On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.

Spin Night Club

3 star rating
based on 71 reviews

Categories: Gay Bars, Dance Clubs  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Lakeview
800 W Belmont Ave
(between Dayton St & Halsted St)
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 327-7711
Nearest Transit:

Belmont (Purple Express, Brown, Red)

Good for Groups:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Price Range:
$
Wheelchair Accessible:
No
Outdoor Seating:
No
Music:
DJ, Music Videos
Best Nights:
Wed, Fri, Sat
Happy Hour:
Yes
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
Yes

71 reviews for Spin Night Club

Review Highlights   

user photo
"So I used to go here almost every week for the shower contest." (in 9 reviews)
user photo
"Staff very friendly with a very diverse crowd." (in 5 reviews)
user photo
"I always go on Wednesdays, for their $1 drink night." (in 5 reviews)
  Loading...
Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Jennie T.

Elite '09

14

67

Jennie T.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
11/22/2009

Spin might look empty if you look in from the glass windows, but there's a dance floor downstairs that you can't see. Their dance floor is amazing. It's never empty when I come here.

As far as nightclubs go, I don't really enjoy their music (I really don't understand this thing about LGBT nightclubs... Somehow they love to play trance and techno which I don't particularly like, and though I'm not exactly a fan of hip hop, where are the hip hop songs?!?) but it is more amazing than Circuit's selection (see my review on Circuit). Spin also draws a much larger crowd than Circuit (but then again, I've only been to Circuit when they have girls night). It is a mostly-men place but Spin draws a more mixed crowd than other places (Sidetrack, Roscoe's, etc) -- straight, gay, lesbians, trans, whatever you want to call yourself. I like Spin for this simple reason.

I've been here when they don't charge a cover-fee, and I've also been here when they do. I can never remember when they do and when they don't. What I do know is that they have shower contests on Fridays. I don't remember which Friday they have women, but I was there this past Friday and they had a "bears" night. That was...um, not to my taste (I prefer the other sex though). Needless to say, I rushed out of there as quickly as I can (given that I was with some gay friends, it was much slower than I wanted to get out of there).

Oh and a lot of people will probably recommend that you go there on Wednesday (or was it Tuesday?) for their $1 drinks, but I wouldn't advise it. $1 drinks usually consist of shit-alcohol that will get you so wasted and eff-ed up the next morning. Not worth it (unless that's what you're going for). Go for a beer, they're usually cheaper and it'll still get you drunk.

And for those of you who love to play pool, they have a pool table. The downstairs bathrooms are also decently clean (you have to admit that this is important in nightclubs, especially for women).

Was this review …?

 

Photo of andrew s.

 

0

1

andrew s.

San Diego, CA

1 star rating
11/19/2009

I travel to Chicago frequently for work  and this place used to be one of my favorite stomping grounds. Not anymore!

Spin is no longer the fun nightclub it used to be.  The wait is ridiculously long so bring your jackets and a lawn chair.  And once you get to the door, the bitchy cashiers awaiting you act like its a chore to take your $7!!! cover. After you make it pass these bitchy gate keepers, good luck getting better service from the bartenders.
Overall the club was a mess with empty glasses on seats and wet floors.  The only good thing was the music.

There must be a change in management.  Even though the name says Spin,  it's really not the same place it used to be.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of GossipGirl l.

 

35

124

GossipGirl l.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
11/2/2009

On Tues. nights it's $7.00 to enter-Not cool. Sure there's $1.00 beers and wine but $7.00 really? Knock $2.00 off that entrances fee and then ill step foot back in this place on a Tues.

p.s.
The Music in this place was A M A Z I N G!!!! loved loved loved IT!!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Kristin R.

