Smart Bar, known as Stunt Corn to locals, is not a bar, it is a nightclub. Surrounded by the muck and mire of Wrigleyville, aka The Whitest Place On Earth, Smart Bar is one of the truest "nightclubs" in Chicago because of its location. Exiting the dismal, beaming glow of the ever illuminated hot dog restaurant across the street to enter the venue is like entering a pulsating mirror world. It's hard to escape the uncanniness of leaving the particular overwhelming atmosphere of the Cubs Sports Zome for a packed, dark, vibrating room. Smart Bar has similar attributes to many other night clubs. A low, oppressive ceiling, overly expensive drinks, and the iconic extremely loud albeit excellent music paired with people screaming at each other in order to be heard. The most common phrase overheard at Smart Bar is "What?". Smart Bar's most unique attribute is its place in the queer community. Smart Bar is home to excellent queer events & residencies and would be nothing without these folx. As the night club has grown in notoriety over the years, many queer folx have come and gone from the space, some even employed to perform transcendent sets only to be discarded when Management deems them to be passé. Smart Bar is without a doubt an important destination for queer nightlife, but it is equally important to note the role a place like Smart Bar & its Management holds in offering, at first, a place of refuge, but ultimately a place that really just wants you to buy one more drink. read more

Do dress comfortably Don't wear high platform peep toed shoes. (especially if you're a guy, exception: all the fabulous drag queens out there) Do get funky and dance anyway you want (yes, even the robot) Don't wait for the featured DJ to come out, he won't until 3 AM Do drink responsibly Don't approach me with your butt first (ok maybe just this once) read more

$25 cash cover on a Friday night when there's 20+ huge bars on the same street not charging cover? No thank you. You would think they want girls in their club but guess not, definitely not worth it. read more

the bouncers have serious masculinity problems . they thought one of my friends id was fake. it is a real id!!! they swore it wasn't and confiscated the id. we were upset with them and they continued to tell us we were immature and embarrassing ourselves for asking for the id back. they told us to call the police if we were so sure the id was real and if we wanted it back, so we did, and then we were told we were pathetic for calling the police. i have read some yelp reviews and they all seem like they are about the bouncers. misogyny and racism should not be employed. read more

$10 cover, party till 5am. Dimly lit appearance, seemed like it was smokey but not really, crowded as a mofo, everyone is dancing to house music. Great times. Reminds me of the old Crobar, when the shit was about the music and dance. Pretty & pretentious people beware. read more

I obviously don't "get" this place, because I've heard so many people I respect say they love it, but every time I go I'm miserable. It's great they have all ages events and give almost famous dj's a venue to try their new tracks. And the dance floor is shiny black, flanked by a glittery bar on one side and a wall on the other which separates another bar and seating. But for the big kids, playing $hitty music ten times louder than it should be doesn't make it sound any better. I would have had a decent time if I could hear anything besides my skull ringing the whole time. I gave an extra star however because they actually provide free earplugs at the main dance floor bar. I got a drink and left a nice tip simply for that fact. That's class! But I've undoubtedly hit the venerable age of "it's too loud and I'm too old" already. If you are already half deaf or like watching thirty somethings try to remember how to break dance, this is paradise. It was the same for Mark Bell, a drum and bass night, a goth-a-rama night (which I'm usually ecstatic over) and some guy named Justin Long who really has a vendetta against young people's eardrums. read more

Great place to have peaceful dance floor and also great place to find some new friends and spent time with them!!! On Saturday it's full of singles who are trying to meet and mingle and great place for that!!! Also bartender want good and showed an extraordinary service with smile also late at night when she might be tired too. This place open until 5 am on Saturday. read more

Every time I go to smart bar it's usually for the Frankie knuckles tribute night. I am not considered industry but having been a resident in Chicago for 20 years I have grown and cultivated relationships with business owners and they always welcomed me with open arms at this venue. I really enjoy the DJs and I really enjoy that everybody respects each other at this fairly large club. The drink prices are more than affordable and the staff is always kind and willing to ensure safety. I am not too familiar with the drag culture however I am very familiar with the music choices and remixes blending and that's why I love coming to this event when I can on Sunday nights. Frankie knuckles tribute is a really emotional experience for me it takes me back to when I knew the man and the good times he provided for everybody read more

