Reviews of Social Twenty-Five (Night Club)

keelie m

INCREDIBLY RACIST! We arrived at the front of the line last night we were immediately told, “We don’t do black women here.” I then asked the secretary guard to clarify what he meant, and he then repeated - “We don’t do black women or black people here much..” He proceeded to block the line and did not let us in. I cannot make this up. It was truly a disheartening experience.

Erin E

Someone I know experienced discrimination/was kicked out for being gay. My friend was explicitly told that he could not go in while wearing a rainbow necklace because, according to the doorman, “we don’t support that.”

Char-Li Ali

My friends and I have been here many times and they NEVER charge cover, but last the bouncer was trying to charge my girls and me $20 each, but didn’t charge anyone else cover, not even the guys. Probably because we are Black and Latinas, and the people that weren’t being charger were White. Do not recommend at all.

Drew Williams

Generally, I don't write reviews nor submit surveys regarding business service since they generally are biased because people are more inclined to leave a negative review than positive. That being said, I will try to be as unbiased as possible, and only state what happened to verify my 1 star rating. Now I have been to Social 25 many times in the past, and usually it's worth it because there is no cover charge, and in the event it is not worth it, I can leave and go somewhere else like Sound Bar or Detention where I know I will have a good time. Friday night I decided to get bottle service at Social 25 and first off, may I say that at the door, the price I was told was entirely different from what appeared on my receipt. For a bottle of Hennessy I was charged 325 dollars, which would have been fine, if I had not been told at the door to expect to pay a little over half that. Of course, my receipt was not brought to me until the end. Upon entering, my credit card and ID were taken by security as if I was going to run off, and it was not given back until the server asked me if I was going to close out. Honestly, if you buy a bottle at a club, they shouldn't have to keep your card and ID, it's paid for. But anyways, my primary issue has yet to come into play. On this faithful night, a urinal was out of order with no sign on it. I pre-flushed to get the smell of urine to dissipate, and next thing I know, the water begins to flow on my shoes and the bottom part of my jeans. When I tell the attendant in the bathroom that I would appreciate something being done, he grabs a security guy who comes in and asks the problem. Neither of these guys seemed to have enough sense to deal with a customer with quality service and I really had to deter myself from asking to speak to a manager or someone in charge, as they tried to offer me damn napkins as if that would solve my issue. Also, the attendant barely spoke English and could only say "wet, and not wet". I took some time to try and clean myself and point out to those entering the bathroom that the urinal is out of order but does not have a sign. After being fairly uncomfortable with moist socks, and Nudie jeans wet with toilet water, I had to leave an unfinished bottle. This experience has severely damaged my view of social 25, which apparently is only worth going to while free and not for their service.

Kristina McB

This is a great place to go if you just want to dance.

Joseph Blewitt

This is a classy place for sure, but the decor, the layout, and the crowd are so nondescript that I had to do a Google Image search to refresh my memory about Social 25. I wanted to make certain I wasn't accidentally reviewing one of the 20 other identical bars operating in a 2 mile radius. The drink prices were standard and the service was good. The upstairs was comfortably crowded (it's not an oxymoron), and the downstairs was dead/"private." As a disclaimer: I went here after the St. Patrick's Day parade, so my experience here might be a rare one, but I wouldn't protest if the group wanted to go here again.

Bo Om

Great if you want to listen to a live band. It could get crowded on the weekend and there is a downstairs with a DJ.

Vanessa Brown

My friend & I came here during our weekend in Chicago. We had the time of our life! We walked in at about 1am and by 2am it was LIT. Drinks are a tad pricey. We are both black women and we had no problem getting in free of charge. I'm not discrediting other reviews mentioning racism, but we personally did not experience it. There were plenty black men in the club when we got in as well. Although, I can see the racism happening... it is America after all. Maybe we just got lucky.

Asher Meyers

The drinks are expensive considering that they water down the bottles they pour from. If you order a double, you should be able to taste some alcohol at least. Seriously, if you aren't an alcoholic and have had 6 drinks, you should notice something.

Nahrain Stoby

Booked a table for my cousin birthday last minute. We had such a great night ! Awesome music !! Loved the dj

Sunil Rajan

Security clearly profiles you based on race and ethnicity

Michael Kissiedu

Awful.. you will have a good time if you are not black. Hopefully the city gets a chance to investigate this business so they can shut it down.. discrimination is their motto. Never felt so less of a human till I tried to go to this place all because my skin color is not white.

Lauren Goebel

Extremely saddened that it's 2018 and we're still living in a country that is explicitly racist. I've come to this establishment probably 4 or 5 times and never had any problem. When I showed up this evening with black boyfriend, whom was dressed very nicely and well put together, we were turned away because at 10:30 pm it was "guest list only." We were told to come back at 2 am. A group of WHITE people were behind us were able to walk right in with no questions and no mention of this so called "guest" list. We watched many other groups like them, male and female go in right after us as there was NO line. My white female friend had gone in 5 minutes before us with no issues. She mentioned to the bartender that we were outside but not being let in because it was "guest list" only and he looked confused. He said he had no idea what this "guest list" was. I'll add this to the list of racist bars along with Bottled Blonde and Boss Bar. The bouncer knew exactly what he was doing and will continue to do it. We stood outside for about 5 minutes waiting for my friend to come meet us and watched him turn away all non-white people.