Elite '09

54

144

Kristin R.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
11/21/2009

I had much higher hopes for Spin. My friend and I planned on going there to dance on a Friday night and it was just totally blah. The music was just OK. They played some key hits (Lady Gaga and Brittney's newest jam) but in general it was just a bunch of remixes of totally random songs. There was one total asshole bartender who overcharged me (on purpose) and then accused me of lying. Whatever. But the other bartender and the manager were very nice and I got two free drink tickets for getting totally ripped from asshole bartender. Then they did this "shower" competition where you basically strip down into your skivvies and do a little strip tease in the shower. The Rue Paul look-a-like was managing the competition but it just took soooooooooo long. And my friends and I just wanted to dance. But instead we were stuck watching various male interpretations of a strip tease. Um, no thanks. I also lost my scarf there. Either somebody stole it (super sketch) or asshole bartender ran off with it just to spite me. Honestly who knows. What I do know is that this place sucks. Oh it was also totally empty! Apparently the place is huge so it never seems crowded and maybe Spin's regular customers know how lame Fridays are with their stupid little shower competition and come on other days. This place gets an F- all the way. Next time we want to go dancing I think we'll definitely look elsewhere. Some place where you can actually dance at a dance club, and where the employees actually give a shit about their patrons.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Richard T.

Elite '09

609

461

Richard T.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
9/14/2009

This place gets 4 stars instead of 5 cause it wasn't exactly lifechanging.

Came on a Wednesday night for dollar drinks. Note that there is a $7.00 cover on this night. Depending on how much you drink, this may or may not be a good deal.

For a Wednesday night this is tons of fun, lots of boys for you to do yo thang.

Get yer freak on.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Martha C.

Elite '09

85

133

Martha C.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
9/7/2009

"Turn up the music lets get out on the floor" of Spin!

While I am not gay or lesbian, I have to say that so far this is one of my favorite dance clubs in Chicago. The music is some of the best dance music I have found so far and the drag queen stage performance is pretty fantastic! I love to watch other people shake what there momma gave them and gay men tend to be some of the best dancers out there.

I traveled here with some of my gay boyfriends on a random Wednesday and was overjoyed to see a club hoping like it was the weekend. With dollar drink Wednesdays, no wonder the line was long outside. It was totally worth making a trip to Spin for the laser lights, the cheap drinks and the dance atmosphere.

I also have to say it was a relief as well to go to a club where people aren't rude; there was no pushing, no dirty looks, no drama. Thank god for something different!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Jennifer Q.

Elite '09

44

237

Jennifer Q.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
11/6/2009

Every time I've gone to Spin, I've had a good time! I really like that they play good, fun dance music AND the videos that go with them. Remember those things called videos they *used* to play on channels like MTV? Well, it's hard to see videos nowadays so it's kinda cool to go to a bar and catch up on pop culture! Spin recently went through a remodel and has a swanky whole new addition that I liked a lot. If you are looking for a cool place to meet up with friends with absolutely no pretension, Spin is your place.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Rob L.

Elite '09

590

512

Rob L.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
7/30/2009

I've been here a bunch of times, last time was to cheer on my now former roommate at Gay Idol. (Sorry, no drama or bad blood, we just decided to go our own ways, cheer up Charlie). Now the last time I was here the place was small, kinda cheap looking, not so fab and I would have thrown this place perhaps one or two stars just for the decent drink specials and yes, perhaps even for the amusing people watching.

Then yonder the time I came in to cheer, scream and vote for said FR and they earned two more stars. The place has expanded. More notably the downstairs portion down the iron stairs. I will say, if one was to be drunk and not watching what that one was doing... well... perhaps some tripping and falling would happen. Or perhaps I just can't walk. Yes. We will leave it that I just can't walk up and down stairs. A cross that I will bare.

The place looks much improved then the hazy nights I came out with my friends here. Still gay. Still lots of boys sizing and staring and checking and cruising each other out. Its the right of passage here. If perhaps you are uncomfortable with that... move on. But I digress...

Drink specials are good, nothing mind blowing, but they do the trick. I will say if you do get some stiff drinks here. I mean the citron and sevens I were having were sipping strength for sure. The bartenders are fast and friendly, always with a smile and friendly nod. The lay out was spacious, with plenty of areas to sit, whether to mingle or to be single or to be manhandled, you'll have ample areas to sample the scene. Plenty of contests get held here, not my thing, but if a night with the gays is in order, a stop here might not be a bad choice to make.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Alyssa V.

