Double Door

The new Double Door, in Uptown, is going to be amazing! It's a giant steaming pile of garbage now and I can't get enough of it. I can't wait until the remodeling begins. It's going to be one of the best venues in the country.

it's going to be absolutely awesome.

Pete will have it the pearl of Uptown

Love this place

Came this past Friday for the Eric Roberson concert and I had a great time. Nice and spacious; standing room only, but they have an upstairs area with seating. The bar staff is great and fast. Had a couple of Effen Vodka and cranberry drinks, which crept up on me (made for a nice walk home). I see myself coming here for more shows I will return to the Double Door in May for the Tortured Soul show. Looking forward to it!

This place has a certain energy because of its size: smaller than the Metro, bigger than the Empty Bottle. I've seen so many shows here at a reasonable price: Billy Bragg, Sparklehorse, Lemonheads. And so many local bands I couldn't name them all. Beers are a bit expensive, but cover charge is reasonable for what you get. If you're going to see a local band, go to their website and they'll most certainly have discount tix available. Sound is good almost anywhere in the House. Go upstairs and try to get on the couch that's facing the stage for a more private viewing experience (with small speakers too!). Or head to the newly remodeled downstairs for pool, low lighting, a private booth, extra bathrooms, and a chill vibe!

The Double Door is a rock club. Period. The room is large and spacious with the stage at the far end and accompanied by a good lighting rig and a fantastic sound system. Trust me, the band you are going to see will sound good. The bar is along the wall and is nice and long so that the bartenders can serve you quickly. They have all the standard servings, but I did notice they have a good amount of Chicago-area beers available, which was nice. 312 Wheat tastes pretty good out of a can. There is another smaller bar towards the back near where the merch tables are set too. There is a set of stairs in the middle of the room that take you to a downstairs bar. It's dark, kind of dingy and quite divey. I like it. The staff is great. Everybody I encountered from the bartenders to the door guys were cool, laid back and there because they wanted to be. If you like live music and cold drinks, you're going to love the Double Door.

This review is strickly for Door No. 3 the downstairs private bar. Dimly lit, tall leather backed seating on the outside, very few seats besides so it's never crowded, but also not billed to the whole public, but most know about it. It's maybe not as secret as other bars of this nature, but it's certainly the only one with music, sure Room 13 has a piano on weekends, but to have actual acts come in and play is great. I'm told acoustic sets abound down here and bands will often rent he place for friends and play. I was not a fan of the pool table which gave the place a watering hold sort of vibe. Having music downstairs after shows is great, but too often the crowds can't seem to understand this is more intimate and often get too loud killing the lounge-ish vibe. Service is great and billed to fit the mood. When the crowd is relaxed the bartenders can make the solid drink menu, when idiots spill in post show or even when it's crowded upstairs they treat it like a total overflow bar and have no appreciation for what the bartenders are doing then they lean towards the "beer tender mode". I found it not reaching it's potential and not educating patrons as to what they are doing. Seems to have lost it's vision. Prices are good, it's not too loud. Bathrooms downstairs are nice, the whole vibe is nicer, but it gets muddled out to a wash.

This place will always be one of the great dirty rock clubs in Chicago, and I'll always be a dirty rock girl. There's two types of women that go to rock clubs. Groupies, and the ones you find hanging out behind the sound board (for the best sound) listening to one band or another. Yeah, I'll be the latter (with my friends). But, there's room for everyone here, all of us can be decadent far into the night, which is the way it oughta be. The lower bar is called the Dirt Room, which I LOVE. Let's get dirty! Don't ever close, Double D! LILI K. kicked ASS last night. Watch out for this girl. She's the Next Big Thing. Yeah, she's that good.

Perhaps I'm being generous because I saw my favorite band Minus The Bear there and was a couple cocktails into my evening. But this place was rad! MTB played to a packed house, and they sounded amazing. Not too loud where I had to wear earplugs (though I was in the back), but loud enough where I felt like I was at a rock concert. Ticket clerk was friendly, and the bartender was plenty fast serving everyone. Good times.

