On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Category: Dance Clubs [Edit]
Neighborhood: LakeviewAddison (Red)
Wed-Fri. 10:00 p.m. - 4:00 a.m.
Sat. 10:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m.
Loading...
I went here a few years ago to check out Mr Scruff. It was awesome! The layout of the place is great and the sound is awesome. They have 2 bar, one in the front more loungey area and another 1 off the side of the dance floor.
The 2nd time I came here it was earlier on a Friday - it was pretty dead so we left.
Just recently I returned on a weeknight and was surprised that they close off the big dance floor area and have the dj's spin in the lounge area. It was like it was a whole new place - I liked it! They also had Nintendo projected on one of the dividers and people were playing Mike Tyson's Punch Out....WHAT?! It was great. Also - they had PBR for $2 a can, which isn't bad considering it was a Cubs game night.
PS - the bathroom is super cool - it has black pleather padded walls and a separate powder area.
PPS - they have a photobooth..... another WHAT?!?
Smart Bar
I love that you host Moby every time he comes into Chicago for an "after-set"...
I love that you have House nights, and some amazing DJ's regularly...
I love that there's plenty of room to dance or sit depending on how your spirit moves you.
I love that the lighting is blue and moody....
But I HATE how that same lighting rubs off on your employees and makes them also blue and moody.
Bah, I hate that.
P.S. Your bars should be consistent, either both require a $20 minimum tab or neither require a $20 minimum tab...thanks for for making me open a tab on weeknight. :Grumble:
I went to Smart Bar two nights in a row for comparison, and I must say the place is kinda weird, but I really warmed up to it.
Friday night was a ratio of about 85% men to 15% women. There were only three generic club chicks--blondes in skimpy outfits. Most of the crowd was made up of kinda dorky dudes that just happened to love dancing. There was also a nerdy group of 4 or 5 glowstick dancers. I did like whoever was djaying, an Asian chick I think. The whole vibe was unjudgemental, anyone is welcome to just dance and enjoy themselves.
I've really only been out to dance clubs in Miami, so I thought this must have been an anomaly night. Where were the glitzed out bitches and vip booths? Since when did American guys dance instead of drunkenly lusting from the side lines after women in their hotpants and heels?
So I went back Saturday night for Colette's live performance. Even weirder. The entire crowd stood facing her like you do at a concert. She was dressed really conservatively as was the rest of the crowd. I sat on the couch next to a couple that was probably in their sixties. My boyfriend was like "Colette must be their daughter". Either way, the old couple danced like crazy to the next DJ. Again, way more males than females. But none of them were out to boner-grind up on ladies. It was all so safe, so desexualized, so wholesome. Honestly, it felt like a Christian dance party lock-in. And after awhile I thought, ya know what, there's nothing wrong with that.
p.s. The bartender does NOT know how to make a Tom Collins.
Smart Bar possesses one of the best clientele I have ever danced alongside at an electronic event. Everyone's there for the music. As well, this place has the best resident DJs in the midwest. All in all a fantastic place with great people and great music.
This place is for women who just want to dance and wear tight outfits. then they complain if somebody makes a move and tries to dance in their space too close. oh how dare they. I went to this place once and I don't like to dance or give any eye to these type of people. My ear hurt by pounding music and my nose reeked of the terrible smell sweat that dance places have of woman reeked body oder and the perfume they splash in an attempt to cover it. Just another spot that thinks they are so special to over charge for drinks because alot of people want to come here
Yeah, that's right. I was that guy who fell and slid down the stairs.
Uh huh... at least I looked cool doing it! They really got to do something about those slippery stairs.
A few days later. Ass bruised, left palm bruised and ankle scrapped. It was worth it. I had a good time here. Got to see some amazing DJs throw down sick sets. My only gripe with the place besides the slippery stairs is the dance floor is hotter than a muthaF-er. Like a sauna up in that piece.
As a girl that LOVES Deep Dirty House Smart Bar delivered and then some. It was my first trip to Chicago so I had no idea where to go. After hearing that DJ Icey would be spinning there later that night on BPM on XM Radio I called the Concierge at The Ritz where I was staying and asked if this bar was any good. The girl who answered said it would be a great party. (Heavy inflection on the Party) You gotta trust The Ritz right? It was $5 Friday. That's right all cocktails $5 and $5 cover!
