The Underground

The Underground is okay. It’s that sort of place where everyone is supposed to think they’re having a great time and feel special being in, but really, it’s nothing special. It’s not bad either, just not special.
I’ve always been really lucky to be in a group of girls or with a reservation so have got in right away. Still, have also always got the impression that they want to create a sense of exclusivity by keeping the lines long. Not worth waiting in, in the Chicago winter but people will still do so, and thus, they’ll continue to keep up appearances.
If celebrity sightings are your thing, you might see a few here. And if you like partying in the dark, you’ll love it. Service is also good if you have a table. Still, I’ve never had more than just an average time here, with the exception of a few Sunday nights when I came with some industry people. It’s a great place to people watch, although you’re mostly watching how almost everyone is trying to be seen. (There’s a deep lesson here.)
Sure if you’re visiting Chitown or live here, go if you can. But don’t go with super high expectations because of the hype; the reality doesn’t live up to the hype.
Also, pro-​tip: Sunday night is actually the best time to go/​meet cool people there.

We came here after Bottled Blonde because it was fairly close. We had a group of 5 girls and were automatically let in after the jerk of a bouncer told my friend that she had to take off her Blackhawks jersey… This was a Saturday night after the hawks won a playoffs game. Once we filled out cards with out e-​mails and name, we were let in for free. The place was absolutely packed and it seemed like they overbooked the amount of VIP tables because there was literally no where to dance. The music and vibe were good but the drinks were so expensive, $ 12 for a small vodka water.

So apparently they do a theme every Wednesday, and I’m not sure what the theme was on this particular night, but there was a giant slice of pizza walking around! And that there, is enough for a 5-​star review.
No, just kidding. This review is for the level of service we received. We had a table reservation at 11:30pm on a Wednesday, and although we did show up late, they were very accommodating to us and got us set up within no time. Karina walked us down and placed us directly in front of the DJ booth. GREAT SEAT! As soon as we sit down, I notice there’s York Peppermint Patty’s in the ice! Now, I know this might not mean much to most, but when I met the GM of Underground and he invited us to come in for their relaunch of EDW (Every Damn Wednesday), I was snacking on a York and I mentioned how it was my favorite chocolate. The fact that he took that away from the conversation, and made it part of our experience that night, really goes to show the level of hospitality that this venue provides for their guests. So thank you Dean! What’s better than chocolate AND champagne?
Anyways, after we worked our way through the bottle, we decided to join a group of friends that also had a table, and I noticed they cleared our table shortly after, which is completely understandable. We then moved on to the bar, where Lina took great care of us. I even got to take a picture with the giant slice of pizza that I mentioned earlier! That was my mission for the night!
Overall, my girls and I had a great night. From the service, to the music, to the atmosphere in the venue; Everything was remarkable. We’ve been in almost every Wednesday since then because we love to check out the décor/​costumes for their different themes. It really adds that little bit of extra fun for the night!

HAHA THIS PLACE SUCKS LITERAL ASS. The bouncers are racist and I’d also like to note the bathroom tenant of all people who work there treated ME like dirt, BECAUSE I DIDNT TIP HER FOR SQUEEZING SOAP INTO MY HANDS. This establishment and everyone who works here is a disgrace to the meaning of hospitality.

WASPy low class derogatory bouncers. Wish I could give it a 0. The bouncers were so demeaning and unnecessarily rude. By no means is Underground a high class establishment but nonetheless hiring moronic, incompetent bouncers is beyond my comprehension. Will never return to such a low class establishment.

THIS CLUB IS RACIST. they apparently only let in white people. Anthony (Philipino boy with a man bun) refused to provide any kind of service. And the other two white bouncers would not even pay us any kind of attention. This is racism at its finest. If you wanna go out and have fun, DO NOT go to this club, this is the most racist encounter I’ve ever had.

Let’s just say the bouncers have rubbed me and every single one of my friends wrong in the past year we’ve lived in Chicago. Not a great business plan for success. Do not go here if u want to meet genuine people that aren’t on ego trips, much better clubs that don’t show preferential treatment constantly. Most recent occurrence, Got a little late to meet up with 20 friends who all got in no problem. Was told guest list only and reservations, which was fine but waited to say hi to a friend from out of town. Watched as one group of four asked to
Get in with only one reservation between them
And not even five minutes later he let them all in. 1 person w 20 friends compared to 3
Ppl not having reservations let in is laughable.