Agustín Valenzuela Diez

They robbed me

Michelle Krueger

Excellent place in River North to see live music!

Trevor Huisinga

Was with a large group of friends, celebrating birthdays. We got there early, probably around 10, right when they opened. We sat in a booth and paid for or fair share of drinks (multiple rounds for the 13 in our group). Around 11:30, we were kicked out of the booth and subsequently asked to leave so they could give the booth to someone who was willing to have bottle service. I wish I would have read the reviews before we went there. You would be foolish to spend any time, let alone any money there. Please spare yourself the annoyance of dealing with such rude managers.

Urszula Wudarczyk

Went here on several occassions when they still let you in no matter what and the place was bouncing - live band and dj mixing downstairs. Now? Good luck getting in. Looks shady and the bouncers are a real pain. I'd rather go across the street or another block for fun.

Daniel Ortiz

Please look at the yelp reviews. Plenty and plenty of people have complained of the blatant racism that this place has pracriced. I was told I couldn't go in because of shorts, yet 10 people all white were able to get in with shorts. Please please report this place

Емил Радков

We got out for 5 min and they did'nt let us in.

Jacob Silverstein

Horrible place. They are explicitly racist/discriminate on non-caucasian/non-Americans. Even worse, if you call them out on it, they won't even deny it. They will just attribute it to "bar politics". And yes, I am writing this as a caucasian-American. I was in line and made friends with some people from Great Britain and Iran, and when we got to the front of the line, the bouncers refused to acknowledge us because of this. Instead they let people in who gathered around the place instead and refused to recognize the original line they set up with the ropes. I proceded to question them about their admission policy and all they had to say is "Everyone we let in works for the bar. If you don't like it, then leave." Needless to say, it is a POS place. If you decide to go there and spend money, you are pretty much against everything America stands for.

Thalia Urbina

RACIST . seriously none of these reviews are lying . this place can go f themselves . ONLY place in all my 20s i haven't been able to get it in . and on my birthday. don't go in there they are not worth the money .

Kay Russell

This place is not very professional. They seem to only pay attention to belligerent customers and ignore actual paying customers. They don't respect the time or money of patrons. They said there was a guest list, but that was a lie. They tried to extort us out of $40 after the commotion had died down. It also seems like they weren't letting in black women. They let everyone else inside - even those that they didn't check the "guest list" - without a hassle. I'm never going to even try to spend my money here again.

Raymond Schroeder

Terrible music, terrible bouncers. Everything awful

Yvonne Munoz

Bouncer told us we could pay to get in. Then turned around claiming they have a “dress code” as three guys walked out with T-shirt’s and shorts, and girls walked out in jeans. It’s a racist establishment because as soon as they realized that we were Hispanic they changed their tune.

潘Jackson

performence is owesome but total is Not good . can see others comment

Ninad Trifale

Worst night club to go to. The bouncer starts charging 20$ cash entry randomly as the night goes on. Dress code rules seem to be subject to bouncers mood.

Toothache 80s Baby

Door guy was cool.... manager behind he was rude and inconsiderate... front door guy was like I would let you in...but management told me no.... I am baffled.... front door guys continues to state its because management thinks me and my friends are intoxicated.... I ask front door guy his opinion....he states verbatim " you guys are good...but they dont wont you guys in".... I ask why...he respond...I dont know

Szymon Wybituła

Great live music

Will Petrosky

Great place, live music and multiple floors

Jose Antonio Perez Romero

Don't ever try to get in there! The queue is long, the music is shitty, the bouncers just want to be bribed, and they don't even let you go for a smoke. Shittiest places in Chicago, avoid it!!!!

Martha G

If I could give it less than a 1 star, I would.

Hari Iyer

Other than the criminally overpriced and red solo cup worthy drinks, there's one real reason to absolutely hate this place. The music. Auditory diarrhoea would be more adequate. I've never heard a band disgrace the art of music in the manner of the band at Social Twenty-five. Their non-existent talents notwithstanding, their biggest failure was to play a single song relevant to the time and place and instead regale a captive crowd with boy and girl band hits from two thousands. Needless to say I shan't be returning, and if you've a sensible bone in your body you'll never make the initial mistake I did of entering the premises of Social Twenty-five.

Ben Lazaroff

Easily one of the worst bars I’ve been to - the staff are rude, the place is trashy (with actual trash everywhere); it’s probably the single most basic environment you could imagine. Unfortunately there are no redeeming qualities, and while I was having a great night with my friends, the 18 1/2 minutes we spent there were a joke.

Kyle

Lines were a waste of time. The place obviously kept a line in place to keep peoples’ interest up. Once inside the place was legit. Great feel, people were getting wild in there!

