Hadn't been to the DD for a long time until Chairlift last night. Was very impressed not just by the sound and lighting of the show, but particularly by the efforts they made to make sure a handicapped individual was able to get to a spot in the crowd of this particular show so that he could see it. I'm not sure many venues would go to that extra effort. My beer was pretty cheap and the door folks were friendly. Please don't get kicked out to become a Shake Shack. Double Door is one of few remaining institutions of the old Wicker Park. Without places like this, what is a neighborhood worth living in? read more

Frank Black Smashing Pumpkins Janes Addiction Liz Phair Liquid Soul - About a thousand times Helen Stellar A million great Chicago bands that have and haven't made it. If you don't like this place. Don't go. It's one of the last great music venues in Chicago. Won't be long before it goes the way of Lounge Ax. Enjoy it while you can. Too Loud????? What are you doing here???? read more

I went to listen to Cathryn Kalder back in december. She was awesome! At the time I was going through excruciating back pain, and I needed to get my medicine from my car. Apparently, going out for a smoke is allowed, but given that my car was right in front of the door, but the "bouncer" didn't see me smoking, i got charged again. That, in my opinion, amounts to stealing. It is the gotcha business model that I hate read more

So the shows at the Double Door are on point! i have only been twice, however it averaged around $20 per show. Where else could you get to see some quality neo-soul acts for that price! Bilal and Eric Roberson... i missed the Foreign Exchange because it fell on a Sunday. It got hot in there which was nice because i think it was in the single digits when I caught those concerts. Forget the coat check... i held my jacket. but if you live the lavish life... it was i think it was a handful of nickles (1-2 dollars... for you guys not from the south.) The environment was nice. I like the Wicker Park area and everyone was friendly. Yea... even the crowd! Just come early and get you a spot because you won't get a good view if you come in late. read more

Sometimes the sound sucks and the beer isn't all that cheap, but it's still a great venue for music! Usually you can go here to see a band for under $10. (Recently I saw The Sleepers, The Steepwater Band, and Marc Ford for $10.) This venue is a bit dirty, sometimes a bit edgy and it's an icon in the Chicago music scene. I never have to wait for a drink, there's some pool tables downstairs and their Halloween show is killer every year. read more

Great place to see Trampled by Turtles, a bizarrely packed house for bluegrass but you couldn't beat the energy. Pretty decent sound all over the bar and it was never piercingly loud which totally gets it an extra star. The whole experience felt a little mainstream music venue with transaction fees and $6 beers but at least there was a large selection of beers to be had. read more

Saw Bob Schneider here a couple years ago and overall had a "meh" feeling about the venue. The main problem is the setup of the long room, but it being almost completely level. For a short person, you loathe these situations because the chances of you seeing are low and the chances of you having your face two inches from a sweaty armpit are high. Which leads me to the heat. Dear jeebuz. No amount of metal fan can cool off this place when it heats up. Gross. Bar tenders were great. We were helping out Bob's manager with some stuff and were there early. Bar tender gave us free drinks that night. woot! Also, Chicago crowd....what the heck? People were talking the entire time and it was obnoxious. I've seen his shows in a couple different cities, but Chicago was by far the lousiest. Ick. read more

I've been to Double Door for some small local shows, and I've sung here as well at a packed Latin music event. When the crowd is sparse, I like it a lot. Good views, cool vibe, decent sound. Performing here is okay, too. There's actually a lot of green room space downstairs, but it's serious grungy. Like many venues in Chicago, I guess. The stage is a decent size. When it gets crowded, it gets crowded! They let it get so full that you can really only stand in one spot and hold your ground. Sad that they'll be closing though. I hope they move to a nice location. read more

I hadn't been to the Double Door for sometime, but went there last night to see Legendary Shack Shakers. It really is a great place to see bands play. There really isn't a bad view of the stage anywhere. With the bar right next to stage, you don't have to go too far to get another drink. If it get's too crowded, you can always venture downstairs. Pool tables, another bar and it's much quieter. Yes, the beer is ridiculously over priced. Luckily I don't drink a lot beer. Bourbon/water is $5.50, moderately priced and not at all watered down. Actually quite stronger than most other bar drinks. If you smoke, they give you a pass to go outside and puff away if you can't go that long without smoking. read more

Odd... I was almost positive I'd reviewed this place long ago. So, I'll make this sorry and sweet. If you live in Chicago and like live music, you'll eventually watch a show here. They bring in a large variety of performers to meet many tastes. Back in the day, this was a beer and shot joint. The kind of place were inevitably you'll find at least one guy asleep on a bar stool. Now... well, it looks exactly the same, only they utilize a stage almost every night and pull in large crowds. P.S. If you come here during the summer, then bring a fan... because my god does it get freakin' hot in here! They have A/C but it's never on. read more

