River North 101

Surveyed from the outside, River North nightlife may look gaudy, expensive and outrageously indulgent. The former warehouse district was a loft-party haven and red-light district before it became a home to galleries, design offices, Brazilian BBQs and, of course, clubs. But the neighborhood has largely outgrown the bad vibes of the shiny-shirt era and surpassed Lake Street with its density of nightlife venues. For all the traffic that River North clubs get, the scene there is often misunderstood. We asked some insiders to help unravel prevailing misconceptions about the River North partying experience.

Covers are outrageous. Promoter Tony Macey tells us that a startlingly small percentage of partyers pay a cover these days. Who’s waltzing right in? “Anyone who does table service, industry, bottle service, women for the most part are comped, friends of friends,” he says. “You can come early and get in for free.”

Only people from the suburbs go to River North. Some promoters may cater to a suburban crowd—we were once trapped in a hellish high-school-reunion scenario at Ontourage. But often, River North clubbers either live in the city or at least work here.

River North is only for mature partyers. Martini Park might be Viagra poppers’ playground, but the crowds at Underground and Angels & Kings tend toward the barely legal.

Clubs are ignoring the economic situation. Mike Bisbee, one of the owners of Manor/Stay and RiNo, tells us his venues are loosening up to allow for a more affordable night out. “We’re doing a cocktailing-type thing. People can come in and reserve a table, have a table and reserve the area and you can cocktail all night. It’s going to be cheaper than ordering a bottle. You’re paying for space; you’re not paying for bottles.”

The clubs are too big. The lines around the block at RiNo are actually due to its modest capacity. Angels & Kings has a live stage that’s more intimate than most area rock clubs. Enclave can curtain off space.

Celebs show up only if they are paid. Paid appearances tend to be hyped, mobbed and miserable. You’re actually quite likely to see Hollywood types or sports stars at exclusive and dimly lit joints where they can naturally blend in—unadvertised.

Dress codes are unfair. Macey likens dress codes to the jacket-required policies of fine-dining joints. They raise expectations and differentiate nightclubs from neighborhood sports bars. But he adds that door policy is not always about clothes or labels. “It has a lot to do with the customer’s attitude. The product is the party. The goal is getting the right bodies in there who are going to facilitate the party.” With slim-fit suits back in style and more guys dressing up, the doorman’s job is getting easier.

Upscale clubs are stuffy. “When it’s done well, it’s the complete opposite,” Macey says. “If you want to be a part of something with a communal feel, nothing competes with an upscale bottle-service club. These clubs are built for people to dance on the furniture.” It’s true, things get wild.

Anything goes. Not exactly. We’ve seen businessmen tossed out of Manor for goofing around on go-go dancers’ platforms. Speaking of which, those performers are not strippers (not tonight, anyway) so keep your dollars and digits to yourself.

The flip side. River North does have its detractors—James Brown and Paul Blair (DJ White Shadow) decry bizarre and rude door policies, clueless bartenders, weak sound systems and a general lack of imagination in programming at many venues. They launched a new Friday weekly at the Griffin Lounge (a.k.a. Climax) called The Party (see Listings), which is heavily concepted with skilled DJs. The kick-off event had a circus theme to loosen us up. “People have a hard time having fun when they take themselves too seriously,” says Brown, “and it’s hard to take yourself too seriously when there’s a pony in the corner.”

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