Can't wait to go again next time I make my way to the Midwest!
I've been here on a Friday and Saturday...both nights completely suck. Maybe its because I don't like house music, maybe its because when you walk in you feel like everyone is/should be blowing coke, or maybe this place just sucks.
Whether it is empty or full, it sucks, and I've gone here like four times hoping for better results because people I am with always say how much they love this place and that I probably went on "bad night." I don't know about you, but if a place consistently has "bad nights" its probably not that great of a place. I'm just going to throw that out there....take what you want from it.
If you absolutely decide that you have to try this place out, and I really think you should if this is your type of music. Make sure you sign up online so that you can get in free by the text message they send you...I think there is a certain time you have to get in by for the text to be valid.
this place is my absolute favorite place in chicago to chill, dance, and drink. dj's are great and play REAL music you could actually dance to and not think "WTF is this?!"...you could dance on the dance floor without feeling like people are watching you. love the set-up, decor, and sound system. dont' worry about having painful buzzing in your ears when you leave because that won't happen when you leave this place.
Smart Bar blows- at least on four occasions I've gone with my best friend (she is pushing 30) and they have rejected her ID claiming it to be a fake.
Then on the other hand we know a girl who is 19 and gets in regularly.
Let's try consistency!
OK, looking at the other reviews, this is obviously a place you either love or hate, with not much in between. Friends took me here on my birthday after bar hopping a bit because it was one of the few places still open. Bad idea. For one, there was a cover--which apparently you don't have to pay if you sign up for their text messages--no matter, not interested. It was a Friday night and the place was nearly empty. I'm glad I came with a couple of friends because I felt like dancing and could dance with them--even though all they play is house music--so you better like it (me...not so much). Awkward set-up, "interesting" crowd.
Need help making a decision on what end of the spectrum you will fall in for Smart bar? If you like house music, don't like seeing or hearing the people you are with, only want to dance--not drink casually or talk to your friends, and enjoy hanging out with an interesting crowd--this is your place. If you would rather get a drink with some friends, chat, and dance, go somewhere else.
Let me tell you a true story about Smart Bar.
Last summer my 60-year-old father took three of his 40-50ish sales reps to a Cubs day game. They proceeded to consume many, many beers. Post game, there were more beers and yes, Jagerbombs, at Red Ivy. At about 11pm, one of my dad's sales reps, Steve, decided to relive his youth and cart my father and the rest of their posse to Smart Bar because, "It was his hangout back in the day." So imagine four married, middle-aged, balding, slightly paunchy, very drunk men in Cubs shirts, shorts and more than likely running shoes with socks rolling up to Smart Bar attempting entry.
I'm told that the bouncer, a man with "many facial piercings and tattoos" (my father's description) took one look at the lot of them, laughed and promptly denied their entry into Smart Bar.
Basically, my father isn't cool enough to get into this place. This makes me happy. Because really? I go to Smart Bar when I want to dance my ass off to a great DJ. I want to get sweaty, dirty, have fun and maybe make out with a hottie in the photo booth. What I don't want is a guy like my father trying to "dance up on me." And thanks to the ruthless bouncing team at Smart Bar, I never will.
xoxoxoxoxo!
This probably isn't a good example of an American-style bar or club. Which is a good thing. I mean that many if not most people come for the music and, accordingly, the lineup consistently showcases some of the best electronic music in the world. I just got back from spending a long time in Europe, and Smart Bar still stands among the best I've seen (Fabric in London and Social Club in Paris come to mind). Check it out.
Wanna dance til 5am? Smartbar is the place to go. I'm one of those shy types, but I'm not afraid to dance here. There are so many people on the dance floor and no one cares what you're doing.
Although this is not always the case, there was plenty of available seating the other night, and my tired feet were much appreciative. Which reminds me, you don't have to dress up or anything, though some people do. There are clubbers and goths and people who probably rolled out of bed from the night before.
Be sure to bring some good earplugs if you plan on listening to music again. It's very loud here.
Cover can be a nice chunk of change, but it's often free/discounted before 11pm or so; you can even sign up on their website to receive text messages that get you better discounts for coming early.
