TERRIBLE sound. Terrible. I've seen a few bands here, but not as many as other venues. Recently caught one of my favorites, Rocket from the Crypt, and headed up to the balcony to get a bird's eye view. Except the sound was just awful. Kind of a bummer, for a music venue to have terrible sound quality, but there you have it. read more

Sub-T has been an iconic Wicker Park Staple for several years. I used to come here for the old 606 Hip hop days. I wouldn't say the I am completely in love with the place but I would say I am a fan. My Hubs joined a Beat Battle here (and won, yay!). It is a very intimate place with community booth like seating with movable stool box chairs. I enjoy the venue because it is a no-frills place. Drink and musics. There is a full bar available with moderately priced drinks. The staff is friendly. I wish the speaker systems were better but its fine for now I suppose. This place has street parking and easily accessible by public transport if you are planning on having more than a few. read more

Cozy yet semi-scary. Despite its name it is not located in a basement or underground or anything of that sort- the stage (main floor) is located on the 2nd flr and the balcony on the third. In order to get there you obviously have to go up some stairs... these my friend, are some long and somewhat narrow scary stairs- I mean in case of a fire or emergency evacuation i would really be concerned. The venue, just like the stairs, is also long but narrow which makes the stage/front area the most coveted but hard to get to during a rock show. During all ages shows you will be among mostly 14-16 year old girls screaming on the top their lungs that they love whoever is on that stage- even when they don't know who they are. They will dance and throw their hands around wildly as if they are having a seizure without regard of those around them... but hey that expected, right? Oh best of all during one of these shows everyone agrees to jump at the same time for like five minutes straight- again, normal - but in this second story venue it quite simply creates an earthquake and you can't help but think that floor may cave in any second. I'm not going to say that the staff is friendly, but who cares right? I'm sure it's not part of their job description to really service you as much as it is to keep an eye on you. Overall i like the place, a few concerns, but a great chance to get up close to a favorite band in a smaller venue with good sound. Reminder: I am rating this place as/ when an all ages rock show takes place- so the people that go are the ones who create the atmosphere and experience. The experience is different on 18+ and 21+ shows/nights. read more

Subterranean - SecondHand Serenade @ SubT - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I went there for the first time this weekend, and I agree with other reviewers that the space is great to get up close to the bands and prices are fair for drinks. However, I was very disappointed when, at the end of the concert, within 3 minutes of the music ending, the lights were on full bore and a man loudly told everyone to get out. This was rude to to the band who wanted to chat with fans and sell a few albums, and it was rude to attendees who didn't have a chance to interact with the band afterwards or even finish their drink before being thrown out. read more

I came here seeking respite from the cold weather after a concert./Halloween night. We had plans to go to Estelle's, which is right next door, but the rest of the group wasn't here yet and we were already halfway inside, so why not? It wasn't packed by any means. The music was good considering I thought it would be hip hop/rap the entire time. My friends come all the time for their hip hop nights, so I was wary to listen to one genre of music all night. The bartender got us a pitcher of water with our drinks and someone left a band-aid in the pitcher. We were a little confused because since it was Halloween, maybe it was a prop? But either way, the bartender was disgusted, apologized profusely and got us a brand new pitcher. Thank you. SubT's was a great start for the night. I only wish they were open longer and didn't have cover on the nights I want to go out. read more

Upstairs concert venue still the worst sound in the city.. muffled vocals and mids that are missing. I appreciate that consistency. read more

I have been to Subterranean more times than I can ever remember, but honestly for some reason I had never had any interest to set foot upstairs until my last visit! This weekend, Subterranean finally won me over, and I hate any part of Wicker Park winning me over, but Subterranean knows how to get it done. Rolled in buzzing from proper pre-gaming and rolled up to the second floor to see my friend's band play. There was lots of room, although the free space started to collapse as people began to materialize during the course of the night. There were $3 Goose Island 312s on special and there was a Goose Island guy who worked for them and hooked me up with two Goose Islands for free wahooo!! I got my way to the front and people were nice enough to let me through so that I could take video for my friend's band and the video came out decently, although I have to admit that I was too close! The lights were professional and bathing the stage in blues, reds and purples. Another discovery of my trip upstairs in Subterranean was that they even have a third floor! The third floor kind of reminds me of the Abbey because you got the rail on the middle open space where you can look down and watch the show downstairs from upstairs. Upstairs also features comfortable seating and clean bathrooms that had no line. I finally made my way down to the first floor after my friend's band played and wasn't getting elbowed by anyone, so there was plenty of room for me to stand around and be loud. The only downside of the night was that I left two beers on the table that weren't empty and came back and they got UFO'd!!! read more

