I danced, I cavorted and generally had a swell time. Our cocktail waitress was cute & efficient. Music was decent. I loved the ambiance, specifically the bricks that changed colors just to the side of the dancefloor. Trippy! read more

THE BEST PLACE FOR ELECTRO HOUSE! if you catch John Acquaviva here... take care of your brain!....... be aware also from Derrick Carter, Miguel Migs, Kaskade and more progressoulfoultechysexylicious HOUSE DJ's... read more

Not sure what you can really say about SmartBar, except that it is the most unpretentious, lowdown dance club probably in the entire US. They consistently have world class talent month in and month out. Their monthly residency lineups alone are far superior nights to what most other clubs across the country can hope for once or twice a year. Chicago is the home of house music and SmartBar is where househeads go to get down. Bartenders are hit or miss but the music and sounds system are great. They just got some new lasers installed that are actually pretty cool. Always a good mix of people to make the night fun and hassle free, if you want to be seen or drop $600 on a bottle, please, please go someplace else. Leave this spot to us, we deserve it. RrL read more

Every time I go here I expect good music along with that underground vibe. 9 times out of 10 it happens. Smart Bar is one of my favorite night clubs left in the city of Chicago.The bartenders are cool, the people aren't pretentious, it's always a mixed crowd, and many are rockin it out on the dance floor. (the way it should be) I only wish there were more nightclubs like this, and then I wouldn't have to frequent the same ones. Screw it, I guess I just have to leave the Chi every now and then, like I have been. Love the city, but some of these lame clubs gotta go.(Top 40 is killin me) Oh, and DJ Cedeno,(she's a hot dirrrrrrty house dj with and even hotter afro) killed it! She's definitely one of my new fav dj's! read more

All I know is that I went here one night at like 2am, danced to techno all night like it was my shit, and no one laughed at me...at least not that I noticed. Not really a fan of techno, but still had a good time. And it's a 5am bar. read more

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. read more

I hadn't been to Smart Bar in probably 6 years - anyone who knows us, knows we really don't head up to Lakeview at all for any reason whatsoever however our friends knew the DJs that were spinning this past Saturday night so we decided to go. The four stars are for the DJs - Orchard Lounge - it was the start of their new residency and they killed it. We fist pumped like it was 1997 - for those who don't know, fist pumping is NOT something that was started this past summer on the Jersey Shore. (one shot, one shot kid) ... Anyway, the crowd was pretty chill - a few sketch balls in the mix and drink prices are lower than downtown which is always nice. The one really annoying thing was that coat check was over capacity and we had to wait close to 30 minutes to ditch our coats - you'd think a place that has been in Chicago for ages would be better prepared for the winter. I would definitely go back to hear Orchard Lounge rip it again - not sure if they are there every Saturday but if you're in the area or into some pretty banging house, I'd say find out if they're there and check it out. While I won't be going here on a regular basis, I could see less time than 6 years passing before going again. Good times. read more

Dark, relatively cheap drinks, and not super crowded. We came after midnight on a Friday night and there were about 20 people on the dance floor. Plus you don't have sketchballs creeping up on you and trying to start conversations like at bars on the other side of Addison. read more

If God said, Christine, you will spend your last day on earth in Chicago. I would go get a large deep dish then head over to Smartbar and dance until 5 a.m. This is the place in Chicago to hear your house, sweat to your house and hear some of the newest and banging tracks. Going here on a Saturday night assures I will walk out sweating and satisfied. Some tips: 1. Ask what there specials are, last night it was $3 Sam Adams. 2. Go before 11, pay less cover, get stamped. Then, go over to the Gingerman next door and drink cheap beer and come back around 12:30. 3. Don't go in there expecting to grind up on girls, the girls dancing in there usually will slap you if you touch their ass. 4. I'm sorry, you are not allowed to request Jay-Z. You might get beat up. read more

I've enjoyed many a good time at this bar of a basement. 1. Friendly bartenders 2. Photobooth 3. Amazing DJs 4. Large dancefloor AND lounge area 5. Killer soundsystem 6. Strong drinks and great beer selection (this should be higher on the list) The door staff can be a little abrupt and rude, but it's their job I suppose. See you on the dancefloor. read more

house music mecca! plain and simple. Joe, Lenny, James and crew do it right. As much as i hate ordering a "vodka redbull" thats all i drink when I go (which used to be weekly before i started classes). They make them TOUGH one of the best systems in chicago too. Funktion One does it right. read more