Elite '09

28

74

Alyssa V.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
Updated - 8/30/2009

It's time for another update, because after some enthusiasm for Spin, my best friend and I have vowed never to step foot in here again.

I'm not going to just take away all their stars, because obviously it's good for someone to occasionally hang out in.  But the issue is that you can't hang out in here too much.  Seriously, do not overdo it, because once you start to know the people hanging out here, it's pretty alarming, and you don't want to be a drunk regular at Spin that knows the top 10 playlist gleaned by B96 by heart.

I guess I just got pretty bored.  And if I ever have another pitcher of intensely sweet Frat Boy Thursday jungle juice, it will be too soon.  

However, there are three stars left because I love the drag queen shows.  While Frat Boy Thursday night is happening upstairs, Thursday night is pretty fabulous in the basement...too bad they don't have drink specials down there and I'm stuck with jungle juice or carrying around a 4 dollar 40 all night....plus, I have to go upstairs and brave another Rihanna song to get to the drink specials.

Was this review …?

 

2 Previous Reviews: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    5/29/2009

    I'm still keeping Spin at 4 stars, but I wanted to compliment them on their new decor.  If you… Read more »

Photo of Stephanie H.

Elite '09

54

130

Stephanie H.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
8/12/2009

It's gay. It's a disco. It's a gay disco.

Fun place to grab a drink (or several) and get your groove on.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Joyce P.

Elite '09

15

85

Joyce P.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
10/3/2009

Spin is fun. And they sometimes have special where the pitcher of beer is cheaper than the glass. This has gotten me in trouble more than once. When you are all older I will tell you about the shower contest debacle.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of v.i.o.l.e.t.t.a. D.

 

2

21

v.i.o.l.e.t.t.a. D.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
9/9/2009

I really loved the atmosphere here, I thought it was very nice.

The multi level dance floor is a lot of fun..I don't care if you're gay/lesbian/bi/straight you'll love this place, it's great.

I would say the only thing I didn't care for is the parking situation...it's impossible finding a spot.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Rocky K.

 

21

377

Rocky K.

San Bruno, CA

4 star rating
8/15/2009

I was only in Chicago for a glamorous 20 hour layover on my way to to SFO and my friend brought me here on their dollar drink night on Wednesday. How fucking dangerous in that? I'm still on Dublin time, I throw down 10 bucks, and I can get some deep dish pizza on the way home so I can sleep for 4 hours to get to O'Hare by 8am.

The venue is great, love the whole warehouse feel. The place just kept going on going, it never ends! There's so much space!

I love you Chicago!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Edward L.

 

0

1

Edward L.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
9/11/2009

When I moved to Chicago, all my friends in LA told me that Chicago clubs suck! I have been to Mickey's, Fubar, Rage and the Abbey in WEHO and I must say, there is only one club in Chicago that compares!  

Spin is AMAZING!  The bartenders are not only hot, but they are nice!!!!  The space is fantastic (2 dance floors, 4 bars) and they had giant disco balls as tall as me!  Cover charge on Friday night was only $1 and my friend won $150 in a Shower Contest.  The shower lowered from the ceiling!!! I went back on a Wednesday for their $1 Drink Night and it was packed with hot guys, and who can beat $1 for drinks!

You MUST check out this place!  They have parties, shows and contests almost every night.  Great mixed crowd of real cool people!  It's become my favorite place to go in Chi!!!!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Enrique A.

 

7

29

Enrique A.

Green Bay, WI

4 star rating
8/7/2009

I think this is where I was at last weekend...

- Are you coming to Spin? They got porn stars as special guests.

- Porn stars? We're on our way.

- Cover charge $1? hotness.

- Who's that stranger dancing with Emilio? I don't know. I think he's been drinking for a while

- You're getting us drinks? Sweet thanks!

