Bordel

"Bordel is from the same people who own Beatnik, and this cocktail bar has an equally over-the-top atmosphere. It’s a cross between a bordello and a speakeasy, so you can expect a DJ, a lot of dark velvet, whirling tassels, and a hidden entrance (don’t be fooled by the artificial greenery obscuring the door). Food options are somewhat limited to shareable plates like croquetas, charred octopus, or tuna tartare, all supplied from downstairs neighbor Mama Delia. But that’s fine because you’re mostly coming here for drinks and to catch a performance—depending on the night, you may see flamenco dancing, sword swallowing, a burlesque show, a magic act, or some combination of them all." - john ringor, veda kilaru

"Bordel is from the same people who own Beatnik, and this cocktail bar has an equally over-the-top atmosphere. It’s a cross between a speakeasy and a bordello, so you can expect a hidden entrance, a DJ, a lot of dark rich velvet, and whirling tassels. Food options are somewhat limited, but there are shareable plates like croquetas huevos rotos, or gulf shrimp, supplied from downstairs neighbor Mama Delia. But that’s fine because you’re mostly coming here for drinks and to catch a performance—depending on the night, you may see flamenco dancing, sword swallowing, a burlesque show, a magic act, or some combination of the above." - veda kilaru, adrian kane, john ringor

"Bordel is from the same people who own Beatnik, and this cocktail bar has an equally over-the-top atmosphere. It’s a cross between a speakeasy and a bordello, so you can expect a hidden entrance, a DJ, a lot of dark velvet, and whirling tassels. Food options are somewhat limited to shareable plates like croquetas, charred octopus, or tuna tartare (all supplied from downstairs neighbor Mama Delia). But that’s fine because you’re mostly coming here for drinks and to catch a performance—depending on the night, you may see flamenco dancing, sword swallowing, a burlesque show, a magic act, or some combination of them all." - adrian kane

"Bordel is from the same people who own Beatnik, and this West Town cocktail bar has an equally over-the-top atmosphere. It’s a cross between a speakeasy and a bordello, so you can expect a hidden entrance, a DJ, a lot of dark rich velvet, and whirling tassels. Food options are somewhat limited, but there are shareable plates like croquetas, charred octopus, or tuna tartare, supplied from downstairs neighbor Mama Delia. But that’s fine because you’re mostly coming here for drinks and to catch a performance—depending on the night, you may see flamenco dancing, sword swallowing, a burlesque show, a magic act, or a combination of all of the above." - Veda Kilaru & Adrian Kane

"Pre-pandemic, this sexy Wicker Park hang had gotten so hot that Hamilton performers dropped by on the regular for impromptu performances. The cabaret-style Bordel, with its secret entrance, lush red booths, and enticing dance music, is still quite tempting with a variety of acts that are mostly Spanish influenced. Flamenco dancers, burlesque performers, and bands are the main attraction. Just be prepared for showtime to happen at any time. The food menu is provided by the downstairs Mama Delia marketplace and café. There are a variety of conservas and imported hams from Spain for noshing." - Audarshia Townsend