Reviews of Smartbar (Night Club)

Metro / Smart Bar, 3730 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613, United States

Average Rating:

DESCRIPTION

Here you will be able to see all the feddbacks of real people like you who are using the products of Smartbar (Night Club) in Illinois.

Currently this firm receives a score of 4.0 over 5 and the rating has been based on 278 reviews.

As you can read, the average score it has is very positive, and it is founded on a very high number of feddbacks, so we may conclude that the valuation is quite credible. If people have bothered to value when they've done well with the business, it works.

You know that we do not usually stop to put opinions when these are positive and we usually do it only if we have had a problem or incidence...

This Night Club belongs to the category of Night club.

Where is Smartbar?

REVIEWS OF Smartbar IN Illinois

Ciana Frenze

Great place for good EDM and house music and one of the best places to go dancing in the city. Keep in mind: if you need water while there, for some reason they don’t offer cups of tap water, you have to buy bottled water.

Andrew Weber

Great staff, a nice place for a drink!

Chris Cypher

One of the best electronic dance music venues consistently for years.

Alejandro Gómez Escolar

I went on a Thrusday and it was almost empty. $10 ticket wasted

Daniel Estevez

Security falsely accused us of having done “hard drugs all night” despite us actually having just arrived there and then proceeded to kick us out. All of our attempts to reason with them failed as they continued to spout out lies and ignore our complaints. Don’t go here, the staff can’t be reasoned with.

russell aggacid

Oh man the Hispanic possibly Native American guy that works there is Sooooo good at doing sound. My friend is a drummer that played in a local band there - (he has a terrible sounding kit). I don't know how he did it, but everything was so punchy and clear! Amazing work! Also, the monitor guy that works there is super nice! I met him at the Gman bar after the show and he really impressed my sister.

Jon Lejcar

The most OG spot in Chicago house music other than the warehouse

Rachel Gerson

Smartbar is one of the least pretentious clubs in Chicago. Good music leads to good dancing.

Vick Martinefko

Where to start? This place used to be amazing but honestly has gone quite a bit downhill nowadays... The bouncers are absolute a**holes and are about as pretentious as it gets. I have been coming here for like 2 years prior and have never gotten turned away and now they are extremely "selective" about who they let in. Hey I am just trying to enjoy your overpriced drinks and look at the beautiful fake women at your establishment, let me in. The music is just ok and seriously has gone downhill as well as the last time I got in I was disappointed. Also, a couple of times I went last when there was a cover charge the guy at the door said it was super busy.. You walk in and there are like 10 people there; definitely going downhill I hope they change a lot of things about this place, and they get 2 stars because it used to be an awesome place.

Martha Dube

I've been here and to the DNA pizza at least twice and it's always been awesome. They have themed nights so if it's not relevant I don't go. After dancing the night away, I always go over ot the pizza lounge next door. Sometimes I even go there for late night grubs when I don't go to Bootie SF for the night.

Michelle Krueger

Every time I come here, the line is unnecessarily long as if they are doing it for the looks. The actual bar is pretty cool though.

Kendrick Ting

Great bar to come and wait for the show to start at Metro.

Kymberly Harrington

OMG this place is absolutely amazing! Everyone dances and the the music is so mesmerizing. I could dance there for every. And the cover it pretty decent!

Jake Tkachuk

I’ve never paid SO much cover for such TERRIBLE music

Michael D Voyles

Showed up and they would not let me in because they decided to 'close early'

Diego Giraldo

Nice place, music could be better and yes they are open Sundays.

Sara Pinilla

Weird music, I guess I had bad luck yesterday :( I danced a lot, though...

Kevin Mills

Two words Derrick Carter, enough said

Brian Patterson

Smartbar is by far the best dance club in chicago. It has beena =round for thirty years for good reason. Handsdown the best sound system in the city, make the amazing djs booked sound like they never have before. The crowd is not douchey like most clubs in the loop.

Julia

Shouts out to QUEEN for being the radiant beacon of light that Chicago needs. The barn rules, and every other club in boystown drools (in comparison, u do u). Lucy is a deity, the residents turn it out every week, staff is lovely. 10/10

Jon Coronado

The best dance venue in Chicago. The bass is booming, the crowd is active and into it. A sensory overload. A tad on the expensive side when it comes to drinks, but the ticket prices are inexpensive so it balances it out in the end.