Subterranean - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Not a bad venue to catch a show. I've been to their main stage upstairs for a handful of shows over the years. It's cool to be able to stand above the stage looking down from a balcony if the first floor near the stage fills up. Very small so space is pretty tight during a show. Sound quality isn't bad either. Not my favorite venue but there are definitely worse. read more

The bouncer was very unhelpful and rude. i asked a very simple question about re entry, and he became alarmingly aggressive. do not go here if you want respect :) read more

I was here last week for a Wednesday night concert a few of my friends were at. I arrived a bit early and the door guy let me know I could chill at the downstairs bar until doors were officially open. All good there, things were fine. The show itself went pretty well. The sound was good and since it wasn't a packed house my group and I could get up close to the stage and cheer on our friends. But YO, second floor bartender - get yo HEAD out yo ASS. Sorry that my ordering is interrupting your book reading or your texting. And how are you going to tell me I can order food from that bar but you don't have a menu? Yes, I know what bar food is, but I don't like having to guess at what you got. Sadly your hate for your job has left a sour taste in my mouth for Sub-T. read more

This place is a DUMP! The worst concert venue I have ever been too. Tiny dingy venue that oversells tickets. Bathrooms are horrible. The stage production and sound is crap. I will never see another show here. Horrible!!!! read more

Subterranean is like an old friend. It had been years since I had seen her, but the old girl was still the fun music venue that I remembered from my younger partying days. Friday night, J Boog, a Hawaiian reggae artist, was performing. A friend and I arrived early, so we had to hang out on the first floor for a bit. As we enjoyed a frosty bevvie, I looked around and was immediately overwhelmed by flashbacks to some crazy nights at SubT. (Is there such a thing as beer flashbacks?) To me, this place hasn't changed much --- still casual, somewhat dive-y, attracting an eclectic clientele. Plus, the drink prices aren't bad. When it came time for the concert, everyone filed upstairs. There was a decent size crowd, nothing crazy. J Boog, being from Hawaii, attracted a lot of "island people" (from Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, etc.). In the true spirit of Aloha, people were friendly, happily to grooving to the sounds of the Big Kahuna (J Boog, that is). Made me feel like I was on vacation, except for the fact that I was in boots. The sound was good on the main floor as well as upstairs (overlooking the stage). The only frightening experience I had was witnessing the erotic dance moves of a shirtless, super pale, love-handled Magic Mike wanna-be who sashayed his way to my group of friends. Yikes. Security quickly moved in and put the kibosh on the impromptu performance. At the end of the night, I thanked the bouncer profusely for being a hero and stopping what could have been a mentally scarring experience. He was glad to be of service! Overall, I'm still a fan of SubT and will definitely be back to check out more music. read more

Short-staffed, false advertised, and lackluster. I went on the night they advertised as "Fleetwood Mac vs ABBA Dance Party". That was the only reason I went, and in the hour I was there, they played a couple ABBA songs and no Fleetwood Mac. The description of the $15 event explicitly said no remixes - all originals - and they had some DJ messing with everything like every other club. Would not have paid if I knew I was getting only maybe 10% of what was advertised. I'm not entirely sure if this bar is always $15 cover. Certainly overpriced for this ho-hum establishment. We walked in and the first floor bar had one single bartender, with 10-20 people waiting to be served. And this isn't some huge, popular club. We hung around for a bit until we realized, yes, this was the only bartender at this bar. We did not see a busboy or any other sort of help. So we headed upstairs, and thankfully found another bar with two bartenders. The drinks were cheaper than standard, but notably smaller than standard. $9 for small well drink. Most places are $10-$12 but larger cups. The crowd was young and rowdy. Around 11pm the first floor was far from full, but the second floor is where the action is. Very crowded up there. Very frat-party-like, feeling the floor bounce as everyone jumps around. This is probably a place you could have fun while totally hammered, but otherwise, I'd advise you avoid. read more