Pedro Dominguez

I feel this bar/club has a lot of potential. There is the upper level and the basement. The basement was empty but overall pretty good music. If you get a table be prepared to buy a bottle. Some of the bottles are a couple grand. Not happening for me.

Bethanie Feteau

DO NOT SPEND YOUR MONEY HERE!!!!!!!!Racial discrimination 100%. My friend and I waited in line and once we got to the door and the security said to us “guess list only.” We asked what does that mean? He did not respond so we stayed at the front of the line just to see what he was going to do. There was a white woman behind us who asked what was going on so I told her to ask him. Once she asked about the guess list, the security said to my friend and I “is it just you two?” We replied “yes” so at that moment he let us in. There never was a guess list he thought we would leave once he said that. Then my boyfriend tried to get in 10 mins later and all of a sudden they told him there was a dress code. I was actually inside and there was no dress code. Everyone in there had all different types of clothes from gym shoes to t-shirts. I had on jordans! DO NOT SPEND YOUR MONEY HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Arvind K Shanmugam

Don't go there unless you are white! Orelse you will end up in racism! Worst bouncer's ever seen.

Mahmoud Deeb

Very bad guys at the entrance, they didn't let me in bcz my shoes has white lines" it was made up excuse" , where most of the people who entered has the same one I have"converse shoes", I told him to look at the people has the same one I have, surprisingly he asks me to pay him 20$ to get, I paid it... Very bad

Paula Patel

Fun place with good music.

Samantha Chambers

It’s my first time to ever experience racism. They will make excuses to the reason why u can’t get it in. The last time I went there with my boyfriend, we were told to get out of the line because there were so many guys in there. After we got out, two white guys went straight in. I couldn’t believe it. This club is so racist and it needs to be shut down

Lyuba Starikovsky

Had an awesome time at social 25 last night! Great atmosphere and amazing music! Will definitely be back soon for a good time!!

Idris Ibrahim

I’m convinced they only allow a certain amount of black people in there...told us along with a couple of other black friends that there no longer taking anymore men in the club we got out the line to see more men going in, and of course they weren’t black. Don’t waste your time in line when 9/10 you won’t be able to get in especially if your of color.

Phillip Librojo

This place reminded me very strongly of a bar trying too hard on all fronts but failing to stand out on any front. The decor wasn't memorable and the crowd skewed young. Drink prices are comparable to other bars in the area. The live music offering is a nice alternative to the usual DJ backdrop in river north. If you have to go here, go with a large group of friends and keep the spirits coming.

J.T. Knight

I got a lot of nice butt here in my early 20s. I hold this place in my heart forever.

Nonie Arora

Great music and drinks are good.

Mohammad Azharuddin

Bloody racist people Don't allow indians for some or the other reason

Konark Upadhyay

Let half of the group in then asked the rest to pay $300 bottle service. You guys deserve -1 rating

Marco Giovannini

Be careful, this place is visited from thieves. I went there with three friends. We made the mistake to not check immediately our coats and left them on a couch inside. After a while, our coats disappeared. We looked for them everywhere and we realized that they have been stolen from vagabonds from off the streets. In fact, we found them, wore from these people outside Social, but we could not get them back and the police just did not arrive in time to support us. The point is that these vagabonds were let in and out from the bouncers of Social; note that they were not well dressed and I have my reasons to believe that they know the bouncers. In fact, I ask help to the bouncers, but they just ignored me and insulted me as I was crazy. I will never step inside this place again.

Radomir

DJ needs to get a new playlist,last few months coming here i saw more than obvious same old playlist....every time it's the same,not cool...

Delche Vakanski

Well the stuff is to rough! And the ambient is to creepy.

Ryan Merchant

Hey who wants to go to a club where the staff is racist?

Uday Gulati

Great place for dancing - seemed like the go-to college bar.

Hickory Ave

Great spot, clean bathrooms, and fair price. Pretty people around

Prajwal Sreenivas

Happened to us when we are trying to enter for our graduation celebration, although we were well dressed. We were made to stand in line while they let in Caucasian crowd . There are plenty of other bars at Hubbard to choose from if you are a minority , I really dint expect such discrimination in Chicago . If you ain't Caucasian don't even bother trying to get in here they are racist!!!!!!

c2sealy

Dance. Drink. Dance. repeat until 4am

Manuel Borge

A weekend place, come early, long lines, the place to be in you are under 25. Great prices with drinks, food is not premier but they make it up with the ambiance. Come with friends for a lot of fun.

Timo Bech

It's sometimes hard to get into, but it's always a fun time once inside. The basement is one of my favorite spots! The crowd is full of beautiful people!

Neel Sheth

Avoid this place if you don't have white skin. Racist Pigs manning the doors. They let five white dudes in, no questions asked and didn't let our group of three in, with some BS reservation rule!