All I have to say is....QUEEN NIGHT on Sundays is a blast! When I first heard about Queen night at Smartbar, I was hesitant at first because I thought it wasn't really my scene although I like house music I definitely had the wrong impression so I went for the first time and I must say I had such a fun time and really enjoyed it. The Dj's are great every once in awhile they will have guest Dj's and on big events Metro usually opens up. Be prepared for a long line for sure so make sure to get there early, what i really love about the place is because it's less pretentious than other establishments in Boystown. It seems like this place you can be yourself and it doesn't matter what color of your skin is or your sexual orientation people are being themselves, so free and just having a great time. I definitely had a wrong impression at first and now I come back (on big events mostly) and always have a blast. read more

Great music! Went to Smart Bar last night and had a great time. DJ Heather played a great set. The music, once again, was great. If you came here to dance to great beats, you came to the right place. The staff is friendly, the drinks are ok ($5 to $7) but not strong enough for me. Next time, I'll just have a beer. Or, like some other yelpers suggest, come here well seasoned or get a drink next door. The main attraction here is the music. I gave Smart Bar 4 stars because they could make the drinks a little stronger and the place could get a little "nicer". But then, maybe it wouldn't be what it is.... Hipsters/Scenesters, steer away. This place is for music lovers who love to get down into the next day. I will definitely go back!! read more

I've been going to this club for a while now. The music is great, and the bartenders aren't greedy with the liquor ;)... However, today sat night I went with a friend, I was on the side enjoying the music and watching people dance. All of the sudden one bounce kept passing by me and by the third time he shines his light on my face and say "I watched you doing cocaine, dispose of what you have or you gotta go home". That person was mistaken big time! He wouldn't explain anything else and made me go upstairs and basically leave. When he tried to explain he actually made things up and said "I saw you applying cocaine in between your teeth"... Right there and then I knew he was making it up. I recall sneezing and cleaning my nose with tissue. Im not one to make a big commotion or drama, so I left quietly. I have never been so humiliated in my life! I frequented this established because of the chill atmosphere and people. However, I will never go back, that is no way to treat anyone. I really hope management looks into this. Also, the whole unisex bathroom is not a great idea. I'm all about equality, but we have to draw the line somewhere. Hope this help you out! Be really careful when going there, be sure not to touch your nose or sneeze!. I live in chicago btw, not sure why it says SF. read more

I'm a fan for only one thing the music. My friend knows the Dj that plays there. It's a little on the divey side. So, if you are looking for decor it's so dark in here that all you can see is the light beams. I spent most of my time downstairs the drinks are alright. Good to go in a group you'll have more fun. Btw, don't take pictures in the Booth. It's a rip off it like $3.00 for a couple of pictures-and the booth did not seem to be working that particular day. read more

My last time at Smart Bar wasn't great until I gave them another chance and I ended up liking it. I have to say this is the place where they bring great dj's and performers all under one roof. I sometimes find myself dancing all night here on some nights. I strongly suggest to wear comfy shoes cause you will dance your a$$ off all night.The parking can be hell which is a downfall of coming here but once entering you will find yourself bouncing your head up and down. Another perk is Smart Bar and Metro are connected so if you see a show at Metro you get in Free at Smart Bar that is only if your 21 and older. read more

Smartbar - Dj Switch - Dance Clubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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. read more

Perhaps it was just a first bad impression but I set off to smart bar with high hopes for the promised DJ. First off, if there is a going to be a cover there is no reason why the 1)the beer selection would be shitty and 2)the shitty beer costs AT THE LEAST 6 dollars a bottle. My short glass mixed drink cost 8. I had already spent over 20 dollars just to get in and get a small mixed drink and a shitty beer only to find out the DJ was terrible. And I realize this was the opening DJ but his set went on for over 2 hours. A positive note- I really dig the atmosphere as far as how the bars are set up and the seating areas. Its just overall, not my idea of a great night read more

This is the worst club. They took me and my friends REAL ID's and then made us call the police on them, only to give back the IDs mid conversation with the police. Worst never go here. They can't tell if an ID is real read more

I just saw Jeff Mills here last night... It's a basement and it's dark. Rock on. I've been coming to Smartbar for years now. They bring in great talent and the bartenders are pros. There isn't a trace of pretentiousness to this place. (I am not one for dress codes or any nonsensical intonation of social superiority.) I often stop by alone. Great venue. read more

Hello, People,help us My friend lost id yesterday ,maybe near Smart Bar,if somebody find it,sent message or call to 312 975 2695 read more

Pretty cool place, but can NOT recommend because the coat check guy is a complete tool.

