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The Underground

56 W Illinois St
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: (312) 644-7600
The Underground
Cross Street:
Dearborn Street
Directions:
El: Red Line to Grand
Best of Citysearch:
See and Be Seen Bar 2007
Hours:
Thu, Fri 9pm-4am, Sat 9pm-5am

Editorial Review for The Underground – by Fred Schlatter

In Short
The fun starts outside where bouncers sporting tactical gear wield clipboards, patrons clamoring for their attention. Stairs down are clad in concrete board. More doors get more costumed guards. The room is divided by banks of lounge seating complete with ammo box tables, one raised section more private than others featuring a dramatic backlit world map. Disney effects aside, the industrial look works when the inspired hip-hop remixes are cranked up and the fashionable crowd takes cover.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

Insider Tips

Know Before You Go

Don't expect any signage; Underground thrives on its own "insider" appeal. Here's a hint: It's in the alley behind Ben Pao where all the commotion is. In other words--it's the old Harry's Velvet Lounge.

Look Good

All staff wears either fatigues, khaki dresses with tactical belts or tailored officer suits, caps and all. You might want to skip the paramilitary gear though and go for something fashionable, but not too dressy.

On the Menu

The food menu covers all major bar food groups: kobe sliders, Bavarian pretzels and toasted Pop Tarts.

User Reviews for The Underground

1 Star Rating: Not Recommended

04/24/2008 Posted by bethamphetamines

Every positive review on this site was obviously written by a staff member. This place is a joke. If I want to spend a grand in one night to have a miserable time I would rather do it at a place with, I don't know, AIR CONDITIONING? The staff was nice to me but incredibly rude to my friends (they were also ridiculously negligent) and the place is so overcrowded you can't enjoy anything that's going on. It's way overpriced for how crappy it is. Don't waste your money, everything about that place is a ripoff

Pros: Nothing

Cons: Service, Atmosphere, Crowd, Prices

1 Star Rating: Not Recommended

03/03/2008 Posted by jinet

This place is SMALL, OVERPRICED, NO DANCE FLOOR. If you dont spend $600 on a small wooden box (because they dont even have TABLES)!!!! DONT even bother going because you will only stand in the corner being pushed and shoved by everyone trying to get to the 1 and only small bar they have. We went to celebrate my sisters 21st B-Day and reserved a $600 dollar crappy wooden box on the floor, she reserved it for 10 people which they never let any of her guests in because the bouncers are idiots and over packed the place with people who dont reserve ahead of time. The staff also pulled my sister into the alley to give her a sobriety test expecting her to be sober on her 21st B-Day. STAFF IS INCREDIBLY MEAN AND RUDE!!!!!! NEVER AGAIN WILL WE GIVE THEM OUR BUSINESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Editor's Review

This military-chic lounge from Rockit Ranch (Le Passage, Rockit) lives up to its hush-hush name--literally and figuratively.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

Know Before You Go

Don't expect any signage; Underground thrives on its own "insider" appeal. Here's a hint: It's in the alley behind Ben Pao where all the commotion is. In other words--it's the old Harry's Velvet Lounge.

More Insider Tips

Bar/Club Information

Atmospheres

  • 21 & Over
  • DJ - Electronica
  • Late-Night Scene
  • Lounge
  • DJ - Rap

Parking

  • Street
  • Valet

Hours

  • Thu, Fri 9pm-4am
  • Sat 9pm-5am

Payment Types

  • Cash
  • Visa
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • MasterCard

Music Types

  • Techno & Industrial
  • Hip-Hop & Rap

Recognition for The Underground

2007 Editorial Winner - See and Be Seen Bar

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