Subterranean: User Reviews

SubT is improving and def worth visiting
By A from humboldt park, June 10, 2008

Overall rating:

I've also heard that their staff is unpleasant (a supermean door guy or something) but my experience has been opposite. As a musician I felt they (or their freelancers) were super nice and available. They were also quite fair with the payout, unlike other similar venues. I think they did promote the show as they should have, at least to the same level as any other mid-size venue does. More is always good, but.. The sound is always way better than at some more "prestigious" places. I think their equipment is up to date and they hire good people. The interior is super cool and chicago-authentic, with big ol chandeliers and old wall paper and wood trim and balconies (but what's up with that UGLY dorky sculpture above the stage??). I do really love seeing shows there, but it's hit or miss if you don't know what you're going for.. they book all kinds of acts and let in some bad apples, but hey they need a place to play too. Some really great bands have played there as well, I guess they just book whatever will bring them the money, and they may still be learning what people want. Just check out the band on myspace and if you like it go. It's often 18+ and sometimes all ages, and i think this is major. It's kind of becoming the new (old) fireside bowl in some ways, allowing people who are into music to hear live music, much less discriminating than most places in that regard. This is where they surely make less money than strictly 21+ places, so they may make it up by higher drink prices. Perhaps they should have a special and keep everything else high.? I would definitely play there again, based on how I was treated, and make them some money (mutually). More and more bands are choosing to do their record release shows there I notice because they pay fair. I think it's a good approach to keep up the venue's reputation. The good bands will stay loyal and choose it over other places. From an audience perspective, i've seen bands at other places get sub-par sound and then sound huge at subterranean. There have been some super fun dance parties and I like how they mix it up. Sub-T, if you do in fact have some mean door guy, look into it, people are talking about it. You're a good place so replace any bad apples and it will help you out. Let people fill out a survey for 2 weeks or something.

Out of towners suck
By tramire from Bucktown, January 30, 2008

Overall rating:

I dislike reading reviews from suburban and lincoln park kids who have no idea about Chicago music and culture. This place has been playing hip-hop sets for years. I've been going there for about 8 years and have never had a bad time. If you don't liek rap or hip-hop go over to naperville.....

WORST PLACE ON EARTH...
By scoobystar123 from sub, December 21, 2007

Overall rating:

i would rather eat my first child than have to step one foot in this place EVER again.
THE RUDEST PLACE I HAVE HAVE BEEN TO IN MY LIFE.

i've gone to sub-t a...
By AP from chicago, il, January 10, 2007

Overall rating:

i've gone to sub-t a couple times and i've always had a good time. the drinks are pricey like any other place in the city but its a nice place to lounge, drink and even dance if you like on the small dance floor.

I was one of the...
By Joe Vor-Tech from Chicago, il, August 4, 2006

Overall rating:

I was one of the Friday night promoters and in my years working with clubs this was the worst. The club did nothing to promote our night, the bartenders were bitter and mistreated our staff and crowd and the sound was sub-par.

They've placed the subs in the walls facing AWAY from the dancefloor, it was terrible. One night we came in to find they had moved the DJ booth on us without our knowledge, their projectors were constantly out of wack. Worst was the behavior of the bartenders, they did everything in their power to make people NOT want to return, we had patrons literally say "If you move the party I'll come out but not to Sub-T."

Drinks are over-priced, the sound is sub-par AND they CHARGE to get in... We're, FINALLY, moving the event elsewhere. Don't bother with this hole, there are better Friday night digs for free where the bartenders WANT to serve you.

Too much damn RAP!!!! ...
By House Gal from Chicago, IL, July 14, 2005

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Too much damn RAP!!!! Go on Wednesdays to hear some so so house music.

I love the Sub-T! Yes,...
By JR from Chicago, IL, January 31, 2005

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I love the Sub-T! Yes, it isn't the best looking place but if you want a place that isn't pretentious and you just want to dance your a** off. Go there!

I always have a good...
By mich f from chicago, il, February 7, 2004

Overall rating:

I always have a good time at subterranean, though i do wish the dj would play older hip hop and disco longer than he does! fun dancing, great atmosphere.

As a venue to see...
By T M from Chicago, IL, April 8, 2003

Overall rating:

As a venue to see a medium- to large-sized show, the Subterranean is really sub par. The bartenders are friendly but you know the drinks are overpriced when the bartender volunteers to you that the tap version of what you ordered is cheaper. My biggest beef is with the setup, however. The main cabaret floor is at least twice as deep as it is wide, which means if you're anywhere except packed into the very front by the stage, or you're not 6'2", you won't be seeing anything at all. And if you're one of those folks who are packed into the front so you can indeed see, don't plan on getting a drink or going to the bathroom, because the bar is at the very back of the room, and the only bathrooms are upstairs in the back of the balcony area. I spent half the show trying to get from one place to another. I definitely won't go to see a band there ever again.