete lack of innovation in their food cannot justify their prices. The food is quite good but pretty traditional; for these prices I want to taste something new.
We sat first in the restaurant area which was very nice and while ou could hear the jazz from the jazz lounge, it was at a good volume for conversation. Then we moved down to the jazz club area which is very large. It's not an 'intimate' setting at all, like you might find at the Green Mill, just a big place with the musicians up on a stage kind of far away. -
Review from Christine P.
Chicago, IL
8/25/2008
I just had my wedding at Green Dolphin and had the best time ever! Jessica and Diana were so great to work with and very accommodating to answer any questions I had. They really put my mind at ease about everything, and they worked with me on all the little last-minute details that always crop up just before the big day. Also, Jessica was hobbling around in a cast the entire time, which she deserves kudos just for that.
We had heard so much positive feedback about Green Dolphin as we were planning the wedding, and I have to say that it's all true. It really is like a well-run ship - these people know what they are doing, and they make it look so easy. I've received so many compliments on the venue setting and how great the food tasted.
We had the wedding ceremony outside in the garden, and with the flowers, tiki torches, and river in the background, it did not feel at all like we were in the middle of Chicago. We decided to stand against the backdrop of the trees and flowers rather than the typical gazebo area, and it was gorgeous. The blend of garden and industrial bridges was perfect to celebrate the outdoors and the city all at the same time.
I cannot say more positive things about having our wedding at Green Dolphin Street, and the best part of it was that compared to a lot of other places in Chicago, we could not have gotten a better deal for the setting and the service. -
Review from Lisa W.
Chicago, IL
3/21/2008
Green Dolphin Street is a great venue not matter what night you go there. The jazz is always impressive. While I have yet to have dinner there, I hear they have a decent menu. I haven't checked their wine list.
Boom Boom Room on Monday night there used to be off the m'freakin chain. The few times I went within the last few months though, it has cooled down. Still more hoppin than anywhere you can go on Monday, but just a little less packed. I was told that the Music 101 (house/electronic music organizer) had split up with the Boom Boom room music promoters and set up their own Monday party now at Vision.
When Music 101 and Boom Boom were combined, the place rocked with two rooms. The back room, which is somewhat of a tent enclosed area had more downtempo house. There would be great break dancing and rave dancers doing some tight moves in the center of a circle of people watching and cheering them on. No other atmosphere like this anywhere in Chicago.
Even without Music 101, the place will probably still be bumpin on Mondays. Especially when Summer kicks in.
If you like a Crobar-type club atmosphere, you may be disappointed. Not to say nobody has ever gotten any action at Boom Boom, but the crowd is definately more about dancing, than 'hooking up". It also has a fun and dominant presence of gay boyz'n'girlz, so if that bothers you, this might not be the night for you to go. -
Review from Laura H.
Washington, DC
4/17/2007
If you're looking for a true "night out" experience, pack your wallet and dancing shoes and head on over to green dolphin.
I've wanted to try this place for a long time and finally got around to it on Sat. night. You can avoid the sat. night cover by going for dinner, but eat early. We had a reservation for 8:30 and unfortunately only heard 40 min. of the live jazz band by the time we were done eating. Our food was excellent... we ordered the baked brie, swordfish and tuna steak entrees and a piece of chocolate molten cake. Plus one drink each and our bill came to just under $100. Cocktails are $9 each, so plan accordingly.
After dinner we made our way over to the lounge area and were treated to a fantastic jazz group. At 11, they clear out most of the tables and chairs to transform the lounge into a "salsa" club. This included one room playing techno type music and the other playing more latin/salsa electronic music. As you can imagine, the composition of the audience changed quite a bit too.
I would definitely recommend green dolphin for a fun night out. -
Review from Mari K.
Chicago, IL
6/16/2008
Talk about versatility... one night they've got swing going, another night they have a 70's band, and then on another there's salsa dancing. Check their website re: entertainment.
-reasonable cover charge (I think it's usually free before 9pm)
-huge dance floor... HUGE
-3 bars
-stage in the main room
-I've heard that their food is excellent (I've never eaten here)
-decent parking (they also have an adjacent lot, but street parking is fairly easy to find)Listed in: .. so darlin', save the last…
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Review from Michael E.
Charlotte, NC
6/22/2008
I have to say I do like this place. It is a classy place to go, particularly with a date. Live music and dancing makes it one of the better places in town. It is also much larger than the Green Mill.