- This place is nice. They have a downstairs area? Wow it's huge.
and the bathrooms are clean and decent! Bonus. I like it!

- Lets take pictures with the porn stars! Okays!

- OMG I love this Madonna song "..You're frozen, When your heart's not open..."

- Another drinky? Okay!

- Eeeww what are the porn stars doing with the whip cream?

- LOL with your wild moves you totally spilled all of my drink over that guy's shoes! I don't think he noticed, okay let's keep dancing.

- Look the porn stars are giving free shots, lets go up there!

- What did that guy want? I don't know, I couldn't understand him, I think something was wrong with his arm because he was pointing at it, he was totally wasted. Noo girl, he was telling you to touch his big muscles! LOL!  oh well...

- I feel kind of dizzy, you want to go to Circuit? Okay let's go!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Denise P.

Elite '09

149

441

Denise P.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
6/8/2009

Oh Spin, where have you been all my life? For some reason, every time i go to Boystown we pass this place up. My neighbors wanted to go so we did, and it was great. Magic hat on tap for $4 on Friday night and $1.00 cover. A dance club downstairs with strippers that poked me with their fake hard-ons, a small bar upstairs and the main bar with pool tables and TV's playing Madonna/Rihanna/Kylie videos. A diverse crowd as well. It wasn't very crowded though, the only low point. We decided to leave for the more lively crowd at Roscoe's.

So if you want to have room to dance, pass up Roscoe's for Spin.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Sarah-Jayne M.

Elite '09

30

151

Sarah-Jayne M.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
9/10/2009

I'm not gay but I love to Spin! I've been here a couple of times, the first time was to celebrate the release of Madonna's 'Confessions" album and let's face it, nobody loves Miss M more than the gays! And then this weekend when I was attending Madonna Night at Berlin - what a coinkydink! I've always liked spin because it's so much fun but kinda casual at the same time. The downstairs bar was relatively quiet, the bar tender totally cute and accomodating - making me dirty martini when I know those are a B*tch to make. The music - FABULOUS! All Madonna, Britney, Kylie and GaGa - all my fav gay icons.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Ebs B.

Elite '09

107

132

Ebs B.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
6/8/2009

And the world keeps spinning round and round (or at least my head was)...

Oh, what a night! Went here for my first time last Wednesday where well drinks and draft beers are $1. There was a small cover, but I guess that helps alleviate the cheapness of the drinks.

The place is a pretty good size with a dance floor on the main level and downstairs. The crowd was a mixed crowd which I love! This means that all my friends can come along :)

It's funny because I had always been told not to go here when I moved to the city (don't ask why because I didn't ask, just took their word for it). However, I'm glad I did make it out. At least on Wednesday night it was a blast.

I'll raise my $1 drink to you...Here's to you Spin!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Michelle P.

 

5

18

Michelle P.

Denver, CO

4 star rating
7/13/2009

Great place to go with a group of friends or solo after a long hard week at the office.  Staff very friendly with a very diverse crowd.  Young and old alike always great conversations from locals to out of towners.  Wednesday nights have "What the F* $1.00 well drinks" Ask for the Melon Ball.. it will rock your world.  

A couple of months ago they had renovated Spin with a new layout including a bigger dance floor, romantic lounging area, 3 more bar areas and more bathrooms..big time plus.    

Make sure you ask for Keven (bartender).. he's a sweet heart and will make you his most incredible concoction shot with Skyy Grape Vodka..

Cheers

Was this review …?

 

Photo of David R.

 

1401

66

David R.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
3/8/2009

Cozy ambience & batenders are nice!
We are not big fan of dance club, but this place is great to chill with friends.
Now they open the new bar area.  Try it's guys!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Luis L.

Elite '09

19

76

Luis L.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
4/27/2009

The problem with qualitative cultural  generalizations is that they're always incorrect. The good thing about them is that they're REALLY funny. With that in mind, I want to introduce a concept into the culture; "Poor People" thinking. When I say, "that's so Poor People," I mean it in an inversionistic, parodic way, to make fun of people who would pretentiously deride people who are actually poor.