This place is so dope and has so much deep house history behind it. Loved it! Great place to dance, and the drinks are cheap. The people are friendly as well. If you enjoy listening to house music, and want to go to a classic spot, I would definitely suggest coming here. read more

My favorite place to dance in Chicago by FAR! Love the staff, the talent they bring in, the sound system, the dance floor, and the crowd for the most part. This is NOT A "VIP" type of place, there is no velvet rope, bottle service, or sparkles. This is a "come as you are-get down-authentic-not scene-y" type of place. FYI. read more

I love a lot of the acts that come through here so I've been here like a dozen times and I think I'm finally not coming back. A few reasons-- Pros - good acts - no dress code - love the sit down space that isn't VIP - love the space in general - people here are more down to earth and respectful than at other clubs - historical, too bad it sucks to actually be here lololol Cons - charge for water. This is dangerous/not cool - every time I go there are multiple dudes on the dance floor w no shirts. It's honestly smelly and if I get nudged on them, gross, I don't think it's appropriate, "no dress code" but I don't think I'd be able to do this as a woman - sets are always really hit or miss - people seem confused/not as into the music as they are at other clubs or shows - along with above, I know the no dress code is a pro but there are always tons of uber casual folks on the dance floor just standing around and idk kills the dance vibe - unisex stall rooms. I'm fine with single stalls obviously and I've shared bathrooms with trans folk...I guess you can't judge if someone is trans by looking but there certainly seemed to be a lot of cis dudes poking around the old women's bathroom all night. I observed this for awhile then held it and left :/ I don't want to be the level of drunk it would take to tolerate all that, so ends my journey with smartbar. Would rather dress like a fool and tolerate the sludge at spybar where I can hear a great set in a crowd that is listening and dancing. I am not ever coming back because I know I may end up very drunk and I'm not willing to deal with cis men in a stall-bathroom in that state. Sorry. read more

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! read more

Smart Bar? Did you, um... get sued recently? Did someone slip and fall and break something? Did you decide to make sure you took preventative measures? I'm only asking because your floors are so FUCKING STICKY that I'm absolutely convinced you routinely mop them with a mixture of Gorilla Glue and Kool-Aid powder. The first couple times I came to Smart Bar I thought the obvious.... someone must have just spilled a drink. However, after a few visits where I arrived especially early and the place was dead... it was still like I was walking over swaths of fly paper. Gross. Mop your floors. Try using actual cleaning fluid and not Baja Blast. Seriously. It's like the Exxon Val Bubbleyum hit an iceberg on your floor. Other than that, we're cool. Really! The clubbing experience can be like an abusive relationship. You spend a lot of time longing for days gone by when you were in love and everything was easy. These days you just spend your nights getting violated and crying (I'm referring to The Mid when I write this. Did I actually get violated? No. Well... maybe. I can't remember. But two bottles of Absolut Vodka and mixers should never cost $700.) You occasionally will run into typical club problems at Smart Bar. You might get groped. You might have some ugly, goth bitch snub you in conversation (don't step to me bitch, I can smell the Mid-Michigan coming off of you a mile away) but for the most part you'll enjoy yourself. Smart Bar consistently books good acts and there's little pretension (aside from Robert Smith Girl). read more

I like that you get all types and ages of people here. It caters to a wide variety. I've only been here a couple of times, but have had fun each time and love the atmosphere (clubby in that you can dance, but it's not super posh). Also they have sufficient bartenders on staff so there isn't a crazy line for drinks. A consistent 3 1/2 stars, good business! read more

Quarter of a million dollar funktion one sound system, the best talent buyers in the industry, extremely reasonable cover prices, renowned monthlies like Hugo Ball and Queen. Without question the best nightclub in the Midwest, and arguably the best nightclub in the country. Only Bunker parties in NYC and a once-a-year party in Detroit can rival smartbar. read more