Anirudh Tiwathia

Always great music. Fantastic sound system (Funktion One). No frills. Bar. Music. Space to dance. Just how I like it.

Olivia Nicole

My absolute favorite place to go out in Chi. The music is always on point and the crowd is always good vibes. Goes late night too!

Jimmy Hayes

Nice venue but bring cash. They don't accept cards. Other than that, very nice.

Jill Barmari

best club music in chicago. not very expensive either. Come here on thursday for good deals on drinks.

Jack Thomas

This place has been the same since the 80's & the only thing that changed was the the generation. Still going strong. Went there after Black Flag played the Cabaret Metro in 83 or 84...after the show went to Smartbar and hung out til late...good place.

Olivia Toews

This club claims to have all gender washrooms, but they are 75% urinals. Get rid of all the urinals and put toilets in stalls in their place would make the washroom truly a gender.. My girlfriend and I ended up sharing the only stall in the room of urinals in the washroom and then got kicked out for sharing. Speaking of which, staff need to be clearer in identifying themselves and not do things like demand the stall be opened while someone is peeing in there and then throw people out for not knowing who they are or complying with their unreasonable orders. My girlfriend felt violated, and as a transgender woman, I felt further marginalized. The staff laughed at my friend when she was in distress after we were escorted out without so much as a word about what alleged infraction occurred. This business needs to do more work in order to be a place of Pride. I was a visitor to this city, my friend is from here. Neither of us will return again.

Lissa Corinne

Came to this place because it has amazing reviews but I don't know how. The unisex bathrooms are really uncomfortable. It was pitch black and music was trying to be EDM but was really slow and nobody could dance. There's hardly any girls and being one of the few really attracts a lot of awful guys. We were harassed and stalked all night. Drinks are way overpriced. The security people were really nice though.

Pending Testing.

A bit up tight but pretty with good drinks

Burt

Great venue, extremely rude security. Had to go out to put more money in the meter. I very politely asked if I could I could do so. A fat security guy, in a very rude way, barked there was no reentry but let us go anyway. When I came back he swore at me. If you like paying for overpriced drinks and being treated rudely this is the place for you.

Tony Coppoletta

Metro is the classic, intimate music venue upstairs (proper stage, floor space with an upstairs balcony) and SmartBar is the underground bar/nightclub downstairs. Both local and big name bands come through Metro, while bar and dance nights go on downstairs, including the notable party Queen, on Sundays.

Gunjan Hathi

The club ambience was nice but somehow music was bad and it was not attracting us to dance. They spoiled our evening.

Victor Ojeda

Well where should i start if you want to have a good time with your with your friends and want to have a good birthday this is the place to go they play good music is good they play only hit songs check it out :-)

Salvatore Nocadello

Great music, great DJs, great sound, but ... they change the guy at doors. Now there is a completely unprofessional guy that spend his miserable life trying to impose the authority with his body. You will recognize him since he is the tallest one and the only guy that speak allowed. Usually the people that are at the smart are very relaxed and are there just to listen some good music. I have never seen an hubbub there. But this guy suffers of attention-seeking behavior. He is very irritating since you can see that he is excited to exercise his mania of grander. I'm so disappointed since Smart Bar used to be a very nice place to go with relaxed people and good music..but I will never never go again until this guy is there. I want to have fun, not deal with the problems of the people.

Kevin Coyne

Great venue just get there early.

Abhi Singh

Gosh I love this place. The sound system THUMPS the night I was there the drinks were absurdly cheap. Go here for varieties of music. No pretentious vibes here. Just great music, Midwest friendliness, and a swirling light floor to have fun to.

James Famartino

Great staff and Funktion One system.

Derek Williamson

Best place to go out dancing. Friendly security. Gender neutral washrooms. Zero tolerance for harrassment, homophobia, trans phobia and the best sound and music.

Christopher Hongosh

Great place to enjoy house music. Sundays QUEEN!

Eric Formato

Best consistent Sunday night nightlife you can find! Cheap cover, cheap drinks, awesome eccentric crowd, respectful and smart security, and amazing Chicago house music on some of the best speakers in the city. Not to be missed!!!

