Chicago's Top Goth Bars And Clubs
So you still like to break out that heavy leather trenchcoat or put on that black eyeliner. You still buy your clothes at The Alley. Your iPod is loaded with selections from Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and the Cure form the "Pornography" era. You're hoping the Convergence festival comes back to Chicago someday. If so, this list is for you. Here we present the best of the Chicago goth scene:
Neo
2350 N. Clark St.
(773) 528-2622
http://neo-chicago.com/
The crown jewel of the Chicago goth scene since 1979. If you see a row of people in black leather and punk hairstyles lined up in an alley next to an Urban Outfitters, you know you're in the right place. Inside, you'll find a dark room with mist and flashing laser lights, and a bar that was inspired by the pavement of Lower Wacker Drive. The dance floor is lively as DJs spin goth, industrial, EBM and new wave. Photo: Chicago Bar Project
Late Bar
3534 W. Belmont Ave.
(773) 267-5283
http://latebarchicago.com/
Take a trip west to the Avondale neighborhood for this nightspot. Late Bar draws goths, arty types and indie music fans with a playlist of punk, goth, rockabilly, soul, reggae and new independent releases. And the "Planet Earth" new wave night you might remember from Neo is now held here. Also, look for soy and vegan-friendly cocktails.
Metro/Smart Bar
3730 N. Clark St.
Metro: (773) 549-4140
Smart Bar: (773) 549-0203
http://www.metrochicago.com/
http://www.smartbarchicago.com/
Just up the street from Wrigley Field, this complex is actually two venues. The Metro is a former theater that has hosted an array of venerable rock acts, and once a month, it draws goths of all ages when DJ Scarylady Sarah makes a special trip home from Berlin to host the "Nocturna" event. Downstairs at Smart Bar, you'll hear DJs spinning everything from funk to industrial.
Exit
1315 W. North Ave.
(773) 395-2700
http://www.exitchicago.com/
It's more of a punk and metal club, but if you're a goth, Exit will be up your alley. The back of the bar is decorated with gas masks, and an old motorcycle might serve as your seat. Upstairs, there's a caged dance floor, where DJs play metal, old-school punk, industrial and ska.
Lucky Number 2nd Story Loft
1931 N. Milwaukee Ave.
(773) 235-7761
http://www.luckynumberchicago.com
Come to this Wicker Park venue every first, third and fifth Friday for "Dark Sounds," where DJ Peter Propaganda will spin the best in goth, industrial and dark wave. On other nights, look for everything from karaoke to burlesque.