The staff at Smart Bar is amazing and they do such a good job making the space open and friendly... especially for all their queer customers (special shout out to Rachel). Queen! is by far the event i look forward to the most during the week. But furthermore, they've shown their willingness to go the extra mile. I left my phone last night. Not only did the Smart Bar/Metro staff retrieve it and keep it safe, they actively tried to contact people messaging me to inform me where my phone was. They even charged it for me so it was ready to go when I got it back! This is awesome service and very thoughtful. Thanks!! read more

$15 dollar cover when no one was there. Bouncers were rude to my friend (a guy) for absolutely no reason. Mehhh is right, I'll look for somewhere else to go clubbing. read more

Not a very attractive crowd. No real "look" or overall costumer image. You wont meet people here. Not a young enough crowd for my taste either, this place will be finished as soon as their looser, burn-out regulars get haircuts and realize they're fucking THIRTY YEARS OLD! read more

Smart Bar is one my favorite places to dance. I mean, actually dance! And to good music too! Smart Bar has hosted some really great DJs. The sound system is great. The music will vibrate in your body, but will not assault your ears. If you're looking for a trendy club to "be seen" at (and not dance), you might not have as good of a time here as you would elsewhere. If free-spirited hippie blood flows through your veins, you'll fit right in. The following would be highly irregular at SmartBar: a physical altercation, drunk people who have become obnoxious and/or sick, several women wearing high heels (this is NOT the kind of music you want to have to take breaks from dancing), people judging each other for superficial reasons, and the flashing of money to attract women. My actual rating for this place is 7 stars. Just sayin. read more

Best dance club in Chicago, it's also one of the oldest dance club in America. I moved from Chicago recently and I know I will miss this place so much. The music does vary quite a bit so I usually checked online & did a SoundCloud search on who was on decks to see if it would make me and my fellow smartie devotees shake our booties. My favorite thing about Smart Bar is it is an INCLUSIVE place. Dress up of you want, or go in your work clothes, all shapes all sizes, everyone dances together at Smart Bar. Miss you Smartie! read more

Amazing Music! Great Crowd. Fast and delicious drinks. Don't come here if you left your dancing shoes at home. Hitting the dance floor here is a must. This isn't like your average Chicago Nightclub filled with bottle rats and douchebags. People from all walks of life frequent this club. You might look to your left and see a tranny. Look to your right and you might bump into a trust fund baby. If you have anxiety or have a stick up your butt stay home. read more

Would you please tell me what's wrong now with this place?! I'm going there since I moved in this city (2011) and I just love it... But now I was rejected at the entrance twice in a row since this new Nazis bouncer thought some in my group were drunk. The best part was the explanation: no debate at all!!! He decided that and he doesn't care what we had to say. If you are drunk or not in shape according to his standard there is nothing you can do or say, just walk away otherwise he'll start to shout on your face so loud that you could lose your hearing... Where is the old one?! He was so funny and friendly... And still when he was there I've never seen bad people coming into this place.... I hope the entrance policy will change soon... read more

Calling this place my favorite club wouldn't describe my feelings towards Smartbar. Its home. I've been going here for 13 years. Its the only place that has that true underground vibe. This is the true Club for househeads. Love the bar staff, always on point and the remember what your drinking. Lenny is one of the best most organized club managers in Chicago. Smart bar and I,complete love affair. "House music all night long" read more

Will not be coming back. I'm not going to write anything negative because this maybe someone's idea of a good time but definitely not the kind of club or club music I enjoy. read more

Love me some Smart Bar. I've seen so many house DJs here its rediculous and their techno night is the bomb too. My only complaint is the bouncers are jackasses. One time they wouldn't let me in because I had a "professional" camera. WTF? I had to talk to management to get in. Another time they refused to believe that my ID was me, they said I didn't look 21 and it looked like my sisters I'd. I dont even have a damn sister! AND I was 25 at the time, COME ON! Again I had to talk to management who deemed that it was me in the photo, this after giving them all my credit cards and reciting all my personal information *major eye roll* Another thing they'll put you out for any reason, if you're slightly drunk, expect to be ejected. read more

Smart Bar is THE place to go for REAL house music. Awesome staff, awesome DJs, and an awesome sound system that'll blow your skirt off. The manager, Lenny is a doll. My very favorite spot to go out for a night of great music, fun and dancing! If you haven't been, do yourself a favor and check it out! :) read more