Biggest Pro: It is open till pretty late/​early morning during the weekend!
2:00 am and we were still not ready to end our great night in Chicago for my cousin’s 30^th birthday. I Unilocaled few places to see which one would be open at pretty late and came across this page. No cover charge after 11:00 pm was another bonus that got to us.
There wasn’t even that big of a line since majority of the crowd is ready to call it a night bu 2:30 am, we were a group of 6 girls and we were just standing as a group in the line rather than a straight line. Bouncers that were on duty that night were little rude and kept on telling us to standing in one straight line or if we are not interested then to keep on walking rather than crowding around.
Music was pretty good. Crowd was decent, not that many people so there was ample amount of room available to dance in a group. Floor was pretty sticky though and it was little hard to dance while your heels are getting stuck. They have couple different rooms and depending on the type of the music you are interested in and the crowd you can pick and choose. Bathrooms were surprisingly clean, I usually judge places based on how clean the bathrooms/​restrooms are.
It was just like any other club that I can go to LA or SF. Nothing in particular really stood out, I doubt I will be going back there when I visit Chicago again. Personally I preferred Chicago’s rooftop scene rather than the club scene.

This place sucks. My wife was the hottest person there and had more boobs then 10 women combined! Besides that the women they did let in where just f’ning disgusting! I seen better 10 dollar hookers in vegas! I swear one girl was pregnant!
It was just a quick stop to see what all the talk was about! Not worth it at all. The bouncers, and staff are a joke. I actually told the guy, «How does it feel to work a crap job the rest of his life»? I never need to work again and I’m 35 years old, and threw a 20 at his face to STFU so I didn’t have to listen to his ass anymore! There disgusting taste in people they prioritize is astonishing.
I will be filing a sexual harassment on this companies property manager/​owner! Why you may ask? Well because I have the money and time! Principle is the name of the game. Plus I seen how they treated certain women.

I’ve been to The Underground several times for events more so than for the actual club/​nightlife. I’ve always had a good time and I like how the place looks different each time I come based on the event. You can really decorate it to get whatever vibe you are going for. I like the seclusion of the space. I hear it’s hard to get into at night, but so far I haven’t had any problems.

Racist bouncers. Douchebags who treat patrons as if they earn more than the customer. They will make you wait in line for hours and let others cut in line.

This place is a complete JOKE, from the pretentious ass people that come, to the overpriced watered down drinks, to the rude staff who thinks that they are special because they’re a douche underground rep, its actually quite funny to watch them all think their special because they work at a NightClub.
I will never step foot back into this hole in the wall, I believe that the staff stole my bag and steal others belongings quite often. My friends and I hate waiting in lines so of course we buy tables to avoid the «Who do you know?» or «How many girls are you with?» questions and when we do we buy at least two to three bottles.
I was just there on saturday and in my section my bag was left I asked the bouncers if i could get back into the club to get my bag and they told me «No because they were already closed and to just come back tomorrow.» I came back the next day around 8o’clock because they told me thats when someone would be there. Well they claimed to have looked in the lost & found and back office and nothing was there but thats a lie from hell because the head of security Carl Davis Jr. wasn’t even gone for longer than 2minutes to tell me they didn’t have it and immediately went into insulting my friend and I about how we are irresponsible and need to be more careful in his club.
I went on to tell him i knew my bag wasn’t stolen because that was the last place I was on Saturday and there hasn’t been any activity on my cards which i had four different cards in my bag that night and I’m sorry this is Chicago if someone would have stole my bag the money would have been taken in seconds so thats bullshit Carl told me that I was making assumptions and to just keep checking back at the club contact him via email or cell phone.
I contacted Carl yesterday and asked about my bag via voicemail and text message and he never responded, but early that day told me he would let me know by 8 if they found it or not. I reached out to him again and asked him about my bag and why he didn’t get back to me he claim he didn’t receive any of my messages until late and that he would check tomorrow at 8 the same BS story from the first time he also acted as if I was bothering him or getting on his nerves.
So Underground if this is the kind of business you run with your customers count me out me and my friends will never return. Oh and I hope one of your staff girlfriends enjoys their new handbag you guys stole from me.

Love to hate and hate to love. People have a hard time accepting that this is a fun place because it can be challenging to get into sometimes. Love Martin when he lets me in, hate him when he doesn’t, ha. Most attendees can relate. Best advice is to get over it because you know you’ll be back next weekend or use the tactic of the Trojan horse. Most of the time if I make it to UG, it’s probably time to go home anyway.
The indoor security staff is awesome. They are very good at mediating any issues. Drinks come fast and there is always room to dance. Can’t wait to visit when I’m back!