This place is so memorable and freaking cute! I loved the energy of the crowd, the "underground" aesthetic, and how they sell merchandise. My boyfriend and I were visiting from San Diego and rushed here right after dropping our bags at our hotel straight from the airport. The concert started at 7 and we got here at 9. It felt like we honestly didn't miss a thing. I loved how diverse the crowd was and noticed that people were coming up to strangers and making conversations. It was just so a friendly and lively environment. I'm convinced that Chicago is the place to be! read more

Subterranean - Blue and exile - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This was my first time here. I drove up from Indianapolis to see a band called ESSO Afrojam Funkbeat perform at Subeterranean. This bar is at a crazy busy intersection in Wicker Park with a lot going on 24/7 and lots of traffic. We paid our cover and decided to go upstairs thinking it might be less crowded, which it was, but man was it hot up there! There were various local artists lining the perimeter of the room upstairs in what appeared to be a pop-up art show, which was pleasantly unexpected. Luckily for us, we pulled some bar stools so we could sit and enjoy the show from the around the balcony looking down on to the stage. But even so, we had to lean over to see. If you weren't around the balcony, there would be no view of the stage from anywhere else upstairs. I must say that bathrooms were pretty poorly lit, so it was hard to see how clean they were or weren't. The whole venue itself seems like it could use a few afternoons of handyman work to freshen it up. I mean, I get that they are going for that underground dive-bar feel, but a little spring cleaning wouldn't hurt the place. Still, we had a fun night watching the band, but we didn't stick around afterwards to hang out. read more

Subterranean - ESSO Afrojam Funkbeat performing on a rainy September night. - Music Venues Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Yah hello. It's me your local party mom going out on a Tuesday night again. So like, there were these three great bands I've been wanting to see again. My home fry seems to be getting a little tired of my good timing ways, so I kind of had to drag his lazy posterior out on a tuesday. But srsly, I mean, how lucky is he? to have someone who investigates and prescreens live music available on any given night? Not to mention our scintillating conversations, ie, "so what did you have for lunch?" Ok, I know, back to subterranean. So, this joint has been around since at least the 90s . The actual building, you will find, has been there much longer and I believe was a former speakeasy with dancing upstairs. It's a peculiar layout. I've never seen anything built quite like it really. So yah, the bands play upstairs. They are pretty solid at selecting bands too. The beer, well, yes, it could be improved. It's not much of a craft beer drinking place is my hunch. The draft craft seemed to have been tapped last season, . Maybe even two seasons back. Also, what was identified as an IPA was far more Pilsner in presence with notes of alley and basement. I don't know. So yep, stick to the pbr, mayhaps. But let me state, for the record, this is an awesome escape. I like it. read more

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Hadn't been here since the late 90s. It's still like "underground" atmosphere (kinda divy)... It's cool that they've managed to keep up the alternative vibe this long. We went for LUKR on 10/12 - AWESOME!!!! There were two other warm-up bands that were actually pretty good. The show was in the "downstairs" so, it's small. A few seats at the bar and around the east wall - otherwise stand and/or dance and hopefully don't spill your drink!! They're not getting 5 stars because of the bathrooms! Yuc.. stinky and too small. That's messed up cuz it made us not want to drink anymore so we wouldn't have to go back in there... not good! Not a total deal breaker -- going back for RASPUTINA but we'll make sure to be on empty beforehand and not drink much - lol. Will review again after Rasputina (I think that performance is "upstairs"), so... in the meantime keep that sweet vibe alive! read more

I love this place but I'm only giving it four stars because its starting to fall apart. You guys need to fix up this place so that its more welcoming and can stay open for many more years. But overall I've seen some great shows here and would highly recommend you come check this place out. read more