The bouncer and apparently maneger inflicted physical violence on my 5'5 friend because he thought her real ID was fake and once the police came and told I'm that it was indeed real his ego was so broken he wasn't able to face her. Honestly smart bar is over priced and 9/10 you will be treated like trash at the door. Just don't waist your money here go somewhere like debonair or beauty bar where you can dance, have fun, you don't have to pay an outrageous cover and you don't get treated like shit. read more

Diverse set of party people in terms of age, identity and energy levels contribute to an inviting dance club. The venue itself seems a bit dated/dark, which for me, adds to the charm. Let's be innovative and call it what it is; a dive club. You'll notice the main dancefloor holy, as the tables are stashed to the dark edges of your uncles big basement. There's a certain asymmetry to the entire setup, you'll notice it as the DJ spins just above the left main speaker and the bar watches you dance. Drinks are typical. People seem to have enough respect to keep their booze in their cups and off the dance floor. Nice lounge area before the main dancefloor with plentiful seating to chill. That's the review, below is just banter. Queue: Club discovery So heard alot about Smart bar and decide to check it out for the first time on a innocent cold january Sunday, what better time to recon a interesting club and see what they are all about?... Queen Sunday Queue: Shirtless bros(?), straps, a 8 ft. tall Flower creature, girlfriends who could not be in a safer environment, soul/funk/vogue/disco music and that snap-snap, feminine energy. Respect, but let's try again. M.I.A DnB Thursday Queue: JUNGLE, The hype dance floor indian(?) guy (respect), 1 Hospital Record song, more JUNGLE, Big ups to the proper Emcee, Energy/crowd well enough to pass 4am. Chicago Is Techno Saturday Queue: too dranken to care..., is techno 130 BPM or 150?... too dranken to care..., upset will never meet that girl that shared a great conversation in awkwardness in the gender neutral bathroom (prolly a dude, but sounded like a girl),... too dranken to care..., the techno is a trance and 4 am hits hard, party people start buddying up,... last girl on the dancefloor doesn't react accordingly to a weak approach... too dranken to care. Oh well, at least Wrigleyville Dogs is across the street. Matthew Dear/Savile/Leo Leal Friday Queue: Came late to great house music, met a coworker who happened to be in town that night on the dancefloor, more good house music, end night at Wrigleyville Dogs (it's too close!) and meet old fraternity bro from another age. Nothing like surprise appearances. These are all vivid positive stories and I look forward to future late night tales. Check it out. read more

So I went to see the Frontline Assembly and Revolting Cocks industrial music concert at the venue above the SmartBar called Cabaret Metro. When the bands finished playing around midnight, I decided to go downstairs to dance. I was greeted by a clean, spacious contemporary club with neon lights and good looking kids on the dance floor. It was a busy night, as people were coming from the concert upstairs and still coming in from outside as well. Despite that this turned out to be a very good place to get my groove on. I wasn't prepared for the gender-neutral bathrooms though. With all the sexual harassment claims lately, I'm a bit confused. I just held it until I got home. The patrons were friendly and flirty, and fun to be around. A DJ and production team from Boston by the name of Soul Clap spinned the music all night long, and I literally had to drag myself off the dance floor. This was easily some of the best industrial dance and house music that I've ever moved my body to. read more

In essence, this place is a dive club (though I had no idea this was a thing before coming here). I think it's important to know that going in because if you come in expecting more of a River North club with bottle service, strict dress codes, and more lavish decorations you'll be surprised. But I don't say this to be a knock, it's actually this atmosphere that I love about it. My fiancé and I have come about half a dozen times on Fridays or Saturdays. We love that they bring in some very talented house and techno DJs as well as doing special events with house festivals. While we haven't loved every DJ the music is generally interesting and by 1-2 am the dance floor is usually packed with good energy and people who seem to genuinely love the genre of music. It also seems to attract a very diverse group of people and is very LGBTQ friendly. I also think despite the fact that it doesn't look flashy (though they seemed to do a small redo on the interior recently) the sound quality is really good and depending on the DJ you can get some good base. The only thing that's not 5 stars about the experience is the bartenders. We've had a couple good ones but often they seem indifferent, but overall it doesn't detract from the experience. (And fits with the dive club expectation.) My one recommendation if you're local is to stop by earlier when the Metro box office is open. The price is cheaper and you can pay by CC (whereas at night tickets seem to be cash only, while bar takes cards). read more

