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Chicago Nightlife 2008

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Sonotheque

1444 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (312) 226-7600

Ratings & Reviews Summary for Sonotheque

What Users are Saying:

  • Crowded
  • Trendy
  • Good social scene
5 Star Rating
 
(12 reviews)
4 Star Rating
 
(0 reviews)
3 Star Rating
 
(1 reviews)
2 Star Rating
 
(0 reviews)
1 Star Rating
 
(2 reviews)

User Reviews for Sonotheque

1 Star Rating: Not Recommended

07/05/2008 Posted by kellm

Nothing impressed me about the place. The interior does look like a music lounge/ club etc, but that's just about it. It's simply just another club. It was hard to enjoy the music when all I could hear (or feel) was the drumbeat which makes it impossible to even have a conversation. Of course the crowd consists of diverse race, etc, but almost all of them didn't stay that long. I can only see the club staying in business because it does cater to the type of crowd that lives around the neighborhood. I definitely WOULD NOT make a special trip simply to go there unless I am already about 5 minutes away. Even then, if I were passing by and heading somewhere else, I would easily move on along. The only positive thing about it are the guys at the door who were quite friendly.

Pros: It was so easy to get a cab to get the hell out of there!

Cons: It's so easy to miss it.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/16/2008 Posted by abhirama

Sonotheque is the place to go if you enjoy contemporary and older grooves. Different evenings feature different themes and I have particularly enjoyed their Africa HiFi nights. My experience of the crowd has always been fine, then again, I'm always with good company so that makes my evening nice. Perhaps what I like best about Sonotheque is its willingness to bring fresh sounds to Chicago. DJs that play broken-beat, boogaloo, funk, samba, and other underappreciated genres of music are in full effect at Sonotheque. Everyone I've invited to check it out has enjoyed the place tremendously. I can only imagine you won't have a good time if you insist on it. Or you are looking for comerical music.

Pros: features quality, underplayed dance music

Cons: no con, the place just gets crowded, so show up early so you have a spot to dance

1 Star Rating: Not Recommended

01/27/2008 Posted by devindevindevin

If you want to hang out with a bunch of unemployed kids from the suburbs with a lot of money, a grossly inflated sense of self-importance, and a vendetta against everyone because they were unpopular in high school, go to Sonotheque. This is a horrible bar experience, and anyone who doesn't think so is lying to themselves. Whenever I end up here due to the poor judgment of my friends, I have an awful time. I warned you.

Pros: You will hate it.

Cons: Oh, wait.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/12/2007 Posted by loredanaanais

just go. it's one of the best places to get it on with your tunes in public. awesome dj's switch it up here and the crowd is always diverse enough to be interesting.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/18/2006 Posted by macjr300

My wife and I visited Sonotheque on 9/17/06. This place was recommended to us by Mario of Groove Parlor. This particular evening was special for two reasons, a birthday celebration for myself and a chance for my wife and I to enjoy the music and atmosphere we both love without any rifraff. Sonia, who promoted the evening "Africa Hi-Fi," put together an excellent evening with Ron Trent on the tables and the fascinating African art displays on the big screens. I would highly recommend this club as well as any future events hosted by Sonia especially if she has Ron Trent on the tables. Great job.

Pros: Beautiful scenery, no price gouging on drinks, excellent attitude from staff.

Cons: Can't think of any at this time....not that I would want to.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

10/02/2005 Posted by kellybuchanan

If you're into a lounge that will serve all races, nationalities, sexs, and everything in between...visit here. Drinks are very reasonably priced and the people there are there just to have a good time. Very laid back, not really a dress code, and superb music.

Pros: Secluded Locale, Great People, Cheap Drinks

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/26/2005 Posted by laff2

Great sound system with great tunes that you can enjoy while actually having a conversation with your friends or strangers. The interior is impressive and no attitude. Unlike other places I go to, this place, everyone is treated with respect and one of the best selections of wines, liquors and beers without a killer price tag. It's about time Chicago got a great bar/lounge. It's worth a visit. I promise.

Pros: Great Music, Great Vodka's, Nothing else like it

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

05/16/2003 Posted by dam1972

Finally, there's hope for Chicago. I've hated going out in Chicago because of the boring, Lincoln Park-ish, wanna-be-cool crowds. Originally from NYC, I now found a place that is hip, cool and trendy. The crowd is very mixed: black, white, latino, gay, straight. I had a great time there! Oh, and I ordered a cosmo and a vodka/7 and the total was only $11! I couldn't believe my ears. I thought the bartendar made a mistake. I love this place.

Pros: good, cheap drinks, mix, beautiful crowd, great music

Cons: crowded

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

04/25/2003 Posted by BlueCritic

Sonotheque is a smart and well-run club. Theres no cover which is appreciated. As a bartender I often complain about bad service and a weak liquor cabinet but its all top notch here. Try the Hendricks gin, its unbelievable. Im assuming they spent a large fortune on the sound system because it is simply the best. I went with my girl friend but I did notice most of the people seemed to be single and they were hot. Sonotheque does get crowded but it is a Chicago Club and they have enough seating for the space. All in all it was a delightful find.

Pros: No Cover, Smart quality service, Hot people

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/27/2003 Posted by kend305

Music rocks, free admission, cheap drinks, great space, quick coatcheck. Played Soulful House on Friday. The DJ here rocked and very cool space. Space reminded me of the White room at SPA in NYC. The crowd is very mixed on a Friday night and cute. Good time! Check it out!

Pros: music, drinks, atomsphere

Editor's Review

A world-class modern lounge where sound and vision rule.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

When to Go

It's much easier to get in during the week or before 11pm on weekends; expect a line out the door late weekend nights. And allow time to retrieve your coat when exiting the packed club.

More Insider Tips

Bar/Club Information

Smoking

  • Yes

Admission

  • Cover for special events

Capacity

  • 225

Atmospheres

  • Specialty Cocktails
  • Lounge
  • Bars
  • DJ - House
  • DJ - Reggae
  • 21 & Over
  • Singles
  • Smoking Permitted
  • DJ - Rock
  • DJ - Soul & Funk
  • DJ - Electronica
  • DJ

Parking

  • Street
  • Valet

Coat Check

  • Yes

Live Music

  • Yes

Hours

  • Sun-Tue 9pm-2am
  • Sat 9pm-3am

Minimum Age

  • 21

Dress Code

  • Trendy casual

Payment Types

  • MasterCard
  • Visa
  • American Express
  • Cash
  • Discover

Music Types

  • Rock & Pop
  • Funk, Soul & R&B
  • Electronica
  • Jazz

Recognition for Sonotheque

2006 Editorial Winner - DJs
2008 Audience Winner - No-Cover Nightspot

Specialty ratings for Sonotheque

Specialty Rating  
DJs 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Vote

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