I've heard a lot about this place. They focus on the music rather than the experience; which generally can be a great thing. Problem is the music was great; but the delivery wasn't. The speakers were blaring; fuzzy and loud is not a good combination; it's almost impossible to really appreciate the music. FOR THE EYES: nothing impressive. Over-all this place looks like a dive. It's dark and gloomy. Nothing decorative or pretty to look at; the bathrooms are DISCUSSING. Not only is it old and decayed looking; they don't keep it clean. Wet floor toilet paper the works. So, you think a place like this can't be pretentious., right? Wrong! Supposedly, the manager works the main bar as well. When he refused to refund our tickets; he felt he needed to insult me while he was at it. Sorry if you don't like your job and don't like dealing with people; but don't take it out on innocent people who are being courteous with you... I try to be fair I made a mistake. Thought this show was at the Double Door, turns out I walk into a middle-aged rock band I've never heard of. They might be great, and I might be blind to who they are; but that wasn't my or my girlfriends scene. This was not the kind of thing we were dressed for. We just walked in and paid $25 each; maybe they could refund us? No. "The best I can do is give ya a drink" A drink? Really? $75 and the best he could do is a drink... When I order I get a snarl becuase Long Islands have the most liquor in them, so that must've been rediculous to ask for, according to the responce i got. Was I wrong for asking for a refund? I wasn't demanding, I asked nicely and tried to state the reasoning behind why our tickets should be refunded and used by someone else who wanted them. If not refund my tickets, give me a stub so I can give it to someone else who wants to get in. There were people in line who wanted to see the show. Someone could have appreciated that, but it wasn't us. So "Eek! Methinks not... Meh, I've had better A-OK? (hmm maybe if that) But I'm not a fan and it was very far, opposite of; as-good-as-it-gets. read more

Double door is a little rough around the edges - but all in all, it's a fantastic place to catch a show. Unless it's a large act, you can usually just show up at the door and get in without tickets. The sound is good and not painfully loud. The stage seems close even when you're at the back of the bar, too. read more

a chicago institution. i love the location and how intimate it is -- no matter where you're standing, you can't be more than 100 ft back from the stage. awesome. there's also a "mini bar" conveniently next to the stage, so you don't have to lose your coveted second row spot to grab a drink. as others have mentioned, concert goer beware: be prepared to sweat. it can get super hot even if it's not packed (breathable materials highly suggested.) read more

I like this venue. It's dark and a little grungy but that fits with the scene. The place is small enough to get a somewhat intimate show with decent acts. It also has a decently sized bar and is located close to public transportation. read more

This place rox! Went here for a Lolla after show. Super clear sound! I loved the fact that they had a second cash only/simple bar right by the entrance in addition to the main bar. There were a few perches around the venue, but honestly there wasn't a bad "seat" in the place. They also have a downstairs area that had some fun looking lights. The overall vibe is really cool, lots of stickers all over the walls. If I'm in Chicago again soon I will for sure want to come back to this place! read more

Had a really fun time here for their Halloween party. Definitely a fun place to come and watch a show. Will be back.

It really doesn't get much more iconic Chicago than Double Door and I can't figure out why I haven't rated them before. They have some really great acts and the place is small enough that it's always a very intimate show. If you get a chance to see one of your favorite groups here, it's a life-changing experience, trust me. I got to see The Sounds here and I've loved them for years... it was awesome and I would recommend trolling their website so you know ahead of time who will be there. A lot of shows sell out as it's a small venue and there are some great shows there. You want an intimate show with a band you love?? This is it! read more

Thanks to an observant friend and some terribly cute but uncomfortable silver wedge heels I'm giving some mad props to the Double Door for their upstairs seating area! Brilliant! Full bar, nice loungy feel, and a perfect sightline to the stage. I don't think anyone is aware of this, cause we were some of the only people up there for the English Beat show last night. If you happen to be by there sometime soon, check it out. read more

Loud, dirty, dank, hot n' stuffy. Go see a rock show here...but make sure it's the right kind --- loud and ridiculous. Skip it for anything else read more

A cool place to see a show, and if you're in a band (like me) it's a really cool place to play. Knowing the talent that goes through, plus the grungy but not dirty feel is all rock and roll! CHECK IT! read more

They play some old school music every 3rd Thursdays. Its a friendly vibe. I had lots of fun.