Come here to dance and be merry, get your drink on in some other bar beforehand. There are TONS of other bars in the area. That's what I did, I think it's the best bet. Cool DJs, meet cool people, cool lighting on the dance floor, plenty of places to sit, photo booth, cool place to be. Even if you don't like dancing the people-watching is the best!!!
I can safely say that Smartbar is my favorite club in the Chi. They get great out of town and International Djs. It's usually a great crowd--though you can get some interesting people that wander down after Metro shows. Smartbar is always a safe bet for househeads and people who like to dance. Monthly Justin Long/dotbleep shows are always a safe bet and Smartbar is always a good choice for NYE!
I don't come to Smart Bar to hear DJ spins. I come here on "off" nights when you can sit down a get a good drink. Great staff and bartenders...and! and!!! photo booth!
I have, however, been here when DJ So-and-So has been spinning, and even though that's not my cup of tea, I've still had an enjoyable time. I don't understand how there are only 3 stalls in the womens' room, though!
I like Smart Bar for what it is, and that it doesn't change. How many clubs have been around as long and are still drawing the crowds? Not many. Smart Bar has got it's formula down - but that includes a lot of variety. I've been her for goth nights, big name local djs, and sometimes big bands doing an after show dj set when I'm lucky enough to squeak my way in.
I started going here because of a friend who worked here, but keep going back because I love it. Yes, it does sometimes have a hefty cover, but I don't mind paying it to go to one of the few unpretentious clubs in the city - snotty clubs/bars/lounges are a dime a dozen. I never feel like I'm judged here when I just want to come in a shake my ass to whatever bitch'n dj is there that night.
Thank you Smart Bar for breaking up the sportsbarfrathousegrossness of Wrigleyville and continuing to impress.
P.S - Make sure you're nice to Lenny - he's the most important guy there. :)
Remember when you were like 19-24 and any club you could get into and get plastered ended up being the sweetest place EVER?
Remember when it was okay to wait in line to pay twenty bucks at the same "money" spot every weekend with your 'tardo friends?
Remember it was just an awesome spot because you hooked up the first time you went, therefore making it a forever awesome club?
Dude, I was such a dork. Or just young, I guess. So I'm older now...seasoned...a vet...crabby...or just picky. I think I know what I like now music-wise, people-wise and vibe-wise. And Smartbar seems to do it for me.
No glowsticks...almost most of the time (that's a phrase).
No hairgel.
No dudes with more jewelery than chicks.
No "Affliction" t-shirts.
Not a lot of Vodka/Redbulls being slammed, which to me is a pretty good sign of clientele.
What's great about Smartbar is that every one is there to dance and listen to the DJs that they bring in. For such a small place compared with the rest of the city, they bring in the talent. And the talent gets mad love from all of us on that packed, sweaty dance floor.
And that's just it - everyone is there to dance to their own beat. And it's all walks of life: white, black, asian, gay and lesbian, preppy, chad/trixie, punk, metal, b-boys/girls, swing cats. It's crazy. On any given Saturday, I'll see all of those characters just ripping that rug off the floor to the sounds of Ben Watt, DJ Heather, Kaskade, Justin Long...whoever!
No posturing, no pretentiousness, no trying to hard.
Employees are cool.
And I ALWAYS find a parking spot! What is that!?
My favorite dance club in the city. It should be yours unless you sweat Affliction and spent $50 on hair product a week.
This is a place I like to go see shows ... when decent DJs roll through town. Lately it's been few and far between. But things usually pick up once we get our nice Chicago weather.
The sound is always GREAT. However the bartenders tend to be the opposite. And the drinks expensive. It's never a bad idea to bring a flask if you're wanting a drink :)
Smart Bar is what it is. If you like bars like Excalibur/Crobar/The Underground this won't be your spot. Leave your foul attitude and popped collar at the door, go in and have a good time. Hands down this bar brings the biggest names of any electronic music genre out of any spot in town. Period.
Before I moved to Chicago in 2003, I came to visit a friend, and we went out to Smartbar. He knew I was a househead, and this was where all the dancers would go he said. I remember leaving Chicago with an idea in my head that Smartbar was representative of Chicago music. Years later I moved there, and started going to Smartbar on the regular.
It really is the classic nightclub. well laid out, great soundsystem, good diverse range of music (just research what the theme of the night is).