I am conflicted with Subterranean....love it, hate it Bottom floor...hate it Seriously if I wanted to pack a bunch of people into a telephone booth (photo booth for you yelpers) I would go back to college. Forget trying to go anywhere on the floor when a band is playing. It's one of those if you have your arms up clapping or something right before a band starts, you won't be able to put them down till the end of the show...because there is NO ROOM. And forget trying to get a drink, I don't think that bar is big enough at all and the staff just leaves you hanging out there parched and getting the shakes (oh maybe that's just me) for awhile before they hit you with the price so you have no choice. I also think the sound isn't that good, it's too muffled. Second floor...Love it Completely different experience, different crowd, sound is soooo much better, drinks are cheaper (which I think it's just FUC'd), and it never seems to get so packed you can't move. If you manage to get some space by the railing you have this perfect overview (kind of feels like your perching or waiting to attack) down onto the band and the crazy crowd, if you don't you can always just chill and enjoy the music at the mini bar they have. The bartenders are so much nicer up here. Music.... mostly obscure bands but good. Apples in Stereo, Ra Ra Riot, Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers, and Portugal the Man have played here too. Some nights they have DJ's spinning all kinds of things Soul, Reggae, Hip Hop, House and Funk (all the things that I can't stand to listen to anymore, well except Funk). read more

THIEVES. The white female bartender tending the first floor of the venue was extremely rude and disrespectful. Never have I experienced such unprofessional customer service. Besides the horrible attitude she had, she also was short on my change. She kept an extra $2. I didn't notice till after leaving These people are THIEVES. read more

On our first night in Chicago, a friend takes us to Subterranean. First, I don't typically frequent places with cheesy names like Liquid or Light or Subterranean AND there's a $10 cover. What? I've heard of these -- though they generally don't exist in Austin. But I got over my inhibitions the moment the sweet, sweet strains of a single horn pierced the night from Black Bear Combo. Not sure whether they play there on the regular but if you can find them, don't hesitate. $4 vodka drinks, delicious hummus and all the balkan beats you can handle. Add to that tall gorgeous Croatian men dancing wildly and Subterranean totally kicked off my trip. The BBC has recently played for the President and I can see why -- they're a group of great guys that play high energy, danceable, Gypsy punk music to the delight of the sweating, exciting crowd. Check em here: http://blackbearcombo.com/. I have to admit that it was probably the band that made it so special but if I'm in the area, I'll drop back in for some more of that low lit, dark wood, secret booth goodness. read more

Learned something new last night...I dig a man who can play piano AND guitar. That really has nothing to do with this venue, but it is a new fact and I just wanted to put that out there. I think my experience might be a little bit different than others' because it was not that packed the night we went. We floated between the balcony and the main floor. And the second floor bar was not open. Drinks were average price, I suppose. $4 for a Lite, but they did have a special of $3 Sapporo on draught. Not quite as pricey as other venues. I like the very intimate vibe you get from this small venue. Since the stage is not too much higher than the floor, you feel like you're right with the band. It also promotes good banter between the band and the crowd. Nothin' like being at a show where there are people hollering out song titles and the band actually plays them! I would definitely head back for another show. And to see more musically talented men play their instruments. read more

SubT = 3 floors of musical awesomeness. As if the talent and great acoustics weren't enough, the bartenders can also concoct a mean cocktail and they have specials every day of the week. Plus, the beer of the month selection will only run you $3. Stellar beer selection too-- I usually drink Point here. The upstairs is fun, but I especially dig the downstairs lair for its sexy booths and more intimate space. You definitely get the up close and personal perspective with the band in this room. Between sets, there's usually a DJ throwing down beats to keep the crowd primed and in the mood for more musical action. And after it's all been said and done, you can keep the night going at Estelle's into the early morning hours. 6 Corners musical dominance... I like! read more

SubT is a decent place to see a band or artsy show. I like the two floor set-up for the performance area upstairs because if you get antsy there are places to go. Depending on where you're standing it can be hard to see the stage, but who cares as long as you can hear. I've never been to a show where there was a problem with acoustics. The bar is a bit expensive (on top of a cover) if you're looking to get drunk, but they have some decent specials and some good beer, depending on what you're looking for. I really hate that the bathroom is lit red, I find it confusing and hard to focus in red lighting when I am drunk. I'm sure its to discourage primping, but the time I got a bloody nose it was really not awesome trying to make sure my hands were completely washed when everything looked red. read more