My favorite place to see bands. Both ticket prices and sound are pretty good, and the beer selection is excellent for this type of venue. The bathroom is always working and the staff are definitely used to large crowds. Another must-go in Chicago. read more

There aren't a lot of bands I want to see that play the doubledoor. But I do find myself there, on occasion and I usually have a pretty good time. The sound in there is excellent. And if the band sucks you can always go downstairs and play pool. read more

Despite the fact I've been going to shows in Chicago forever, I've only been here a few times. I've always had a fun time, but they don't seem to draw the bands I'd pay to see. read more

I personally think this is a fabulous place to see a show. My favorite concert here was the Dirt Bombs, who are super fun by the way. Downstairs is very red and kind of freaks me out when I'm drunk, but other than that it's all good! read more

I must be getting old or I came here on a particularly crowded night. My friend and I came here to see Scotland Yard Gospel Choir open for the Smoking Popes. The second I stepped in there, I felt like I was in a rain forrest from all the body heat. We stayed in the back where it was cooler, but the place was just packed like sardines-I perfer my music without pushing and shoving. Otherwise, the band was great but I was overstimulated from the crowd, loud music, and beer. read more

The sounds always really good, and if I'm riding the CTA its one of my favorite places to catch a show! If you're driving in, parking is less than optimal. The downstairs bar is a good bet if everyone's upstairs. Great venue read more

Seen many fun bands and Dj parties here. It's a historic dance and live music venue that never disappoints. Bouncers can be rude, parking is a bitch for the entire area but the DD and a few other live music bars in the vicinity make the Damen/Milwaukee area hopping with awesome places to hang out at night. read more

I went here a couple weekends ago for Soul Summit. This was my first time at this venue, and it was a really great time. The drinks were reasonably priced, dance floor was fun, and the energy was great. I'd definitely go back to dance! read more

I've been frequenting this place for nearly as long as it has been in existence. It's a wonderfully rundown rock club which has decent priced beers and is a great venue to see local bands at a reasonable price. Bathroom situation can be a bit dodgy but it's a rock club, what to you expect?! The sound crew know their shit, so your ears will be saved at the end of the night. read more

Double Door is a great landmark of the Wicker Park/Bucktown neighborhood. Great place to enjoy some live music. Very personal atmosphere. Nice and big with a large size bar. Great location, good drinks, prices are mediocre. read more

One of my favorite places to see live music! The shows are affordable and they showcase a lot of local and national act. The place is small enough that you can stand in the back of the room and still see the stage. Parking can be iffy, but you can usually find a street spot a few blocks away. It is right off the blue line and is right along several major bus routes, which is nice if you are a public transit person. All-in-all, a great place that holds a lot of good memories for me. read more

Obviously this is an established club with lots of history, however that won't stop me from calling them out. I've been to many a show but have never seen such a ridiculous no re-entry policy as this spot (Especially when it's 100+ degrees inside, people should be allowed to get a breath of fresh air.) The "craft" beer prices suck as well. $6 for a beer that's brewed in Chicago and served in a plastic cup, give me a break. On the bright side the sound is great and they get some great acts so I know I'll be back (but will choose my beverage carefully)... read more

I love shows at the DD. What I don't like and will never understand is why staff at rock clubs have to work so hard to be d-bags. I know you've got to look in my bag, and I know you have to check my ID. But please....say "hi." Or something. Seriously. Can't you please just be nice? read more

One of the best venues for Chicago music. They support it and breathe it. Drinks are reasonably priced. Staff is AWESOME, including the door guy and the bartenders. I love this place. read more

We saw Albert Hammond Jr. a couple months back and had a great time! Its a really good sized venue - It was crowded but the layout allows you to still be able to move around to get beers, etc. Alcohol prices were not outrageous either. They have little bars around the big beams that are there serving as structural support, but it is actually pretty nice if you stand near one because you can set your beer/purse/coats down. Everyone was really friendly - a good atmosphere, and good service for getting booze. Looking forward to seeing another show there sometime very soon!! read more

Really nice place to go out with friends holding you but a great venue definitely recommend this place I had a good time nothing but the best when I go there hopefully this place will never close thank you again read more

This is cool place to see music, very long room with a bar downstairs, too. Not much of an atmosphere very dark and grungy looking, but I have seen some cool shows here, and met some of my favorite musicians (well, shook their hand mostly). Sound is loud and good. I'd like to go back soon. read more

I enjoy going to the double door. It is a good sized venue, but not too big, so you can potentially see a major act in an intimate setting, which is nice. read more

If nothing else, just get your picture taken by the DJ booth and send it to all of your friends who love High Fidelity (the movie version.) The downstairs is a great place to chill while the 20 shitty opening bands play, and if you're ever curious what their stage prescence is like, there are live monitors by the pool table for you to observe. There are like 3 bars, so you'll never have to wait in a long line to get a drink. For some reason, better bands tend to hit this place in the summer, so if you're checking the Reader ad every week and feeling disappointed, just wait it out. read more

