Image: smartbar

smartbar

smartbar has been part of Chicago nightlife since 1982, making it one of the longest-running dance clubs in the United States.

Opened: 1982
Capacity: 400
DJ Mag: n/a

Tickets and programme All techno clubs

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At the door 21+ · No flash photography · Door tickets cash only Rules

smartbar: quick facts

Checked Sep 2026

Address: 3730 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60613, United States Directions
Nearest station: Addison (CTA Red Line); the CTA #22 Clark bus also stops nearby
Opening hours: Friday 22:00 to 04:00, Saturday 22:00 to 05:00, Sunday 22:00 to 04:00
Opened: 1982 44 years
Capacity: 400 people
Rooms: One basement room with a raised dancefloor
Age limit: 21+
Photos: No flash photography, no video or audio recording, no smart glasses; pro cameras must be checked
Tickets: USD 15 to 25 (October 2026)
Payment: Door tickets cash only; box office charges 3% on card purchases
Cloakroom: Yes, USD 5 coat and bag check, card only
Founders: Joe Shanahan (founder and owner of Metro and smartbar)

Residents 12

Ariel Zetina
Brenda
Derrick Carter
Garrett David
Harry Cross
DJ Heather
DJ Hyperactive
Justin Aulis Long

And 4 more: Madeline, Michael Serafini, Shaun J. Wright, Queen!.

About smartbar

smartbar has been part of Chicago nightlife since 1982, making it one of the longest-running dance clubs in the United States. It sits one flight of stairs down, in the basement of a century-old auditorium hall on North Clark Street, and shares a box office with Metro next door. The room is intimate, with a slightly raised dancefloor, and the club is open Friday to Sunday from 10pm. House music is central to its identity: Frankie Knuckles, Derrick Carter and The Blessed Madonna have all held residencies here, and the Sunday party Queen! is a pillar of the city's LGBTQ+ scene. Techno is represented by residents such as DJ Hyperactive and Brenda, plus the Format crew.

Door policy

From the club's own rules

21 and over without exception, with one physical valid ID. Flash photography, video and audio recording and smart glasses are not permitted, and bags larger than 9 x 11 inches must be checked.

A set from smartbar

Where to stay near smartbar

Hotels on the map

3730 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60613, United States · Addison (CTA Red Line); the CTA #22 Clark bus also stops nearby

Hotel prices come from our booking partner. If you book through the map we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

Frequently asked questions

What people search about smartbar

Does smartbar Chicago have a dress code?

smartbar does not publish a dress code. Its posted rules focus on age and conduct: 21+ with one physical ID, no flash photography, video or smart glasses, and bags larger than 9 x 11 inches must be checked.

Is smartbar Chicago 18+ or 21+?

smartbar is 21 and over without exception. You need a valid physical ID such as a driver's licence, state ID, passport, Armed Forces ID or foreign travel document with a photo.

How much is the cover at smartbar Chicago?

Resident Advisor lists October 2026 nights at USD 15 to 25, with Sunday Queen! at USD 15 to 20. Limited door tickets go on sale at opening and are cash only, and students get USD 5 off before midnight.

What are smartbar Chicago's hours?

smartbar opens at 10pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. It closes at 4am on Fridays and Sundays and at 5am on Saturdays, and limited door tickets go on sale when doors open.

Is smartbar Chicago a gay bar?

smartbar is a dance club open to everyone, but its Sunday party Queen! is a pioneering LGBTQ+ house night. Hosted by Lucy Stoole and Nico with residents Derrick Carter, Michael Serafini and Shaun J. Wright, it has run for more than 14 years.

What is the history of smartbar Chicago?

Joe Shanahan opened smartbar in July 1982 as a dance club in the same Wrigleyville building as Metro, later moving it to the basement. Frankie Knuckles played there regularly, and Derrick Carter and The Black Madonna have also held residencies.

What is smartbar Chicago's capacity?

smartbar holds about 400 people. It sits one flight of stairs down in the same building as the Metro concert hall, and the two venues share a box office next door at 3728 N Clark Street.

Where can you park for smartbar Chicago?

Street parking on Clark Street is metered and there are pay lots nearby. The club also partners with SpotHero for advance parking, or you can take the CTA Red Line to Addison or the #22 Clark bus.

Does smartbar Chicago have a coat check?

Yes. Coat and bag check costs USD 5 and is card only. Any bag larger than 9 x 11 inches must be checked, and professional cameras must be checked unless authorised.