The Baton Show Lounge

Fun, fun, fun!
Bring your dollar bills, because you going to part with them as the cocktails flow.
These drag queens and TG are do entertaining and classy. Dancing and lip syncing to popular songs.
Making you smile, laugh and giggle at their skills… not to mention, perhaps a lil jealousy at some of the figures.
They even have a hot tie fellow if you just want yo see a «hard leg»… he’s pretty hot!
I think they have food but naw, no time to look down at a plate.
We’ll priced show too for $ 17 pp.

I love this place. Arnel is the best bartender on the planet. The Owner Jim Flint is amazing (he is always there greeting and mingling with the audience). The bar is really nice and the seats are great. The cast is awesome. I love the entire cast (Regine, Angel, Maya, Ginger, Chilli, Sherry) there awesome so fun and entertaining. The crowd and staff are friendly and you can tell everyone is having fun. The one performer Victoria is boring and rude but one bad apple doesn’t ruin the show.

Great show. Friendly staff. Place is a little small. But great location. Plenty of nice bars and restaurants nearby.

Went there a longgggg time ago. Right after I graduated college in 1976. It wasn’t very good then-​I have a magnificent memory. The bathroom is still smelly (2015), regardless of the time released spray that goes off in the club every 14 minutes and smells like a wet Golden Retriever who has been chewing on a bottle of Febreze or rather the off brand from the Dollar Store.
Chilli Pepper must be a little long in the tooth. She looks embittered and is doing the same schtick she did in 1976; just with different music.. Some of the dancers were good; but not for the price or the watered down Kool-​Ade drinks and certainly not the ambiance.
Well, I can cross Baton off of my bucket list.

Having lived in Los Angeles and San Francisco for many years and being very active within the performance and entertainment community at large, I’ve enjoyed countless drag queen shows and superb ones, at that. I went here for my friend’s birthday party last Friday, and we had the most fun that I have had in a long time. There were 14 of us, and we were all in the mood to let loose, and that we did. Imbibing, laughing, dancing, singing along, etc… That said, it was relatively easy to overlook several things that otherwise would have been a real spoiler alert. Such as the following…
To be fair, the dancers looked incredible, and with one exception, played nicely and beautifully to and with the audience, showing equal appreciation for our interest and enthusiasm. Maya Douglas is nothing short of a goddess with her magnanimous and graceful presence onstage, and Angel Saez was an obvious favourite with his beautiful, happy smile and incredible moves. Even the MC, Sheri Payne, was a delight (despite her behaviour toward my husband during the second show, outlined later in this review). All the performers that actually had choreographed moves were stunning. Our enthrallment was horribly interrupted, however, by Chilli Pepper’s angry display onstage as she witnessed a couple of us singing along. Everyone was video-​taping, snapping photos, and singing the entire night. It was not until her performance that this seemed to be an issue. She literally stopped lip-​syncing and began shaking her finger and gesturing angrily whilst indecipherably snapping at us. It was outrageous! That is what we paid to enjoy? So unprofessional! Afterward, a couple of us decided to apologise to her if we had offended her in any way, at which point she lectured us non-​stop. I eventually just walked away. I could see she was not planning to shut it any time soon, and quite frankly, the whole thing was threatening to bring down my otherwise happy humour. I came to have fun, not to be scolded by a primadonna. For most, if not all of my friend’s party, this was their first time at a drag queen show. How unfortunate for them that Chilli Pepper’s trite display of ugly bitterness was amongst their first impressions.
This place is run like a tight ship. That can be a good thing and probably quite necessary given the steady stream of tourists and bachelorette parties that seemingly attend, not to mention that there are two shows back-​to-​back with only a half hour in between. However, it was a bit off-​putting at times, too, especially with regard to their obvious relationship with money, which seems to be one of the lack-​mentality. This is not to say that they don’t have an impressive revenue, but the way they go about ensuring that is unattractive, to say the least. The emphasis put on the two-​drink minimum, for example. I have been at plenty of places where that rule is attached to the cover charge, but never have I experienced the server actually coming by the table and telling us that it was time to order our second drink. His «excuse» was that the bar was closing, but this was not the truth. We went to the first show, not the second. The bar was, in fact, quite open until the close of their second show at 2am, as they pushed the two-​drink minimum on my husband who met up with me after the first show in order to see the second. I would imagine that our sweet server was instructed to do this, given how there were other examples of this lack-​mentality, such as including the drink tip on the bill. Come on, really? What kind of guests do they think they are attracting? People who can afford a 17 $ entry with a two-​drink minimum (low-​grade & over-​priced ones, at that) in the Loop are not generally of the ilk that don’t know to tip. My sober husband ordered a ginger ale, and he was mocked by the MC (Sheri Payne) for this, feeling as though he had to defend not getting drunk. At the top of each show, a staff member felt the need to «teach» the audience by example to tip the dancers. Is that really necessary? I dunno, maybe I am taking for granted that people just know how to tip. While I completely understand that staff want their hard-​working dancers to be tipped (deservedly so!), this little display just didn’t sit well after all the other money-​making enforcements. If it had been the only one, it would have remained simply as an encouragement. But everything just felt rather forced to this regard. They clearly don’t do the «go-​with-​the-​flow» that comes easily to west coasters. (Is that a cold-​weather thing or just a tourist-​attraction thing?) It takes some of the fun out of the night.
Finally, this wouldn’t be a proper Lily S. review without mentioning the loo. It’s a misrepresenting dump in comparison with the actual lounge, sorry to report.
I love drag queen shows, and I am determined to find a good such venue in Chicago for my next birthday, but unfortunately, it won’t be at The Baton Show Lounge. Maybe Hydrate?