I saw The Parlor Mob play here and had a good time. Drinks weren't too expensive and the bartenders were attentive. The pool hall downstairs is a nice place to have a drink and chat if the music upstairs isn't to your liking. The club is easy to find with the entrance being directly across from the Damen Blue Line stop. read more

The sound here is great. Good spots to stand as long as you are not by those poles. I like to get to shows super early. For those people who complain about bad sightlines at venues, get there early, problem solved. If you can't, oh well, not a big tragedy. Drinks here are way overpriced. If it was 100 degrees outside which would make it 110 inside when a show is crowded, I still wouldn't buy a beer. The other thing I don't like is the dirty Wicker Parkians who stand around and talk to each other even while there is an amazing band playing. That being said, this place rules. Great bands, great stage, and cool staff. read more

There are only two things I want to say about Double Door - it's one of the only places I can stand to frequent in Wicker Park, and the staff is actually human. Phil K, who I believe is the booking manager?, has more than once been very helpful in hooking me up with last minute tickets or offering spots on a guest list. Ask and you shall receive, at least sometimes. True hospitality! read more

The Hubby's band played here a few weeks ago and it was actually my first time here. It was a fun place and with great atmosphere. My only problem is I was in the heart of a summer cold. But I can't wait to come back sometime when I can really enjoy myself! read more

Usually there's a $12 cover to go in. It's cheaper if u buy tix online ahead of time ($10). It's very convenient located, right across from the damen blue line el stop. They have decently priced drinks and serve them in clear plastic cups. The live bands are a hit or miss. You'll also find people dancing in the area right in front of the live band. Pretty loud as expected. Not to big of a place. Fun love to hang out in wicker park read more

If you are looking to dance, play, and checking some art, this is the place to be. Cumbiasazo is the best, and so is the DJs downstairs. Highly recommend. read more

Love this place! I love going to this place on weeknights. Great acoustics, staff, and reasonable price for tix.

Maximo Park at Double Door The concert was at the Double Door on Milwaukee in Bucktown. At least I think it's bucktown. At any rate - very small venue. The guys at the door were well organized and had no problem finding my presale tickets on the list. The bar is long and the bartender was very responsive. There were about 15 people in the place by the time the first band went on. I was slightly worried for Maximo Park. It would have been embarassing for them if they played to only 15 people. But my concerns were laid to rest as eventually the place filled - a sold-out house. As I was waiting for the openers, I struck up a conversation with a guy working security called Jared. Jared is in a band called Scouts honor out of Chicago and they're quite good, I've since discovered. We chatted for a bit. Very cool guy who also paints. But then I made the massive error of replying to a guy who started to chat me up. What an obnoxious ass. I tried to escape him by heading over to the stage but he was on me like stink on a homeless guy. he was annoying everyone around us with strange outbursts that brought to mind Jimmy Steward with turretts. And I couldn't move because I was in prime Maximo-viewing position! At any rate, after explaining to him that "No, it isn't OK for you to put your arm around my waist," and asking him repeatedly to get the hell off me, the band started and I could pretend he wasn't there. I was looking around for Jared who was working security but couldn't catch his eye. The venue by this time had filled up. I was happily in a place that allowed me to take lots of photos. The band and everyone else were slick with sweat as it was hotter than the sun in there - no airconditioning on a very hot and humid July evening. The sound was good and Maximo Park performed as if their very lives depended upon expending every last drop of bodily fluid. The reverse was true for the crowd, with which I was utterly unimpressed. Apparently in Chicago it's illegal to dance or move about in any perceptable way at a gig or to appear like you're enjoying yourself. I might have seen some nodding but that was about it. They probably thought I was mad because I was bopping up and down as much as my 3-inch heeled boots would let me. And then, as we waited for the encore, inexplicably the crowd started singing that "Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole" song that people sing at football (soccer to midwesterners) matches...? That confused me. So much different from the NY crowd. Tiny stage which makes it interesting for the band performing Good sound. At any rate, it was over all too soon. The second the encore was done I hightailed it out of there for fear creepy guy would pounce. In what would rival any special ops maneuver, I cut through the crowd, hopped in a cab, got to the hotel, took a shower and I was soon asleep. read more

This place just rubs me the wrong way. They want to be the "little club" where "bands get their first break" yet can't get past the blinding gloss of being a "professional rock club." Before I turned 21 it seemed like at least once a month I was missing something amazing by not being able to get in, but the last year or two there have been maybe six or seven shows at the most that I REALLY want to go to. Even when I'm actually there (doesn't matter if I'm working or there as a fan) it just seems all a bit off. Maybe it's just me but it just doesn't work. Find better bands in better venues for lower costs. read more

As they say - keeping it real. Good music, bare bones for those who crave the real deal. They host some good events too - check out the Annual Fetish Ball. Unless you're a pussy. read more