Home > Chicago Bars & Clubs > Editorial Review > Inside: Debonair Social Club

The name Debonair Social Club gives off a slightly exclusive air, but don't let that fool you. Wicker Park's newest nightspot is about creating a place for everyone. The foursome behind the venue--Steve Harris (general manager), Vincent Haycock (artistic curator), Claudia Gassel (marketing) and Matthew Murray (star bartender)--tries to bring people together by spotlighting art and music. Plus, Debonair's prime location near the bustling intersection of Damen, Milwaukee and North Avenues means it's easy for anyone to stop by. So we did.

Inside: This bi-level club inside the historic Flat Iron Building at the old Tre Via address offers two distinct scenes. Upstairs, the action revolves around a large, central bar. But when a band takes the stage or a big name hits the decks, all eyes go to the back of the room. DJs do their thing perched high above the crowd in a corner booth; bands set up on a stage (which doubles as a dance floor) backlit with color-changing LED panels. Cocktailers perch at tall tables or slink into cushy, semicircular booths.

The downstairs room, outlined in red-hued lighting, is a dark den of mystery. (Where's the bar? Is that my friend beckoning in the corner? Or a sexy stranger?) Another DJ booth provides different beats; don't be embarrassed to try out new moves, because most people will have trouble seeing you.

Crowd: Without the crowd, Debonair might just feel like a large space slightly confused about its identity. But the social club is what it is because of who walks through the door. On a good night, it's a crowded who's who of local rockers, artists, DJs, photographers, hipsters and indie barflies. (It's all enough to make us nostalgic for the Wicker Park of yesteryear. Well, OK, 2004.) Boys have better coiffed hair than the chicks, and the ladies all make statements (colored fishnet knee-highs were the fad when we stopped by) with their outfits. Come to think of it, we can say the same about the fashion-conscious lads.

Music: This is where Debonair steals our heart. At the Halloween night opening, we rocked out to one of our fave local bands, Assassins. (Haycock directed the video for their song "Guilty.") Look for lots of local talent in the spotlight: Greg Corner of Kill Hannah spins Thursdays, and a good-looking lineup takes the decks Saturdays, with Shaka 23 upstairs and Jordan Z downstairs. Big names Kid Millionaire, a.k.a. Steve Aoki, and Tommie Sunshine will also hold residencies. And keep your eyes peeled for more live shows, members-only events (for friends, family and those in the know), and private post-show DJ sets from bands playing at the Double Door across the street.

Video/art: A half-dozen projectors show artsy videos curated exclusively for the club by Haycock. Rotating paintings and photography collections will eventually fill the upstairs walls. Outside, a pink neon sign declaring, simply, "Debonair," hangs in a window which will soon feature artwork.

Drinks: Debonair plans daily specials and a cocktail menu courtesy of star bartender Murray, a.k.a. Red (and we mean red!) Hair Matt. We're excited to try the Red Vespa with new Effen Raspberry, the champagne-topped Debonair, and the Social Sidecar. Cocktail prices are pretty standard: $6 to $9 for mixed drinks, $10 for martinis, $7 to $10 for specialties. Bottled beers run $4 to $5.

Food: Though tasty, food isn't the main draw here. But if you're hungry, chow down on Italian eats such as calamari ($8) and a ragu stuffed risotto ball ($7). You'll also find salads ($9 each), portabello panini ($9), thin-crust pizza ($10) and a few heartier entrees. The menu--including a Sunday brunch--will be expanded soon.

Service: Our server was friendly, attentive and accommodating. When drinks calling for mixers from the soda gun lacked fizz, she got us a suitable cocktail.

Bottom line: If the true aim of a social club is to unite people--in this case, through music and an appreciation for art and creative endeavors--then Debonair succeeds.

Karen Budell is the metromix nightlife producer.

Originally published Nov. 16, 2006.

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