Reviewing for Soul Summit nights only: This is my favorite soul event on the north side. A bit less hipster than the Empty Bottle, which is nice, because it's a more diverse crowd. Yes, there are actually black people who go to this soul night. :) The music is much better as well - they ALWAYS play Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings - which if you haven't heard of, you need to right now. So I'd say they play music that's more recognizable than obscure hits, but they do have a nice mix. DJs are pretty good - my group can find our tempo and beat. Plus, they have some badass posters that they sell of old motown artists and black pride. The only downside is that it gets packed in here, so you might lose your drink by way of an elbow. Other than that, enjoy. read more

I have been to this venue a couple times. Overall, I don't like it. The women's bathroom is unbelievably dirty, smelly, and run down. Without question, the most disgusting bathroom I have ever had the displeasure of entering. There is simply no excuse for this. The coat check guy was unfriendly and did not even acknowledge that I gave him a nice tip (which I wished I could have taken back given his attitude). The ticket taker and security were also rude. DD could be a fun venue if it was cleaned up and the staff was told to crack a smile once in a while instead of a sneer. While sneers are sometimes justified, there is no need to be a surely bastard to essentially everyone. read more

This is my favorite live music venue in the city. I always get excited when a band I want to see is playing here because that means I get to go! Sadly there haven't been a whole lot of bands I've wanted to see here lately. This is what I would call a dive music venue, but the sound is good and I like that it's big enough that you don't have everyone on top of you. If it's crowded you can go downstairs to escape. I only wish the drinks were a bit cheaper. I hate paying $4 for crappy beer in a can. The staff rocks and there is more seating than you normally find at music venues. They even have a stealth woman's washroom which I won't spill the location of. It's nice not having to wait in line while 20 girls do their makeup. Recently they did a bit of remodeling. It looks nice but it seems they are trying to clean up their act a little and give the facade of being more lounge-like. NOOO! Stay dirty just the way I like you! read more

If you don't like cigarette smoke or loud music, go to the opera! This is by far my favorite place to see a band in the Chicagoland area. It has such a great vibe as soon as you walk in the door. The bathrooms are shitty and the place stinks, and has rock n' roll written all over it! They get some great talent in there too. If you're looking to hear some new music, pick any night and check this place out. For the guys, if when you go to the bathroom you're going for the extended stay, I recommend going to the bathroom downstairs, unless you like a stall door that only goes up to your chest (or, just avoid going to Flash Taco beforehand). read more

I don't think I'll ever see another show here. Cons: - People talking incessantly so you can't hear the band. Never understand why people can't keep their cakehole shut for 2 hours after they've paid $20 to see a band. This place was the worst for this I've ever experienced. If you have an extrovert friend, please smack them right in their mouth when they open it. - Got VIP tickets to sit behind the bar. There are no speakers that point that direction so you get a muddled sound of the band and have to go up to the stage to hear well anyway. - VIP seating is awkward. It's a tiny 'bar' and you kinda want to lean on it from your seat, but you can't scoot the seat up far enough so you end up leaning painfully or just sitting straight up on your stool. Kind of a dumb complaint but if you experience it you'll see what I mean. - Drinks were mixed with flat soda. Pros: The only real pro here is that the band we saw was amazing (Afro Beat Project). I wish we had seen them somewhere else though. read more

Bring ear plugs if you ever expect to hear again and a mask if oxygen's your thing. Yeah, I know it is supposed to be loud but, come on, even in the back you have to scream to be heard in between bands! I would only go if there is a band you like and then get out of dodge quick! read more

This was such a fun music venue to check out. Three levels. It's got that dark, smaller club feel (which is amazing) with all the glitz saved for the bands playing you get to really enjoy the show. BOTTOM FLOOR- pool tables, separate bar great place to chill if you want to be slightly separated from the dancing masses. MIDDLE FLOOR- great space, merch area, small stage keeps it quaint, big bar, fast bartenders. TOP FLOOR- a VIP perch where you can see the show without being bumped into, not as chill as the large bottom floor, but you still get to see the bands. read more

Another great Chicago music venue that I've somehow missed reviewing. tsk tsk. Most recently, I was at Double Door for Window Licker's Holiday Hangover Show. There was a good crowd going and the sound was good. My only complaint is that beer here is expensive. 4 dollars for a pbr?!? ugh. But, the fact that there is a downstairs bar you can escape to when you'd rather hold a conversation than be drowned out by just okay music is priceless. seriously. there is nothing worse than having to stand through loud crappy music. I love that you can hang downstairs for bands you dont like and then go back up to rock out when you want. I also once saw an awesome acoustic show down there. double door is double the fun! read more

