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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of River North

Cool DJ spots

A space where the music is loud and the energy feels current.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Arbella image 1
Arbella image 2
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Cocktail bar

Large space divides into distinct atmospheres with comfortable booths and a lively club room. Music features a DJ-driven sound system playing chill, high-energy tunes that shape a fun, unpretentious vibe. Patrons include stylish young crowds, but the atmosphere welcomes all ages for drinks and conversation.

Local Chicago DJs spin during live house sets on Saturday nights. Acoustic speakers deliver great DJ-driven music that fits the perfect vibe.

A super cool vibe fills the space with great music and stylish decor. The bars offer a nice, cool ambiance perfect for cocktails.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are delicious and creatively made."

"The dimly lit atmosphere is gorgeous for a romantic date night."

"It's got a really cool vibe with stylish decor and great music."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 5 to 7 PM Monday to Saturday with limited menu options.

3

Arbella turns into a club starting around 10 PM from Thursday to Saturday.

02
Electric Shuffle Chicago image 1

Shuffleboard with high-tech tracking and immersive visuals defines the space, blending classic gameplay with modern tech. Vibrant social energy fills the stylish, throwback-decorated bar, enhanced by live DJ music and a fun, competitive vibe. Cocktails and food complement the atmosphere, making it lively yet not overcrowded.

Live DJ sets the tone with great lighting and keeps the energy high throughout.

Buzzing, modern, and energetic vibes create an effortlessly cool atmosphere. The digital shuffleboard scorekeeping adds a unique tech twist.

People are saying

"The food and drinks here were excellent."

"The DJ was spinning great music and kept the vibe lively."

"The staff here are so cool and welcoming."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour is from 3 pm to 5 pm Monday to Friday, offering $5 beer, wine, seltzers, and all fries.

2

During Happy Hour, margaritas, ranch water, espresso martinis, and house pizza are $10.

3

The all-inclusive brunch costs $50 per person for 90 minutes of shuffleboard, a bottle of bubbly, and food.

03
Stardust image 1

Two floors offer distinct atmospheres with dueling piano performances upstairs and a DJ-driven speakeasy downstairs. The space combines futuristic and astrology-themed decor with energetic, authentic Chicago vibes. Music ranges from jazz and blues to R&B, creating a lively and friendly environment.

A DJ downstairs spins awesome music in a speakeasy setting. Live music and DJ sets create a lively vibe.

Super cool decor blends diner vibes with astrology themes. The whole spot has a consistently cool vibe throughout.

People are saying

"The bar staff here are super friendly and welcoming."

"I loved the fantastic live music and the energy it created."

"The DJ played awesome music."

Good to know

1

Parking garages are nearby, and street parking is available.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash may be preferred.

3

The venue features live jazz, blues, and piano performances regularly.

04
Zombie Taco image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco restaurant inside a hotel lobby offers a funky atmosphere with old arcade games and live DJs on weekends. The space includes a bar area where check-in happens, creating a lively vibe. Seating areas feature board games and kiosks for ordering, blending casual dining with entertainment.

Live DJs play on weekends, creating a festive atmosphere with old arcade games adding to the fun. The night scene features a lively bar energized by DJ sets.

The spot features a cool hotel bar vibe with plenty of games and a couple of arcade cabinets. The atmosphere ties closely to the MOXY hotel, creating a nice and cool environment throughout.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the breakfast burritos."

"The bartender Simon was the best, making our experience a true delight."

"It's a festive atmosphere with a DJ on weekends."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 6pm with great deals on food and drinks.

2

A DJ performs on Friday and Saturday nights, enhancing the nightlife experience.

3

Weekend vibe nights at the Moxy Hotel feature lively music and a vibrant atmosphere.

05
Ghost Donkey image 1

Upstairs space offers a hidden, cozy lounge with stunning decor and couch tables. Music is loud and upbeat, often featuring a DJ and dance elements like salsa lessons and bubble machines. The vibe suits date nights and lively gatherings, blending traditional Mexican influences with a modern bar atmosphere.

Heavy Latin vibes set the tone with a DJ who keeps the energy up. Bubble machines and Congo lines add to the lively, fun atmosphere.

Upstairs space feels hidden and comfortable with a fun vibe. The bar plays traditional Mexican music and has a cozy, cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"This bar has a super fun, lounge-like atmosphere."

"The DJ's music made the atmosphere so fun."

"I found the atmosphere to be really cool and comfortable."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is from Monday to Saturday 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM and all day on Sunday.

2

Tacos are priced at $2.00 during happy hour.

3

Ghost Donkey gets packed between 6:00 and 8:00 PM.

06
Parlay River North image 1

Sports bar offers a gorgeous rooftop bar with a beautiful view and a live DJ playing music during game breaks. Atmosphere combines great energy and vibes with multiple TVs for sports fans. Some seating areas feel crowded or poorly lit, but food includes standout items like chicken and waffles and stuffed French toast.

A live DJ spins a fantastic selection of songs, focusing on R&B and throwback music. The DJ keeps the vibe lively and is a definite highlight of the spot.

A cool vibe fills the space with a friendly staff that stays calm even when busy. It works well as a spot for groups to grab drinks and food.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and absolutely delicious."

"The brunch food here is delicious, especially the crispy potatoes."

"The manager stayed cool and friendly even with the bar packed."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on beer and wings.