It does suffer from an almost too random crowd sometimes due to the fact that the live shows upstairs in Metro let out and send a crowd into the club, who might not have otherwise come to hear said music. Mixing scenes can be good, or bad, haha.
It's larger and more spacious than my fave club in Chicago, Sonotheque, so that's the one leg up it has, more room to dance. But it takes second place in all other categories.
They always bring in the best national and international dance music acts with out the cheesey douchey vibe.
This place is about the music. I like that it's dark and they have a killer sounds system. I'm usually more into the smaller intimate dance venues, but for a club this place rocks.
After reading the great reviews on Yelp on where to hear electronic music in Chicago, I was sold on this place. I was coming in from Phoenix and wanted to hear house music, without a doubt. My friends from Chicago had been to Smart Bar many times back in the day and always raved about it.
First, the sound in the club was AMAZING! It was the first thing I noticed when walking through the dance floor. It didn't bounce, it was clear, and loud! There was no cover that night before 11 PM and $5 Three Olives Vodka drink specials and $4 beer all night. The bartenders were attentive and nice and at the end of the night, gave us free water saying, "You guys have been here forever, here...have the water on me" as she handed us 4 water bottles. It was a very nice gesture and made me like the place even more.
My mission while in Chicago was to listen to house. I didn't care where it was, who was spinning, or what was going down. I just wanted to soak it all up. After living in L.A. for years I miss the culture of great electronic music now that I'm in Phoenix. So I was dying to go out and experience it in this great city of Chicago.
The dance floor was packed because everyone was dancing. People were sweaty and cheering. Friends got high fives from strangers while getting down saying, "Welcome home." It was a great time and definitely one of the highlights of my Chicago trip for sure.
This is on my to-do-list for every time I visit from now on. :)
Note to Smart Bar - you are so not as cool as you think you are.... And you've lost any return visits from this customer. Step in. Go downstairs to the ladies room. My friends were waiting for me upstairs. Finish doing my business. Go back upstairs to retrieve friends. Friends were no longer there. I asked the guy sitting in the hall if I could peek inside the upstairs in case they had wandered in, as none of us had ever been there. He said, no, you can't go in there - it's not my problem you can't find your friends. Ass!
The sound itself was good, and the bartenders were friendly enough, but the heaps of projectile vomit all over the floor of the bathroom was not cool. And once it finally got cleaned up, the entire bathroom smelled no longer like puke, but foul perfume. Enough to want to make anyone barf again.
Finally, one of my friends had her feet kicked up, laying back, after a long night of dancing and drinking at about 3:30 PM. A group of us were sitting on the back couches. One security guard came over, and soonafter, there were probably five of them swarming us. They said she had to leave; her husband after trying to talk some sense into them, as we were not on drugs, said he'd take her out. They put up an attitude, basically had a tantrum amongst themselves, and forced us outside. Completely unnecessary rude treatment.
What a joke.
Smart Bar is a great place to go out for a night of good music, dancing and drinks. It's one of the few places in Chicago that still has a bit of an old-school, underground feeling. They feature a lot of local DJs, as well as some of the best electronic music artists in the world. I have been to Smart Bar many times over the years, and it never gets old.
They have two good bars, a large dance floor, and a good sound system.
Smart Bar is also nice to go to when seeing a show next door at Metro.
Seriously, Smart bar is a dope club. People actually freakin dance and that is all that matters to me. I have been here to see Goldie, LTJ Bukem, Dj Dara and so many others including last nights HECTOR MORALEZ and Jason Hodges.
If you are into house especially deep jackin house Hector is the man right now. Like every vinyl he puts out is pure heat and I have to have it for my collection.
At any rate, back to Smart Bar. I have been here countless times and the crowd is tight and are there for the music and will dance all night like my friends and I and I love that. I don't really drink so I can't comment on their drinks, but I do know a bottled water is 3 bucks and a Corona is 6.
My friend that I haven't seen in 3 years came to town with her bf and I brought them here and they loved it. That is until she got drunk and I hailed them a cab back to their hotel downtown and took my ass back inside to dance till 3am. I love that I live close enough where I can just walk home, all sweaty and everything.