I've never had a problem with this place. It's close to the house so I can walk there. Double bonus brownie points for that! (Actually, I should get the points for that, for living where I do.) I've been to a few concerts here, most recently 1) Tony Lucca and 2) Nashville Pussy. The sound is always great, almost every spot you stand in has a pretty good view of the stage, and it doesn't get so overly crowded that some little gomer with acne and a Myspace shirt is forced to dry hump your leg. ALWAYS A PLUS! The drinks are decently priced, and the service is usually pretty good/quick. Like I said...I've never had a problem with this place and I look forward to it staying in my concert future. SMOOCHES, Double Door! read more

This is my absolute favorite place to see a show: small and nobody underage. It stinks because of the smoke, but I can handle it for the night. The new downstairs is nice place to hang during opening bands. I've seen some pretty gross drunk people, but that happens everywhere. Oh, yeah, and the best part is that you can buy tickets there without the outrageous tickemaster fees. It's about a dollar surcharge per ticket but much better compared to tickemaster. Even HOB charges more than $5 for tickets at the window. read more

Oh Double Door... how I love you! One of my favorite places to see a show. Its up there with Debonair Socialclub down the street and Elbo Room in Lincoln Park. Double Door is a huge venue so you don't have to worry about people stepping on your toes as much and the drinks are great... not all watered down like most bars! But I do agree that it gets uber hot here... I wore pants cause it was kinda chilly outside and I wanted to die.. its like 10 degrees cooler in the front. My boyfriends band was playing Friday night and it was so hot he had to change after the show! Yuck! But great place, fun times, awesome music. Double door you never disappoint me! read more

This was my first visit to the Double Door, and I'm definitely a fan. This is a really cool music venue in Wicker Park. Here's why it rocks: I caught a great Roots/Folk Rock show here and tickets were only $12. It was one of the biggest concert bargains I've gotten all year. Also, there's a really long bar which makes getting refills easy; they have waitresses that weave their way through the crowd to bring you drinks in the middle of the concert; they have an upstairs balcony where you can watch the show and have a seat... it's not so loud up there, so you can chat with your friends too; there's another bar downstairs and they simulcast the show down there... makes it easier to get drinks too; this place is also directly across from the train station, so getting in and out of here is easy. The venue is also right in the middle of Wicker Park and there are tons of awesome restaurants right around Milwaukee and Damen... Here's what doesn't rock so much... They can really pack em in there, so it gets hot, and steamy... dress light; the coat check here is $3... in other venues, they'll let you put to coats on a hanger and save some cash... not here; if you sit on the balcony at the back, the sound is not so good - you are from from the stage and there's a brick half-wall that mutes some of the sound. For the other reviewers that think this place smells like weed, consider this: Stella Artois smells a lot like weed. I mean, a lot. read more

I haven't updated my review in almost 4 years! Holy moly. Looking back at my old review, the only negative thing I seemed to muster up was the obnoxiousness of having to get a smoker pass to go out and smoke (if you are a smoker-I am not). However, GOOD NEWS SMOKER FRIENDS! That whole thing, doesn't exist anymore. Feel free to step out and have a cigarette at your liking. Why do I like the Double Door? There's a couple reasons. The bartenders are always super speedy and make a good, stiff drink. The drink specials have improved over the years, and you can drink at a pretty decent price here :) I love the beer selection - that's always a plus! The downstairs bar is my favorite secret - usually during a really busy show, you can get a drink at the downstairs bar without waiting (I will probably regret sharing this secret). The downstairs is also now equipped with some bathrooms and is great for a comedy night or small show some nights during the week - so keep your eyes open for that. The sound is always great here for shows - It's apparent they care about the music... and it's refreshing to go to a music venue that isn't just "doing their job," but instead doing their best to make your musical experience great. After shows- I have to say- the music is awesome. Dance party USA. Love it here. read more

Of the smaller venues in Chicago, Double Door's my favorite. The sight lines and room layout are much better than the other places of this kind. Plus they've a nice downstairs area to get away from the noise if a band's up you don't like. I hope it continues to hang on to its lease in ever-gentrifying Wicker Park- it'll be the next Lounge Ax, let's hope it takes another 10 years tho. Plus I saw one of my top five shows of all time here. Curve on their limited engagement "pre-come clean" release warm up tour in '98. WOW- that was the loudest, tightest show ever- it made me a much bigger fan of a band I was always kind of on the fence about. My friends who where there with me STILL recount how great that show was! OK, seeing the Strokes perform NY City Cops pre-9/11 while opening for the Doves at DD was pretty cool too- my interest in the strokes dropped massively once the hype machine got started, 9/11 happened and that song was dropped from their debut. So I like Double Door, and prefer it to Empty Bottle or the other smaller spots when a band is in town that can't fill the Metro. read more