So I am in shock at how TERRIBLE this place was… and the club itself was actually pretty nice, but the people running it were complete ASSHOLES. Every single one of them, even the bathroom attendent. We sat at a table and they made us moved so people that fuckin worked there could sit, not to mention there were like 10 other open tables. The club didn’t even need reservations for anyone, it was fucking empty!!! There was a security guard walking around the club (as though it were busy) bumping into my friend multiple times when there is MORE then enough space to walk around her. While in the bathroom after washing my hands, the bathroom attendent was leaning over the counter, arms on the towels & on her phone, and didn’t even look at me. I stood there with wet hands just waiting to see if she would do anything and she didn’t, I asked for a paper towel and she gave it to me as though it was an inconvenience. We also had a friend meeting us there and they wouldn’t let her in… not even for the business that they clearly needed. The employees of this club are the WORST. This could have been a really awesome spot to party, but the people there made it a really terrible experience.

Rolled up with a large group — «there’s a $ 3,000 minimum for your group to all get in.» Respond «ok no thanks we’ll go spend a bunch of money elsewhere.» Doorman responds «no don’t do that — guys are $ 20 women are free.» Paid, get in, most of club is empty, every seat reserved and VIP.
As everyone has already pointed out the worst part is the security walking around asking everyone to constantly move (like every 2 – 3 minutes).
Terrible, terrible establishment. Nasty staff, and completely uninteresting space. Until it filled up it smelled like a bunch of urinal pucks too, so there’s that.
Will be good to hear when this place eventually folds, maybe then it can go back to being used as the musty basement that it is.

Meh. I am not a club person anyways and would rather drink a beer than spend $ 15 on a cocktail.
I attended a charity event this evening and the after party was at the Underground. With our wristbands from the event we were able to cut the huge line and get out of cover (yay!).
The drinks are overpriced and watered down. Every seat in the club was reserved. There were girls dancing on top of the booths, thus destroying my drink.

As soon as I walked in, I had a staff member start yelling at me. I have no idea why. I literally walked in and was walking to the bar and this guy comes out of nowhere yelling at me. I tried to let it go but about an hour later I had a staff member legit push me out of the way so bottle service could come through. If I was in your way, you could have asked or approached me differently. My back was turned and I did not see this all coming. I roam the night life world all over this country and I have never met worse staff… get your shit together Underground

As a fashion show producer and commentator, I know quality entertainment including dj’s, models, and fashion. The Underground is a sophisticated venue jammed with beautiful people and an atmosphere that is electric. The staff is as gorgeous as the crowd and host, Phil Niewinski, is as gracious as they come.

If douche bags were airplanes, this place would be an airport and the staff is garbage. Way better places in Chicago, don’t waste your time.

No they are the worst. Super douche to the point where it’s unbearable. There was one girl in front of me and the bouncer wanted to let her in. Then there was 2 girls and he rudely said «can you see I’m talking to someone?» And was charging crazy cover for guys! I didn’t even want to wait. The ambience is obnoxious and gross. I personally don’t think it’s worth it.

The bathroom attendant sprayed me with fabreeze for «cutting» women in line. (every single stall was open)
+ You actually can’t stand remotely for under a second before security tells you to move.
This place blows.

Good! Huge place. Couple rooms. Good music, nice crowd and it goes in a place to visit in Chicago list. Always packed!!! Hard to get it, but if you dressed well it’s not going to be a problem!

Horrible place. Even when you buy bottle service and at the end of the day IT’s a remodeled BASEMENT. Don’t get tricked by buying a bottle service either thinking you are going to get treated better. I bought bottle service before my friends arrived and they wouldn’t let them in.
Phil Niewinski is their «VIP host» he gave me his card in the beginning when i bought the bottle service and then when i couldn’t get my friends in he said there was nothing he could do for me. I honestly and wholeheartedly recommend NOT to go to this place unless you want to waste your time and money.
On top of all that the music was okay but the layout is so awkward. There are 2 rooms and it just doesn’t flow.
If you want to go somewhere nice and get bottle service that is not in a basement, go to Studio Paris on Hubbard st a block over. Just as expensive but better music, lights and layout.

I would give zero star if I had the option!!!
My girlfriends and I decided to go to the Underground for my birthday. I was told that we would get a complimentary bottle since it was my birthday and since it was an all-​girls party and I only had to tip the server. They ended up charging me $ 80 for couple cans of Red Bulls and a pitcher of cranberry juice!!! They gave us the worse table which was by the exit and the bouncer would come and push us out of the way every 5 minutes when we were trying to dance. When I asked for a different table so we wouldn’t be by the exit and not be pushed away by the bouncer, they didn’t seem to care, even though they had several empty tables. I ended up in tears since the bouncer was very rude and threaten to kick us out. The staff ruined my birthday and the girls’ night. I asked for the manager and again no one seemed to care since I had already closed my tab and their payment was sealed. I left that night in tears and I will never go back. Students from my school are always looking for places to go to on weekends or plan events… rest assure none of them will ever go to Underground!

