Definitely outside the comfort zone. Even the location of BB is not where I normally venture. No matter, variety is the spice of life, eh. (apologies to my Canadian compatriot). This was the preferred after party venue for a recent Art After Dark Event. The seating (hairdryers) was nicely retro, but that is about where the retro ended. For some reason, the crowd tended mainly to goth, at least when I was there, along with guys inexplicably wearing too much spandex. The vodka tonic I had was serviceable, if only to keep me out of the dancing room, but I definitely felt overdressed (both in terms of quantity of fabric and stylishness) in what I had been wearing to the art event - just grateful that no one spilled on me. I probably will not be back, but definitely what I needed to shake me out of the routine. read more

I told my friend that I went to a place that included a martini and a manicure for just $10, and she responded, "What? What kind of magical place is this?" And Beauty Bar was indeed a magical place full of glitter and other girls enjoying a night out. The premises are a bit run down, even though I think they tried hard to make up for it by painting their walls bright colors and covering them with GLITTER. The martinis were actually quite good as well -- quite strong for my weaksauce self, who drank half of one and promptly became tipsy. Manicures that we had to wait a while for (there were only two stations) were a bit sub-par in my experience, but somehow I didn't expect much more. After all, if you wanted the whole manicure experience, you'd probably go to a nail salon. There's this back room that's entirely pink with a disco ball and also covered in glitter. I felt like I was in some sort of giant vagina, and indeed it was filled with groups of drunk, dancing women and only two or three rogue males that were brave enough to be openly creeping. I guess for straight males, this pink room would be like a visual feast... or not? 95% of the women on the dance floor were shamelessly terrible at dancing. A few downsides: Far from public transportation, and parking is hard to find! Also, I was a bit put off by the old, crusty, stained hair dryer machines. Did they also used to do hair here? Or are these just creative ways to provide more seating? Hmm. read more

The best is when Jessica does the manicure. She's really nice and professional. Got black Christian Louboutin + Rilakkuma nails done and this mix is so crazy that you could only find at Beauty Bar . read more

Beauty Bar - Jessica does the best job. Got Christian Louboutin + Rilakkuma nails done and you could only find this at Beauty Bar. - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ive come here a few times to pass time before going to other events in the area. I always buy the groupon for a manicure and two martinis . Its always empty cause i get there at like 5:30-6pm. The place is super cute and they have a nice selection of nail polish. Its not really a manicure more like a polish change and they have a nice selection of martinis that you can get using the groupon, after reading some reveiws Im gonna have to come a little later and stick around for the tuesday night festivities. read more

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DON'T GO HERE IF YOU'RE A FEMALE!!! I was there celebrating my bachelorette party which was supposed to be a fun, celebratory night. I went to bathroom and a male security guard barged into my stall while I had my pants down. It's absolutely inappropriate to treat anyone like they did, let alone a paying customer. I feel so violated that they accept this kind of behavior from their staff. Apparently they must have a horrible drug problem at this bar if they assume any person going to the bathroom must be doing drugs. I will never step foot into this bar. Shame on you, Beauty Bar to treat a female like this, or anyone for that matter. read more

I decided to try beauty bar because it seemed like it'd be the new hoppin' bar in my 'hood. I've been to the one in Austin, and I figured it'd be different. Unfortunately, it was pretty similar and it only made me realize that I'm not 22 anymore. Ho hum. The saving graces were: 1. The kick-ass manicurist who lives really close to me and who I hope will one day be my friend. 2. $2 PBRs. 3. The really nice bartender who canceled out the really jerky bartender. Go there if you're 22. read more

I love this place! It's possibly one of my favorite bars in Chicago. I first went here to do a hair show for Black Hearts Hair House. The staff was really friendly during the whole event and they were quick with drinks once it got crowded. I had a great time. Since then, I went back with a group of friends a few weeks ago. The 7 of us sat in the salon chairs and relaxed for most of the night. Some of my friends also ordered pizza to be delivered (from Piece) off a menu at the bar (which is a great idea). I love the layout of this bar, especially since the dance floor is separate and has benches/side "tables" to put drinks on. Warning, the "disco ball" in there kind of makes the room spin at first. Did I mention they have a photo booth? I'm a photo booth addict, so I almost always use them at bars. This one is pretty cheap (I think it's 4 dollars?) and takes credit cards. Overall, this bar is pretty great and is fun ... not just for girls! read more