Came here for the Red Bull Select hosted Soulja Boy concert. We arrived a little after five o'clock and were a couple dozen deep in line. I thought I was the biggest Soulja Boy fan. We waited for a few hours with the majority underagers in front of us while they sipped beer that was covertly poured into a juice container and took breaks to go smoke weed in a nearby alley. Before the doors opened a staff member of Double Door announced the rules, "No under age drinking, no crowd surfing, and don't be stupid or you will be kicked out. With extreme prejudice!" He proceeded to wristband all who were over twenty one and place black sharpie Xs on those who were not. We filed in orderly through two lines which merged to one where we paid inside. The first 100 admitted were to receive a special event t-shirt which I was certain I would receive. Given the large group of teens ahead of us allowed many of their friends to cut in line, this was at jeopardy. At this point my main focus was to head to the front of the stage. Once inside, I saw the front of the stage and made a b line. How foolish? You wait in line for 2-3 hours only to not be at the front. Whatever. I did not get a shirt, but I did have the best spot for the show. There were two official acts before Dre. Warhol.ss and Bobby Raps. Warhol.ss was energetic and inviting to his fans. Security had a rough time keeping people that were not a part of the act off of the stage. Eventually they gave up and it seemed like everyone was on the stage. Then the crowd surfing. I'm not sure if it was Warhol.ss himself or someone from his group, but the wife and I got a good shellacking from flying limbs as a body made its way back to the stage. This broke the glasses of my wife and gave her a black eye. At that point we were focused on surviving the rest of the concert without bodily injury or harm in order to see what we came for. We made it through the next few acts. King Soulja appeared and it was magnificent. I can easily say this was one of the best nights of my life. The crowd did not seem as interested or as enthused as I was. I didn't care. There was no violence, no extra bodies on the stage, only the people that were supposed to be there. S Beezy had professional security that eyed the crowds every move. Double Door facilitated a pretty good night for the style of concert I like the most.

Neat little music venue/club in the middle of Wicker Park. Line gets long to get in around midnight but it moves fairly fast. Free draft/cocktail w/ check in! But without check in, the drinks are fairly cheap already, compared to neighboring bars. Restroom line for the ladies is soooo freaking long. If you want a cigarette break, just go to the bouncer and they'll mark you for re-entry so you don't have to wait in line again.

I always wanted to come here and when i found out that my cousin Tony's band Verona Red was Headlining-it gave me the perfect excuse. I don't say this often but I'm inlove...High Ceilings! Dark Lighting! All the space in world!! Black and white photo booth! DOWN STAIRS intimate seating, booths, vending machines, and pool tables! L O V E! ps vodka cranberry = $5.50

This popular Wicker Park club survived getting the ax recently. It is a good place to see up-and-coming acts (I saw Res here a few years ago), though huge acts like the Rolling Stones have been known to drop in for surprise sets. It's tight inside with a small balcony level, so good luck on getting a seat.

In case you live under a rock, this is a small concert venue in Wicker Park. If you don't get out to live shows much (c'est moi), you have to realize the joint is going to be whatever vibe the live act and resulting crowd bring to it. So pack a pair of earplugs and have the gall to wear them if you're concerned it's going to be too loud for you. Take a look around and see how many other peeps are wearing them. Seriously, it's not a big deal. And all of a sudden a lot of really crappy bands are tolerable. Plus your friends will appreciate you coming out. Stop hiding at home with your pets and Dostoevsky.

I've been to Double Door for some small local shows, and I've sung here as well at a packed Latin music event. When the crowd is sparse, I like it a lot. Good views, cool vibe, decent sound. Performing here is okay, too. There's actually a lot of green room space downstairs, but it's serious grungy. Like many venues in Chicago, I guess. The stage is a decent size. When it gets crowded, it gets crowded! They let it get so full that you can really only stand in one spot and hold your ground. Sad that they'll be closing though. I hope they move to a nice location.

Colleen goes to a live music venue, first edition. After Puppetry of the Penis (see most recent review) on Friday night...of course it made sense that I would be taken to see Lez Zeppelin (all lesbian cover band, of...you guessed it...Led Zeppelin) at the Double Door on Saturday. Helluva weekend for random entertainment, eh? A few items of interest: 1. I don't go to live shows. Ever. Like, honestly...ever. In my life. 2. I couldn't pick a Led Zeppelin song out if I tried. 3. Both of the above statements put me in dangerous territory with my weekend date. 4. $6.50 for Michelob Ultra bottles? Get out of town, Double Door. For f'in real. I'm here, I need to drink to feel not awkward, and you are cramping my style. I don't like Busch Light, and $3.50 for that is criminal ALL by itself. Hmmmph. 5. I'm not really into music. This precludes me from being a hipster, so I've been told. That, and absence of tattoos. I might get a tattoo, but I'll probably never obsess over music. But, I survived and actually...gasp...kind of liked it? Yes, everything sounded the same to me, and I still don't really know what to do with my hands or my head, or really any part of my body at shows...but it was not lethal. I am still here. I didn't really embarrass myself too much, and I drank $13 worth of Michelob Ultra, which is 2 bottles instead of like...an entire case at a liquor store. :::::bops head:::: See, I can do it.