Seriously place sucks because of security– do not have class and tact at all!
We were buying drinks all night, dancing and everything was alright until short guy from security came and started to play «a big and though guy». He said you can’t stand there but could not give a normal reason why a girl can’t stand at the place where she was.
The place is small and music could be better (mixed rnb). As for Chicago is alright. If this club would be in Miami, Vegas or NY — that place would suck.
Change security! They do not know how to deal with normal people: trashy girls were dancing everywhere but classy people can’t stand by the wall because «security guy» would not want this (without explanation).
Trashy place. If you don’t have choice where to go, check that place but don’t be upset.

Left my jacket here during NYE, and thankfully I was able to retrieve it two days later. Can’t say many places would have a strict policy on making sure jackets remain with their coat check#, so this place is definitely a well run establishment.

This is a pretty unfriendly establishment. You can pretty much figure it out the second you walk up to the club. There are about 8 large men in suits with earpieces like they’re Secret Service standing just on the outside.
Inside, the space is pretty small and so many staff members constantly running into you. They are pretty pushy and are always flashing their flashlights into your face telling you to move somewhere else. I wouldn’t call it a pleasant place to be.
When the staff starts calling you names, do not talk back or they will talk into their Secret Service microphones and within a few seconds there will be a big man in a suit ready to carry you out. I must have seen dozens of people get kicked out on the night I was there.
The drinks are super expensive and about as weak as they can get. If you really like clubs, movie to Miami or Vegas because Chicago doesn’t know how to do it right.

This might be the worst place in the entire Midwest. That includes Gary, Indiana. The rude door people. The waitresses who seem to hate the place as much as I do. Or the customers who seem equally confused they ended up here as I do.
This place is like if Zero Gravity grew up. Just as terrible, with none of the flare. An absolutely awful, overpriced experience.
Written from inside my own personal hell: Underground.

What can I say about this place. well It’s a bittersweet place. Overrated if you ask me. I have been there twice so far… they act like there is a celebrity in there and are very strict on who they let in. So if you don’t have the hook-​ups, your out of luck dude! I NEVER plan to go there, both times I had hook-​ups and just seeing how much kiss-​ass some people act toward the bouncers and the promoters, it’s just sad.
I mean the music is good!, I don’t disagree, it’s a good crowd, they dont overcrowd the place but the bouncers inside the club are always telling people to move if they are standing somewhere on the hallway. like ok I understand they are doing their job, but they are a little too much, I had to move and i ended up losing my friends in the crowd. if you don’t have good reception (FYI it’s underground), good luck trying to reach your friends via text (I had to go in circles until I found them)
All in all, the place has a good vibe, nice crowd, clean bathroom! But if you want to get in, you have better luck getting into The Godfrey (another place hard to get in)

It’s been a good five years since I’ve last visited Underground… probably because I’m getting old and my joints can’t handle it anymore (*tear*). I used to prefer clubs over bars/​lounges back then, but my old lady self prefers bars/​lounges over clubs now. Since this was for a friend’s birthday, I made an exception.
We came on a Saturday night a few minutes before 11:00 p.m. because it was free cover until then. Why is it free? Because it’s so damn early that 10% of the club is occupied and as a result, you better believe eyes are on you if you’re dancing! But hey, free is free.
Here are the pros and cons of this club:
PROS
— Friendly staff (we got entry cards for a free guest for next time AND an employee even came up to us when we were standing by the dance floor and said we could sit down at one of the unreserved tables next to the DJ booth until it sold — value $ 1000+)
— Décor and color scheme is nice (white tables and seats in a dark purple/​blue lighting scheme)
— Free cover before 11:00 p.m.
— Two separate rooms depending on your mood (the other area is a little smaller, has a bar, different music playing and brighter lighting)
CONS
— As time progressed, I noticed the club had about 90% girls! Talk about uneven ratio of girls and guys.
— Top 40’s music-​type music with downtime, so it’s not a consistent flow of good beats
— Not a big area for dancing because the center of the main room is filled with tables and seats, and not many people dancing in the small dance area
Overall, I think I’ll stick to my bars and lounges.

Visited from California and wanted to check out the Thirsty Thursdays/“night life” in Chicago.
Music: A mixture of EDM and hip hop. Definitely preferred hip hop more, especially when they played the throwbackkks. It was just annoying how the DJ would abruptly switch genres (at least do a mix to transition) and how often they switched the music.
Bar Service: Bartender was extremely RUDE. If you don’t know how to make the drink I requested, just kindly say so. No need to get all butt hurt about it.
The Crowd: Felt like majority of the people were in the 30s-​40s age range. Since my friends and I are in our early 20s, it felt awkward getting creeped on by older men. Hard core creepers in Chicago.
We didn’t do bottle service so I can’t tell you much about the management. But we were able to get on the guest list so we got in for free. Btw, the club doesn’t get poppin’ til 1 am!