When you get the urge to shake your spikes to some seriously dark music in Chicago, the only place you should even think about considering is Neo. While it’s hard to find some decent alternative/gothic/industrial clubs here in Chitown, Neo fills the bill and then some. The crowd is exactly what you’d expect from a goth club, and you’ll find that your reception varies based on how you accept the crowd. If you look at them like oddballs, they’ll shun you – nothing overt, but you might not feel as welcome. If, on the other hand, you show up looking for a good time and you’re open-minded and a bit quirky, you’ll have a blast. People-watching is highly encouraged (by us, not the club), and you’ll find much to watch. To get in, find the huge sign that says ‘NEO’ and walk down the sketchy alley to find the entrance – just be careful, since it’s not exactly the most brightly-lit entrance in the world, but you’re probably safe.

The music at Neo runs through the spectrum of a typical goth club – from 80’s darkwave to new wave to industrial and back again. Thursdays are a special 80s night, where the focus is mainly on new wave, but you’ll hear some other styles mixed in as well. The sound system is pounding, and the DJs know what they are about – when I visited, the lead singer from Ministry was spinning on the decks!

Some people say the club has gone downhill lately, but a few ups and downs are to be expected from a club that has been around since 1982, and just because the old regulars might not like it any more doesn’t mean that some new regulars won’t show up who the new style appeals to! It’s not like much has changed – it still features a decent bar, a great big dirty sweaty dance floor and a small outdoor smoking area (remember, we said ‘smoking area’ not ‘outdoor patio’, since all you’ll find out there is smokers). Drinks are pretty strong, and fairly cheap – and the cover is only $5.

One thing to keep in mind is that the bar is cash only – so be sure to stock up in advance, but keep an eye on your wallet while you’re dancing! The last thing you want is to be rocking out and lose your wallet in the crowd, because it won’t be coming back – it’s too packed!

Smart Bar is one of the most well-known clubs in Chicago, and it’s been around for almost 30 years by now. It has a glorious history, starting out in the early 80s with Frankie Knuckles and Joe Smooth on the decks, supplemented by occasional performances from Industrial giants like Trent Reznor and Ministry. More recently, superstar European DJs, such as the trance pioneer Paul Oakenfold and big beat pioneer Fatboy Slim have graced the beautiful sound systems.

The building which is now home to Smart Bar was originally a community center, and really, it still is! Located right near Wrigley Field, the club is open from Wednesday to Sunday, and opens its doors at 10 pm, keeping the tunes pumping until 4am (5am on Saturday for the serious clubber). Cover is usually around $10, although it might be more if there is a special headliner. Private rentals are available, if you’ve got enough people to fill the place!

The Smart Bar staff is courteous and friendly, as long as you’re behaving yourself – but don’t push things, as you might find yourself out on your ass without your coat. The fact that the club brings in some of the hottest electronic music talent from around the world means that the people watching is unparalleled, since you’ll get to see everything from hipsters to ravers done up in their wildest and fanciest. The focus really is on the music, not on the pickup scene (although the drugs are definitely in evidence – at least, in the way people dance if not totally out in the open). The dance floor is always packed, so make sure you’re wearing the right shoes – you won’t be spending much time in a booth at Smart Bar!

Going to Chicago is a wonderful experience. 24 / 7 Chicago is a lively place, full of activities for everybody to experience. Chicago features a fantastic night life, there’s lots of clubs and pubs that make Chicago the perfect spot to party through the night. If you are not familiar with Chicago, or if you are just visiting for a few days and you’d enjoy spending a night bar hopping or trying out additional nighttime activities, here are a few aspects to consider.
Be sure you be acquainted with which parts of Chicago are thought unsafe. Often city lines are widely recognized within the local people, check out community forums and internet websites to best let you know the spots to never visit after hours. Know all the possible contact numbers you might want to call in an emergency. If you are visiting Chicago by yourself and also you would like to step out at night make sure someone at your house knows within your plans and also you may want to allow them to get in touch with you by carrying a phone.

Some people’s ideas of safety measures can vary depending on the gender of the person in question, but I believe overall commonsense and playing it safe is great advice for everyone. Don’t drink drinks that a unknown person hands you, ensure that the bartender opens bottles in front of you, don’t go home with someone you don’t know, don’t start fights, etc. Overall Chicago is a fantastic spot to party, just use sound judgment when you’re out and about.

Hi, I’m John Smith!
I live in Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
I’ve been involved since January 14th, 2012!
I could write more about myself here if I wanted, to trick people into thinking I’m not a Disney character! (Just kidding – people always make that joke!)

My interests online are wide-ranging, and I love to contribute to my friend’s blogs to help encourage and maintain a vibrant and active online community, and I love hearing from my readers and other bloggers who are active in the same subject areas as me! My top interests are higher education and having fun – I work hard and I play hard!! ^_^ But I also love:
Soccer | Blogging | Learning new languages!! | Writing | Playing the tuba | Live bands

The Fully Researched classes I attended here in Boston have been really helpful in developing my English skills and also teaching me the basics of the WordPress blogging platform, as well as building my writing skills – it’s helped me to get a job in the field that I love! If you’re interested in any of those things, I really recommend that you check out their website and get involved – you could start working towards your dream today! If they don’t have classes in your area, you might be able to sign up for instructor training and start your own Fully Researched classes in your hometown!