Go and have some fun. It really is fun. But it isn’t perfect. There weren’t a lot of people there when I was and I have a feeling its a lot of fun when the place is packed (if it’s ever packed). I got a feeling that the performers weren’t giving their all because there wasn’t a lot of folks there, which I can kinda understand. Not sure how much they get paid but for them to rack up only $ 5-​$ 10 in tips for an hour of performing, I don’t know. So bring some cash and show the ladies some love and they’ll show you some too. Otherwise they kinda look like the living dead.
I think the music selection was great. I got up and danced, felt the holy ghost a few times, ha!
It costs $ 10 to enter, and there is a 2 drink minimum, and my advice is don’t buy wine! Stick to the beer. My wine tasted like cheap Jollyrancher juice! And judging from the quality of wine, I would say steer clear from the hard liquor.
I’d say it’s the perfect place for a girl’s night out. A group of women will definitely have fun.
If you never been it’s worth the experience. It is. GO!

If you are a first timer, this is a good show, but it really isn’t very good compared to other shows in Chicago or even other cities. Place is old and the drag queen/​dancers are frumpy and old. There are a few good dancers like the Blonde Bombshell. The dancers come out and walk around the stage lip syncing for about 30 seconds and then just stand there collecting dollar bills. It seemed more about them collecting their tips than putting on a good show. The acts just aren’t very good, but it is semi-​entertaining. They add the 20% gratuity automatically to your drink bill — so watch out for that. And that’s after you pay $ 17 to get in the door. Wasn’t happy about that automatic tip. I won’t be back, but it was ok.

So much fun. The performers are great and hung around between shows to chat. All of the performers are great but Chilli Pepper from Detroit was especially wonderful, hilarious, and kind. Had a wonderful time, highly recommend. Just make sure to bring enough singles! ;)

If you live in Chicago where we are known for theater, you must go to the baton show lounge. Great drinks the entertainment is hilarious!

THis is one of worse place I have ever seen them. It was highly decorated but the treatment was not simple by the guys were engaged to serve the customers. Location is however, the price of the food is for never back.

Terrible show. Drag queens stood still and couldn’t even move. If you’ve never seen a drag show it might be ok, but otherwise terrible!

So much fun! Definitely need to go with a group or a girls night out! Lots of entertainment! Not very clean though…

Great fun at a girls night out, very entertaining but the cocktails were disappointing, less alcohol and more mix of whatever… Chad was our server, had to flag him down to get his attention. Overall a goodtime.

I went to the 10:30 show last Saturday to celebrate a friend’s birthday. The experience was sub-​par for multiple reasons.
We made a reservation for ten people. Two of our group members were running late, and the staff threatened to give away our seats multiple times. I respect their policy, but the way the staff treated us was downright rude.
After our last members showed up, we were seated at our reserved tables — which were very crowded. There is a two drink minimum per person, but the server only came to our table one time the entire show! Also, I didn’t experience them first hand, but multiple people were complaining about the bathroom facilities as well.
Which brings me to the actual performers. A few of the performers were very talented and enthusiastic about their numbers (for example — the Puerto Rican guy in the hot white outfit). But some of the performances were severely lacking, like the Lady Gaga Number where the performer basically stood on the stage, did nothing, and wanted tips.
17 bucks for the show + 2 mandatory drinks = not worth it