2

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm.

3

Brunch includes bottomless mimosas for 90 minutes.

07
DISCO image 1
Night club

Five-level club combines multiple dance floors with an upscale restaurant and lounge. Energetic vibe thrives on nostalgic 80's and 90's music and a light-up disco floor that enhances the atmosphere. Crowds are diverse and lively, creating a unique and engaging night out.

Three DJs play on three different floors, each with a unique vibe. Music includes Earth Wind and Fire, Michael Jackson, and Prince tracks, with the third floor DJ being decent.

One dance floor features a fully lit floor that creates a really cool atmosphere. The overall vibe leans into an 80's/90's theme that stands out.

People are saying

"The DJ played great 80's music and the lights were amazing."

"The nightclub atmosphere and lights were amazing."

"The dance floor's lit-up vibe is pretty cool."

Good to know

1

Entry to DISCO is free before 11 pm.

2

Drink prices are high, with shots at $12 and beers at $8.

3

Expect long lines for the single bathroom located two floors down.

08
VELA image 1
Mexican restaurant

Space channels sophisticated Mexican vibes with warm, vibrant design inspired by Mexico City. Music shifts from chill to loud with a live DJ mixing house, reggaeton, and hip hop, creating a lively atmosphere. Guests enjoy upscale casual energy with comfortable seating and standout cocktails.

Music stays lively and diverse, keeping the energy high all night. The DJ plays a perfect Friday evening set that keeps everyone vibing and spirits up.

Gorgeous atmosphere sets a cool vibe throughout the space. The overall feel stays consistently pretty cool.

People are saying

"The food here has flavor profiles that are above and beyond."

"The DJ's diverse playlist kept us vibing the whole time."

"The atmosphere here is pretty cool with a great vibe."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $10 off cocktails and half-price appetizers from 4-6pm.

2

Reservations are recommended for large parties, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant hosts a popup event with their sister restaurant every month.

09
UMMO image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a modern jazz inspired design with upstairs loft featuring live music and pool table. Atmosphere shifts from quiet and intimate dining to a lively late-night hangout with DJs and bands. Decor includes quirky records and stylish interiors creating a warm, upbeat vibe.

Upstairs loft hosts a DJ set that kicks off at 10pm, turning the space into a club atmosphere. Music keeps the vibe lively throughout the night.

People are saying

"You honestly canโ€™t go wrong with the outrageously good pasta here."

"The atmosphere here is cool, with a classy, moody jazz vibe."

"The DJ's creative dishes and flavor combinations were delightful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups, to ensure seating.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The loft space converts into a club after 10pm with a DJ and dancing.

10
Moe's Cantina - River North image 1
Mexican restaurant

Massive Mexican restaurant with ample seating and a unique design that shifts into a nightclub on weekends. Lively atmosphere with energetic music, including reggaeton and clear TV audio for games. Outdoor seating and artistic decor add to the vibrant vibe.

Saturday night features a DJ spinning a lot of reggaeton music. DJs here consistently bring fire energy that keeps the dance floor lively.

A cool atmosphere fills the space with a nice vibe and a crowd of cool people.

People are saying

"The staff here makes the Mexican food experience so friendly and attentive."

"The DJ played a lot of reggaeton and Latin music."

"I found the atmosphere and people here to be really cool."

Good to know

1

Expect a $20 cover charge for entry during club hours.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups.

3

All guests must arrive together to avoid additional cover charges.

11
Mom's Place - A Chicago Gathering Spot image 1

Bar space divides into three distinct rooms featuring live jazz and funk music, karaoke, and a pool table area. Atmosphere shifts from vibrant and lively to cozy with nostalgic decor and multiple bars across two levels. Frequented by a diverse crowd, it offers specialty cocktails and TV screens throughout for entertainment.

Billy stands out as a karaoke DJ who keeps the party lively. DJ Ray spins tracks that maintain high energy throughout the night. DJs manage song queues strictly, not allowing skips even for special occasions.

A cool dive bar vibe fills the space with lively atmosphere and chill staff. Drinks come out solid while the decor and live band add to the overall cool feel.

People are saying

"The karaoke here is super fun and gets everyone excited."

"It's a cool little gem with great vibes and music."

"The DJ was energetic and played every song I requested."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Tuesday night, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Expect long wait times on Thursdays for karaoke; plan for at least 1.5 hours.

3

The bar has a $5 cover charge at night for entry.

12
Celeste image 1
Night club

Four floors offer distinct vibes, from a local bar feel to a jungle-themed rooftop with LED light dance floors. Music varies by level, featuring passionate DJs and diverse scenes for dancing or relaxing. The venue maintains a clean, upscale style with a lively, fun atmosphere throughout.

Three levels offer different atmospheres, each with a DJ playing. DJs consistently show passion and play from the heart, especially on the rooftop where the music stands out.

Four stories offer different vibes from moody to art deco. Live DJs spin cool music while calm, cool doormen keep the mood steady.

People are saying

"You can hear great DJs and dance all night at this nightclub."

"The vibes here are pretty cool and differ floor to floor."

"The DJs on the rooftop were excellent."

Good to know

1

Entry is free before 11pm on Saturday night.

2

A $20 cover charge applies for men, while women enter for free.

3

Disco starts at 9:00 p.m. on weekends.

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River North, Chicago

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