Zach Tabler

Management of this bar is nowhere near up to the talent of the dj. After being accused of doing something that I did not do, I was kicked out while waiting for my friends in the bathroom. After paying a hefty entrance fee, I would expect service of an establishment to be somewhat reasonable but they wouldn't even let me go find my friend before trying to rush me out of the club.

Betty Flang

this is the place to go if you feel lonely. me and Sarah enjoed it all the way up and back . nice drinks , strong lol

Mike Vella

i love everything about this venue.

Julia Matheson

always have a good time! best neighborhood late night spot by far

Ainsley McGrath

Excellent sound system; Queen is one of my favorite queer dance partiesof All Time

Yanghee Kim

20dollars admission fee. And most of drinks are 7. There was NO dress code. But was cool and nice atmosphere. .. bartender was cool.. hmm...dance floor was so dark so i couldn't see anything and narrow..

Aleks Jimenez

Always a pleasure to go to Smart Bar awesome sound system and there weekly Sunday Queen Night is great!

Ashton Hampton

The security was pompous and just completely rude. I will never go here again! They had no answers for me when they decided that I couldn't enter the venue because I attempted to toss an empty bottle OUTSIDE, before checking in and before I entered. There was a fat guy in particular who wanted to feel like he was doing some great security work but was just unreasonable. I should've known better than to allow this venue to take my money. Once again, do not go here if you don't want to be mistreated or scammed by a wannabe security team.

Al Reyes

Can be great depending on when you go.

Anna Miensnieks

The kindest people work there. I have anxiety and was treated with the utmost respect of them understanding my conditions. Wish everyone was like this when I'm able to get out. Highly recommend

Paresh Mundade

Chill place for great edm

Corey Waldron

Discriminatory problematic staff. Don’t support this venue!

Jalen Massey

The sound system is In. SANE. Great time!

Serge

It's so Chicago here. Love this place.

Techead Ragetec

Fun with good dance music

Nikoli Knasiak

My favorite club in the city. It lacks much of the pretentiousness and "meat market" feeling that many other clubs in the city have. Devoid of any bottle service foolishness and the crowd that brings, smartbar patrons seem to be there for the music. The funktion one sound system is unsurpassed and shakes the floor when used right. Drinks are not cheap but it's a nightclub so no surprise there. The photo booth is a nice way to create a memorable moment.

Joey D

The original icon, showcasing Chicago House Music

Antonio Esposito

Deep and dark music in the basement. Great Soundsystem, crowd normally has good vibes and always some kind of a cheap drink special to keep you going. Just know that all bathrooms are unisex so just suck it up and get used to it.

Jack Flora

Worst bar I’ve ever been to in my life I wish I could give it negative stars I wouldn’t take my worst enemy there terrible service and aggressive environment

Steven Grace

It’s ok. Mostly because google won’t let me edit my one star review and I’m scared of that.

Jason Wolf

Probably the sickest underground club in Chicago for 30+ yrs now... This is a legendary spot for 90's rave kids ...

Jelle Kyoso

Funktion one sound system, great bar, great vibe and safe for all who are open minded.

Tomasz Samczynski

Nice place. As usual the guy/girl ratio is of balance as in most clubs. The music is repetitive yet danceable, and the better acts come out later into the night.

Blake Levine

Cool venue. The sound was pretty good except vocals are hard to hear if you are in the middle of the stage.

Jon Davis

I can see how this place might be fun on a normal day, but their New Year's Eve party was chaotic and frustrating. I got the impression it was their first time running that kind of event. Preordering tickets, we still waited an hour in zero degree weather to get in. The line divided into people who had tickets and people who didn't have tickets - the person in our group who didn't have a ticket got in faster AND cheaper. That's right - the tickets preordered were $42.50 after fees. If you bought your ticket at the door it was $40. Coat check filled up instantly. If I had to estimate I'd say 1/2 the people there were able to check their coats at the door. Normally not a huge deal, but again this was NYE and we were in zero degree weather, so there's no way we could have come without a coat. We ended up piling them on the floor and it added a certain amount of stress to the night to keep an eye on them when we were on the dance floor. Exiting the place, they were yelling at people for stepping over the rope at the door, but literally the only other option was to walk through the line of people getting in. It seems like something that should have been thought of ahead of time We had fun in spite of this, so 2 stars instead of 1 for that.

