Bottom Lounge

Address:	1375 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Phone:	+1 312-666-6775
Site:	bottomlounge.com
Rating:	4.3

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

Frank Jenkins

was in Chicago with my boss on business for a couple of days (a Monday through Wednesday) and I realized on the Saturday before I left a musician I followed had released a new album AND also discovered he was playing in Chicago on the Tuesday that I was visiting. The artist? Nick Waterhouse. The venue? Bottom Lounge. I was really pumped to see the show, though I didnt know anything about Bottom Lounge. It turns out this place is much like a lot of other places that Ive seen great, new or lesser known, up-and-coming acts. Its your basic brick warehouse space with a bar in one corner and a stage set up in another area that could hold MAYBE 500 people. It wasnt as large as I expected, but it had an honest, gritty, underground vibe to it. There was a temporary wall along one side of the room that could probably be removed to open it up for another couple of hundred people, but either way it was a standing venue - no seats. There was also no smoking, which I appreciated. I cant say anything about the service as we had a 30 minute drive ahead of us so we didnt drink. The staff seemed pretty cool though. No issues that I saw. The only parking I saw was a small lot next to the place that might have fit 25 - 30 cars, but there may be other parking that Im unaware of. We found a spot in the small lot so we were happy. If I lived in Chicago Id probably be at Bottom Lounge regularly for my music diet.

Daria Swedzikowski

Never having been to this venue before, we bought tickets to a show for my 19 year old brothers birthday. Upon arriving I felt immediately uncomfortable by the sketchy location. Apart from several guys hanging around outside, the area was deserted. We got there early, received our wristbands, and proceeded to wait around awkwardly. Im 21 but dont drink in front of my younger brother, I also drove. When we sat down at a booth to order food, we were accosted by a big, black, security guard who seemed to be out of his mind. It turns out my brother was given the "wrong colored" wristband (same as mine), even though there were black Xs on his hands indicating that he is not 21. Having been there for barely 15 minutes, we were screamed at, berated, kicked out and forced to make the hour-drive back to the suburbs. I have never been so disrespected in my life. With the help of our parents we are filing a dispute against this place, but based on other reviews Ive read, the men who work here need to be fired.

A Private User

I saw The M Machine and Paper Diamond there this past friday. I had a blast, the staff was very reasonable, there were no under-aged little girls running around like there usually is at congress or aaragon, the Light setup was AMAZING, and although the sound went out once or twice it was totally the DJs fault, and there was even free parking right outside. The bar was very accommodating, the only negative thing i would have is that u would have to all the way outside to smoke and although Im 21, some people i came with werent and they werent allowed to re-enter the facility after smoking. But we just took some drags within the crowd. :) as was everyone there.

Christine McPherson

Let me say first that I have not been here for just the Bar/Lounge aspect of the venue. We attended a concert here on a Wednesday night - it was an 18+ show. The venue itself is no Lincoln Hall. The stage is large, and the space for concert-goers is pretty decent. Beer/Drink prices are a bit inflated in the actual venue though. I do have to comment on the sound quality. It seems that the worst place to be is next to the stage. Maybe it was just the concert we went to, but for the most part the singers had a bit of a hollow, tinny tone and there was no real depth to the sound of the music - it just fell a bit flat.

Dominic Fante

Sound isnt bad, I really liked the decor and setup, but awful location and policies. My friend snuck in a water bottle with some vodka and orange juice and about 30 minutes into the show a staff member asked us whether or not the bottle had alcohol. I figured I might as well be honest with the guy, so I said yes. He told us we needed to leave, despite the fact that we paid full price for their damn show. Come on, just take the bottle and let us listen to the music we paid for!!! They were so rude and condescending too. Not sure if I want to go back, apparently it doesnt take much for them to kick you out.

Juan Gomez

I went as media to record a show there. First of all, the security gave my crew members that were under 21 the wrong wristbands that later got them in trouble. Second, they kicked out one of my cameramen because he left the venue and decided to come back in. Third, the security were very rude and were not willing to reason with. I tried to explain to the security that my friend who got denied back in was part of my film crew, but the security guard did not seem to care and then decided to kick me out for not cooperating. Very terrible experience. Bottom Lounge can stay where it belongs, at the bottom.

Benhur Calaguas

The Bottom Lounge is no where near the bottom of my list of cool places I got drunk got at. Id say its at a solid number 4 on that list, just because it has a rooftop bar and music venue all in the same building. And by music venue I dont mean some raised stage with a chicken wire barrier. Its a legit music auditorium that gets some pretty cool bands. I will say the venue is hard to get to via public transportation, but theres reasonable parking and the place is bike friendly. I dont own any of those kinds of vehicles so Im out of luck.

Kevin Mulcrone

This place is terrible. The security is comprised of a bunch of grumps who hate their jobs and anyone who is having a good time. Was completely disrespected while going into the venue, was jumped on by a security guard inside for eating Sweet Tarts, and then was kicked out after attempting to calmly talk to a security guard about my friend who was getting kicked out as well. Its in a sketchy neighborhood located under an L track. Dont go here, dont book shows here. Its terrible. You wont have a good time.

Diana Rocha

I love this place. The venue is small and barricade-less so it feels very intimate, and I love the variety of acts hosted here. Ive seen indie rock groups, pop rock and electronic music all in the same venue. Free cups of water!!! The food is decent, too, and the bar provides a cool place to escape from sweaty dance parties when you need. Easy to get to by public transit, too, and the staff is sweet (though the coat check girl I last experienced seemed under the influence and gave us the wrong bag).

Dominic Pacifici

4 points for the beer. 3 for the food. Nothing particularly wrong with the menu, its good not great. 5 points for the classic pinball machines and incredible rooftop. Ive seen shows here and have come away pleased with the experience. Street parking isnt impossible. They have TVs tuned to sports and generally play a good amount of metal/punk/hardcore. The place is huge, however they dont always open the upstairs, which limits the appeal as the rooftop deck is then inaccessible.