Dollar Drinks Nights are SOOO Poor People!!! I try not to go to bars when it's Dollar Drinks Night. That doesn't mean I haven't been to a Dollar Drinks Night. Unfortunately, I have a friend who, although he's not "poor," per se, is TOTALLY "Poor People." So I've had to suffer through Dollar Drinks Nights at pretty much EVERY bar in Boystown that HAS a Dollar Drinks Night.

Oh, it's hilarious. People holding their tiny plastic cups, coyly posing on a corner by themselves or with their friends, imagining that it's ALL SO fabulous. Schadenfreude? TOTALLY.

Lawl.

That being said, I LOVE Spin's new cavernous, labyrinthine layout! The uniforms employes are made to wear are just lovely. The music needs some tweaking. (It's kinda too gay.) So unless you're there on Dollar Drinks Night, it's not bad at all.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Sixto M.

Elite '09

29

88

Sixto M.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
2/28/2009

Before this past weekend, the last time I ever entered Spin was almost 2 years ago.  I was just never a fan of the atmosphere that Spin had on the weekends.  But when I heard that they added space onto their current layout, I thought "what the heck, go check it out".  Well, I'm glad I did!  For those people out there that are on the fence about Spin, or who like me, haven't been in some time, go check it out!

There are now several new lounge areas, a couple new bar areas, and a completely new dancefloor.  The new areas are decorated really well, with new sofas, flat screen tvs, and chic bar stools/tables.  What's so great about this, is that the "old" spin is still intact; you can still relax in the front bar, play pool, or dance in the back dancefloor. But for those that want something new and different, you can into the basement and dance your life away, or go upstairs and people watch Halsted with your drink in your hand.

Some things to note:
-I know its been a couple of years since I've been, but the drink prices are a little high.  I think its $6 for a rum and coke.  As opposed to Roscoe's where it would be $4.25.  
-They have a lot of new flat screen tvs all over the lounge areas, and for some reason they were playing porn.  Maybe it was just because it was a Saturday night, but maybe that's their new thing.  It makes for interesting conversation!
-The space really is very big, and that can mean that you feel a little isolated from everyone.  Some areas are more 'popular' than others.

So even if you think you now what Spin was, go back and check it out.  Maybe you'll change your mind.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Melanie V.

Elite '09

160

442

Melanie V.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
2/5/2009

$1 drinks on Wednesday nights. (Beer, wine, and well drinks)

Yessir!

But, get in there early - I think they start charging cover at 10pm.  

A drag queen also asked my friends and I if we were 1) straight and 2) single.  When we said yes to both questions, she kinda laughed and said, "Well, maybe you shouldn't hang out at a gay bar."  

Yeah, well, we were just lured in by the cheap drinks!  Can you blame us?  Didn't think so.

Plus, we met the funnest, most wasted guy here who asked if he could "hang out with us".  Priceless.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of SHERESSE S.

Elite '09

14

54

SHERESSE S.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
5/10/2009

Everyone knows that Boys-town has a colorful fun nightlife It's boys-town! Spin is one of those places! I live in boys-town right next to Pie-hole pizza so Spin is right in my territory. One of my friends is a regular here, so I ventured to spin a week ago with  a crew. I was the only straight person in the bunch ,but that didn't stop me! This place is huge. I walked by it numerous times and never realized how many floors and rooms there are in this place. I had a few jack and cokes The glasses are decent size and they put a lot of jack in there.

The more the jack the happier I am.  So yes Spin I think I may love you!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Samantha L.

Elite '09

23

147

Samantha L.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
7/21/2009

Why does Spin get 5 stars? Because it is a good place to go dancing, as well as a good place to sit and catch up with friends over fun music and drinks. Why else? They somewhat regularly let the Golden Girls (breakdance group) perform downstairs, and I love them. There's even a Spin male dancer who breakdanced in tidy whities last time I went. Glorious. Drinks are no pricier than the average Chicago club.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Stephen R.