Came here this past Saturday evening to see three great bands of live music! The first band that went on at 6:30pm was Moses Gun and they sounded similar to the Deftones, which was pretty cool. Then D'z Nutz played, which was why I was there in the first place. I have to support my friend's band, plus their new material was really good. Then Waste went on. I especially enjoyed their Nirvana cover of "Territorial Pissings" which has always been one of my favorite songs of all time, and my friends and I started a slam pit in the back. Plus, the beer special was $2.50 Sapporo's, so how can you go wrong with that? Also, SubT's look is so gothic, it's awesome! I loved how I could go up to the third floor and look down on the stage and see everything up close and personal. Plus, their bathrooms were pretty clean as well. I really enjoyed spending a Saturday evening here rocking out to good live music, headbanging away the stress from the week, and just having a nice time with my friends. Thanks SubT for allowing us to always have a great time in your establishment! read more

I've only been there on weeknights. Its hit or miss for me and drinks are too expensive for my taste (yeah I'm a cheapskate). However, I have been known to enjoy the hiphop open mic night (Tuesdays). And, along with Doug S., I am so happy to see Sub-t hosting all ages shows. The kids need it! read more

Uhm BEST venue in Chicago. I will fight anyone who feels passionate enough to fight over this. I love this place so so so much. It felt like another home to me since the first time I stepped into it. The parking is okay. I always park on one of the side streets on North Avenue near the Akira. The best thing to probably do is take the train though since the stop gets off right next to the venue. Even if you do drive though the walk will be enjoyable I promise you. I have met the coolest homeless men here. Besides the homeless men have you seen some of the babes that are walking around here? I hate moving, but I do not ever mind walking through this part of the city just cause of the dudes. Hubba hubba. The doormen are AWESOME. Eddie is the coolest and handsomest and the dude who marks the underage kids is pretty great too. The stairs that lead you to the stage are so trashy, sticky, and rad. The sound is great. The views are usually pretty great anywhere you end up. Though, actually, I've never had much luck with the views upstairs. I'd only really go up there if I was right on the barrier. The merch booths are always up there too so go get a pin or shirt while you're waiting in the line for the bathroom! Also hint hint if you're trying to meet one of the band members they can usually be seen walking around upstairs after the show or while the opening band is performing. That may just be my favorite thing about this place. It is SO easy to run into the band you came to see. The only thing I really dislike about this place is that there is always a group of obnoxious douchelords. Last time I came here some dude threw a beer can at my friends feet. Like really!? But on the otherhand this is the first place I ever got the courage to push a guy in the crowd at. It was awesome. I am unstoppable now. But, anyways, the crowd isn't the venues fault so the venues STILL the best. Okay. I'm done. Almost. The tickets are cheap so if any band you like is coming here then seriously go. Don't even hesitate. You're going to have such a great night here. read more

I really love open mic nites here - there are always some talented & entertaining emcees & performers. I also enjoy the stage area upstairs, again I've only seen hip hop shows, but it was a really cool intimate venue. And the clincher - PBR tall boys. Eh, sometimes it doesn't take much to make me happy :) read more

Armed with a Hello Kitty pocket flask and 17 hours to kill, I'd typically pass by spots like Subterranean 10 out of 10 times. Do the 5-second floor-to-ceiling scan through the creepily murky window wall to find an angular black box space with a bar (I guess) and tables (maybe) and, is that a stage? Stick around long enough and the doorman barks for IDs and $10 cover. "Whyfor, good sir?" you might ask quizzically, expecting some godawful garage band led by the nephew of the bar's financier, followed by a dismissive look because my shirts only popping off 3 buttons instead of the requisite 5-6. But you trust your Croatian hostess, shell out the green and enter in to the Great Known (and Likely Despised). Then, the most wonderful thing happens. A 10-piece ensemble takes the stage and, without so much as an introduction, assaults your ears with brassy combinations that instantly kickstart your bipedal, shape-cutting inner android. Then you discover this band just played for POTUS, and they're still causing sweat floods along the shores of the Subterranean. I'm not saying Black Bear Combo hand delivered the fourth star to a sub-par bar, but I'm not saying they didn't either. Of course, you earn your cover back as you chug vodka sodas so canary, they may as well be rung up as tap water. "So canary" means inexpensive. Yknow, "cheap cheap." Never heard of it? Of course not, I just made it up. But it will carry forth. They can't find a flattering font to save their storefront, but boy howdy, can they pick the entertainment. read more

