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Get the lowdown on Chicago's subterranean pubs.

Monday Dec 08, 2008.     By Stacy Warden

Bars + Clubs Feed

There's something oddly appealing about underground (below street level, that is) lounges. Perhaps it's because the hidden locales us feel like we're part of some elite clique, or that we've gone back in time to the age of speakeasies. Or maybe it's because the dark, cavernous interiors and lack of windows allow us to kick our inhibitions to the curb. Whatever the reason, if you love subterranean spots, you have to check out these Chicago classics.

Smartbar
Like any good underground club, this one hosts a reputable slew of DJs nightly. The space offers a number of booths for cozying up, but carrying a conversation over the loud beats here is just bad form. Chances are that no one will hear you anyway, as most of Smartbar's crowd comes straight from the Metro (the music venue located upstairs). And while it's not as punk as it was in is heyday when notorious artists like Iggy Pop held the stage, Smartbar still pulls in a unique mix of music-obsessed night owls.

Suite Lounge
It doesn't matter what designer label you wear to Suite Lounge, you will never look as good as the venue's posh interior. Unlike its underground counterparts, this lush locale has turned a dark cave into a dim-lit haven, reminiscent of many a sleek New York destination. That big-city vibe shines with the lounge's private "suites"-curtained-off sections available for bottle service. Sitting at the bar here is just as fun, especially with a drink list that boasts the city's sweetest mixers (think carrot cake, peach cobbler and banana split martinis). If you're still experiencing wardrobe woes, let the young, well-to-do crowd that hangs here be a clue.

Debonair Social Club
If Debonair Social Club isn't already on your nightlife radar, you should probably make it a point to get out more. This hip Wicker Park spot offers ample space for drinking, dancing and DJing (and is also right next door to The Flat Iron, where you can fuel up on cheap beers and kitschy artwork beforehand). Debonair's first floor is exactly what you'd expect with a raised stage, video projection screens and plenty of twenty-somethings dancing like no one is watching. A quick trip downstairs will lead you to more awkward dancing in the club's basement room, complete with red lighting, black mirrors and a DJ booth. Be forewarned though, if your plan is to escape the main floor's overwhelming crowd, you won't have much luck in this sweatbox (capacity down here maxes out at about 100).

Enclave
The lounge here might be underground, but Enclave's atmosphere is a notch above its competitors. The trickling waterfall wall behind the DJ booth (upstairs on the bar's main floor) serves as a focal point, while plush sofas and sleek cocktail tables provide seating for some of Chicago's sexiest clientele, including the occasional celebrity. Be prepared to throw down some serious cash, but not before throwing on some serious labels.

Underground Wonder Bar
While this Gold Coast misfit bills itself as a jazz/blues club, you're likely to hear anything from reggae and rock to blues and jazz, all in the same night. Besides the bevy of locals and visiting musicians who fill the weekly roster (notice the wall of signed celebrity headshots), owner Lonie Walker and her "Big Bad Ass Company Band" perform at least half of the weeknights. There's no room for shyness in this corridor-shape bar, where guests weave through the center of the band to reach the restroom in back. Should you and your friend or lover prefer a candlelit table for two, arrive before the music starts. Otherwise, you'll find yourself squeezed between two rows of bar stools, soaking up the red light and squirming for a view of the voice behind the baby grand. On top of a cover charge (around ten bucks), you'll spend between $4-$10 on a beer, wine or your cocktail of choice.

Ravens
While this dive-y Lincoln Park pub is not completely below street level, the bar's lack of windows and low ceilings make it feel just as underground as the rest of these subterranean spots. Another thing that separates Ravens from the others is its old-school interior. Rather than flashy lights, Lucite stools and DJ booths, you'll find simple chandeliers, standard wood-frame chairs and a jukebox. Framed vintage maps of the city adorn the red walls and a handful of tables provide extra seating.