Oz Design

Great nice bar to shake it! Music is great and the people are fun. Shake it here!

izzy monberg

Great drinks, great music, awesome atmosphere

boss kitty

Date 01/21/17 The worst ever place/bar *warning* do not support this type of behavior from this bar..me and 15 friends took a party bus from Elgin just to get there for them to turn us away claiming reservation are needed to get in real reason because I was black and went to their other bar social 25 and was turn away because I was black ...I'm working on a protest gathering for these two bars I will not be discriminate on and the owner need to be ashame of himself and his racist bouncers

Karisa Falden

Ya the other reviews are true. They're blatantly racist. You may think, "oh but I'm educated and dress well", doesn't matter. The bouncers will not let you in if you're anything but Caucasian. I used to go to this club frequently two years ago, but I guess management said no more minorities allowed. Don't give these people your business or waste your time.

Sheo

I had loved this place but not anymore! Go with ur skimpy dress n high heels, flirt a little with the bouncer and here is your entry. If you are a guy, keep your palms greased for a tight handshake.

Brandt Ward

Great live music, strong mixed drinks, and good DJ’s.

Andrea Millender

Very racist. Don't waste your money or time.

Ricky Mahajan

Nice atmosphere good band expensive drinks but I guess everything's expensive in Chicago haha

Desiree McCowen

My friends and I experienced RACIAL DISCRIMINATION at this club! It was my cousins birthday, and we ended up at this place. Upon arrival, the doorman (tall heavy set white guy) told us that it was 20 dollars per person to get in. We decided that was reasonable, and waited outside for the rest of our group to arrive (other beautiful black women)... While waiting he tells a group of white guys that ladies are actually free entry...when we ask him about it he switches back to the lie he initially told us, $20 per person. We decide to brush it off, and just pay the $20 since it was my cousins birthday, and we just wanted her to have a good time. When the rest of our group arrived he changed the "entry requirement" now it was "VIP TABLES ONLY". however they let multiple groups of white men and women in with NO MENTION of VIP or a table! This was clearly discrimination! This was the only club in the area playing hip-hop music, yet they discriminate against people of color?! Reading the reviews of this establishment further confirmed what I've already concluded. Social Twenty-Five is a disgustingly racist club. I will be reporting to the Better business bureau!

Marian Gorgievski

Never seen such ugly place! Employees especially!!!

Guldeep Kaur

If I could give this place less than a single star I would. A group of friends and I stood outside the front door for at least 30 minutes. The bouncer kept telling us that they were at capacity while I watched 30+ people walk in. No questions asked, no checks on a so called guest list. When I asked the bouncer if there was a cover or what was going on, he decides to tell me that no one is forcing me to stand in line and that I can leave if I can't be patient. This place has absolute terrible customer service. Never coming here again.

Sarah Dropek

Come here for a good time, dancing, some solid drink choices and food. Don't expect exceptional service but it's a party worth going to for sure.

Dana M

Went here for the first time on the 23rd of June (a Saturday) and either lost/had my phone stolen in their building. Went around the whole place for over and hour begging all workers (bartenders, security guards, attendants) to help me and none gave me the time of day. Left several emails and voicemails with plenty of info and insisted they respond back with SOMETHING, it’s been over two weeks and I haven’t received one email or call. Super unprofessional.

Clarissa Bailey

NO THANK YOU!!I will take my brown sugar skin and green money elsewhere!

Julian Karstens

Nice location, but worst drinks I've ever had. The gin n Tonic tasted neither like gin, nor like tonic. When I tried to complain, the bartender didn't care and even made fun of me. For $9 I at least expect a little professionalism! Not going there ever again!

Jessica Hill

We had reserved a table for our friend's bachelorette party on March 23rd. We were told that the 1 bottle minimum table was on the 1st floor and the 2 bottle minimum table was on the 2nd floor. We stated we wanted the 1 bottle minimum table. When we arrived at ~10 pm, we were directed to the main level and offered a table. Everything was going great, around 11:30 pm - we were told that we needed a 2nd bottle, which we explained we actually only wanted 1 and that is what we reserved. The waitress, who was very nice, let us know that unfortunately we had to move then if we were not ordering a 2nd because we were actually at the 2 bottle minimum tables (which they led us to). We were not upset with her since she was doing her job, but more with the fact they cleared away our drinks before we were done with it and since the Bar was not even full, and there were other tables empty...why rush us out? After calling and speaking with the Manager's the next day, 2 ladies, they seem too be non-chalant over the phones but they did apologize. IMPORTANT NOTE: the lower level, 1 bottle minimum service...DO NOT RESERVE! That is where the bathrooms are, and it smelled awful on that floor. I am shocked to think they would actually have tables/an area down there...it smelled like a sewer. We will not be going back to this bar...to many other good options to spend $400 dollars on.

Shailabh Shah

Decent live band, good drinks but expect to pay $11+ per drink!

Bruna Finimundi

The staffs are REALLY rude and they select the people who is getting inside by things like nationality, which is crime. I can't accept it, worse place in Chicago, there are better places to go at Hubbard.

Peter D

Wow, I was reading the reviews and hope this dump gets sued. Seriously there is too much here to merely be coincidence.

Leonardo Miller

Live music by a local band was really good. the crowd was beautiful and the bartenders were attentive. Drinks should be cheaper, 9$.