I've seen some great local and bigger-name bands here at the Double Door. The last time I was there, I was really grateful for the pool tables and lounge downstairs because I was able to escape the death metal band that played between two bands that were much more my style. Most of all, I just can't resist any place with a real black and white photo booth! read more

Gritty, dim, dank, dirty, and I'm pretty sure that someone was smoking weed in one of the corners - I got scolded for looking for the bathroom in the wrong place - the DD is a Chicago institution. Oh yeah, and if you check in with Yelp, you get a free beverage. The neon sign with the burned out (for years and years) letters makes me nostalgic for it even when I'm standing right in front of it. This is the place to go for up and coming bands as well as crazy events like Dre Day to celebrate all that is the good Dr. Double Door, don't ever change. Or maybe just some more signage for the restrooms. read more

Sounds like there is a difference between what Double Door was and what it is. I'm new to it so I don't know what the deal is but Double Door has everything I like in a good rock club. It has a lot of space, a good soundsystem and the right attitude. The crowd never seems to get too obnoxious or annoying. It's filled with smoke, there are a lot of drunk people but that's expected. They book a lot of good shows, which is the only thing I care about. More often than not if I'm seeing a show I'm there. It's close by, the staff is cool and I like the setup. There are two bars, one upstars and a smaller, cozier one in a room downstairs where the bands go before getting onstage. read more

The Double Door mostly just sucks. The sound in the venue is little more than OK, the layout is totally whacked out. If you get stuck past the stairwell going down to the way-overpriced pool tables, you might as well just leave. I am not into their bar at all, it is kind of stinky in there like a bathroom... the floors are super sticky... things in here just mildly suck all over. The only good thing is that they get some good bands in here sometimes, but I am always disappointed when I see things like, "The Melvins: At the Double Door".... *sigh* read more

I saw The Heavy here with a ladyfriend, and Double Door is a great small venue for a number of reasons. First, it's intimate, but not loud. While you'll have to pull someone close to talk during the show, that's not exactly a terrible thing... Second, I personally found that whatever problems other Yelpers have experienced with the heat level in the building have been addressed. The place was packed and I didn't even feel the need to remove my jacket. Third, the bar is the length of the venue, and is well staffed, so you can get in, get your drink, and get out. $5 PBR tallboys are WAY pricey, but considering you're at a music venue and it's not $8 beers at other venues, it could be worse. All in all, a great neighborhood venue. read more

This place stinks. Literally, there is a funk of feet and that kid's basement you vaguely remember from high school. Maybe I'm getting old, or maybe venues like the new Bottom Lounge and Reggie's have upped the ante (and they don't charge $5 for PBR). Either way, as such a legendary venue, the Double Door was disappointing. The main bar stretches from the front of the venue to the back, but had a maximum of two bartenders behind it at any given time. I recommend starting a tab with the bartender in the basement bar - it would have been a much quicker way to get a drink. The downstairs smells something awful, despite the comfy seating. The sound booth takes up half the space in front of the stage, and although the sound was stellar, it was hard to get a good view from the back half of the room. Lastly, I have the utmost respect for any bartender keeping track of drink tabs on a banger register older than I am. However, when the tab at the end of the night was over-rang by more than the "maybe I forgot about a round or two" way - I'd stick to cash only in this joint. read more

Been here once for an "Uh Huh Her" concert with a friend. Large enough venue for the concert, but generally a small venue in comparison to Riveria or Aragon. Domestic beers are cheap and the downstairs was empty and much better from the crowded upper section. The bathrooms are a bit gross, but its a bar, so what do you expect? There is also a upper level bar, but didn't get a chance to venture. See for a concert, don't bother for a night out. read more

Turned out to be a cool little joint with a surprising amount of space inside. One of the pluses was friendly staff that didn't at all do the standard, "I'm a super cool guy who works at a music venue," routine. They did do the, "$20 minimum on credit card purchases," scam, through. I ended up just not buying any beer at all, when they could've gotten $10 more from me if they'd not bothered with that silly rule. I liked the vibe, but the room itself has a mediocre sound to it. The bass boomed in all the wrong ways, and for all 4 bands I saw that night. The front of the standing area also has a faint odor to it, and not a pleasant one. If a band you like is playing here, it's definitely worth going, but other than that... only maybe. read more