Review for musicians who gig: It's been a while since I've played here, but going to a recent show, walking up those stairs, reminded me... oooh, this can be a tough place to gig. There's no parking. Pull up in front of the venue, put on your hazards, and start schlepping. This is one of those spots where you wish you were famous enough to hire a roadie or two. Depending on the size and weight of your gear, you'll need some friends. Venue is up a long stairway. Once there you can easily get your gear on the decently sized stage. It's a good height and enough room in the corners to stash guitars and amps. Room was narrower than I remembered, but nice. There's a balcony above the main floor, which makes the venue feel roomy in the right places. A crowded show will always see fans lined up around the balcony railing looking down at the bands and crowd. It's a fun view, and good for photos. I don't know if it's the layout of the place or what, but sound has always been an issue for me here. Last show I saw sounded like a cymbal symphony. I don't know if most people even really care that much, but a friend of mine who plays in bands as well asked me why the sound is always so off in there. The challenges of getting it right in there seems to grind on whoever is running the sound board. I've never seen them happy. Green room is small, located in the balcony level in back corner above stage right and outfitted with a couple of couches and a view of North Avenue. An open spiral staircase leads down to the stage. Fun (I always wanted one of those as a kid) but depending on how your night is going, I could see it being dangerous! I can't totally remember how the drinks work here, but I do remember playing with a better touring band and Subt gave them a case of beer in the green room. We helped them drink it and then got the bar to send more. Thanks! I've DJ'd the first floor bar a few times as well and always liked that. Better beer choices as well, and if I remember right that's all we were paid. That's OK. Who doesn't work for beer?! read more

When visiting Chicago, I always tried to see a concert. Every trip. Most trips involved multiple concerts. One December, I remember walking far too long from Empty Bottle to Subterranean, after I wasn't on the guest list. I remember taking one look at the venue from the sidewalk and squinting with disdain. I gave up and and took my disappointed heart back to my friend's place in Lakeview. Obviously, I have changed my mind about the venue now that I live in the wonderful city of Chicago. The sound can be ridiculously loud at one show to uneven at the next show. Their calendar is always great. Capacity is around 400 and their sister venue, Beat Kitchen, is around 300. I've discovered some new favorites while eagerly awaiting headlining options here. The free water cooler by the fan always makes me feel fabulous when my hair flies all over the place as I try to hydrate. I can never get a good idea about how crowded a show is going to be 'upstairs'. While most venues you can manage to sneak to the sides of the stage to get a good view... this doesn't work here. The right side of the stage (stage left) is for unloading for openers and gets pretty annoying making way. Upstairs there's a pretty steep view. I actually hate the balcony view. It's not very comfortable for my neck to be angled like that. Unless you're a fan of vertigo inducing views. Bathrooms aren't horrible. Going up and down the stairs while trying to balance a drink, and froggering between people is a mess, though. So try to limit that noise. I've had surprisingly good luck finding free street parking within half a mile of the venue, and the Damen Blue Line stop is oh-so-close. read more

Love! The upstairs (where bands and DJs play) looks like it might have been a brothel in New Orleans. And good people and good times are never far behind, here. read more

The concert I went to here reminded me what it is I love about both Chicago and concerts. This place reminds me of the dingy, divey underage-friendly clubs that I used to hang out in growing up. Places like this are so valuable to a local music scene. I saw William Control here the other night. The show was great. The staff was friendly. The crowd was even pretty un-douchey. I know these are all things that can vary radically from night to night, but in my experience with other clubs the experience one night will tell you a lot about what things will be like at other shows at the same place. The sound was decent. It wasn't the most acoustically inviting venue I've seen a band, but it was far from the worst. Beer prices were very reasonable by concert venue standards. Parking is okay for patrons. You'll have a short walk from whatever side street you find a space on, but it's not like you're going to have to pay $20 in parking for the night. Performers kinda get the shaft here because they don't have a loading zone out front. I'd come back, definitely. read more

Reggae Gold! (thursdays) DJ PAPPA G! Thank you for making me feel old! I love the fact that reggae gold is still such a popular night! Get your fix of popular reggae and dance hall. Good selection of beers and drinks. The music is amazing the crowd is jam packed and the Bartenders are friendly. Free for women cover for men. Can get pretty sweaty in there! Dress for dancing!! read more