Iacopo Olivo

A well gin tonic costed us 12$. Either we got charged way too much or this place is very expensive.

sarah s

Door guys are awful. I went there with a few friends while we were bar hopping on vacation. They let two of my friends in, and they refused to let me in when i tried. They said its because the other guy with us wasnt dressed for it, which i get but did not explain why i couldnt go in. Phone was dead and had no way to tell my friends inside that we had to find another place. I WAS following dress code. I looked at the door guy and said "so let me get this straight. I'M not allowed in because SOMEONE ELSE isnt dressed for it. You let half of our group in there i have to go get them." He then says "i think you had too much to drink" My friend they let in was blackout drunk, and i was only two beers in. So then when my friends were asking about what happened to us, they kicked them out too. I get its in the city but show some respect. They completely profiled me and instead of giving me a valid reason, they just gave me bs excuses. Funny thing is, i think they thought i was too below them to get in, as if i wasnt "sophisticated" enough for a club. Im an accountant and have two business degrees, so theres nothing about the way i carry myself that suggests im going to cause trouble. Im just glad i didnt put any of my money into supporting that business when they will let employees treat customers that way.

Daniel Ben

Great place to party with friends....!! Can have fun with loud music around..its the dance floor all night...:)

John Bowman

This place is the worst. Not only are they raciest, but service is terrible. I had a table here on Saturday night, cost $390.00, they wouldn't let my Hispanic friend in a door. So we left, still charged my $390 on my credit card. A bunch of arrogant RACIEST assbags. Never will go back. This place needs to be shut down for racism

EJ Clark

Extremely racist staff. If you’re black, I do NOT recommend. Make sure you have your white friends handy

Hannah Otis

Racist. My brown friends couldn't get in, but everyone else could..... they took down reviews on Facebook to avoid backlash.

Jorge Pulpeiro González

Amazing club, open until late!

Mark Leybengrub

This place is so fun late night. Go downstairs because there are less people and they play better music. After midnight they have music videos and everyone can dance great!

Sara Faulkner

RACISM! Needless to say I experienced the same account of racial discrimination. However, something needs to be done about this and leaving reviews isn't going to cut it. Clearly the owner is instructing his employees to discriminate and can care less about reviews. These racial discrimination reviews go back as far as 2015. The fact of the matter is this business is in a prime location so people are going flock here. Minorities not attending is not affecting their overall profit so in order to get justice there must be a paper trail filed with the appropriate people. PLEASE file your complaint with the Alderman Brendan Reilly and with the city of Chicago Liquor License complaints division. With enough complaints flying across these peoples desks eventually officials will start looking into things. Fyi, the legal name of this business is 25 W. Hubbard, Inc. The owners name is Roman J Sanchez additional owner Sam Sanchez.

SEB-OKFLY

I asked my umbrella back, the security guy hited 2 times in the face !. Hopefully , greg a second security guy protected me and gave me my umbrella back. Tourist from france....

Jason Shorb

No cover, no line early, great live music, and fun night out overall. Would def come back.

Tyrone Murphy

Except for the other two, the BIG black FAT bouncer was so rude. He told me and my friends they were closed at 2pm. They are open until 4am. They wouldnt let us in or the nice very cute Asian girls in front of me us. But ONLY a few minutes later, they let a few white kids in. That bouncer was being obnoxious, and I flat out racist to be honest. We are young peaceful, college educated, well mannered and we'll dressed young men and woman. How can you tell people you are closed, and then turn around a few minutes later and let other people in. Then try to flag over a police officer to intimidate us to vacate the area! Smh This is wrong!!

Ghost Venom

Its 50/50 there was times they would not let me in some charge other time got in free it all depends on who you know, and time you get in because they are very picky the music always decent though an even though they sometimes they racist they play alot of Hip-Hop LOL

Greg Maher

Was alright lack of a cubicle in the men's toilet meant had to leave the club to use another toilet!

Begoña Echenagusia

Apart from the guys at the door. It is a very cool place to party

Priyank Agarwal

One of the most racist and corrupt pub i have ever been to who wanted to get us out and cursed because we were Indians. Upon asking a reason for throwing me out "didn't like my face" and response from another bouncer - " you were misidentified, give me $20 i will get you in"

Ronda Smith

AVOID at all costs! Extremely racist! And my daughters friend got ruffied there! AVOID AVOID AVOID!

Amber Bartolo

We visited late Sunday and stayed until almost 3!! Dj was on point with the music - loved that he snuck several Latino songs! As far as the racist comments I've read here, I came with my Latino husband and we got in no problem. People are quick to jump to conclusions.

Pedro Guimarães

Drink service always amazing! Ok/fair price on drinks, bathrooms are the cleanest in the city! The guys are always cleaning and helping. The security team is also pretty good - usually very polite and effective! - I really like this place, great vibe, beautiful people around! Great music! One of my Chiberia favorites!