Perfect punk rock palace. If you don't have the time of your life, here, then you probably went to see the wrong band. Cuz this place is perfect. Perfect for pit. Perfect for actually getting a beer. Perfect balcony area for us short guys. I love seeing great Chicago rock shows, and this is a great place to see just that! Huzzah! read more

It's Always fun to go and see a show here. The reason I'm docking 1 stars is cause it will be about 110 degrees inside. And it took my buddy about 20 mins (no lie) to get a "smoking pass" to have a smoke outside. Owners Take Note: How bout some stamps or wristbands for smokers? read more

Probably one of my fave bars in Chicago. There is always something going on at Double Door. I have seen Electric 6 here two times (three come this November) , and I am always soooo pumped to be in this particular bar for their show, or any other. I love the layout of this place. It's not CHEAP!, but they are DEFINITELY NOT pricey as compared to some other places in chicago....or even in that neighorhood. They play good music, stay open late, and they have cider beer (big PLUS++). Smart Bar is def. the better choice in the city if you need your dance/techno/rave needs filled...but this place is just as awesome...even better. A lot more clean, more intimate. Very tight squeezed on most nights because the shows are just that good...so PLEASE!, bitches....dont try to look cute. You'll get trampled or you'll wish you were sitting down with some steel toed boots on your feetsies. And god damn does it get hot in there. read more

I was there when 56 Hope Road rocked the place. The sound system is pretty good. This venue really "cards hard", so if you don't have ID when you are greeted by a doorman who also works security there, you are out of luck. There are also several other security personnel visible at several strategic areas of the venue, so if you want to, say, jump on the stage unsolicited there, you won't be welcome on the stage, and you will be forced to step down from it. If you fail to do so, of course, you face ejection. The dance floor there is not really perfect, because with the beer cups out in the open by patrons, especially near the venue stage, it will be really sticky from all of those beer droppings, especially in the middle of live band shows. So I suggest that gym shoes would be discouraged especially if you want to dance hard to your favorite Double Door music act. read more

I have always wanted to see a show at the Double Door, last night we did. Waiting in the Rain to get in wasn't too bad. (We blamed this on Corey Taylor. The rain was for him. ) When we first walked in I felt at home. Relaxing Atmosphere, I love the nice tasteful artwork that adornes the walls. Sound system was awesome. The staff and bartenders were astounding. Quick service with a smile :) Had a great time! Will definently go here again. read more

What a great night! Met some friends as they were finishing a meal at a nearby Sushi joint; wasn't sure what to expect for the rest of the night. We followed a Spaniard across the street and walked up to Double Door; osted signs showed no cover with the guy from the B-52s DJing. Walked inside ordered a boiler maker and we were off! The night was a cool mix of funk, disco, early hip hop etc. We danced all night long and it was a ton of fun. The bar was big enough to get drinks in a reasonable amount of time and they even had a check in deal for a free beer! From seeing upcoming & old shows signs I can tell they have a WIDE variety of entertainment so as long as the act and the crowd are right I can't imagine having a bad time here. Note: If you've never been to this area of Chicago or Brooklyn or Art School you might experience hipster overload and vomit a little. (Don't worry it wasn't the tequila; keep drinking that.) read more

Jenny A. and I were here last night to see a friend of a friend perform a set. And I think the quality of the vocals is really what I'm basing my review on. So before I get into the Double Door itself, I'm gonna pimp the girl we came to see... http://www.jessicasonner.com/home.html GO! LISTEN! DOWNLOAD! BUY! Her name is Jessica Sonner and she's a sweetheart with a KILLER voice. Okay. So my positive reaction to the Double Door is largely because of her. It's an intimate venue, that's mostly standing room, with a few seats around the bar, which is happy to serve you cans of bud light for $3.50. No thank you to that. The stage is not especially tall, MAYBE three and a half feet above the floor, and that's a stretch, so it feels like you are very very close to whoever happens to be playing. It's not an especially BIG venue either, which adds to the whole intimacy factor. There's a downstairs, with black pleather chairs from IKEA and a red ceiling with fringe (I don't get it either) and another bar. I remember desperately wanting to go here to see VAST before I was 21 and able to go. And now that I've been, if there's a worthwhile act, I'll probably go again. read more

This place is huge, but it gets smoky fast. There's a downstairs room that is less of a cloud, and the pitchers everywhere are very affordable. You'll probably barf if you see a show here, because there's always four opening bands...and who can drink for 6 hours. (Shhh, I can.) read more