Phillip M

Fun place great shows... ask before you go downstairs if anyone is there!

Paul J

Awesome club!

Manuel Flores

Great customer service

Oni

Worst bar in the entire city and trust me; I speak from experience. Stay at home and drink swill from tin cans. You'll feel better about yourself doing that as opposed to handing $15 to some douche for bad cocktails, boring music, snobby chicks and arrogant cop-like staff. Just cut to the chase and brown-bag it over on Belmont and Sheffield instead. No, seriously.

Bella Kiessel

This was the worst night of my life. I had gone to see the Wallows perform there. The Metro is much to small for the crowd that was brought in. There was probably 1000+ people in a 300 person max venue. I was pushed, grabbed, had my hair pulled, alcohol spilled on me, etc. I passed out, my friends were sobbing and having panic attacks. The people around me were in pain and suffering from heat exhaustion. An extremely intoxicated adult kept pushing my friends and I to try and get to the front (we were at around the second row from the stage), and I told him to stop, politely and professionally. He "apologized" and to make up for it, he ask to buy us drinks. We are all 16 and I told him we are underage. He then started yelling at us, blaming US for going to the Metro in the first place because it's only "18+" when this was an all ages show. I had to get security multiple times and he was eventually taken out. When the Wallows came on, everyone was so packed together, nobody was allowed any movement, and everyone who wasn't part of the pushing and harassment issue were in immense pain. I love the Wallows, the people around me love the Wallows, my friends love them. However, around half way into the show, we were forced to push our way past to leave the venue. It's now a day after and I'm extremely sick, my body is more exhausted than it has been, and I'm generally miserable. I can't believe that I wasn't able to enjoy my time because of rowdy, drunk, full grown ADULTS, over crowding, and just straight up abuse. We payed 120$ for these tickets, just to have to leave part way through. Extremely disappointed in everyone involved for not acting on what monstrosities occurred during the show. The Metro employees need to recognize these issues. This was not an underground punk rock show. My friends and I, young teenagers had a chance of a lifetime stripped from any chance of being remembered as positive.

Danny Moskowitz

Smells and feels like a basement. doorman was rude to other customers as well made me cringe...probably wont go back

matthew gilboy

On a Friday night in Wrigley it was hard to find seats, but that goes without saying. Staff was definitely fast, professional, and the crowd was pretty decent. Not too loud. Late night food across the street

Ian Kirkpatrick

One of the last venues in Chicago for house music doesn't provide water for free after a $15 cover. Doesn't feel right to me even though the music is pure. Unfortunate this is a prominent venue for artists to create experiences. Could be so much better

Alberto Cano Navarro

Non pretentious, different from the clubs with douchy vip bottle service type of vibe. The sound system is excellent. People go here to enjoy the music and to dance. Pretty simple.

Emily Gruber

Great place, you get just what you need!

Andrea Lavatti

Best dance floor in the city.

Manuel Colón

If you're not coming here to dance, you might as well go home. I'm not sure that I was select it as a place to start the night, or even for the entirety of the night. But, after a few drinks and with you and your friends feeling good, this is a place to be.

A Leon -Huerta

This place has some sick shows most weekends- the bouncers are nice and the bathrooms are gender neutral. The drinks are priced regularly, the dance floor can get crowded but the space is large.

Rudolf Faust

I have been to more shows at Smart Bar/Metro than at all other music venues in Chicago combined. It is considered one of the top 10 nightclubs in the US for good reason. Funktion One soundsystem, great bookings, and a staff that is less douchey than any other legally legitimate nightclub in the city. They cover almost the full spectrum of electronic music, letting lots of local crews throw parties there. Weeknights are great because only the music heads come out, but you have to watch out for douchebaggery on weekends because it is in Wrigleyville.

K Lo

great music, love the queen party on sundays, househead!