Vishal Patel

My middle fingers will always point at this bar everytime i pass by it. :)

Shae Sepic

We visited Chicago for a Bachelorette Party last weekend and Social Twenty-Five was one of the first bars on our list. It had not only been suggested to be my multiple people, but also had a very appealing website, Facebook, etc. that made it easy to picture what it would be like during the evening. They were wonderful in the sense that they called me back on a day they were closed to allow me to make reservations for our party, and there was no cover. The live music was fun, and the music after that was exactly what we were looking for. However, I was surprised at the attitude and (lack of) hospitality from several of the bartenders. The bar is dual level, and the bartenders in the basement were completely standoffish. They made several drinks wrong (captain & coke vs. jack & coke) and the bartender wouldn't remake any of them because she "wasn't the one to make it and mess it up." We later ordered tequila shots and asked for salt and limes. After making it clear it was an inconvenience to get us the requested items, they said "sorry, we don't have salt." Really? We are at a restaurant and bar... no salt? We then asked for shots for the Bachelorette. One of the items on her scavenger hunt was to take one "no-handed." They put the shot in a "rocks" glass, so I requested a shot glass and told them they could just dump it in. They told me they didn't have shot glasses. Again, really? We are at a restaurant and bar. I imagine we weren't the first group they have had request shots. As a Hospitality Business Management graduate, it always stands out to me when I get outstanding service, or mediocre service no matter where I go. The environment was fun and some of the staff was great, I just wouldn't say they were overly accommodating or "consistent." Something to keep in mind for people hosting Bachelorette parties in the future!

Andy Zhang

Some days fine, some days the lines were ridiculous. Drinks can be meh....But who am I kidding. I get wasted here and have a great time.

Jai Kalra

Its a great place. Re all reviews: YES, RACISTS, YES.. it's hilarious if you're non white, chances are on the weekends you'll be pointed out straight to the queue, and have you watch from there how white people walk in. But hey! How come a door guy making like $14 an hr get the balls to do that and still get to keep his job? Bingo - they are instructed by the owners/ upper management TO DO SO/ find reasons to REJECT non whites. Good luck

Arkaria Porter

Racist establishment

Johannes Fremerey

Worst security guards I have ever seen. They didn't realized that I had been squeezed and choked several times by a very tall guy. His friend reported I would do something. That is pretty a the worst thing I had experienced. Never was thought out of a club especially without reason. The security just choosed the more easy way. Don't through a group of 5 people and especially not the 2,10m guy who chocked me.

Lais Bombarda

Simply the worst place to go in Chicago. I paid 20 dollars to get in, and when I went to the door to find a friend, the security man told me to leave and said he did not care if I had paid to enter, he was aggressive with me. I will never go back to this place again.

Rudresh Ranaswi

Decent music but no so great crowd

Ryan Bogdan

One of the most AWFUL experiences in my life! What a horrible place. The bouncers and management are rude and terrible. I just moved to Chicago 3 weeks ago and have been out around town to bars before. I went on a Saturday night. The streets were packed and seemed like a fun place to go. So I decided to try it out. I'll give you some info about me, I am from SC and I am 24 years old and have a VALID SC ID!!! I go hand the bouncer (big African American with a white goatee) my ID. He takes a very long time looking at it. He then hands it to what seems to be the manager (Robert) and he takes one look and said its fake. And the bouncer then rips my ID in half! Like are you kidding me ?!?!? This is absolutely outrageous and I'm furious! If the think a REAL ID is a fake, then they probably have a ton of underage people in the bar. Now I am without my drivers license now. So DONT GO THERE WITHOUT some kind of IL ID, or just show them your fake. They will probably let you in. I am expecting them to pay for a new ID. If not, I will be taking some kind of legal action.

Nina G

Racial discrimination is very prevalent here. The bouncers at the door asked my friends and I (male and female) to pay $20 per person at the door and when we stepped out of line, a large group of white people walked up and didn't have to pay cover at all to get into the bar. Would much rather go to more welcoming and non-discriminatory places like Celeste, Joy District, Disco, etc.

M S

Had THE BEST night here last night. Music was great! Definitely going back

Annie K

Ive been to this place three times. When they first opened, and once for my birthday this past summer. Terrible security. I even saw the African American bouncer yelling at a young African American women and her friend who simply asked for a cigarette. He was literally in her face. Recently I saw security being very rude having certain women wait out side for over 45min in the cold for an empty club.

Gucci Simkins

Some hammered guy got in my face for absolutely no reason. I shoved him out of my way and walked away. As I'm walking away the guy hit me as hard as he possibly could in the back of the head. Luckily I was not seriously injured... Security then deliberated and told me we would both be charged for assault unless I left.... I've been going here for years and this is the first altercation I was apart of. Wouldn't recommened going unless u want to be roofied or treated like second class.

Paul Wilson

My friend and I got IDed at the door and were about to walk in when I heard two black guys behind us being asked for a reservation. We turned around and left, assuring the other two guys that there was no reservation to be had. Don't give these racist assholes your business. It was race. Not attire. I was wearing a sweatshirt with a hood and the guys behind us were wearing blazers.