I waited in line patently by myself for a little more than two hours for Queen in thirty three degree weather. I'm ok with this, Queen always has a line at 11pm. I have a typical Chicago heavy winter coat on so I don't freeze to death. Finally I get in, pay my $12 cash, and was abruptly told coat check was full and closed. I went down into the basement and everyone is shirtless and sweating like crazy as expected. I cannot wear or even carry a heavy coat in these conditions: I need to be down to my underwear to not overheat. I made the only decision I could and left. I got a little emotional, and just decided it was best to go home since not I'm in a terrible mood. I've wasted $40 between entry and uber to and from the establishment. I was inside maybe three minutes total. I'm just so disappointed. I had a long week and this was just the cherry on top. read more

Great bar for house & electro / dance music. Sound system is booming, like nothing I've ever heard before. It is a bit too dark for me, but I guess it helps "set the mood". :D There's not much to the decor either. It's more or less like someone's suped up basement at home. But hey, you're there for the music, right? read more

8/11/2019 This was my first time attempting to enter Smart Bar. I was with a few friends, who they let in without any problems. They wanted to check my purse, a small backpack. Ok, no problem. "You can't bring this Gatorade in here." "Alright, that's fine, I took one sip of it but if you need to throw it out that's okay." *grabs my expensive, LEGAL, CBD oil and throws it in the trash* "No poppers allowed in here." "Ok, fine, if I can't have me CBD for my anxiety, I won't come in. Can I please have it back?" *I take the $60 bottle of CBD from the trash* "We're going to call the cops on you if you don't leave right now. You can't come in. Don't even try" "Listen dude, I just want my medication, I don't give a fuck about your bar; I'm waiting for my ride home. Go ahead and call the cops on me if you want, I'll be gone by the time they're here." Please do not bother with these fucks. They were immediately aggressive towards me for no reason and don't deserve your time or your money. Fuck this bar and fuck these security people. Management please reprimand your staff for their behavior. This is unacceptable towards anyone for this kind of "offense". You don't want any kind of drug in your bar? Ok. That's fine. First of all, good fucking luck with that. You're going to have drugs in there anyways. Second of all, don't be mean and threatening to the people who need it to get through the day and don't feel the need to hide that fact. All that was needed was a simple statement of "I'm sorry, we can't allow you in with this kind of substance. Have a good night." That's ok and I understand, and I don't take any offense to that. Do NOT accuse me of trying to break into a bar to distribute drugs that I don't even have (?) and threaten to call the cops on me for standing outside the door to wait on a ride home. read more

I love this place due to the club attracting very diverse groups of people and playing great music till 5am!! Make sure to say hi to David and Rye the bouncers for doing a fantastic job maintaining the place and being very friendly and respectful! Good employees make a good business ! The club also has a photo booth and a lot of space to sit down if you need a rest, can't wait to go back and dance. read more

The staff is rude. They didn't like what I had on and told me I could throw what I was wearing away or leave it with the bouncer. I went around the corner and left it at a friends place and came back and they said I couldn't come in. I was respectful and nice to the staff and we had a discussion which resulted in them still not letting me in which is ridiculous. I was nice to the staff. I didn't yell or swear I told them I understood where they were coming from but I had a whole group of friends inside who were visiting and it was their last week here and I tried to do what I could to placate the staff and still see my friends. Lately Queen has been notorious for going downhill with the staff and the atmosphere and them being controlling and rude to patrons. read more

I've been coming here for a decade and have had fun almost every single last time I've gone. I've seen some incredible acts here including Kaskade in 2008 when he had a monthly residency there. The fact that I see some of the same staff members there who were there 10 years ago seems sufficient testament to how great of an environment the place truly is. read more

The gender neutral bathrooms are disgusting. There is no longer a safe or clean place for women. Cis men come in here all the time, follow you into the bathroom. There is piss all over the floor. There are people banging and men doing drugs in the stalls. Male security guards are constantly coming in and shining their flashlight around. And guess what? Women don't use the mens room. So there is essentially 2 mens rooms now and no womena room. Terrible idea. I used to love this place but this is out of hand. read more

Smart Bar is a house and techno music club. It's not a "get wasted"/"get smashed" club or a "get all dolled up" club. I usually only drink water or club soda when I'm here. I've come many times solo and feel very safe. There was one incident at Bonobo/Leon Vynehall where a d-bag was trying to touch another girl and then me, but I gave him a stern talking to and he vanished. You can wear whatever you want here (comfortable footwear is crucial for hours of dancing!), and there's no need to check your coat. The location is convenient for me, since I live on the north side, and staff are friendly. My only wish is that they would book more Defected and Strictly Rhythm artists. read more

