Came here for less than 10 minutes. Ordered a single drink that I took two sips of. I signed for $20.91 for said ONE drink after their 18.88% surcharge that they allege (Bordel) keeps their business fully staffed, give healthcare benefits, and a livable wage. BUT somehow Chey S. Still decided to alter my receipt and give her a $10 tip. Which I did not give her. To which is also illegal. If this surcharge that they claim allows for them to take care of their employees - then why are they stealing from their customers? Anyone who comes here or has been here- take pictures of your receipts after you’ve signed and totaled them.
I see in the reviews Chey S. Is a commonly denominator in bad reviews. Not sure why she’s still employed here. Committing crimes and businesses letting it slide isn’t a good look.
Still waiting on my refund of $10 for that check 72 from Thursday the 23rd at 11:39pm that I have yet to receive!
Idc to pay the $20 for one mediocre drink, but stealing is completely unacceptable. And it being excused even more so. Unfortunately I don’t live in Chicago or I would’ve filed a police report, since this is FRAUD AND THEFT. Just beware of anyone who visits.
I SIGNED to pay $20.91 not $30.91. There was a big fat ZERO tip for a reason. SO for check #72, I’ll be waiting for that refund.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
C B
Had a great time a Bordel. It was a Thursday late night and the last show. Not to many people there that night, but it was still awesome. Tons of great vibes and energy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Jasmine
Amazing cabaret bar. So sexy and fun!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Filip Karaivanov
Nice place, but you should fire the waitress Chey S. She really took good care of making us feel really bad.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 1
A.C
Nice spot but expensive for me personally . 2 cocktails and 1 beer came out to be around $ 55 dollars. And I can drink 4-5 of those easy . I guess I’ll stick to my dive bars .
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Genia Guerra
Eh it was okay and also expensive. We saw three performances and the rest was the host talking to the audience. My Husband and I only had a drink each, mine was N/A and we ended up spending $70 there with added tip and fees. I don’t mind supporting the staff but the experience was just okay to be that expensive
Magda Lopez
I made reservations at Bordel for a large group to celebrate my birthday. The only positive thing I can say is that our server was kind and attentive. We were seated all the way in the back where we could not see the show at all. As other reviewers have mentioned, this seems to be a pattern. When a few of us went to ask if the performers would return to our section, the male performer on the mic told us we could stand near the stage on a small wooden stand . We brought over $200 in cash specifically to tip the dancers and began doing so. Almost immediately, another staff member approached us and began berating our group. We explained that we were told we could stand there, but she continued raising her voice and speaking to us in a hostile tone. Trying to avoid conflict, we moved toward the DJ booth just to catch a glimpse of the show. I briefly touched the DJ table while stepping aside and the DJ swatted my hand away. The same staff member returned and continued addressing us aggressively. As a large group of people of color, the way we were spoken to and handled felt discriminatory and targeted. The tone, hostility, and physical swatting were unnecessary and deeply embarrassing, especially during what was supposed to be a birthday celebration. We did not see other groups being treated this way. For nearly $20 per cocktail, the drinks were watered down and poorly made. There should also be clearer communication when booking reservations about table placement or upgrade options, as nothing indicated our view would be completely obstructed. We paid our bill and left. I have never felt so humiliated at a venue. I will not be returning.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 2
Sade Luna
Visited for a friend’s birthday and we were really excited to see the burlesque performance. Unfortunately, the experience didn’t live up to our expectations.
While we anticipated a lively, crowded atmosphere, the performances stayed entirely at the very front of the venue and never moved throughout the space. Guests seated farther back didn’t get much of a view, which defeated the purpose of coming specifically for the show. It would greatly improve the experience if the show were announced and guests invited to sit, or if performers moved through the aisle so everyone could enjoy it.
When I briefly stepped aside to catch a glimpse of the performance, I was told that unless I needed the restroom, I should return to my table. The interaction felt dismissive and tone unnecessarily rude. Several staff members also appeared visibly bothered while working the floor, which took away from the celebratory atmosphere.
That said, the mixologist crafted delicious cocktails and the DJ kept the energy up with great music, both were definite highlights. However, based on the overall experience, I won’t be returning.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Tony Williams
Good (but expensive) food and cocktails. We came with a big party from out of town for a burlesque show and despite telling us our reservation was next to the stage we were seated so far away we couldn't even see the show. The place is pretty badly set up for a cabaret - all the performances are at the end of a long hallway. If you're coming for food and drinks, enjoy. If you're coming for a show, find somewhere else where you can be sure you'll actually see it.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 1
Kevin
Came for a bachelorette and was sat in the back. We're all burlesque performers or adjacent and could not see the show AT ALL. Why even advertise this experience?
Also, it's overpriced appetizers with mixed allergens. No real food.
Bartender is AMAZING at mixology.
Update - the staff promised we'd see dancers at some point. We did. But they came by and asked for $100 CASH. What a scam.
I've gone here many times and it's always a fabulous time. From the amazing drinks to the best burlesque shows this is definitely a place to bring a date or even just a girls/ friends night out. The team here are truly phenomenal and really make you feel like you're a regular. I'm usually not in the area often but I love to recommend this place whenever I can.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Anthony Gonzalez
Great experience, 10/10 would do again
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Shelby Duran
Performers were STELLAR! Servers were INCREDIBLE! Had a wonderful evening.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Laura
So much fun for my bachelorette party. Great service drinks and food. Loved the performers and vibe of the interior.
Paula
Difficult to find. No signage on the street—you just have to open & few doors & hope there's someone to ask. I paid $20 for stage-side seats & still could no really see bc there are loveseats blocking the view. The show is only 30min, but the performers were great—variety of bodies & styles that felt empowering. Food & drinks were tasty but spendy. It was what I wanted but not sure I'll go back since the performance is so short.