Meh...I like to think I try to yelp everything before I visit it for myself, and only read the positives first, so I can walk in with a good attitude....but this procedure just didn't work for me for Beauty Bar like it did for everything else that I enjoy. I went this previous Tuesday night for a tri-birthday party for 3 of my friends. We were in a group of maybe 15-20, and I will say it was easy to keep tabs on everybody. However, it WAS a Tuesday, and Ive heard the place becomes much more of a fun party on any other night of the week. Which is odd, because there is no cover charge on Tuesdays. It might have something to do with their whack ass drink specials. ....a bunch of unpopular mixtures that would be better suited for a moose lodge. Hennesy bombs, 10$ martinis, and 6$ PBR....oh boy. The bar reminded me of a high school friends garage. You walk in....its literally the length of a nice garage...and you have 3 choices all laid out in front of you; either go left to sit and TRY to chat, stay in the middle and dance, or go to the right an stool at the bar....the vibe was not there...there was no flow. I dont feel like staring at the random dude sitting with his face near my ass (especially if he is fugly) and creepin'. I loved the glitter everywhere, dont get me wrong, but this bar REALLY should be in boystown instead. It would do well there. Also, the music WAS AWFUL!!!! Nothing but those R&B hits from your in-line skating days in the 90's. LL cool J, Coolio.....that mushy crap with no real beat for dancing when you're trying to get wasted. BEWARE! The credit card minimum at the bar is 20$...so make sure you have cash or you plan to stay for a while. Their drink prices arent crazy. I had two rum and pineapples and 2 rum and cokes for 21...which isnt all that crazy in Chicago. Pretty reasonable in fact. Neighborhoods eclectic and interesting, so you can bar hop if you get bored just as I did. I recommend Cleos if you are hungry and in the mood for some patio / beer relaxation/socialization read more

As soon as I stepped into the bar, I felt transported back in time. With the retro dryers to the left and manicurists to the right, it was love at first sight. My friend and I went to the Y2K dance party, and entered before nine to ensure no cover charge. Throughout the evening, we were served drinks entitled, Platinum Blonde and French Twist by the very attentive bar staff, and it turned out to be an above average night. What eventually led to disappointment was something was all in the crowd. The placement of the dance floor made it a bit too hot and sweaty for my own personal comfort. I'd come to this place again, but I would recommend going for happy-hour. It won't disappoint. read more

I used to go to the Dallas Beauty Bar with my sister all the time so I was very excited to hear there's one in Chicago when I moved here. The lines are usually pretty long and I can never seem to make the 9-10 no cover charge. The disco ball on the dance floor always seems to make me feel way more drunk than I probably am. The dance floor is small but it's never too crowded. There aren't people pushing through to use the bathroom constantly like most dance bars I've been to in Chicago. The DJ plays some good old school music but sometimes it gets too top 40 and I have to roll my eyes a little while pretending to like the song to keep up the jive. It's hard to get a drink at the bar, the bar is always packed with layers of people but I guess what bars not? You can get a manicure and martini for 10 dollars and the manicurist has some pretty cool nail stickers:) It's a fun place but it's not what I crave read more

The pictures say it all. We stopped here for a pre-dinner drink. The girlfriend loved it: you get a martini + manicure for $10. I just got Jack for $5. They had a DJ in here at 7 pm. He was playing dance indie. Interesting, I guess. Supposedly this place gets rockin' at night. read more

The concept is literally the best idea for a bar that ever existed in the history of ever. Snagged the groupon for 2 martinis and a manicure (granted, it is, as others have said, a mere polish change, not an actual manicure) for $9. Do you want me to say that again? $9. Yes. $9. It was not busy when we went, so I could understand that it would be annoying to wait in line forever, but really, what do you expect for nine friggin dollars? The drinks were great and the ladies who were doing the nails were pleasant and chatty. The decor was very kitchy and covered in glitter, so who doesn't love that? It was a nice first-stop bar and I really appreciated my friend introducing me to it. Anyone that complains about not getting a real manicure -- stfu already. It's a gimmick -- drink your martinis and move along. read more

I literally only come here for Freedom Party and I'd give that party 5 stars all day! The door and bar staff are always friendly enough and the prices are reasonable. There are usually a few drink specials posted on the mirror behind the bar (although there weren't any last week). However, I don't know anything about the venue outside of that night that's hosted by my friend. The manicure stations are available some of the time... I don't know how quality it is though. The photo booth is hit or miss but a fun feature during a night out with friends. read more

Didn't know there was a correlation between salon and ratchet dance party? Well let me introduce you to the Y2K Dance Party at Beauty Bar. I've heard rumor that is gets "too hot" and "way to crowded." The "too hot" is true (because we're dancing and getting all sweaty), but I must have hit the lucky spot because it was not overcrowded at all. The music was amazing and it got so sick at one point that my sister and I ended up break dancing on the floor. Happens. My only complaint, they only play half of each song before transitioning it into the next. Why not just let it play out? No idea. Nevertheless, I plan to be back next time I'm in Chicago to be ridiculous while dancing. read more