İt's hard for me to decide how many stars ı should give to this place as we all have different taste, but ı can try to explain more. İt's an avarage bar to dance, but the music is typcal club music, feels like never change, so for those who are looking for a real dance gig, this is not a good place in regard to music. And the alcohol was disapointing, we ordered gin and tonic first and it came with a plastic simple glass with a little gin and lots of ice! No fancy or anything nice and 7 dolars for a small glass! People were friendly, but its definately gay friendly place, with lots of performance artists (extreme make up and colorful costumes) everybody likes to take photo with them, its like carnaval:) its not a bad place but not for my taste. read more

Smartbar - Performance artist - Dance Clubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Remember when you were like 19-24 and any club you could get into and get plastered ended up being the sweetest place EVER? Remember when it was okay to wait in line to pay twenty bucks at the same "money" spot every weekend with your 'tardo friends? Remember it was just an awesome spot because you hooked up the first time you went, therefore making it a forever awesome club? Dude, I was such a dork. Or just young, I guess. So I'm older now...seasoned...a vet...crabby...or just picky. I think I know what I like now music-wise, people-wise and vibe-wise. And Smartbar seems to do it for me. No glowsticks...almost most of the time (that's a phrase). No hairgel. No dudes with more jewelery than chicks. No "Affliction" t-shirts. Not a lot of Vodka/Redbulls being slammed, which to me is a pretty good sign of clientele. What's great about Smartbar is that every one is there to dance and listen to the DJs that they bring in. For such a small place compared with the rest of the city, they bring in the talent. And the talent gets mad love from all of us on that packed, sweaty dance floor. And that's just it - everyone is there to dance to their own beat. And it's all walks of life: white, black, asian, gay and lesbian, preppy, chad/trixie, punk, metal, b-boys/girls, swing cats. It's crazy. On any given Saturday, I'll see all of those characters just ripping that rug off the floor to the sounds of Ben Watt, DJ Heather, Kaskade, Justin Long...whoever! No posturing, no pretentiousness, no trying to hard. Employees are cool. And I ALWAYS find a parking spot! What is that!? My favorite dance club in the city. It should be yours unless you sweat Affliction and spent $50 on hair product a week. read more

Here is the whole story: Smart Bar is awesome. i love the staff, i love the venue, i love the performers and booking folks. The legendary Derrick Carter is here often. On the other hand, it is often dead. Kinda far from any other place i would want to go. Right near douche-fest of Wrigglee-ville. Parking sucks. And when it IS a good show, it just feels too redundant. Tiny room. No wandering around. Drinks are JUST at the high end. Could be cheaper. All in all, I would rather go to a few other places that are as small, but have better music, and are closer to other options. I love Smart Bar. But it isn't the super bomb. i only write this because if you need to read about it, you clearly don't know what to expect. i would hate for you to go on a dead night and not see the positive side of the place. So just sharing this to be more helpful in that case. read more

Great music, fun energetic crowd, and attentive bartenders. BUT an insanely rude bouncer with a power complex who will kick you out for being even slightly drunk...at a bar (?). Oh yea, and then he'll try to fight you and call you a bitch. read more