Tommaso Massari

Smart bar, dumb bouncers. While accompanying a friend for her uber to the exit, I was taken and brought out for literally no reason. After asking the two bouncers outside and receiving no answer, I insisted and they called other two bouncers, including the one who brought me out. Again I asked for an explanation, always trying to be the kindest possible even if they didn’t deserved it, but they had no better reason than “we decided so”. They perfectly understood that they’re were totally wrong, but not to admit that, they started inventing one excuse after another. First, my pupils were too large and I was “intoxicated”, then after I passed their “tests” with the torch they changed reason, over and over again. Log story short, 50 minutes of discussion, 4 bouncers, and they weren’t able to provide a reasonable answer. I’m so upset to give this place one star because it is my favorite place in Chicago. The music is the best and the ambience is great. Not to mention the sound system, amazing. So 5 star to the place. So sad how dumbness can ruin an evening.

Damian Leigh

This bar has stunning entertained value and socks with rhinos and chimp

Druphistopheles Morganitis

Always has good drink specials, and always has good music. I recommened goin here at least once.

Nicholas Demorest

My favorite place to go to for "underground" house and techno. Very chill atmosohere, no dress code. If you are looking to go "clubbing", I'd recommend trying a place like The Mid, Enclave, Board Room, etc.

RONAN Mitchell

One and only place, Great service!

Mijung Park

the bouncer has a god complex and is a serious racist. we paid $31 for each ticket, and could not go back into the bar only because the bouncer said no. No refund, no apology, no explanation, but he rather threatened us to call the police. Why do i need to be treated like trash?

Mature Person

Great staff, great house/techno.

Erin Dashnaw

Avoid on holidays, to many old people but a great party any other time

Daniel O'Callaghan

Cool place always had a good time.

Guy J

Best kept secret in the Chicago club scene.

Larry Ficker

The venue was fabulous. Staff was courteous.

Eva M

not classy, not posh, under-prepared staff, and a distaste for service dogs.

Rebecca bravo

Great Drinks....fab staf...awesome place

Ryan Miranda

I went there to watch city and colour. The beer is over priced and it gets WAY too crowded. At least a 4th of the people there had no view! The way the inside is set up is designed poorly. Will avoid this place for shows in the future unless it's just really cheap. Disappointed.

Khalil

Great dark diveish bar with great DJs

Bee Kay

I'm not into techno music. Searched for best clubs in Chicago and this was one of the first ones apparently but not for me.

Anthony Ramirez

I've never made smart decision in Smartbar. With that said, its great. Like the Metro above it, its a great place to see up and coming DJs before they start selling out stadiums and areas and are headlining festivals. As well as staying true to its Chicago roots. Plenty of space to dance and people actually dance as well. Not just dry humping on the dancefloor but still some do, (its in Wrigleyville and open late after all those 2 am bars close) Staff are great. everybody is welcome. great vibe you won't find anywhere else. Where the focus is on the music and DJ and not on being scene or getting bottle service.

Matt Kroll

This is one of the better places to listen to electronic music in the city. The setting is more intimate than any super club, and usually the music is better, too. DJs here spin things meant for a more underground crowd, so you'll hear minimal techno and deep house instead of club progressive and brostep. A lot of old warehouse party kids come here now that they've grown up. You're also much less likely to find Mac-tapper "DJs" here, which is a good thing.

Fred Lopster

Best dance club in the city hands down.

Ian Baker

By far the worst venue in Chicago. I already disliked this venue but the Battles show this Friday was awful. They forced me to check my empty bag. I went out to lock up a friends bike and the guy threatens to kick me out if I come back in smelling like smoke. When I do try to get back in the bouncer seriously used an earpiece to relay the front desk. It was like a prison! Security harassed the pretty tame crowd throughout the show. They treat their customers like cattle and criminals. If I can help it I'll never go there again. Bands need to realize there are much better medium sized venues to play at that treat people with respect. Truly horrible.

Schae Lewis, Certified Professional Organizer

Never a dull moment.

Michael Sanchez

House music for your mind, body, and your soul.

Kelly Kolton

I don't normally go to clubs, but thought this place was great! I went to Smart Bar to see James Murphy from LCD Soundsystem who was performing a DJ set there. The cover was reasonable for such a big name. The dance floor was full but not packed, and we had a great view since it's a smaller place. I saw someone else describe this place as a "come as you are" dance club, and that is exactly how I would also describe it. It wasn't pretentious or flashy. Really enjoyed it and would go back.

