Smart Bar: User Reviews

what happened to Smart Bar?
By LDopa from West Suburbs, December 21, 2008

Overall rating:

This used to be an excellent venue for deep, soulful, chicago style house on the weekends. I visited the Smart Bar back in May 08' and the music was terrible. They chose to play that electro house crap which is the worst music I have ever heard. What the hell happened? It seems like every club in Chicago is selling out and is only playing this crappy synthetic insult to house (electro) which has absolutely no soul to it. What happened Chicago? I am hoping that Smart Bar still spins deep house and that I merely visited this venue on electro night. The crowd was cool but I could care less about the people that go. I care much more for the music that is played.

Mixed Feelings anyone?
By KKD from Noble Square, August 31, 2008

Overall rating:

When it comes down to the quality of music, this place wins, especially in house music. The decor is so-so, the crowd is definitely way more varied than an average electronic venue, but that's probably because the Metro is just above. My real gripe is the location. Wrigleyville, aside from this place and the Gingerman doesn't do much for me.

a rude staff went out of style years ago
By joe1205 from burbs, April 2, 2008

Overall rating:

this place sucks. it was cool a few years ago when it was more of an industry place. now it is terrible. the staff was extremely rude. that stopped being cool a few years back. years ago the staff being rude was almost a status symbol of the establishment, but back then there was a limited choice of cool venues. now there is a new club popping up every five minutes. with all the choices for people to go to, and with the outrageous prices these days, i want to be served by a polite and courteous staff. i have worked in this industry for many years, and i don't want to be treated poorly by the staff that i am supporting by going to the establishment. The last time i was there, i was the designated driver of the group so i wasn't drinking. when i ordered a bottle of water, the bartender was very rude(it cost $4, so they still made a profit). thank god for the worker bees there trying to make a living there that it is right below the metro. that will keep the place busy with concert goers looking for an after-show venue. for everybody else in chicago, don't bother wasting your time or money.

depends on what youre looking for...
By charles from lakeview, November 29, 2007

Overall rating:

...this is definately not the glamourous trance and house scenes you find in miami or vegas, but there is something to be said for just kickin back and listening to some music and relaxing. you dont need to get dressed up or wait in a long line only to be treated like crap from some rude bouncer. the downside is the guy/girl ratio, way too many guys, and its also difficult to find out the exact genre of music you'll be getting there. a few times i got jungle or d&b when i was looking for some house tracks.

I paid $15 at 2...
By Erin from Chicago, IL, April 28, 2007

Overall rating:

I paid $15 at 2 AM to see this supposedly fantastic DJ from France. Besides hearing the door staff be completely rude to others, the DJ SUCKED and who charges cover right before they close? The crowd is STUCK in the raver era from ten years ago. All though it's the kind of people that were never into it to begin with. The DJ was playing METAL, not mixing it, PLAYING it. These bizarre people jumped around to it claiming it's European underground. No guys, it's not. It's OUTDATED just like this club. Will NEVER be back.

This is the little club...
By Vito Misceo from Roselle, il, November 22, 2006

Overall rating:

This is the little club that could no dress code. You can go booie right after work. Always has GREAT DJ'S. This is not a Glam club come for the music not the ho's.
Prices are cheap.

an awesome place for late...
By Chase from Chicago, IL, August 6, 2006

Overall rating:

an awesome place for late night dancing and drinking.

the music is always hot and the sound system is amazing....I love this place!

For a $10 cover, there...
By Lori from Schaumburg, IL, July 15, 2006

Overall rating:

For a $10 cover, there wasn't much to this bar. Very slim selection of beers as well, on tap and in bottles. This is definitely a love it or hate it bar, it just depends on the person.

AWESOME! Saw Colette last...
By BD from Chicago, IL, June 11, 2006

Overall rating:

AWESOME! Saw Colette last night and it was great! Great beats, friendly staff, fun people. Lots of excellent places in Chicago but this is one of my favorite.

I've been coming to this...
By Andrew from Chicago, IL, April 1, 2006

Overall rating:

I've been coming to this place for years and it just keeps getting better! The remodeling job in January was just enough to update this intimate space and give it little more breathing room. This is STILL the best place to hear good music with good people. No attitudes from the staff or crowd, a rarity in the club scene. You can come as you are, no dress code! Don't come until around midnight as it's pretty quiet until then, and gets the most intense around 1:30-2am.