The Baton has been around for decades and has long been an instituition in the Gay community.
I recently saw a show at The Baton and it was well worth it. We all had a blast.
After reading some of the reviews here… It seems as though there is some underhanded effort to promote another female impersonator club in Chicago on The Baton’s watch. That’s wrong and very obvious to others that someone is trying to poach customers from The Baton.
I laugh at the other comments, some guests are totally disappointed the girls are lip syncing. Seriously, did you expect Diana Ross to show up live for your $ 15 cover charge? LOL Hello!!! That’s what drag is, lip syncing to a recording dressed as a female!
Some complain about the bathrooms … Really, this is the city, a small club and old buildings… Stay in Schaumburg if the city is too much for you girls!
Yes, the girls get tips… That’s really part of the show… part of audience participation to a degree… If you don’t want to tip, stay seated!
The Baton is a fun place! …

What a show! Stephanie P. took me here for a belated birthday celebration on Saturday night. She always has the best ideas, and this was no exception.
We got here about 10 minutes before show time and actually got bumped to right in front of the stage. There’s a 2 drink minimum, but they don’t have to have alcohol in them. Our waitress took a bit to take our order, but she did keep apologizing and let us know she’d be taking our order asap. After we ordered our 1^st drinks, she was on top of it.
The performance itself was flawless, fun and fabulous. Each performer was a feast for the senses. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen so much glamour and talent in one place. You’ll want to bring singles and I’ll just bet you’ll be moved to tip liberally.
Afterwards the talent comes right out and is happy to take pictures and chat a little too. Everyone is so nice and personable. The only diva behavior you’ll see will be on stage. And trust me, you’ll enjoy every minute of it!

Went here Friday night and it was so much fun I cannot wait to go again! The ladies were amazing. The MC Ginger made you laugh and happy to be a part of the crowd. Chili Pepper added class, Regine did a dance to Beyoncé’s Drunk in love that made you want to be on the stage with her; Victoria Page was a class act bringing some of the great songs of the 90’s back. Sheri Payne was gorgeous and flawless and Angel… oh my God ladies and gents, hold on and prepare yourself for his magical mystery ride!
I can’t wait to go again! 5 stars!

The show was amazing. Truly it was something to see and I am so glad we decided to come… Yes it was a typical bridal party here on a Saturday night… But I like to think we had more class than the other tens of groups there.
The only bummer was after the show many of the ladies were a little bitchy and seemed to good to talk to the people from the crowd. Only one performer was gracious enough to say hello to us and she was a treat. The others just sat the bar annoyed that people wanted to say «good job.»
yes they are lip syncing but damn! They do a great job.

This was so much fun! After hearing many people talk about the impersonation show, I just had to check it out.
The performers were gorgeous and did a great job with each rendition and the outfits were fabulous and complimented each of them and their assets. My favorite performers of the evening were Regine Phillps and Angel. Regine performed Don’tcha wish your girlfriend was hot like me and the crowd went wild and also changed to later come out and impersonate Nicki Minaj. It was a mirror image.
As with any event when women are in rare form, some had a tad too much to drink and wanted the evening to be all about them. One lady basically camped out at the stage in her lingerie like attire. A few performers gestured for her to sit or tried to ignore her. Another lady hopped like a bunny from the back of the room to the front a few times. She tried to get up on the stage. When she did, the performer backed up. It was entertaining and hilarious at the same time.
A great evening and definitely something to experience again.
$ 17 per person with a 2 drink minimum on Friday and Saturday. Other days are $ 10.
Valet parking is offered for $ 14 on weekends.

Several well-​endowed ladies– with even bigger hair– popped my Baton cherry this past Saturday night.
I can officially say that I’ve never started a Unilocal that way and won’t again but my first visit to the Baton Lounge was indeed memorable. The girls and one very hunky male dancer put on quite a stage performance.
The makeup and hair was gorgeous not to mention the younger performers give it their all during the dancing numbers. I especially liked the opening Katy Perry «Dark Horse» routine. The ‘Drunk and In Love’ number would give even Beyoncé reason to stand up and cheer– HOT!
Mixed into the Top 40 songs were well-​loved, campy favorites, like ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’ to get the crowd going. And did I mention the hunky dancer?! Even when the music ended and the lights went out, there was a crowd of women around him, begging to tuck their dollar bills into his low-​slung pants.
The downside to my visit was the crowds of shrieking bachelorettes, teetering on what could only be called drag-​inspired stilettos, posing for Intragrams and adjusting their sashes and crowns for all to see. I would like to come back during the week to see if the crowd is more diverse or if the show amps things up a little more, but otherwise, I had a fun time.