Monica Picchietti

Social 25 is hands down the best late night bar to go to. Free cover, drinks are flowing and music you can dance to. This is my go to spot and will continue to go here as long as the atmosphere stays the same.

J Trip

Avoid at all cost. This place is a waste of time and you will only get in if you're white. Bouncers need to be fired immediately. If you want a taste of how America was before the Civil rights movement, then come check it out.

Jerome Rhodes

Music? A1. Space? A1. Bartenders? Crazy nice. You'll have a good night for sure

Jasmine Knowles

when we went there was a live band playing good music. The basement is pretty fun with gets really crowded.

Aireal Boyd

This establishment is truly a disgrace to human existences. I went last night 5/31/19 and as I was making a phone call outside I noticed a pattern of the type of people they allow into their establishment. If you’re non white be prepared to be hassled at the door. I literally sat in the shadows debating if I wanted to meet up with some of my fellow actor friends from LA. I typically go to the bigger clubs such as Tao, underground, joy, and Celeste because I have been recognized from tv and print ads, which allow me to skip the hassle of waiting in line, as well as my agents do a lot of work with the clubs around Chicago, Miami, LA and New York. So it helps us out to show face around the nightclubs. Anyways, I walked up to the girl checking Id. She asked for my id and than asked me if I was on the guest list. I literally laughed in her face and told her. “Hey! please stop giving me the run around. There is no guest list and my friends are in there already waiting on me. So you can dismiss me with the discrimination” she said okay! Enjoy your night and she let me in! I couldn’t help but feel disgusted so I grabbed my friends and walked out and I told the girl “you should be a little more stern when you try to discriminate or racially profile people Bc it can get you hurt or in a lot of trouble”. She told me. “Yeah this is my first time at the door. I usually work inside at the bar or as a bottle girl”. This goes to show you that this establishment is a total reflection of their management which management is a total reflection of the owner Roman Sánchez. Ppl do yourself a solid and go where you’re not just tolerated but celebrated and welcomed. Establishments like this don’t last long in Chicago so it will be a matter of time before they are trying to rebrand and change things around in this place. I can care less if you’re are white, black, Hispanic, Indian, gay, straight, bi this place is not for genuinely good people. if I could give 0 stars I would! You should fix that google!!!!!! :)

Mikey Squeeze

Believe it or not the other reviews aren't lying... they were pretty racist as far as entry goes so if that's your scene you should totally go

marija veskov

bunch of old people go here ! music sucks ! very disappointing

Kaila Jennings

Racist business and their ratings on fb arent 3.7 either. Much lower... they got rid of the rating scale because they didnt like all the bad reviews they have been received for not letting people of color inside

Brendan Knapp

It's lit.

Shawn Reed

I have had very good luck getting into this place. I could tell that it’s one of those places that you could, potentially have a bad experience but I haven’t yet. The music is excellent and I can’t help not to dance even though I have dancing fear.

Matt Schore

Great live music, but drink selection is lacking.

bryan grant

i go here almost every weekend, great music and no cover

Adriana Lugosan

We had a blast! The bar itself is super fun! They had a live band that did a really great job playing throwbacks and current songs. Everyone seemed to be having a great time dancing. Unfortunately, the drinks were not that great. For about $12-15 a drink...I was not impressed. Worst Tom Collins and whiskey sour my boyfriend and I had ever had. If they could amp up their drinks, the bar would be 5 stars!

cgeorge 26_

The staff is so rude!!!! Don't recommend nobody coming here

Sugar the Rapper

I go to Social 25 every Saturday I get the chance. The live music is always great and the DJ who follows the live music on Saturdays always kills it. Before/during the live music, they have sports games on the TV and during the DJ set they have music videos synced up with the set list which is really cool. I have read a lot of reviews labeling this bar as racist, which is something I personally don't see. I have been there over 15 times since moving to Chicago almost a year ago. I can't speak to people of color's experiences as I am Caucasian, but there tends to be a wide range of ethnicities in the crowd, of varying ages, with a good mix of Middle Eastern, Asian, black, and Hispanic patrons. I have gone into the bar following some Brazilian guys and walked in with a black couple and neither group was given any trouble. I also hung out there with some Polish guys once and they had a blast. The ratio of men to women is also very good/even, tending to be more females. I have noticed while waiting in line before that people will try to bypass the line and will almost always get rejected, though sometimes they let groups of girls in, but only the girls, which is typical of a lot of busy bars. From what I have seen, if you are polite and respectful to the staff, they are the same to you. If you are accusatory or rude towards them or have an attitude, they will not be polite. Also, they are very mindful of keeping people who are too drunk out of the bar so if you are tanked, you better be able to keep your composure well if you want to get in and stay there for a while. Here are some tips to have a good experience at Social 25: -Saturdays are the best -Get there before 11 to catch the live music and there will also be no line -If you get there after midnight there most certainly will be a line and the wait can be over an hour -Dress decent, doesn't have to be a suit or a fancy dress or anything, but no sneakers or T-shirts -There will be up to a $20 cover on holidays so be prepared for that -Be polite and keep your cool with the staff, even if you are upset about something -I always go to the bartender closest to the door upstairs, there is usually some room at the bar and she is always nice and has a smile, she also pours the drinks strong which is good when you are paying the typical high downtown prices

Kyla Kelly

Not my favorite place. There are so many options to go out in River North and I find that this one is always crowded, mean door men, drinks aren't great, and the music isn't the highest quality. I absolutely recommend trying other options in the area.

