My funny little shy coder metalhead French cousin from the country was afraid he'd have to dance, but after the fog machine filled the whole place with stank and the vibes sunk in he was shaking his back like he had ass in his pants. I showed him everything, but this was his favorite memory. Thank you forever, smartbar
ambar rodriguez
We went Friday, June 20, payed $30 per person for the show and whatever they had wasn't even music. Listen to it yourself. It was awful. At that price they should get actual DJs.
Olive Nystrom
Staff was rude and disrespectful.
Kristine
Good speaker system, impeccable line ups, wooden dance floor, gay shit
Lauren Schwartz
Smart Bar is hands-down the heart and soul of Chicago’s house music scene. We’re so lucky to have legendary resident DJ Derrick Carter—every set is pure vibes. He brings the energy that keeps you on the dance floor all night. Add in the amazing LGBTQ+ scene with events like Queen every Sunday and you’ve got an electric, inclusive, and unforgettable atmosphere.
The dance scene is unmatched—diverse, welcoming, and full of people who truly get the music. The bar service is always on point, fast and friendly, and the ambiance strikes the perfect balance between underground cool and top-tier sound.
Whether you’re a lifelong house head or just want a night of incredible music and energy, Smart Bar is the place. Long live this iconic venue and the incredible talent it brings to the decks. Chicago wouldn’t be the same without it!
Reginald L Meadows
One of the Midwest's best venues for House, Techno, and Electronic Music. Featuring both local and international artists.
Lev N
Smartbar never changed.. same underground house pumping like it should... What could possibly go wrong 😁
John Dootle
Drinks are super overpriced and super small. Cover charge for entry is ridiculously expensive too. Expect to spend too much money for a terrible experience
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Loko Koko
Insane line-up, awesome DJs but my jeez, how many cameras and instagram heroes are there?
I haven't been to very many clubs in my life, but I've been to a few. Smartbar is my favorite by far. Anytime Derrick Carter is here, go if you have the chance and you like house music
Angelo Digiacomo
Went to Halloween party there and paid $35 to get in. They stamped my wrist. Shortly after I went outside to smoke a cigarette. When I tried to re-enter I was rudely told there was no re-entry allowed. When my fiend came out to see what was going on we were told rudely to vacate the premises. Shitty way to run a business treating paying customers like garbage. I will never go back.
Service: 1
Daniel Gervini
I've been coming to this place for ages because they have the best house/techno music in Chicago, *BUT*, I had a very bad experience last time. One of the bouncers comes out of the blue, grabs my arm, drags me out of the place and tells me to go get some fresh air and come back in half an hour! I swear I wasn't drunk!! I had had only one beer! If you scroll down the reviews, you will see this random abuse is unfortunately all too common. I don't know if I'll ever be coming back, considering they charge $25 the cover.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 1
Brandon Hunt
Purchased tickets specifically for a show at SMARTBAR; was told upon entry that we could not enter Smartbar but would be able to go up to MetroBar. Staff did not allow us or other patrons to queue for Smartbar, putting us in a position to either leave the venue entirely or go upstairs and HOPE that more space in the Smartbar queue would become available. Come up with a better system for customers who paid specifically for this venue, or at least allow guests to form a separate line outside of the venue and make sure Smartbar ticket holders have a chance to enter.
My funny little shy coder metalhead French cousin from the country was afraid he'd have to dance, but after the fog machine filled the whole place with stank and the vibes sunk in he was shaking his back like he had ass in his pants. I showed him everything, but this was his favorite memory. Thank you forever, smartbar
We went Friday, June 20, payed $30 per person for the show and whatever they had wasn't even music. Listen to it yourself. It was awful. At that price they should get actual DJs.
Staff was rude and disrespectful.
Good speaker system, impeccable line ups, wooden dance floor, gay shit
Smart Bar is hands-down the heart and soul of Chicago’s house music scene. We’re so lucky to have legendary resident DJ Derrick Carter—every set is pure vibes. He brings the energy that keeps you on the dance floor all night. Add in the amazing LGBTQ+ scene with events like Queen every Sunday and you’ve got an electric, inclusive, and unforgettable atmosphere.
The dance scene is unmatched—diverse, welcoming, and full of people who truly get the music. The bar service is always on point, fast and friendly, and the ambiance strikes the perfect balance between underground cool and top-tier sound.
Whether you’re a lifelong house head or just want a night of incredible music and energy, Smart Bar is the place. Long live this iconic venue and the incredible talent it brings to the decks. Chicago wouldn’t be the same without it!
One of the Midwest's best venues for House, Techno, and Electronic Music. Featuring both local and international artists.
Smartbar never changed.. same underground house pumping like it should... What could possibly go wrong 😁
Drinks are super overpriced and super small. Cover charge for entry is ridiculously expensive too. Expect to spend too much money for a terrible experience
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Insane line-up, awesome DJs but my jeez, how many cameras and instagram heroes are there?
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great music, great crowd. Coat check is cheap
Restaurantji Recommends
Rude.
Spent 30$ for one miserable bottle of beer
I haven't been to very many clubs in my life, but I've been to a few. Smartbar is my favorite by far. Anytime Derrick Carter is here, go if you have the chance and you like house music
Went to Halloween party there and paid $35 to get in. They stamped my wrist. Shortly after I went outside to smoke a cigarette. When I tried to re-enter I was rudely told there was no re-entry allowed. When my fiend came out to see what was going on we were told rudely to vacate the premises. Shitty way to run a business treating paying customers like garbage. I will never go back.
Service: 1
I've been coming to this place for ages because they have the best house/techno music in Chicago, *BUT*, I had a very bad experience last time. One of the bouncers comes out of the blue, grabs my arm, drags me out of the place and tells me to go get some fresh air and come back in half an hour! I swear I wasn't drunk!! I had had only one beer! If you scroll down the reviews, you will see this random abuse is unfortunately all too common. I don't know if I'll ever be coming back, considering they charge $25 the cover.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 1
Purchased tickets specifically for a show at SMARTBAR; was told upon entry that we could not enter Smartbar but would be able to go up to MetroBar. Staff did not allow us or other patrons to queue for Smartbar, putting us in a position to either leave the venue entirely or go upstairs and HOPE that more space in the Smartbar queue would become available. Come up with a better system for customers who paid specifically for this venue, or at least allow guests to form a separate line outside of the venue and make sure Smartbar ticket holders have a chance to enter.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
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