Absolutely horrible experience when I came to smart bar to celebrate my 21st birthday. We arrived shortly before midnight to be told that the cover was $18. When I asked if that was the cost before or after midnight, he looked at his watch and said it was after midnight. My phone said 11:55. I asked if he would be lenient with time since it was before midnight and it was my 21st birthday. He refused, so I sucked it up, and paid at the window. Now the smart bar looks like a great venue; lots of couches, two bars, a photo booth. The girls bathroom was difficult to find but they had a staffer pointing the way. The dance floor was good sized and the lighting and sound system were excellent. We walked into the dance room in the back and noticed how dull the dancing was. People shimmying their shoulders and LORD it was a sausage fest. Probably due to the absolutely terrible music being played. I love house music and edm, but this was repetitive and terrible, with no dance beat and absolutely no variation in the notes (we were there for an hour and it never changed). I decided I wasn't near drunk enough to handle this and went up to the bar in the back room. They only had one bartender working it, and although he was working hard, it took a long time to get a drink due to the volume. He asked what I wanted and I, being 21, don't know how to order. I told him it was my 21st birthday and he asked if I wanted a cake shot. I assumed he meant a shot of cake flavored vodka, and agreed. He made a mixed drink that was apparently supposed to taste like cake?? It wasn't bad but not what I was expecting. But the worst was that he charged me ELEVEN DOLLARS for this one shot. Every other bar had given a complementary first shot, but not here. He took advantage of my naïveté and charged me for a very expensive, very weak drink. I was not happy. We drank a few weak whiskey sours and vodka tonics (which the bartender seemed unhappy to make) and waited for our other friend, while trying to get wasted enough to dance. It didn't work. 4 drinks and I was still quite sober (keep in mind I am a young, scrawny, greenhorn drinker). I closed out my tab and it was somehow $50 for four drinks. Yikes! We left and I vowed never to return. The one salvation was the coat check girl. She was quite nice and let us grab stuff from our coat pockets. Sorry smart bar, get yourself a decent Friday night DJ and some better staffing and maybe I'll return. read more

I've worshiped walls of sound religiously for over 15 years, been a DJ almost that long, and unlike most other clubs in Chicago, Smartbar truly caters to an electronic music crowd. It really does. In the city that birthed House music, this is the DJ's club. The real mecca. They get it here. Yes, beer is $7-8, but it's a club, not a bar. And even that price is equal to or better than what you'd find in the rest of clubland Chicago. The inside is rather small, actually, and the focus is clearly on the dancefloor. No stupid VIP tables or anything like that. You're there to dance and sweat. Dress codes are for places where you want to be seen. If you want to be seen, head for River North, brah. This is where the heads come to get down to the real music. If you don't know what I mean, you're not one. Their focus on the dancefloor is evidenced by THE BEST SOUND SYSTEM IN THE CITY HANDS DOWN. Funktion1 is the best stuff, period, and although other clubs in the city have F1 rigs as well (The Mid, Beauty Bar), they tune theirs horribly, and never ever truly let it off the leash. Smartbar knows how to EQ the rig to fit the room, and their four point setup creates that classic "bass pocket" that any veteran electronic music fan will tell you is the only true way to experience the music. The quality of EQing and sonic superiority of Funktion1 is evident the minute you hit the floor. Where else can you feel the bass in your legs, and carry on a conversation on the floor, b/c the hi's hit only where they need to, the mid's sit perfectly in the middle where the belong, and the low end comes up from, well, the bottom, and completes the package? I've never had a bad experience with staff, bouncers, doormen, or security, which I must say is downright odd for a club in general, and specifically Chicago. The location (basement of the Metro, far off from the rest of clubland Chicago) has a lot to do with it. Like true dance music in general, it's sought out, it's not casually encountered, and this place is definitely a destination. And finally, these guys really get Chicago, and House music. They feature a nice rotating lineup of great local DJs playing the music that made Chicago famous for Those Who Know, as opposed to whatever genre is heating up the club circuit this month or year (hi there, Skrillex, Deadmaufive and friends). You'll be hard pressed to find a night that features hip hop, top40, or pop music. It's where it belongs, which is not at Smartbar. Actual house, techno, disco, DnB? Like evra single night. Walking up and feeling that 4/4 thump coming up from the concrete makes me smile, almost every single time. The best club in Chicago to hear the music that made Chicago famous. Period. read more

Don't go here unless you want to be physically assaulted by a doorman for no reason. According to the 'Boss' of the place, this doorman "gently" pulled me aside. It's a week later and I still have a bruise! read more

Historically a queer/gay dance bar known for house and techno DJ nights. (See http://www.residentadvisor.net/feature.aspx?1927) Still a very friendly and non-sleazy, personal-space-respectable dancing environment with excellent house/techno/funky/dance music, but the Friday crowd tends to be straighter. Shots are about $6 and drinks are about $10. Cover usually ranges around $7-14 and up to $16 after midnight. There are a couple of spots on the dancefloor that are well ventilated by fans. If you stand in the front near the DJ set it gets quite annoyingly loud, so wear ear plugs. Saw many of my favourite acts here, including Octo Octa, Jessy Lanza and The Drum. Great memories of dancing til 4am. There's a $3 photo booth in there that you should only go in with one other person because it's impossible to get more than 2 faces in the picture. Also, the drinks are a bit out of my price range as a poor academic hipster who prefers estelle's but most young professionals would be able to afford it. Just drink at G-Man bar next door before you hit the dancefloor read more