Chicago needs more spots like this for the underground scene. Funny thing is that Richie Hawtin was at Metro and the line was ridiculous. I wanted to see both but Richie was 35 bucks vs free for Hector and Jason before 12...
So Smart Bar never fails me. Every time I leave I am sweating with sore feet and a smile on my face.
I wish I could rate it higher, but they were terrible and kicked out 2 of my friends during a show for no real reason. Smart Bar is super corporate and the music is okay. Dance space is great, but the people are weird. It really depends on what night you go and who is DJing. There are a lot of creepy Eurotrash dudes, so watch out, ladies. Also, drinks aren't cheap. The bartender once messed up an order of sprite and cherry vodka! It was disappointing, but Smart Bar is fun with big groups.
After a total let down at Crobar (trust me, dont go there, review to follow), my friends and I headed over to Smart Bar. A phone call or two and there was no line, no cover. Cheap drinks, good music, laid back crowd, did I mention the cheap drinks? A photo booth and totally hot indie rocker boys loitering outside the Metro? Yes. Damn those skinny jeans and tattoos...sigh.
You can dance without dudes with popped collars bumping into you, you can sit down if you want to, without reserving a table or paying for bottle service. And the people watching is tops. My favorite dance club in Chicago, so far.
Went here with a girlfriend who was visiting from out of town. We wanted a clubby type place… Read more »
I have been here loads of times and it is always a good party. The drinks are moderately priced and the service is usually friendly. The sound system is a Funktion One, which is guaranteed to rock your brainium all night long. I suggest bringing earplugs if you are going to a big name show because they crank it up and I love 'em for that. Having ear plugs also allows you the luxury of safely standing close to the speakers on the dance floor so that you can truly feel the bass pulsating through the literally underground night club.
Before moving to Chicago from my native state of Texas I'd heard tales of the Smart Bar and it totally lived up to my expectations. The resident Dj's are internationally renowned and talent that they import is usually top notch. On a good night you can even find parking on Clark or the surrounding streets. There's even a greasy-spoon across the street so that one may satisfy their drunken munchies after a night of dancing.
I went here for NYE for the second year in a row. It was only $30 dollars (with a $6.50 convenience charge for advanced online tickets), and sometime during my drunken stupor I realized they had $10 bottles of champagne. Thats an A+ for NYE and is certainly one of the reasons why they deserved another star.
Security was a little more toned down than usual. This may have been because they just had more people to worry about than usual. I saw one of the guys that I hate sweeping a floor instead of working the door, so that made me happy. I only saw the guy with all the piercings and the boots once, and thats cool because I've seen how he treats people so I usually like to avoid him. The sweet bartender with the cool hair was working the main bar, so that was cool. The coat check was an animal house, but it was only $2 (standard price).
They did kick one of my friends out for being "too drunk to support her own weight" as she hung off of her boyfriend, but I can understand that so I won't hold it against them.
I think I'm just going to go "pros and cons" on this one...
PROS
-Great Music (especially when James…
Read more »
The best dance club to go on a weekday PERIOD. Weekends are also great, but make it the place to close.
http://metrochicago.co...
Metro Smart Bar used to be called Cabaret Metro/Smart Bar. It is one of the only bars in Chicago that has a 3AM weekday and a 4AM weekend liquor license.
AMBIANCE
In the beginning, the original layout was best - dark floor, with spots and strobes, sawdust on the floor, pounding heart-thumping music with a killer sound system. House is what rules in the house, but depending on the DJ.
After a "lounge remodel", which nearly killed the bar, the layout has returned to a smarter lounge area, and the dancefloor separated by a wall.
Still the killer sound system and great DJs, awesome bar and styles from New York (albeit from 5 years back, Chicago being in the midwest and all)
CAVEATS
No yuppies, and definitely check the yuppie attitude at the door. And don't dress like one. Just don't. And if you don't know what I am talking about, don't go.
This place is in a dark basement, but it's not at all creepy or dingy. Also, I don't know if they're still doing this, but Wednesday used to be Tattoo Industry night.
Remember when you were a kid and the cool thing was to make "compilation tapes" via your double cassette deck? Yeah, on the right night, you'll still hear those songs at Smart Bar, lol (e.g. Operation Ivy, etc).
PS: I deducted one star for the $20 card minimum.