Only four stars? Silly me. What was I thinking? Okay, I can't speak volumes for the downstairs, because I have only really been there for Free Booze Fridays. That is what I call them, not what they are promoted as. Check it out on going.com. I think it's Fridays from 9pm - 10pm, free beer, usually High Life drafts or Red Stripe bottles. FREE. I heart free beer. It might not always be good, but it is always FREE. Now, the upstairs is completely great! Being upstairs at Sub-T makes me happy. It's a cool little venue, they have great shows, it's quirky, it used to be a brothel. Oh, and did I mention the CHEAP booze? I mean, it's not like drinking in the country cheap, but it is Chicago cheap! And cheers to the bartender woman who was charging me only $2.50 for pints of Berghoff Red when the board says $3. I was happy with three bucks, but I will gladly take two-fifty. Two. Fifty. When is the last time you paid $2.50 for a pint of beer in the city that wasn't PBR? Jeez, even PBR is up to about $3. Ew. Cheers, Sub-T. I love you! read more

Haters always wanna hate on Wicker Park, but when you have gems like Sub-T, haters just sound like douche bags. I'm gonna talk about the lounge in this review. for such a small place, they have a lot of stuff going on. The beer selection is pretty damn good for a place this size, and the beer of the month is always a great deal and I've yet to have a bad beer from that selection. You have a pretty diverse crowd on the weekends and they always have a live DJ. I urge you to go to the website to see who's spinning because it changes all the time, The music is eclectic, from house, to juke, to old school, to reggae, to dubstep to some current jams. So again please go to the website to see who's spinning what. They have a nice size stage area where you can dance but dancing happens everywhere. First time I came here I saw a random chick do interpretive dance to Big Pimpin....but thats wicker park for you. One time I went there I believe we saw what looked like a preggo chick grinding up against random guys which kinda makes me scared so I'm gonna just choose to believe that she wasn't pregnant but just had a pot belly. TUESDAY NIGHTS is open mic for hip hop and its the best. The skill level is pretty high so its a great experience for the spectators to see some of Chicago's best underground talent. Both on stage, on the floor and outside you'll get to see rap battles and cyphers just break out of no where. If you like underground hip hop, this is the place to be for sure. read more

Somehow I have never been to Subterranean prior to a recent Wednesday a few weeks back. It's an ok venue; decent beer selection, nice space. Sound could definitely use improvement. Extra star since they booked The Bug w The Warrior Queen. read more

Admittedly very tipsy upon coming here, but still liked my experience. ATMOSPHERE: Very interesting and large space with great music and a live band. The band had very high energy and was performing at their maximum. That I appreciated. The upstairs VIP area offered a great view of the stage. DRINKS: I think the drinks were strong. read more

This might be my favorite place to see concerts in Chicago. It's the perfect punk rock club - dark, dingy, tight, and the beer is cheap. You can get right up in the bands' faces, and when a band like the Dopamines is playing, you might even be lucky enough to rush the stage and sing into the lead singer's mic, despite not knowing any of the words to the song he's singing. There's a balcony area up top where you can bob your head and drink your beer in relative peace, if you're boring and have no friends. Subt gets some great bands, but the crowds are usually light, so it can be rough on the bands. You just kind of feel bad for them, you know? It's okay guys. I'm there for you. read more

In 2007 I saw a show here which I went to because it was billed as a Gothic Cabaret Carnival slash short film festival. Little did I know Amanda Palmer was the headline act. I was all "Dresden Dolls? I think I've heard that name before..." The crowd was really fun and I didn't feel too sore-thumb-y being there alone. I actually made friends with someone who was writing a review on the show, so we drank, and talked writing and music during the breaks. This was a really ingenious venue for such an event due to the SubT's split level charm on floors 2 & 3. I'm still mourning the re-location of chances dances from that arena to the much smaller and clubbier floor 1 of this place. Floors 2 & 3 are really where it's going on. The upper level has balustrade around an open hole in the floor which over looks the dance floor and stage of floor 2. It's really very awesome. The sound was good, the location stellar, the show unforgettable, and the crowd friendly. Hoopla. read more