Come for the manicure nail deal (if you're a girl). Stay for the good selection of of booze (if you're a guy). On the outside Beauty Bar may seem like a place solely for a group of girls having a night on the town. That's what I thought at first and part of it is very true. However, Beauty Bar is so much more than just that. This bar is the only place I know that constantly has a multitude of events and theme nights. There's really something for everybody. A running joke I have is that there is always am event when I visit. Since I started coming to the bar I have seen fiction readings by local authors, stand up comedy, DJ sets, various music themed nights, and even a neon light hula hoop show. That's just the tip of the iceberg. They have an amazing manicure/cocktail deal for the ladies. I suggest taking your main squeeze here for a date and then head to the bar for yourself. I personally like the selection of whiskey behind the bar. I also suggest seeking out the tall bartender because he knows his whiskey and has made several excellent choices for me. Another good thing is that most of the bartenders are heavy handed. I never gotten my nails done, but the nail girls are pretty cool. read more

I want to start off by saying that I actually had a good time here. The thing with the 2 stars is, well, I can't get past the fact that this place just isn't cool. Pretty simple really, it's cheesey hipster to the max. And I just can't give more than a two star rating to a place that isn't cool. I went here for a bachlorette party. I guess that the girl who organized our party called ahead and got us the $10 martini and a manicure deal. When our party arrived the head manicurist (or most responsible one) was super nice and told us what to do. I didn't know what to expect, I thought it would be a bar with a bunch of chicks drinking cosmos and getting their nails done. It's more of a creeper bar, with really awesome decor (not being sarcastic, this place still isn't cool but I thought that the decor was for greatness) a few nail stations in the front and a dance floor that makes you feel 10x more drunk with all the spinning lights located in the back. In case you do not know the definition of a creeper bar, allow me to explain. A creeper bar is a bar where there are a bunch of creepy and unattractive dudes (sorry guys! it's the truth, some of y'all gave me nightmares!) that hang out there because they know that there will be an off the charts girl to guy ratio, thus giving them a possible chance in hell of hooking up with a drunk chick who won't notice that you are fugly. It was super obvious and bordered pathetic. The guys that hang out there (and there were tons of them!) know that bachlorette parties and swarms of girls wanted to get their nails done while getting blitzed will be there. It was high-larious. They were surrounding the perimeter of the place holding up the walls, it was like a high school dance!!! LMFAO!!! To sum it up: -liked the drinks, don't see why people have written negative things about the bartenders, I thought they were great and attentive, one of them brought a tray of champagne out to our party as a surprise for the bride to be (we paid for it but it was still nice the way that he served it) -liked the decor -the manicure is more of a file and polish change, but it is practically free with the martini so who cares, it's more of a novelty anyway -creepers galore The End. read more

We randomly went to Beauty Bar this past weekend after hopping around to a few places in the area for a friend's bday. It's definitely not Sonotheque, they definitely only accept cash at the bar, and there was an electro/pop/rock band playing to a crowd of about 13 people. I'm sure on the right night, with the right DJ, this place does the trick -but to me 1444 W. Chicago will always be the location of where Sonotheque used to be and nothing else will really adequately fill it shoes. Three stars for semi-nostalgia. read more

The best place for a fun night out in Chicago! I only wish they stayed open later. The music is always fun, the drinks are good, and the vibe is energetic but not too busy or bro-y. read more

The overarching idea is brilliant: get all of your beauty needs while sipping on a fabulous drink. The overall execution fell short. WAY SHORT. Be forewarned that the crowd is extremely hipster. Don't go unless you belong to that crowd. Otherwise, be prepared to look out of place. The music was subpar, and the environment lacked positive energy. It's not a place I'm dying to visit again. read more

I went here one saturday and it happened to be 90's night. Baywatch edition. Awesome. The music was great. I got there early enough so I didn't have to pay a cover. This place was SO hot inside though. Almost unbearable. I preferred to hang out in the dance floor in the back. The mirror ball takes some getting used to at first. There was almost no one back there for the first coupe of hours. We had a blast just dancing and being silly. The DJ was awesome. They had different Dj's that would play a one hour set. One of the songs I had never heard and went up to him and asked who it was- it was his ex girlfriend! He was so nice. Told me if I had a USB drive he would give the song to me. Unfortunately, I didn't. I loved the music they played! Although they didn't have Captain they did have bacardi. Drinks are about 8 or so and pretty strong! I would go back for sure. read more

