smartbar

Went to see loui vega. This year, he was on the main floor instead of the basement. I was on the 3rd floor running up-and-down all night until 4 AM.n You in the 6 bathrooms. Code, check awesome people, much love in the place. Dancers everywhere, music good all around sound system, totally amazingn I have been coming to the smart Queen's since 1993. I saw Jay Kay here , " virtual insanity". Jamiroquia. And I took my students to the red bull competitions for break dancing here. Gotta look for parking.

Smartbar is my favorite spot in Chicago. The sound is incredible, the energy on the dance floor is always right, and there are plenty of places to sit while still feeling fully in it. They bring in such a good mix of local and international artists and DJs, and the crowd always shows up for it. The staff is what makes it a place I trust. I’ve lived nearby here two years and have been more than ten times, the crew is consistent, respectful, and genuinely creates a safe environment. As a woman who often goes alone, I feel completely comfortable here. It’s usually cash‑only cover with in‑and‑out privileges, which I love since I live around the corner and can take breaks. And they’re open until 4am, so you can really settle into the night. Just a reliably good experience every time.

Was here last night for Queen- truly a miserable experience. Cash only bars, coat check, tickets. Line to get inside. Three floor line to get to coat check (although some stuff thought it was the line to get downstairs to smartbar). A different line to get into smartbar, and if you didn’t fit in the lobby in that line, then you had to wait near the stairs in ANOTHER line, although we were yelled at multiple times for being in this line because it wasn’t supposed to be a line?? Lines at the bathrooms. Lines at the bars. Lines at the ATMS. Mind numbingly inefficient and unorganized. We all ended up leaving without even getting into smartbar, was sick of being yelled at by staff like cattle when just trying to have a good time. There were a ton of other people leaving before midnight. First and last time at this event, it was embarrassing to even be here.

Truly awful experience, visiting from out of town and when asking a staff member where I could get in line because I was visiting, he told me " if you don’t know how to stand in a line then you maybe you should go back to Texas" truly unprofessional and very disrespectful… very un organized event, un professional staff behavior and very unprofessional overall, will never go to that bar again due to rude security and staff…

A Chicago staple with some great DJ sets and live PAs. Have seen some amazing djs come thru here over the years. It’s straight up goodness with electronic music. If you’re looking for a hookup meat market, this isn’t your place. But if you’re looking for a good time where everybody is welcome, enjoy!

Always make it a point to stop by my home away from home whenever I’m in Chicago, and I’ve never experienced anything short of excellence. The security team is there to ensure the safety of both the establishment and the community within it. Remember, foolish behavior is treated accordingly. Be kind, act with respect, and you’ll always be met with the same in return.

Horrible experience at metro + smart bar tonight. Left after an hour because of rude staff at coatcheck, confusing random lines going up and downstairs. No way to get downstairs despite the lines. Confusing and horribly mismanaged. Waste of time and money.