It is said that Chicago never sleeps and its nightlife can attest to that. From high-energy dance floors to sleek rooftop lounges, the Windy City has an electrifying mix of nightclubs to match every vibe and musical preference. Whether you want an adrenaline-fueled EDM marathon, a classy cocktail lounge with resident live DJs, or an underground spot with deep house grooves, Chicago’s club circuit has you covered.

The club culture here is nothing short of incredible in a town with its storied music legacy — the birthplace of house music and home to some of the planet’s finest DJs. With world-class venues, top-tier sound systems, and an unmatched atmosphere, these nightclubs set the stage for unforgettable nights out.

So, if you’re ready to dance the night away, sip on craft cocktails, and soak up that ultimate party atmosphere — here are the top 10 Chicago night clubs you won’t want to miss!

• Tao Chicago

In the heart of River North, Tao Chicago serves as one part fine-dining restaurant and one part nightclub. The first floor offers a wide-ranging Pan-Asian menu, including indulgent items like Peking duck and lobster wontons. Upstairs, the second floor becomes one of the city’s most exclusive nightclubs that accommodates a 1,000-person crowd, as they dance below gigantic murals and a top-ranked disco ball that hovers above a super-size Japanese bell. With internationally acclaimed DJs like Deadmau5 and Afrojack putting on high-energy shows, this venue offers buzzing nights. Come ready to pay some hefty cover charges and secure some reservations — they go up fast, particularly when a big act is coming to town — but if you’re willing to spend big, Tao Chicago guarantees a night of luxe fun.

• Sound Bar

Sound Bar — located in River North, Chicago’s vibrant nightlife district — is a stylish and high-end nightlife venue with an impressive 20,000-square-foot space. The club offers a multi-tiered experience with various levels, bars, and unique entertainment zones. Its contemporary European-inspired design features state-of-the-art technology, including flat-screen monitors, immersive laser lighting, and large floor-to-ceiling video projection walls. Sound Bar is a high-energy bar with a sophisticated vibe that is perfect for a night out in the city.

• PRYSM Chicago

PRYSM Chicago is a colorful, upscale nightlife experience, located in Lincoln Park just minutes from downtown. With two dance floors, three cocktail bars, and cutting-edge lighting, the venue is primed for high-energy nights headlined by top-shelf guest DJs. Famous for its late-night Sunday and Monday parties, it draws industry folk needing some beat time with engaging sounds and delicious cocktails. PRYSM also features the No.9 lounge, located on the club’s second floor, which offers members an exclusive, decorated escape from the club atmosphere, further solidifying it as one of Chicago’s must-visit nightlife spots.

• Disco

Feel the captivating energy of Disco, a retro-chic nightclub perched on top of Celeste in River North. A high-energy mix of vintage glamour and more modern nightlife, this place features glistening disco balls and a loud LED dance floor made for dancing the night away. Whether enjoying handmade cocktails or high-end bottle service, Disco is ready to deliver music, dancing, and a dynamic nightlife experience.

• LiqrBox

LiqrBox, located in the heart of River North, is a dynamic nightlife hotspot where the energy comes alive after dark. Spanning 7,500 square feet across three levels, this vibrant venue is a feast for the senses, featuring bold neon lighting, striking graffiti art, and unique sculptures that set the scene for an unforgettable night. Guests can enjoy creative cocktails served in signature plastic boxes while exploring the lively space or hitting the dance floor in the energetic upstairs area. Whether you’re sipping, socializing, or dancing, LiqrBox delivers a high-energy experience in a playful and stylish setting.

• Tunnel

Tunnel, a former nightlife jewel above John Barleycorn in River North, provides a riotous club vibe modeled after London’s cryptic underground passageways. The skinny space has intimate booths along one wall and a busy bar on the other, making for a dynamic, but cozy vibe. Fueled by immersive light displays and high-energy DJ sets, Tunnel lays the groundwork for epic nights of music, dancing, and cocktails in an upscale, intimate environment.

• Tao

Tao, which occupies a 126-year-old former home of the Chicago Historical Society that’s been reimagined as a maximalist oasis of nightlife blending luxury and high-octane entertainment, is a top nightlife pick. With top DJs providing the grooves, strobing lights to pulsate you, and an infectious atmosphere, the club is the ideal backdrop for a night out with friends. The drinks are pricey, but the stellar service and lively vibe make it one of the most coveted spots around. Reservations require a payment, which will go toward dining, allowing for a seamless combination of high-end dining and dynamic nightlife.

• Slippery Slope

Slippery Slope is a vibrant Logan Square bar where you can find a truly unique nightlife experience. Drenched in red lighting, the space includes a busy bar, a vibrant dance floor, and Skee-ball, for a fun, nostalgic spin. Upstairs, The Heavy Feather is a retro blowout with a cozy 70s-style fern bar vibe. Touting great music, low-key vibes, and a come-as-you-are approach, Slippery Slope is ideal for those looking to cut loose and have a fun, no-frills night out.

• Stereo NightClub

Stereo Nightclub is a vibrant and glamorous nightclub in Chicago that provides partygoers with an electrifying experience with a dash of sophistication attached to it. With polished marble-topped bars, a raised DJ booth, and bold blue and pink lighting, the club is at once visually interesting as well as an instantly comfortable space. Its spacious stage is separate from the lounge and bar area, providing ample space for dancing in a group setting. Stereo Nightclub: A must-stop for a night to remember, with high-caliber music, the energy of a lively crowd without being condescending, a safe space, and free parking.

• United Supper Club

The Untitled Supper Club, a sophisticated style dining experience located in Chicago, combines upscale dining with craft cocktails and live performances in a sleek, Prohibition-inspired setting. This chic venue includes many themed spaces from the Library to the Cabaret — backstage to the Drawing Room — each with its distinctive atmosphere. With the nation’s largest selection of curated American whiskeys, Untitled has upped the nightlife ante, hosting live and cabaret acts weekly, and giving folks in search of an upscale (but still fun) evening on the town another destination.