Alek Toumert

Mind you I was standing right by the speaker so I may have just been deafened and dumb, but I really enjoyed the venue. If you come late you can still get close enough to the stage.

Tom Miller

soulless generic EDM that only people who are drunk or high out of their minds would dance to. unwelcoming staff. napoleon complex manlet doorman.

Steven Wells

Had a great time dancing there, fun place and the DJs are always amazing, but I lost my card there and have had a helluva time trying to contact them through any medium. Living so far away makes getting back a hassle. Wish they were more attentive to messages or calls.

Sal Migliaccio

Great music, nice people, even nicer staff, cheap drinks, interesting layout

Belle Lopez

QUEENS night on Sundays is the best with EDM and variety of creative humans in various ages and sizes (LOL...Queens can be super tall). Unisex Lounge is the place to hang out with plenty of seats, lights, and intelligent conversations.

Carlota Antón

Great club for electronic music. A little expensive if you ask me. Wish the djs were a little better.

Najeeb Zafar

Cool spot that attracts some amazing talent from all across the globe. You'll be happy to meet some interesting and chilled out people here!

Arthur R

Good music & good place

Edyta Bania

Great club and music. Very relaxed place

Arpit Chauhan

It was Saturday night and I just found out that Smartbar was among the best Nightclubs in the City. But, It was beyond the level of expectation. MUSIC - The DJ was repeating the beats. No electronic and No proper beats. DANCE FLOOR - People were just standing on the dance floor waiting for a song to be played which never happened. Some young crowd just left the venue after paying $15!! on entry. SOUND QTY - Pretty Good but needs more BASS!! I think the Crowd needs a Good MUSIC not a repetitive sequence of INSTRUMENTS played on a console. If WE are spending one night of our week to ENJOY then there should be an ENERGY! MUSIC! And PARTY! People should Smile, dance and enjoy their time. Even the DJ playing at the Booth was not even enjoying the MUSIC he was playing. That's how bad it WAS!

Luis Arce

i love smartbar! the music is legit! and good prices too!

Beyonce Smick

This is our favorite sushi restaurant! Highest quality fish and traditional sushi I have ever had. But watch out- it's a little pricey (and addicting!).

John Karahalios

Great dance spot with a medium sized dance floor and second room for bar chills. Derrick Carter and mark Farina often play here, and move your body so night long.

Carlos Figueredo

if you like trance, electro, house or dubstep you should go to this place. you have to be aware of what is the cover, depends on the day you go. it is a very dark enviroment. the djs are awesome and you are going to see crazy people dancing alone.

Ria Matlib

Top rankin'

Shawn Wright

Outstanding performance by Missio, Blacklillac, SWELLS... My first time here and I will never forget it.

Peter Engel Storms

Always an excellent choice for dancing.

Noel Price

Legendary Chicago bar and nightclub! Awesome venue for live music. Personally have seen too many bands and dj sets over the past 35 years, to count

Paul Jordan

Nice small venue. Saw Chevy Metal here. Could see the band no matter where I was.

T. N. L.

Great place to hear a live DJ, and literally dance until you sweat.

Barry Grau

I saw the MC5 here. They have some great shows that no one else has and when they do you got to go. I've also seen the Ramones and Pere Ubu that was a long time ago

Sarah Wald

You paid 15 dollars to listen to the same music during the whole night. THE WORST DJ EVER! Not to mention, the place was empty, drinks are expensive and the staff (especially the cashier) wasn't friendly. I went there yesterday (01/24/14), and I regret going there. Don't waste your time, go somewhere else.

Daniel Niewierowski

Great sound quality and intimate experience

Martina Savova

Went to see the KONGOS play there - it was such a great venue! The security staff was so nice and drinks were great. Definitely worth stopping by for some good music and entertainment!

guillermo gudino

Nice underground bar.

Business Hours of Smartbar in Illinois

SUNDAY
10PM–4AM
MONDAY
(COLUMBUS DAY) CLOSED HOURS MIGHT DIFFER
TUESDAY
CLOSED
WEDNESDAY
CLOSED
THURSDAY
10PM–4AM
FRIDAY
10PM–4AM
SATURDAY
10PM–4AM

PHONE & WEBPAGE

Smartbar en Illinois
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