Elite '09

7

83

Stephen R.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
3/31/2009

There is such a Spin Stigma around these parts, and I'll never get it.  I enjoy Spin a lot.  Especially since the new bar opened in the other building.

I take my straight friends/co-workers here often on Friday nights for some friendly pool and 5-o'clock cocktails.  Bartenders are nice, prices are reasonable, and drinks are good.  It's really chill.

It was never quite my "late night" bar of choice, but since the expansion I have to give mad props for the new bar.  The upstairs view to Halsted is great and the downstairs dancefloor is absolutely awesome.  So much better than the old Spin, but old Spin's pool tables are still my haven.  

Never had a bad time here, so I definitely recommend it.  And for anyone who wrote Spin off -- check out the new bar in the nextdoor building.  It's really worth it.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Erika G.

Elite '09

329

951

Erika G.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
11/9/2008

This place is fun occasionally but hey, bitches. Girl money spends just like boys, so can we please get a little attention at the bar?

Went here after the Madonna concert a couple weeks ago, 'cos girls love the combo of gay boys and Madonna. It's the Holy Trinity - gay men, straight women and Madonna, praise jeeeezus. I went to one of the Wednesday $1 drink nights many years ago ('00? '01?) and seriously . . . danger.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Bianca J.

Elite '09

40

86

Bianca J.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
11/12/2008

A group of female friends and myself attempted to meet some gay male friends here tonight. The bouncers were incredibly snippy, telling us to stop "blocking the way" (there were five of us not loitering, but merely waiting to pay to get in, and we were the only ones in the entranceway) and we decided to leave when the bouncer decided my friend's real out of state ID (replete with holograms) was fake, even after she showed him multiple alternate forms of ID.

We took our business elsewhere. And I am again reminded why I drink in Andersonville, not Boystown. Being treated as pariahs on the basis of being female is not acceptable.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Sarah J.

Elite '09

34

122

Sarah J.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
12/2/2008

So I used to go here almost every week for the shower contest... but last time I was there I noticed that some things have changed and wow... the neighborhood had changed greatly.. in a bad way.

BEWARE of the groups when you go here.. they are roughing up folks for their lunch money  ;)

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Julia A.

Elite '09

54

338

Julia A.

IL

3 star rating
8/14/2009

Wednesdays are $1 beers at Spin, and if you arrive before 10, you don't have to pay the $5 cover. That's the only day I've ever been here, and boy, does this place get packed. Spin recently expanded to multi levels, all of which are pretty dark and cavernous. There's the main room with the circular bar and the pool tables by the window. Then you have the basement area with the disco ball and the stage to dance on, the upstairs bar area with the windows overlooking the dance floor, and the lounge area, which is a little cozier and quieter. I've seen everything from Lady Gaga videos to gay porn on the televisions. Drama seems to circulate through the air vents here, so I always find it entertaining to eavesdrop when I can hear, and watch all the subtle and not-so-subtle body language. And shirtless bartenders... ain't nothing wrong with that! I don't love it here, but it's not really my scene.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Keisha K.

 

2

7

Keisha K.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
5/31/2009

I used to love the old spin Saturday night and had a blast every time I went.  I returned again this Saturday after a long hiatus.

I had the worst experience! I tried to get my drink which is a blend of two popular liquors but the back bar did not have one of them.  The bartender was friendly and said the front bar might have them both.  I then went to the front bar in the room with the pool tables. It took forever to get a drink.  My iPhone counted down the minutes and it took 11 minutes for someone to even acknowledge me.  Maybe it was because of the color of my skin.  The bar staff went to other patrons who got to the bar well after I did but served them before I was even approached.  When the short blond bartender finally came over, he had the nastiest attitude.  He very much acted like I was irritating him and he kept acting like he couldn't hear me.  Eventually he said they didn't have either liquor up there and I walked away.  He was so friendly with all those other guys he served prior, but maybe because they were white.