I haven't eaten here, so I cannot comment, though I have had drinks and cut up the rug so-to-speak.
Their is valet.....$6, which in this town is cheap. And if you want, there is a wine bar just over the bridge called Websters if you want to drink something before you come....another place I have to review *grin*.
The population is definitely a wide range of ages from 21 to 81, but folks dress nice and everyone is there to have a good time......just like the good ol' days. I have to say I sometimes wish we still lived in such an era.....dating would be much easier *wink* than the typical bar scene.
The only issues I have is the cover....$10, which I realize there is live music, but this venue is really not near anything, so I think that is a bit high. -
Review from Sam K.
Chicago, IL
4/11/2009
I'll be honest; the four star rating assumes you know you don't come here for the drinks or for the food. Green Dolphin is basically a concert venue with the added perk of offering food and drink for those who plan to stay awhile. The service is exceptional but the food is blah and overpriced. But anyone with a brain knows she's here for the music, not the food.
That said, I love it. The atmosphere, the music, the whole experience. The music was great, and the there was a hilarious standup comedian who kept the audience entertained between sets. The crowd is great too - the average age is maybe late thirties, and everyone is stylish and too cool for the skanky club scene. Basically, it's a place a 26 year old like myself can take her parents and her college age cousin and have a fun time.
Would definitely come back. -
Review from Nina K.
Chicago, IL
2/2/2009
Now, I'm willing to admit that I'm probably not the target crowd here. But I really just didn't see the appeal of the place. I went to meet up with a friend (whose friend used to work there), so they wanted to hang out here. I didn't know much about the place, so I said fine and was on my way.
I get there at like 9 or so on a Saturday, and the first thing I see is that the crowd is probably a good 20 years older than me. I don't mind a mix, but this definitely seemed a bit...well, old. I walk inside and am greeted with a "Hey sweetheart," from the giant Italian dude working the door. Uh..hey.
He's holding a drink so I ask him if he wants to see my ID, and he's like, "No, but I will need $20 to get in the door." I start laughing, because I assume it's a joke. It's not. I immediately walk back outside to call my friend, because there is NO WAY I'm paying $20 to get into this bar. Her friend graciously tips off the bartender that I'm with her, and I'm in.
The crowd is older, and there is a loud band playing covers (I thought it was a jazz bar, but maybe not on a Saturday). They suck. Beers cost $5 for a bud light. I can't bring myself to ask what a martini costs. The bartenders are cool, but that's probably because I was with one of their friends. Thank god.
The band gets worse and worse and suddenly two dudes jump out on stage and start rapping, Really? All of a sudden, at 11 sharp, the whole bar changes into kind of a Hispanic night. It might've been fun to dance, but by that time, I'd had enough and couldn't afford any more drinks. I climbed into a cab and headed home. -
Review from Cassandra C.
Chicago, IL
5/20/2010
the first time I went here was Cinco de Mayo for salsa... and it was overall really fun. The drinks were overpriced, but strong. There were some really fun, young dancers, but also some creepy, unattractive old people that would either try to dance with the 20-something girls, or complain about getting smacked into by the dancers that were "moving too fast." Go somewhere else if you can't handle "loud music" old lady...
I'm not sure what it's like other nights... but overall it was a good venue to bring friends to and salsa. On that note, however, I am grateful I brought friends that could dance and kept on me the dancefloor and away from the smelly balding men with no teeth.... (not that there were a ton of them, but enough to make me keep my "guard up") -
Review from Susan L.
Chicago, IL
2/25/2007
3 stars for the jazz
0 stars for the uppity atmosphere
Maybe it's changed since I was there, but if you weren't a stupendously drunk beautiful person, you obviously didn't belong there.
The highlight of my evening was when a 300 lb man got up on stage and sang "Misty" (Look at me, I'm as helpless as a kitten in a tree) What a visual!
The lowpoint of the evening was when the crabby woman across from me (a stranger) spilled her drink on me "by accident." At least it was just a gin and tonic. -
Review from Derek B.
San Francisco, CA
2/10/2007
We went on a Monday night I believe for Boom Boom Room. We were delightfully surprised by this place. We got a random invite to go so we didn't know what to expect. To be honest, by the time we got there in the cab we thought we were outside a bowling alley or something. Turned out to be a blast. So many good looking boys, great bartenders, amazing music and a fun atmosphere.
Check out Boom Boom Room for sure.
