Hungering for a night of dancing but nauseated by expensive meat-market megaclubs? These laid-back spots with dance floors don’t require leather pants and cleavage with your ID–just a relaxed attitude.
Spot 6
Dress codes are as non-existent as pretentious attitudes at this lively Wrigleyville club. The dance floor pulsates with a diverse crowd made up of carefree locals, rowdy suburbanites and post-dinner-date professionals. Salsa music, ’80s hits and hip-hop beats take turns on the thumping speakers. On Saturday nights, DJs spin alongside TVs playing Bruce Lee and Japanimation movies in the basement. 3343 N. Clark St. 773-388-0185.
Liar’s Club
With iron bars on the windows and a dirty brick exterior, Liar’s Club isn’t out to impress–and you shouldn’t feel the need to here, either. Whiskey drinkers and blue-collar workers are in the majority, but on weekends you’ll find a more mixed crowd. Sweat it out to rock on the dance floor, then chill upstairs with a game of pool or a glass of hard liquor, served straight up. 1655 W. Fullerton Ave. 773-665-1110.
The Hangge-Uppe
This squeaky-clean club plays hits from the ’50s through the ’80s on two floors. Icons from every era–from old Coca-Cola ads to Care Bears–are plastered on the walls and ceiling. Top 40 tunes tend to dominate the upper floor on weekends, but this is a spot to boogie, not bump ‘n’ grind. 14 W. Elm St. 312-337-0561.
Artful Dodger Pub
The crowd at this offbeat bar-club is as eclectic as the drink list. Dressed-down Bucktown locals meet artsy intellectuals for Belgian ales, shots of sake or the signature cocktail, glowing Aqua Velvas. If you’re in the mood to chill, plop into one of the red leather booths or chat with one of the easygoing bartenders. If the classic rock or dance music gets you moving, head to the back room and groove alongside neon murals and rotating lights. 1734 W. Wabansia Ave. 773-227-6859.
Baby Doll Polka Club
A jovial group of shot-and-beer drinkers gathers in this friendly club to indulge their mutual love of polka music. Live bands (frequently owner Eddie Korosa’s group) perform nightly. You’ll find a mature crowd overall, but even those pushing 80 can shake it as well as the twentysomethings. Scotch and whiskey flow on weekdays, and Apricot Sours are a popular option on weekends. 6102 S. Central Ave. 773-582-9706.