The club has been nicely redone but it's too big for it's own good.  The place looks so empty and the lines are just too long for no reason.  There's no variety with the music either which I hate.  I can't take that techno dance mess.  I don't plan on ever going back.

I typically spend around $300 a night when I go to clubs and many of the promoters know me by face at the clubs I frequent, including the promoters that hosted the Earotic Saturdays that were held at Spin in the past.  I usually got in free and usually was able to get my group in with no charge as well because I spend alot.  This cover charge to spend money at nightclubs is ridiculous to me.  You want me to pay you to come in to pay you for drinks?  Good luck with that!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Laurel W.

 

4

74

Laurel W.

Indianapolis, IN

1 star rating
7/11/2008

STAY AWAY FROM SPIN!!!

I came here with a couple of my gay friends who had never been to Boys Town. We stopped here because of it's convenient location. It turns out that the drinks are extremely watered down and the bartenders are assholes. The music was awful. Basically, don't come here unless you like bad music or you're looking to hook up with thuggish looking lesbians that reminded me of Shaquille O'Neal.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Victor L.

 

10

11

Victor L.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
7/1/2009

This is definitely an awesome place. I had a blast my first time here. There is a diverse crowd (I made really great new friends here!!) the prices are reasonable (especially $1 drink days!) The dance stage is not that big nor small and the shows are really funny. the bartenders are polite and friendly. The only low point (in my view point) is that the music could be just a little bit better.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Matt B.

Elite '09

45

191

Matt B.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
8/19/2008

Chicago has plenty to offer when it comes to nightlife, but if you ever find yourself in a club rut, it's time to throw your evening into a Spin.

While located at the south end of Boystown, Chicago's GLBT nightlife neighborhood, the club caters to a diverse clientele.  No matter what your label or orientation, Spin provides plenty to look forward to.  There are weekly promotions, the most popular of which may be the midnight shower contest on Friday nights.  Men and women get wet and wild every week, bearing nothing but a tiny towel and leaving little to the imagination.

There are three bars available, and the club is filled with TV screens playing pop, urban, and dance music videos.  Two pool tables are located near the front windows, giving a prime view of the Belmont Avenue and Halsted Street intersection.  A small dance floor is located in the back (open after 10 p.m. Wednesday - Sunday), along with a bar and vinyl booths to rest those tired feet.

Every day of the week offers some kind of drink deal and/or special event.  Feeling retro?  Thursdays are "Awesome '80s" night.  Play free pool and board games on Monday nights while enjoying $10 vodka-lemonade pitchers.  And to make the most of your dollars, stop by on Wednesday nights.  Five dollars at the door is the admission price for Dollar Drink Night, where all well drinks, wine, and domestic drafts are $1.

I have had quite a few nights out with friends that started here.  Even when there were only two or three of us, you'd be amazed at how many friends you can make after an evening of dollar drinks.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of scott s.

 

5

105

scott s.

New Hyde Park, NY

2 star rating
4/6/2009

Can be good

Can also be really bad

Really Creepy

and down right shady

Enjoy

Was this review …?

 

Photo of joanna e.

Elite '09

48

254

joanna e.

Pasadena, CA

1 star rating
6/13/2008

A good friend of mine wanted to check out the 'scene' in Chicago so we obliged; plus it seemed fun. Unfortunately for us, the scene at Spin was horrible...

GHETTO LESBIANS / J LO NON STOP on the TV / GROSS BATHROOMS / YUCKY DRINKS.

As we were getting ready to leave, we saw a group of ghettoes outside the club. That was pretty much where our night ended.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Derek K.