Best club in Chicago! I love it here and have been here so many times I lost count. It is located in the basement of Metro and you can usually always find free parking on the street. If not there are parking lots that cost about $10-15. I usually go here on Thursday nights when they have dubstep or drum & bass dj's. Other nights they have hip hop, techno and/or house. Sometimes it is free to get in, other times free before midnight with a text message from them. The sound system is absolutely amazing! Your ears should be ringing when you leave and you definitely feel the bass through your entire body. The best part of this club is that there are 2 sections, the dance floor by the dj which is huge and has a bar, and then a more loungy area with seats as well as another bar. I also love the people here. From the bouncers to the bartenders to everyone who is here to have a good time and just enjoy music they love. No one judges here. The only negative thing I can say about this place are the bathrooms.... but you don't go out at night for luxury bathroom going ;) The womens bathroom gets so gross by the end of the night, I think they just have bad plumbing so there really isn't anything they can do. Smart Bar is my go-to place when I want to have a fun, drama free night with amazing people and music. read more

I've been here on a Friday and Saturday...both nights completely suck. Maybe its because I don't like house music, maybe its because when you walk in you feel like everyone is/should be blowing coke, or maybe this place just sucks. Whether it is empty or full, it sucks, and I've gone here like four times hoping for better results because people I am with always say how much they love this place and that I probably went on "bad night." I don't know about you, but if a place consistently has "bad nights" its probably not that great of a place. I'm just going to throw that out there....take what you want from it. If you absolutely decide that you have to try this place out, and I really think you should if this is your type of music. Make sure you sign up online so that you can get in free by the text message they send you...I think there is a certain time you have to get in by for the text to be valid. read more

Like Little Boots proclaims: dancing is my remedy!! Still fun as ever BUT if you get their text messages, they send out too many in a week- it's a bit much, like an obsessed admirer. Alright alright I get it, geez, enough already. So I had to quit the subscription to the messages. It can be useful to know what Dj will be there or of any specials, but I'm not looking to be out every night. I am a responsible adult you see ;-) Still fun times so still five stars. read more

Great music, great DJs, great sound, but ... they changed the guy at doors. Now there is a completely unprofessional guy that spend his miserable life trying to impose the authority with his body. You will recognize him since he is the tallest one and the only guy that speak allowed. Usually the people that are at the smart are very relaxed and are there just to listen some good music. I have never seen an hubbub there. But this guy suffers of attention-seeking behavior. He is very irritating since you can see that he is excited to exercise his mania of grander. I'm so disappointed since Smart Bar used to be a very nice place to go with relaxed people and good music..but I will never never go again until this guy is there. I want to have fun, not deal with the problems of the people. (I have just realized that there are at least other 4 negative reviews in the last mouths about this Nazist guy at doors!!) read more

Are you Yelping Smart Bar at 10 PM on Saturday, looking for somewhere to go dancing? If you answered yes, then get the hell away from the computer and go. Go now. Get there before 11 and beat the cover charge. Go to the bar, assert yourself, and ask what the specials are. They won't be great, but that's ok, cause you're a smart one and drank beforehand anyway, and you're really here to dance, right? So go dance. Don't care at all about what you look like or what everyone is thinking, cause none of that matters here. Like you, everybody here only wants to dance, hear great tracks, and have a good time--not pose looking good or pass another tired pick-up on the next chick that passes by. If you need a break, take one. There's plenty of seating (usually--unless you end up going on a big night) for you to lay back and hear the best music playing on the best sound system in the city. Stay til 4, wipe the sweat off your brow, and go home happy. read more

It was the freakin weeken' and time to party. I had a backstage pass at Kill Hannah and we decided to hit Smart Bar which is connected/next door to the Metro. Backstage, it seems there weren't many riders, as all we found was a lone veggie platter and ton of gorgeous people mingling. Ignore the cold veggies and enjoy the hot company. Heading down to Smart Bar was a treat. It was delightfully dim, the layout of the bars and dance floor were well-executed, and not to crowded. Justin Long and Claude Von Stroke were killin' it and everyone was dancing their booties off. The ambiance and drinks rocked me like a world class escort. The bouncers/doormen were charming and deflected haters with ease, arousing belly chuckles from those who had to wait in line, while I stood with my buddies and chatted it up as they smoked with the headliners. The patrons, band, and djs were remarkably nice. It's rare to go to a "dance" establishment and have deep conversations or be approached by unpretentious people who just want to get to know you without motive. Smart Bar seemed to have it's share of regulars as well, like a neighbor bar almost, which was surprising since it is kinda a club. Check it out if you like to move it and put your back into it. read more