I went here on a Sunday dressed as Dolly Parton after going to Scarlett and Berlin. So you know were I was at mentally by this point.
It was not very crowded. I think they had a junior high dance there cause there was a table with a bowl of chips on it, there were lots of plastic leis on the floor and someone kept gliding past me in rolly shoes.
The bar itself is very spacious with multiple rooms. They have plenty of room for dancing and some polls on the dance floor ( not that kind, like concrete) that can be used to create some sweet moves.
I choose to believe that the scene there is pretty typical and if i ever return there will be some stale tostitos and a couple who seems interested in taking me home despite my mini-drag out fit and bad wig.
Good as always, never have had a bad time at SmartBar! Make sure to visit Kelly at the bar, she is genuinely friendly, makes great drinks and is all around just an awesome bartender!
Love SmartBar! It can be hit or miss at times, but the best place to find the Electronica/House… Read more »
Last night, my boyfriend and I went his friends were djing with DIPLO. Good music, good scene, and awesome VIP area. Except for a few things. The bartenders make good drinks but the big fat black guy WOW VERY IGNORANT this is how it went. ME: EXCUSE CAN I GET A .... HIM: STICKS HIS HAND IN MY FACE AND SCREAMS WAIT. ME: WTF?! HIM: HE COMES BACK AN SAYS WHAT. ME: A VODKA CRANBERRY. HIM: 8.00 ME: THROW MY MONEY (walk away) STAFF their ignorant. The scene is good crowd except the whores that go there who try to leave with guys who have girlfriends. Good laughs and good place to get ur dance on.
Went on a Friday night around midnight. It was almost completely empty. Got in for free with the text message they sent me, also got my 4 buddies in free with it although they weren't pumped about that. The bartender said that Saturday is the better night, wouldn't take much to be better than when I was there. We didn't stay long so maybe it got better but seems like you are taking a chance on this place especially if you have to pay a cover.
LOVE for Smart Bar. A club you can go to without any sort of pretense, velvet ropes for their own sake, or look-at-me-look-at-my-bottle-look-at-me-paying-$40 -cover. The place is open until 4AM. They have text message specials that get you in free. They have drink specials such as $5 Three Olives Vodka Cocktails(saturday) and $3 Effen Cocktails (sunday.)
The music is great, the crowd is NOT sketchy at all. Be warned... getting there for the in-before-11-no-cover special means you arrive to an empty dance floor. The dance floor gets populated by 12 or 12:30 at the latest, but you and your friend you came with have consumed a good 10 of those Three Olives cocktails by then. Watch out!
Awesome bar rocking house music until wee hours of the night. Med size dance floor being watched over by a DJ spinning heart thumping beats making people jump and bump for hours. I have NEVER had a bad time at this place. The DJ himself was a bit on the rude side, but I'll let it slide because it was loud. What I like about this place is that no one cares what you look like or how you dance. Surprisingly enough, this place is in Wrigleyville too. With everyone dancing how they want, it makes for a very fun enviroment.
They even have an old school photo booth in the corner for added drunken fun.
Friendly staff, good people.
Smart Bar is ok if you get really drunk @ a show @ The Metro before hand. ive been there once before a show, and that was ok bc it was semi-empty. i think it was before an Interpol show. anywho, i went recently after The Kills show recently. what a drag. there was a line to get in even though we were already in @ The Metro too. wtf. the dj that night wasnt all that from what i remember. the bar and the dance floor was packed. dont get me wrong, im never one to complain about a place being too packed or whatever but i guess this just wasnt my scene. got a drink then left. oh, me and my date hit up the photobooth there too. do yourself a favor and never use it. the pictures were out of focus and were of really, really poor quality. im a sucker for photobooths though so i had to try it out. you live and learn right? oh well.
Neighborhood: Noble Square
Category: Dance Clubs
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Category: Dance Clubs
Neighborhood: Wrigleyville
Category: Music Venues
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Category: Dance Clubs
Neighborhood: Belmont Central
Category: Dance Clubs
"I kissed the bottle, I should've been kissing…
I don't give out too many 5 star reviews (call me…
We learn dances brand new dances, like the nuclear…
These are the coolest places that I've been to…
When the sun goes down, you'll find me here...all…
Here's where I live my life as a sexy girl in the…
Some of the many places to rock your asses off ,…
