INSIDE
manor vs crescendo
642 N. Clark St.
312-475-1390
222 W. Ontario St.
312-376-3111
The Scene. It’s a hard-to-describe yet oddly specific set: Chicagoans with cash, connections, and the right clothing and cars, of course. They are the pampered people in the VIP section. The people who get into the club faster than you. And they’re undoubtedly the people you’ll bump into at the city’s newest ultra lounges — Manor and Crescendo.
Sure, some will find The Scene snobby, rude and pretentious. But if you’ve got the dough to do things right, these high-end night clubs are looking at you.
Though, with similar goals — and locations just blocks away — it may be tough to decide which spot is right for you.
Take both for a test drive: Manor’s open until 2 and 3 a.m. Crescendo goes until 4 and 5 a.m. Not sure where to start? Read on.
THE BACKGROUND
Manor: The guys behind late-night lounge RiNo (343 W. Erie St.) opened this 4,200-square-foot, English castle-inspired lounge in the old Pasha space.
Crescendo: The crew behind Reserve (858 W. Lake St.) turned the former L8 into this 8,000-square-foot, retro-Moroccan palace with modern-day edge.
INSIDE
Manor: An Old World-meets-New World aesthetic features rich wood panels, heavy stonework, wrought-iron lanterns, a signature Manor crest and custom glass panels with photo overlays of modern and medieval imagery.
Crescendo: Colored lanterns and geometric metalwork add exotic flair to retro decor that’s a tad more Las Vegas Aladdin than Moroccan marketplace. Think mirrored columns, onyx walls, mosaic tiling and a grand staircase.
COCKTAILING
Manor: Bottles range from $300 to the $3,500 Krug Clos du Menil (Manor’s already sold one!). For $600, get a magnum (with a sparkler presentation to draw all eyes to you). Signature drinks ($14-$15) have royal names: Think Yorkshire, Rochester and Waterford. More of a peasant? Try bottled beer ($6-$7) or cocktails ($10-$12). Take note: You’re practically corralled in the standing-room-only area between the bar and roped-off VIP section without a table reservation.
Crescendo: Bottle service options range from $250 to upward of $2,400 for vintage bubbly. Layered specialty cocktails ($10-$11, $20) play off the club’s name; there’s also beer ($5-$6) and mixed drinks ($8-$14). Executive Chef David Blonsky’s contemporary fare with French and Asian flair is available on dinner and late-night bar menus. Crescendo also offers a to-go option. Whether or not you have a table reserved, you’re able to roam the room.
DJS & DANCING
Manor: Mix masters like DJ Gusto, Jake Reno and Lee Michaels spin beats that pour out of a state-of-the-art sound system by England-based Funktion One. Go-go dancers in lacy lingerie gyrate at the speed of sound to rev up the crowd.
Crescendo: DJ AM, who was at the opening bash, and Roman Rosati consult on the turntable talent; they’ll even appear from time to time. Laid-back lounge beats start the night and then build in intensity (Crescendo, get it?) to rock and hip-hop mashups.
CROWD
Manor: Opening night brought out more boob jobs, Mystic Tans and micro-mini tube dresses than a Las Vegas plastic surgery convention. An average night draws local tastemakers, brand-new bargoers trying out their trendiest duds, curious passersby and industry people.
Crescendo: More of the same. Opening night featured America’s Next Top Model winner CariDee English kicking off a fashion show with other Elite models, plus an assortment of industry folks, friends and family, ranging from their 20s to their — we’re not kidding — 60s.
VIP SERVICE
Manor: Show up in a cab and you’ll be greeted by the man, Stan. Table perks also include under-seat storage, special loos and extra attention from your scantily-clad server. A concierge also is at your beck and call to arrange hotel reservations, travel and more.
Crescendo: A doorman’s at your service, which comes in handy when it’s raining. The Crescendo staff assigns major clients their own VIP hosts, who can arrange everything from tickets to sporting events to limos to introductions to the hotties in the house.
IN THE KNOW
Manor: Cover varies from $10 to $20, but entry is free for women and groups with table reservations. Be warned: The line can get long, so without connections or a spot on the guest list, bring a balanced group of girls and guys, or stack the deck in your favor with a bevy of beauties.
Crescendo: Expect to pay up to $20, though bottle-service guests get complimentary entry, as do early clubbers on certain nights. And though it almost goes without saying: Dress to impress.
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kmbudell@tribune.com