 

14

57

Derek K.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
5/18/2009

The new Spin is a vast improvement over the old Spin. I wish I could give it a higher rating, I really do. This bar has a lot of potential so hopefully it can overcome some of its shortfalls. I guess the best way to sum it up is to compare it to other boystown bars (the good and the bad ones) so here it goes:
Size and layout like Sidetrack - well maybe not as big but still big. Lots of space, lounge space, multiple bars and two dance floors as well as the whole music video concept.
Staff like Minibar - hot, great bodies. The service can be painfully slow though. There are 4 bars, 5 patrons in the whole place and you still wait 15 minutes for a drink hmmmmmmmm.
Drink quality like Roscoes with Roscoes prices - measured pours - kind of!!! At least they are not mechanical yet....but still makes the bartenders looks like amateurs (which they clearly are sighhh). Do the free pour you're already charging a lot!
Music like Hydrate - pretty good overall. You have your typical gay-disco-techno-circuit-party-throbbing-beats which I think is great. You also get the staple of any gay bar/club shirtless patrons dancing on the stage which I think is great as well.
Dance floor like Charlies - well the lighting/sound/fog system at least - overall nice and adds a good effect to the dancing.
Crowd like Circuit - you get the mix of gays and lesbians which is pretty cool actually.
A few other comments for Spin. Please stop the following:
- measured pours. It is ridiculous!!!
- charging cover. If you want people to come drop the cover, for now at least. Let the boys (and girls) rediscover the new Spin. You already have very few patrons showing up as it is.
- the shot boys. It is sad to see them walking around essentially begging people to buy the shots "Do you want to have sex on the beach for a dollar?" It is pathetic and should not be done in a gay bar/club. Nothing like a warm, watered-down shot, purchased from an underwear clad emaciated twink and served in a test tube - let's not sink that low.
I have high hopes for you Spin, please don't disappoint otherwise you'll see your business dwindle and it will be time to cash in on that fire insurance policy (Red Scarlet??? just kidding, it was actually a good bar)

Was this review …?

 

Photo of tessa c.

Elite '09

50

206

tessa c.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
8/6/2009

the music sometimes is ok and sometimes it's great. people watching is fun here and the people are generally chill. bartenders are hot and they get you whatever you want in a relatively fast manner even on busy nights. love it!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Ryan J.

 

13

35

Ryan J.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
9/12/2008

Have been to Spin twice since moving to the city, and I will say that my most recent experience was much improved over the first one.

On our first visit, the bartender was a completely self-conscious and assholish dick for no reason whatsoever, after I'd just ordered a round of four shots of "whatever-he-wanted-to-make".  The music was not good, the bar was practically empty, and those who were there weren't even dancing.  Hmmm?

My next visit featured a drag show and cheap Stoli mixed pitchers.  Not too shabby of a show and drink combo.  Again, after the show, however, no one danced -- everyone just looked around, pretentiously bothered that my group of friends and I were attempting to start some semblance of a party.

Not sure I'll be back, if I can avoid it.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Megan H.

 

1

7

Megan H.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
8/17/2009

I went to SPIN on their $1 cocktail Wednesday night and had a fabulous time.  I am straight so any of you out there feeling unsure about a gay bar do not be deterred.  It's good times with good music for everyone!  Plus delicious shirtless men galore!  And you can't beat $1 drinks, even if they are tiny- even if they are half the size, its still one 1/6 of the price you would pay anywhere else!

Was this review …?

 

1 to 40 of 71 |  
Page: 1 2
Write a Review

People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...

  • Photo of Sidetrack

    Sidetrack

    4 star rating
     140 reviews

    Neighborhood: Lakeview

    Category: Gay Bars

  • Photo of Roscoe's

    Roscoe's

    3.5 star rating
     115 reviews

    Neighborhood: Lakeview

    Category: Gay Bars

  • Photo of Cell Block

    Cell Block

    3.5 star rating
     10 reviews

    Neighborhood: Lakeview

    Category: Gay Bars

  • Photo of Big Chicks

    Big Chicks

    4.5 star rating
     96 reviews

    Neighborhood: Uptown

    Category: Gay Bars

  • Photo of Berlin

    Berlin

    4 star rating
     138 reviews

    Neighborhood: Lakeview

    Category: Dance Clubs

People Viewed This After Searching For...