Sonotheque

08/27/08

A world-class modern lounge where sound and vision rule.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Scene
A strikingly minimal Chicago Avenue facade gives way to a large room done in greys and browns with a lengthy bar. Walls sport futuristic shapes to enhance acoustics; high and back-lit at both ends are unusual speakers, providing custom detailed sonics. This venture from Donnie Madia of Blackbird, Terry Alexander of Mod and Joe Bryl of Funky Buddha Lounge is a fresh and welcome option in Chicago nightlife.

The Draw
Sonotheque sets a high standard for clean looks (courtesy of designer Suhail), but the emphasis is actually on music. Adventurous local DJs and touring lounge heavies such as Thievery Corporation man the decks behind the glass. There's also no price-gouging; drinks ranging from bottles of British ales to select wines are very reasonable. The crowd tends to be sexy, but unpretentious. Come early to secure a low-slung lounge for your cool cadre.

• Pros: Great design, music and acousticsno covergood service
• Cons: Not much room to dancecrowded weekend nights

07/05/08

And What Else?

by kellm at Citysearch

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.

03/16/08

get educated

by abhirama at Citysearch

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

01/27/08

Horrible.

by devindevindevin at Citysearch

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.

08/12/07

fab, always fab

by loredanaanais at Citysearch

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.

09/18/06

An outstanding club experience

by macjr300 at Citysearch

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.

10/02/05

Great first-time clubber in Chicago

by kellybuchanan at Citysearch

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

02/26/05

Worth a visit...you will enjoy

by laff2 at Citysearch

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

05/16/03

Finally, a cool place in Chicago

by dam1972 at Citysearch

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

04/25/03

Thank You.

by BlueCritic at Citysearch

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