In previous reviews, a lot of people said that early in the evening, the atmosphere is dead. I don't like crowded bars, so I was ALL about that! My sister and I went last night (a friday) around 7:30, and there were maybe six other people there. That's seriously just the way I like it :) I was able to sit at the bar with my sister and bro-in-law and have a great conversation without having to scream. Charlie was the bartender. He ROCKS. I don't like most martinis so he said he would make me whatever I wanted as long as it wasn't from top shelf stuff. I had him make me a chocolate martini (which he invented)...and then I had another one :) I loved my manicure! The girls were very friendly and sweet. My nail tech was Monica, who was very nice and down to earth. And dudes, never fear. The bartenders are mostly dudes and there are other dudes there, too. So if you're there with your girlfriend or wife or lady friend (or dude friend who likes to get his nails done), you'll at least have a male bartender to chat with while you're waiting for the manicure to be finished. There's also a photo booth that takes debit/credit cards! SCORE! If this place was in Lakeview, I'd go every week! ps- I'd never heard of the neighborhood Noble Square...I have now officially been to Noble Square! read more

Beauty bar is worth 2.5 stars. The Martini that went with my manicure was just awful. I mean, it tasted like something a 19 year old might mix at a house party. But! My manicure was nicely done and basically you're just paying $10 plus a tip for the ladies to paint your nails. Maybe see if they'll just put some beer in your martini glass instead. There were two DJs the night we went. Both of them were pretty bad. Which might explain why the dance floor was a sad and empty place at midnight on a Saturday. But we danced anyway. And it was kind of fun. So...2.5. Yep. read more

Got there at 920 on sat night. 5$ cover after 9. Not real busy. Free pbr 9-10p if you RSVP. 90s night. Mostly girls belting out every song! I loved it! But did get packed quickly. Too packed and very hot. Drinks all over the floor- a mess but so is any dance bar. Coats sitting all over even tho there's a coat check. 20$ minimum for credit cards:( read more

I love beauty bar. I come here all the time for their events on Fridays/Sunday's and it's usually our go to spot for holidays. I have literally never spent more than $30 total (not including tip. ALWAYS TIP YOUR BARTENDER) the bartenders are all amazing and kind. They've taken care of my friends and I several times as we've gotten to know them from going so often. Alcohol is cheap compared to so many other bars and the music and atmosphere are always excellent. If you're in the area and want to have a good time definitely check Beauty Bar out. The decor is so cute and it's always clean. Really one of the best spots I know read more

I did not get a manicure here so my review is in regards to the bar on a Friday night during the Y2K night (where the DJ played music only from the early 2000s, which was amazing!) I am definitely coming back here again in the future The music was ON POINT ( and I don't say that very often), drinks were good, service was great! I loved this place and had such a good time, I definitely recommend it if you love to dance! read more

The photo booth is cool and that's all. When we went in there for a friend's birthday, we found that the "manicure" aspect of this place is just one person who will begrudgingly paint your nails. You won't be getting a manicure, just a quick paint, and there are few colors to choose from. The bartender's friends were so rude to us, the music wasn't good, and service was incredibly slow. There were no places to sit and we had to pay a cover. Also, I'm aware that this is a Coppola brand, but the Sofia champagne in a can (with a straw...) was pretty terrible. Overall, the idea of this place is really cool. The concept lends itself to being really awesome, but instead it just seemed like someone's basement. I would not recommend this place. read more

Interesting..... Came here with the bf on a Saturday night....and it was like an art school hipster fest....not particularly pretty....but lots to look at.....fun fashion.....fun costumes.....fun(ny) people....basically it was the dark wave disco crowd. They were doing some kind of face painting in the front with glitter and what not.....so that was going on all over the place....and there was a photog area set up near the DJ booth. Drinks were fine....bartenders attention was relatively easy to get and I didn't have to wait more than 2 min for my cocktail. Music alternated between good....really good and not so great. I don't know if I love what they've done with the space.....it feels a lot smaller than Sonotheque....mainly due to the fact that they made the back area into its own little dance room....which causes a whole bottle-neck issue trying to get from the bar to the dance floor or the bathrooms....not good. The main bar space doesn't have any direction....so unless you're at the bar or sitting at one hair dryers....your just standing in the middle of the room....pretty much in the way of everyone who's coming in and either A. trying to get a drink or B. trying to get to the dance floor. I'd def give Beauty Bar another whirl.....I think that like Sonotheque.....the crowd will vary depending on the night and who's spinning..... read more

