Subterranean

2011 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA

Address:	2011 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
Phone:	+1 773-278-6600
Site:	subt.net
Rating:	4.1
Working:	7PM–2AM 7PM–2AM 7PM–2AM 7PM–2AM 6PM–3AM 6PM–3AM 7PM–2AM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

A Private User

Ive been to and played at quite a few venues in Chicago and the surrounding area and this is by far the worst. The main issue I have with this place is the staff is SO freaking rude!! I was ordering a coke and I pulled out some bills and I thought I had dropped a dollar on the counter (someone had left it as a tip apparently), so I went to pick it up and the bartender was so rude to me about it and started giving me attitude and calling me some really nasty names. There was this other security guard that kept giving me crap for walking in and out too many times while I was trying to load my drums out into the car. There was NO load in space, so we had to go in and out immediately so I wasnt even able to enjoy the next band who were really good. The load-in is in a cramped alleyway and its nearly impossible to find close parking. There were a few positives though: sound was amazing, there was plenty of stage space (I normally have to squeeze my kit as compact as possible but here I was able to set up a little more comfortably) and I love the layout of the place, though its a little narrow. However, due to the fact that the staff is just extremely rude. I will never be playing here again or even coming here again for that matter.

Billy Biscuits

Venue has a strange layout but its fun. However they let people stand on the poorly lit stairs, and covering the rails so you have nothing the hold on to. The mens room is as gross disaster, two urinals and one stall on the third floor for a place that holds hundreds? Absurd. Worst part was the bartender, cursed at me because I couldnt understand him during a metal show while holding out both my ID and credit card as per the sign to open a tab. I know it doesnt mean anything but Ill never come back to this place where they foster the idea that you can curse and be so rude to a customer. Any other job this man would have been fired on the spot. Rest of the staff was nice. Tipped the dude on top bar forty percent. Never again subterranean.

Serena Robinson

Absolutely LOVE this place on Thursday nights for Reggae nights!!! Laid back mixed crowd, no dress code (perfect if youre bar hopping or eating in the area). The line to get in and parking can be tricky so I recommend getting there pretty early (between 10 & 11). No cover for ladies but I think its still $5 for guys. LOVE the rum punch ($5) and I always get my favorite bartender to make it (white lady with long dreads), just dont snap your fingers at her or be rude because then she will ignore you but she is VERY FAIR. LOVE the dj (DJ Papa G). The place is fairly small so it gets crowded easy but Ive NEVER seen a fight break out. This is my go to place for Thursday nights!!!

J Shepard

Two distinct bars, the one at street level, no cover, decent food, DJs and open mic sometimes, way too crowded on the weekends and slow service, regular neighborhood bar I guess. Then upstairs they have the show area with bands. Ive seen some great shows up here, the booking is varied but if theres an act you want to see definitely check it out. Its a nice smallish room up there with a balcony that goes all the way around so you can either be in front of the stage or above it. Decent sound and not typically oversold, good place to see a show. But again, see whos playing first, they get some good ones that youd typically see in larger venues, but its a mixed bag.

Underneath MyEyelids

Terrible Venue, Manipulates the Artists and especially their fans! The Subterranean knows the artists they get to play at their venue and they know the crowds their events draw. They dont hold events to Spread The Word Of Music and enjoy the Artist!. They Hold events to manipulate and take advantage of the artists fans and especially the artist themselves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh hes got a wristband, he already paid to get in, we have his money, lets kick him out for something everyone else in doing^..... ITS A SHAME. Low Life Degenerate, ignorant, security and staff!! straight out the fields, not the house!

Christine McPherson

This place is always a good time! Its a small venue with a bar/restaurant on the main floor. The actual stage is on the 2nd floor and the backstage is on the 3rd floor via a spiral staircase. Theres also a cool view from the 3rd floor down to the stage on the 2nd. If you dont want to deal with the crowd, but still want to see the band you can head up there. The shows there tend to be small and intimate. We were able to meet the band (Thumpers) - they just mingled with the people after the show and signed merch at the table. The venue has a decent beer selection and food if the kitchen downstairs is open.

roar cuba

Go hear if you feel like getting kicked out for having two beers before the show, and using the hand rail on the stairs cause I have major back problems. Then have the bouncer push you down one flight of stairs accusing you of being drunk. When all the other bouncers said I was fine and not drunk and cleared me for entry. So disappointed and embarrassing, in the process of trying to get the security tapes to prove I was fine and I was pushed down one flight of stairs screwing my back up even worse. That way I can press assault charges cause I can hardly get out my bed today.

Donna Bella

I came here for reggae night with my friends. Obviously the bartenders where homophobic or racist or both. I sat at the bar for at least 10 min being ignored. Finally the dumb fat bartender asks a guy what he wants and I tell her I need 3 shots for me and my friends. After I pay a $45 bill with my card I gave her a $5 tip. She asked me if I needed change!? If I paid my bill with a card, why would I ask for change stupid? The sub needs to hire people who are not close minded idiots or people who actually know what customer service means. Wont be going back.

Crystal Williams

Would be a cool place if it were not for the rude staff. I gave my underage friend a *sip* of my drink (that was in a cup where it could have been juice anyway so how would they know??) cause they were thirsty and it was super crowded and instantly got bombarded by plain clothed security and got kicked out after i paid a cover to get in and was only there 20min. Then my friend was showing art there and a piece got stolen and their great security saw nothing and gave her no compensation and were just all around ass holes about it.

Jonathan Ortony

They dont post or send alerts for time changes to their performances, you find out when it is actually (tentatively) scheduled on the chalkboard behind the doorman inside. They dont give refunds under any condition, and they dont sell a physical ticket which can be sold to another if the surprise time doesnt agree with your schedule. These experiences make going out less pleasant than staying in where you can have zero transit time, better food, and clean surroundings.