Dylan B

Racism against some people from the bouncer. As other people were being let in without a cover. Keep it up and watch out for potential lawsuit.

Caterina Lázaro

Awesome place to go party at night. Great people, great music, great atmosphere. The only problem is at the entrance: you may be waiting a long time just to get inside

Sam Winchester

They bartenders are very fraudalent, they will charge you 20x times more than your bill and put it as an extra service fee and their service is just terrible, waiting around forever for a drink while they are havin' a discussion.

John Biscevic

Went to Social 25 with some friends and had a good time. It was a Thursday night, so not super crowded. The fun went on until the drinks we set down on a table were picked up by the bus boy. I asked the waitress about it and she referred me to the bar manager. I politely began explaining what happened when the bar manager interrupted me with "it wasn't us" and walked away. I tried to talk to him, but he repeatedly dismissed me and kept walking away. I finally had enough, we exchanged words and I left. When I got outside the bar manager had followed me with the bouncer and the bouncer got in my face trying to intimidate me saying things like "what are you gonna do?!!" In the end, the whole thing could have been avoided if the terrible bar manager had just accepted responsibility for his staff and replaced 2 drinks he wasn't interested.

Jessica Long

This is the second time I’ve been to Social Twenty-Five and it did not disappoint. We tried a couple of other spots prior to settling on S25, but they didn’t have the music we liked. There was a band to begin with, which was fun. But then it transitioned to regular nightclub. The music was great with a mix of techno/edm, hip hop, pop, reggaton, etc. lots of space to dance with good drinks and bartenders. Suggestions: 1. Do you have an IG handle? If not, y’all should get one... if so, I couldn’t find it to take y’all in my weekend thanks. 2. I would loved to hear some dancehall mixed into the music and maybe some afrobeat since that’s big now. But like I said, I was hype. 3. But I would say that y’all could be less discriminatory with the way y’all let people into the club. Once you get inside there is a nice mix and balance of different types of people. But I’ve seen y’all not let certain folk in for really u clear reasons and I’ve seen one of the bouncers use derogatory terms toward a potential patron. This is just something to evaluate.

Aundrea Parsons

I have been to this place several times due to the fact that a band that I work for performs here fairly often. Years ago, I used to have issues getting in. As of late, this has not been the case. Unfortunately, this past Saturday I was reminded that certain places don't deserve your business. In 2015, certain people still have to have a "connection" to get into certain establishments if they look a certain way. "You have to have a reservation" only applies if there are too many people of color in your party. If Social 25 wants to be a place that "only accepts reservations," then you need to remove the "walk ins are welcome" on this page as well as your website. The amount of hoops that had to be jumped to get people who were with me to celebrate my birthday was ridiculous. About 15 people around 9-930pm who were ready to spend money at the bar & enjoy live music, when the place was just about empty! Chicago nightlife is the most segregated scene ever. Social 25 is another example of this. Your entertainment and "security" can be of color, but apparently you have a quota for patrons of color. It's sad, it's hurtful & embarrassing. I will never step foot in Social 25 again. It's also sad that I'm not the only one to have posted this type of experience on this page as well as Yelp and Google reviews.

Bruno Silva

Good music and people to hav a fun night

Angel Lorente

Rude, racist and stupid secutiry crew. It would be a good place if it wasnt because of them.

Claudia Arruela

I have never been to a bar that was so racist and sexist. I am Latina and I was with Latino and Black friends waiting in line this past weekend. It was around 2am. We waited for about 30 minutes in line as we saw the security guard let white people go inside without a problem as we were waiting in line. The Black security guard working this past weekend told my friend he did not belong at that bar or that neighborhood and to go to boys town. I am very disappointed. I feel like the security guards are the problem from reading the reviews.

Michael Haley

I have never had a problem getting into this place, last nite however was different. My gf and I had our ids out and ready waiting patiebtpa in line. This was around 11:45 pm so the place was not very packed. As we proceeded to go into the facility the bouncer, african american male, told us that unless we are on a guest list we can not get until after 130am. We left but we were skeptical. I am African American myself and my gf is Caucasian. We went across the street to a differrnt bar, and noticed that they were letting other people in. I was was dressed in nice clothes(shorts and a nice shirt). My gf was dressed up nice in jeans , nice black boots and a nice dressy shirt . They were letting other people in that where dressed the same as us. It's sad because we never had a problem before. If they want to exclude certain people, charge a cover charge or create a dress code. I always say what goes around comes around. Be aware people, this place has changed.

Allison Stoll

Decent for dancing and the staff is nice, only issue is their only booths are all reserved for bottle service so you are unable to just sit and relax. They have some high top tables of you're lucky.