Beauty Bar has a fun concept: have a delicious martini and get your nails did. It's now $15 for the mani-marti (it was $10 not long ago). And while I don't mind paying for a good cocktail, the price seems out of place in a bar that has a dance party nearly every night of the week. The few times I've been there, I've had a good time. The drinks *are* really tasty, but with the aforementioned price, I can't say that they keep me coming back for more. In fact, since my first visit, I haven't gotten a single martini. Instead, I depend on their reliable beer selection for my boozy needs. Overall, Beauty Bar is a pretty solid place to hang for a few hours. Be sure to go on a night that appeals to your dancing shoes and you'll enjoy it all the more. read more

My go to spot when I want to go out, listen to good music and ACTUALLY dance. Very casual dress code here get as dressed up or down as you want. Website has the theme nights; I'm there any Y2K, 90s early 2000s night. Selena night was AWESOME. Michael v Prince night was legendary. Emo night equally a blast. $5 cover before 10 always but totally worth it. Drinks are super reasonably priced, good, and strong. Martini and a manicure (yes. Literally get your nails painted on Thursday I think and def Friday and Saturday) for like 20 bucks. Great music friendly people. Always packed but not in the oh god get me out of here way in the fuck yeah this place must be fun type of way. 10/10 would recommend. It's fun for everyone. Bouncers are always mad friendly too which is great. Bathrooms are ok+ which is pretty amazing for a night club tbh. read more

Strong drinks and the ability to get your nails done all at the same time at night? Yup, Beauty Bar I gotta tip my hat to you and say that is one of the most unique bar/nightclub designs I have seen yet! This place is pretty big inside too, although I was told by pretty much everyone I know that this place ALWAYS gets full so if there is a DJ or someone you want to see her, you should probably get here early before the masses arrive. There is a small DJ booth and they do all kinds of special indie DJ nights and some nights even featuring LCD Soundsystem and groups like that which is pretty great. The dance floor area is in the back and I think could have been better--not enough awesome dance moves there, and it was so crowded by one point in the night I don't think anyone could show off any dance moves if they had any to show off in the first place! But a fun night all around here, but be sure you know your drink order when you get to the bar, because they take making drinks seriously here! read more

I didn't really understand what was going on there. Half the people were in costumes so I ended up talking to the monopoly man all night. All the specials were written on the glass in lipstick. You could also get manicures there? Definitely an interesting business plan by the bar owner. Other than that they had dollar schlitz beers and three dollar well drinks so that was alright. They also had a decent amount of dance floor space where I could bust out my moves. read more

I just don't think you can beat the value of paying $10 for a Martini and a Manicure! I had low expectations when I arrived. I thought that for $10 I would receive a watered down Martini and a crappy Manicure but I was wrong on both accounts! I actually got a small buzz from the Martini and the Manicure was awesome! You can call ahead for a manicure reservation, but it was not crowded either times I have been. The atmosphere in here is kinda barren and whatever but I can look past that because I think Beauty Bar is a great value! read more

I love the venue layout. Beauty Bar is always a cool place to go because, being a chain, it's familiar nation wide. This one has a great vibe to it and they book some stellar DJ's. Cool place to hang out and see locals. Definitely come here for a dressed down, hang out vibe. read more

Best night of my life!!!! I danced 6 hours straight. Drinks were flowing heavy. If you haven't been to this spot you missing out read more

Beauty Bar - 10/30/2015 - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Love this place Nothing but the best place to hang out it great music so much fun I would say definitely check this place out

Awesome theme nights. The best ones are: The Prince and Michael Jackson Experience Panic! Dance Party Champagne Retro read more

Not a bad place. The best time I went here was when they had Nu-Metal Mondays. The DJ played some good classics

The couple times that I've been here this place was good, but it was dead the nights I went.

Beauty Bar is hands down one of my favorite bars in the city, and you can find me there quite often. This place has many themed nights, which I believe attracts a different type of crowd than you'll find running the streets of River North or Wrigleyville (not that there's anything wrong with those places, just not really my scene). The music is always danceable, even on the more "interesting" nights. And the drinks are always reasonably priced. That being said, Beauty Bar is not for everyone. It's an acquired taste, just like any other bar. (Wait, except for Margaritaville! We can all agree we love that place, right?!?) Some may be turned off by the music, the crowd, or even the lines to get in. But if you are looking for something very fun and out of the ordinary with a few surprises (the graffiti in the bathroom is always a riot!), definitely check this place out. Oh and while, you're at it, buy me a drink while you're here too! read more

Falsely accused of barfing and kicked out of the bar for just using the restroom stall. I was forcefully grabbed and kicked out without resistance from myself. Overly aggressive towards a patron that was there to have a good time without aggression. I would use caution. read more