Came here for less than 10 minutes. Ordered a single drink that I took two sips of. I signed for $20.91 for said ONE drink after their 18.88% surcharge that they allege (Bordel) keeps their business fully staffed, give healthcare benefits, and a livable wage. BUT somehow Chey S. Still decided to alter my receipt and give her a $10 tip. Which I did not give her. To which is also illegal. If this surcharge that they claim allows for them to take care of their employees - then why are they stealing from their customers? Anyone who comes here or has been here- take pictures of your receipts after you’ve signed and totaled them.
I see in the reviews Chey S. Is a commonly denominator in bad reviews. Not sure why she’s still employed here. Committing crimes and businesses letting it slide isn’t a good look.
Still waiting on my refund of $10 for that check 72 from Thursday the 23rd at 11:39pm that I have yet to receive!
Idc to pay the $20 for one mediocre drink, but stealing is completely unacceptable. And it being excused even more so. Unfortunately I don’t live in Chicago or I would’ve filed a police report, since this is FRAUD AND THEFT. Just beware of anyone who visits.
I SIGNED to pay $20.91 not $30.91. There was a big fat ZERO tip for a reason. SO for check #72, I’ll be waiting for that refund.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Had a great time a Bordel. It was a Thursday late night and the last show. Not to many people there that night, but it was still awesome. Tons of great vibes and energy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Amazing cabaret bar. So sexy and fun!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Nice place, but you should fire the waitress Chey S. She really took good care of making us feel really bad.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 1
Nice spot but expensive for me personally . 2 cocktails and 1 beer came out to be around $ 55 dollars. And I can drink 4-5 of those easy . I guess I’ll stick to my dive bars .
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Eh it was okay and also expensive. We saw three performances and the rest was the host talking to the audience. My Husband and I only had a drink each, mine was N/A and we ended up spending $70 there with added tip and fees. I don’t mind supporting the staff but the experience was just okay to be that expensive
I made reservations at Bordel for a large group to celebrate my birthday. The only positive thing I can say is that our server was kind and attentive.
We were seated all the way in the back where we could not see the show at all. As other reviewers have mentioned, this seems to be a pattern. When a few of us went to ask if the performers would return to our section, the male performer on the mic told us we could stand near the stage on a small wooden stand . We brought over $200 in cash specifically to tip the dancers and began doing so.
Almost immediately, another staff member approached us and began berating our group. We explained that we were told we could stand there, but she continued raising her voice and speaking to us in a hostile tone. Trying to avoid conflict, we moved toward the DJ booth just to catch a glimpse of the show. I briefly touched the DJ table while stepping aside and the DJ swatted my hand away. The same staff member returned and continued addressing us aggressively.
As a large group of people of color, the way we were spoken to and handled felt discriminatory and targeted. The tone, hostility, and physical swatting were unnecessary and deeply embarrassing, especially during what was supposed to be a birthday celebration. We did not see other groups being treated this way.
For nearly $20 per cocktail, the drinks were watered down and poorly made. There should also be clearer communication when booking reservations about table placement or upgrade options, as nothing indicated our view would be completely obstructed.
We paid our bill and left. I have never felt so humiliated at a venue. I will not be returning.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 2
Visited for a friend’s birthday and we were really excited to see the burlesque performance. Unfortunately, the experience didn’t live up to our expectations.
While we anticipated a lively, crowded atmosphere, the performances stayed entirely at the very front of the venue and never moved throughout the space. Guests seated farther back didn’t get much of a view, which defeated the purpose of coming specifically for the show. It would greatly improve the experience if the show were announced and guests invited to sit, or if performers moved through the aisle so everyone could enjoy it.
When I briefly stepped aside to catch a glimpse of the performance, I was told that unless I needed the restroom, I should return to my table. The interaction felt dismissive and tone unnecessarily rude. Several staff members also appeared visibly bothered while working the floor, which took away from the celebratory atmosphere.
That said, the mixologist crafted delicious cocktails and the DJ kept the energy up with great music, both were definite highlights. However, based on the overall experience, I won’t be returning.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Good (but expensive) food and cocktails. We came with a big party from out of town for a burlesque show and despite telling us our reservation was next to the stage we were seated so far away we couldn't even see the show. The place is pretty badly set up for a cabaret - all the performances are at the end of a long hallway. If you're coming for food and drinks, enjoy. If you're coming for a show, find somewhere else where you can be sure you'll actually see it.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 1
Came for a bachelorette and was sat in the back. We're all burlesque performers or adjacent and could not see the show AT ALL. Why even advertise this experience?
Also, it's overpriced appetizers with mixed allergens. No real food.
Bartender is AMAZING at mixology.
Update - the staff promised we'd see dancers at some point. We did. But they came by and asked for $100 CASH. What a scam.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
I've gone here many times and it's always a fabulous time. From the amazing drinks to the best burlesque shows this is definitely a place to bring a date or even just a girls/ friends night out. The team here are truly phenomenal and really make you feel like you're a regular. I'm usually not in the area often but I love to recommend this place whenever I can.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Great experience, 10/10 would do again
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Performers were STELLAR! Servers were INCREDIBLE! Had a wonderful evening.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
So much fun for my bachelorette party. Great service drinks and food. Loved the performers and vibe of the interior.
Difficult to find. No signage on the street—you just have to open & few doors & hope there's someone to ask. I paid $20 for stage-side seats & still could no really see bc there are loveseats blocking the view. The show is only 30min, but the performers were great—variety of bodies & styles that felt empowering. Food & drinks were tasty but spendy. It was what I wanted but not sure I'll go back since the performance is so short.
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