I went to Smart Bar two nights in a row for comparison, and I must say the place is kinda weird, but I really warmed up to it. Friday night was a ratio of about 85% men to 15% women. There were only three generic club chicks--blondes in skimpy outfits. Most of the crowd was made up of kinda dorky dudes that just happened to love dancing. There was also a nerdy group of 4 or 5 glowstick dancers. I did like whoever was djaying, an Asian chick I think. The whole vibe was unjudgemental, anyone is welcome to just dance and enjoy themselves. I've really only been out to dance clubs in Miami, so I thought this must have been an anomaly night. Where were the glitzed out bitches and vip booths? Since when did American guys dance instead of drunkenly lusting from the side lines after women in their hotpants and heels? So I went back Saturday night for Colette's live performance. Even weirder. The entire crowd stood facing her like you do at a concert. She was dressed really conservatively as was the rest of the crowd. I sat on the couch next to a couple that was probably in their sixties. My boyfriend was like "Colette must be their daughter". Either way, the old couple danced like crazy to the next DJ. Again, way more males than females. But none of them were out to boner-grind up on ladies. It was all so safe, so desexualized, so wholesome. Honestly, it felt like a Christian dance party lock-in. And after awhile I thought, ya know what, there's nothing wrong with that. p.s. The bartender does NOT know how to make a Tom Collins. read more

Smartbar is like a 2nd home to me. A home that is a dark, dungenous, techno or house cave with all my best friends, the best bar tender in town and all nice staff too! They book top notch acts, have reasonable cover and the sound is awesome. I go here at least a few times a month to catch international DJ's or hometown favorites. read more

After reading the great reviews on Yelp on where to hear electronic music in Chicago, I was sold on this place. I was coming in from Phoenix and wanted to hear house music, without a doubt. My friends from Chicago had been to Smart Bar many times back in the day and always raved about it. First, the sound in the club was AMAZING! It was the first thing I noticed when walking through the dance floor. It didn't bounce, it was clear, and loud! There was no cover that night before 11 PM and $5 Three Olives Vodka drink specials and $4 beer all night. The bartenders were attentive and nice and at the end of the night, gave us free water saying, "You guys have been here forever, here...have the water on me" as she handed us 4 water bottles. It was a very nice gesture and made me like the place even more. My mission while in Chicago was to listen to house. I didn't care where it was, who was spinning, or what was going down. I just wanted to soak it all up. After living in L.A. for years I miss the culture of great electronic music now that I'm in Phoenix. So I was dying to go out and experience it in this great city of Chicago. The dance floor was packed because everyone was dancing. People were sweaty and cheering. Friends got high fives from strangers while getting down saying, "Welcome home." It was a great time and definitely one of the highlights of my Chicago trip for sure. This is on my to-do-list for every time I visit from now on. :) read more

There is no other place like SmartBar in Chicago. So if I can divide commercialism and cool goodness in two separate electronic music sides Smart Bar is where you'll get an ultra dose of the second one. This is where people come to hear and celebrate music, not to hang out and be seen. Coolest labels, DJs from Europe and around the world and vinyl used by all guests and residents behind decks. What more shall I say? One thing thou, they can tune up and adjust the sound a tiny bit better. It still is a great system(function one). Marcel Dettmann came to Chicago and naturally played in SmartBar. Enough said;) read more

A little small inside but it's a good crowd with good music. We had one drink here, we walked here from main strip. There were tables to sit and it was a cool vibe. I would visit again! read more

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If you're looking for a place that plays the same repetitive beat for hours, then this is the place for you! Do NOT go here if you like EDM and expect to hear music that is played at festivals, major clubs, concerts, etc. We came from out of town and saw the raving reviews so we decided to check it out. We were incredibly disappointed. Maybe I'm just spoiled with the clubs and bars in my hometown but I honestly have no idea why this place has such great reviews. It is located in a dark basement and we saw multiple people ask if there's another room (answer: there isn't). This place costs $16 to enter and the music will put you to sleep. I will say the staff was very friendly though. read more