The Best Clubs In Chicago
Our Ranking of the Best Clubs in Chicago
Best Clubs in Chicago
When it comes to nightlife, Chicago doesn’t hold back. The city is home to some of the best clubs in Chicago, offering everything from high-energy venues with thumping bass and packed dance floors to upscale lounges with velvet seating and curated cocktails. Whether you’re into deep house, hip-hop, Latin beats, or Top 40 hits, the Windy City delivers. Top DJs spin across stylish venues equipped with cutting-edge lighting systems, immersive sound, and VIP bottle service that turns any night into a full-blown experience. With most clubs staying open into the early morning, it’s no wonder Chicago ranks among the best party cities in the U.S. Whether you’re celebrating something big or just out with friends, you’ll always find a spot that matches your energy and keeps the night going strong—especially if you’re searching for the best clubs in Chicago for your birthday.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the best clubs in Chicago—including standout venues that consistently rank among the Top 10 Clubs in Chicago. From sleek River North hotspots to underground gems with cult followings, each spot offers its own unique mix of music, energy, and atmosphere, making it easy to find the perfect vibe for your night out.
Image credit: PRYSM
Address
632 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654
Crowd
25 – 35 years old
Music
Hip-Hop / EDM / Top 40
Atmosphere
High-end, celebrity-driven, energetic
Best Nights
Fridays & Saturdays
TAO Chicago Review
TAO Chicago is one of the most iconic nightlife venues in the city and easily ranks among the best clubs in Chicago. This upscale, Asian-inspired megaclub is known for its opulent decor, massive Buddha statue, and grand layout that includes a fine-dining restaurant in the front and a high-energy nightclub in the back. The lighting, sound system, and production are all top-tier — expect confetti drops, celebrity DJs, and VIP bottle service experiences that rival Vegas. The crowd is sharply dressed and the vibe is electric, with table reservations often selling out days in advance. If you’re looking to celebrate in style or impress out-of-town guests, TAO is the place to do it.
Image credit: PRYSM
Address
1543 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642
Crowd
mid-20s – early 30s
Music
EDM / House / Open Format
Atmosphere
High-energy, modern, Vegas-style
Best Nights
Fridays & Saturdays
PRYSM Review
PRYSM delivers that big-room, big-sound vibe every weekend. With a two-story setup, full LED walls, VIP mezzanine lounges, and an A-list DJ roster, it’s one of the best clubs in Chicago for fans of EDM and high-energy nights. Bottle service is the norm, but the general admission experience still packs a punch. Whether you’re looking for a wild girls’ night or an all-out dance adventure, PRYSM never disappoints.
Image credit: PRYSM
Address
157 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60654
Crowd
21 – 35 years old
Music
Top 40 / Pop Remixes / House / Drag Performances
Atmosphere
High-energy, theatrical, LGBTQ+ friendly
Best Nights
Fridays & Saturdays (Drag shows and DJ dance parties)
Fame Nightclub Review
Fame Nightclub is a dazzling mix of entertainment and nightlife in Chicago’s Lincoln Park area. Known for its vibrant drag shows, themed events, and weekend dance parties, Fame pulls in a lively, fashion-forward crowd ready to celebrate. The club is unapologetically bold — expect strobe lights, immersive visuals, and fierce performances that blur the line between show and party. With a layout designed for movement and spectacle, it’s a place where you can dance under confetti bursts one minute and cheer for a flawless drag number the next. Perfect for anyone seeking a fun, inclusive night out with over-the-top flair.
Image credit: Sound-Bar
Address
226 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60654
Crowd
21+ years old
Music
House / Hip-Hop / Top 40 / Trance
Atmosphere
Large, sleek, international-club vibe
Best Nights
Fridays & Saturdays
Sound-Bar Review
Sound-Bar is a massive multilevel club with nine bars, multiple rooms, and a no-frills setup that’s focused on one thing: partying. Among the best clubs in Chicago for pure sound and music variety, it features international DJs and a powerful Funktion-One system. You’ll find different genres across the rooms, from hip-hop to techno, and a mixed crowd that’s there to dance until sunrise. Covers are reasonable, and early arrivals often score free entry.
Image credit: Smartbar
Address
3730 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613
Crowd
23 – 35 years old
Music
House / Techno / Disco
Atmosphere
Underground, inclusive, music-focused
Best Nights
Saturdays & Sundays (especially “Queen!” night)
Smartbar Review
Smartbar is a true Chicago institution. Located beneath the Metro concert hall in Wrigleyville, this underground space is sacred ground for fans of house and techno. With a no-nonsense interior and one of the city’s best sound systems, it’s a go-to for music heads who don’t care about bottle service or velvet ropes. The weekly Sunday “Queen!” night is legendary in Chicago’s LGBTQ+ scene, featuring fierce performances and impeccable DJ sets. If you want an authentic, come-as-you-are dance floor with deep grooves and good people, this is where you’ll find it.
Image credit: Spybar
Address
646 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60654
Crowd
25 – 40 years old
Music
Tech House / Deep House / Techno
Atmosphere
Intimate, dark, after-hours energy
Best Nights
Fridays & Saturdays
Spybar Review
Spybar has been a fixture of Chicago’s underground scene since the ‘90s, and its reputation still holds strong. Tucked into a low-key entrance in River North, it’s the opposite of flashy — dimly lit, tightly packed, and all about the music. With an international DJ lineup and a loyal crowd that knows the beats, Spybar thrives well past 3AM. If you’re looking to lose yourself on the dance floor until sunrise, with zero distractions and world-class techno, this is your spot.
Image credit: Electric Hotel
Address
222 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60654
Crowd
mid-20s
Music
Top 40 / Hip-Hop / House
Atmosphere
Neon, warehouse-chic, playful
Best Nights
Fridays & Saturdays
Electric Hotel Review
Electric Hotel is where nightlife meets neon dreams. This converted warehouse pulses with energy, decked out in disco balls and color-shifting lights. It’s the kind of place where the music keeps the energy high, the drinks flow fast, and every corner is Instagram-worthy. The vibe is stylish but not uptight — think bachelorette parties, friend groups, and young professionals all letting loose. Bonus points for staying open until 5AM on Saturdays. Whether you’re starting the night or closing it out, Electric Hotel brings the fun.
Image credit: Tunnel
Address
151 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Crowd
Mid-20s to early 30s
Music
Hip-Hop / Top 40 / Open Format
Atmosphere
Trendy, upscale, intimate
Best Nights
Saturdays
Tunnel Review
Tunnel is an upscale lounge-club hybrid tucked above EPIC in River North. With a sleek design that mixes industrial ceilings, LED walls, and plush seating, the space feels modern and moody without trying too hard. It’s known for its curated crowd and bottle service energy without being overwhelming. DJs keep the vibe strong with hip-hop and top hits, and the layout makes it perfect for small groups who want to party without losing the lounge vibe. Expect a fashionable, well-groomed crowd that knows how to party right.mainstream. If you’re in the mood for something classy, sexy, and a little different, Disco delivers pure vintage magic with a modern twist.