PSA: Just in case you don't notice the borderline obnoxious signage, this bar is sponsored (in part, anyway) by Hennessy Black. Like free cognac swag? The Double Door's got it. On a 95 degree day, the evening didn't feel much less sweltering once inside the confines of DDN. I get it, the venue is huge - still, might be a solid investment to turn down the AC a notch. What is great, however, is the Yelp check-in offer: One free well cocktail or draft beer! And with a draft list that includes Goose Island Green Line, free never looked so pretty. Thanks, dudes. I always associated rock music with DDN, but on this particular evening, we swayed to the rap jam courtesy of a DJ filling in for a band whose screwed-up flight caused them to miss the bill. No worries, the DJ delivered on rhythmic promises. The venue's feel is definitely grungy, so you can imagine the unexpected mash-up of juxtaposition created when substituting rap for rock. Do you like surprises? Yeah, me too. The bar is large so you'll never feel pressed for personal space and the bartenders mix a mean drink quick. Sure, there's a cover, but at least you can drink in confidence knowing that the talent is getting theirs. DDN is definitely a bright light in the gothic six corner line-up.

The Double Door is essentially that relative you cannot stand but must put up with since there is some tenuous connection that bonds the two of you. For me, being a music fan, there are some bands I like that play gigs at the Double Door. So when a band I like plays at the Double Door I go, even though I know it will be a regrettable experience. The problem with the Double Door is also the thing that is going to force it to close its doors at some point in the near future: it is in the completely gentrified neighborhood of Wicker Park. Now I personally don't care one fig about gentrification or Wicker Park for that matter as I seldom visit the neighborhood. However I have noticed that whenever I have gone to a show there over the past 5 or so years that there are many people at the show who have zero interest in the band and are there primarilly to socialize. The buzz of conversation competes with the band, making it a pretty poor environment for seeing live music. There has been talk that the Double Door will have to move from its prime real estate, making way for a Banana Republic or some other business that can better afford the rent. If the Double Door goes the way of Lounge Ax and disappears I will feel a small tinge of remorse. However if it moves to a neighborhood where the only people who are going to frequent the space are people who want to see the band then I have to say I wish this would have happened around say 1999.

Never judge a venue by the outside, I suppose. Tucked under the Blue Line and sandwiched between the other Wicker Park hot spots, I expected sweaty, cramped quarters...but it's surprisingly quite large and spacious inside. I might like it a lot if not for the following two factors: 1. The layout kind of sucks. The sound controls booth is awkwardly placed in the middle and you can't see anything from behind it. And those obnoxious columns...you can't see anything from behind those, either. 2. I know drinks are typically more expensive at "events", but the place looks like a dive, so naturally, I expect dive bar beer prices...of which a $5 PBR is NOT.

Hadn't been to the DD for a long time until Chairlift last night. Was very impressed not just by the sound and lighting of the show, but particularly by the efforts they made to make sure a handicapped individual was able to get to a spot in the crowd of this particular show so that he could see it. I'm not sure many venues would go to that extra effort. My beer was pretty cheap and the door folks were friendly. Please don't get kicked out to become a Shake Shack. Double Door is one of few remaining institutions of the old Wicker Park. Without places like this, what is a neighborhood worth living in?

I can understand the complaints but the DD and I have a lot of history. What Studio 54 was to people in the late 70 to mid 80's, Double Door was the place to hang in the mid to late 90's. It was Chicago's almost version of CBGB (obviously "almost" is really stretching it). DD has hosted a great range of music from local and international known bands. Even one of my all time favorite movies High Fidelity was partly shot here. Yes, being only a couple years older then having my first drivers license I was still able to get in but I was also able to grow a beard early in high school (plus my half-brother always got me in). Chicago wasn't as strict yet and for me it wasn't about the drinking anyways. But like all things, it faded and new venues became just as special. I recently made my return and was thrilled to visit her. Nothing has changed, still has the dark lounge bar in the basement (like a vampire's coven) with the crooked pool tables, packed bar upstairs and concert floor, and the crowd is diverse as ever. The only thing that's change is I'm just older and with that I am now the one on the outskirts instead of packed in the middle of the crowd. I now notice how bad the sound is (mostly due to a poor sound guy), and how certain areas just smell really bad. But I will say that The French Kicks show rocked and I am sure I will be going back but maybe just not as often as I use to.

It's a real shame that is place will be no more after October. Last night was the first time that I've actually been inside this bar after passing it by countless times, and I must say that I really admired the interior structure of this building. LOADS of space to chill, drink, and listen to music and the sound guys do an amazing job on making the live acts really come out to life. Drinks are a little pricey, but hey, it's worth it for a fun experience and get a chance to watch some prime live gigs. Here's to you, Double Doors. See you on the other side.

This past Friday my boyfriend surprised me with tickets to see Helmet! I was so excited because they are one of my musical influences, but I never had a chance to see them live, until now, at The Double Door! Also, as an added bonus, the very awesome and local band, Admiral of Black, opened up and were what I would consider to be thrash worthy! I hadn't had a personal thrashing experience in some time, so I can't wait to go out and support their shows as well. Helmet was amazing! They sounded even better live than on their recordings. At the end they played 'Tic' which is one of my favorite songs off their album 'Betty' and the mosh pit was crazy! I was on the edge and it was intense even there! All in all, a fantastic show and I can't wait until they come back, as I would go and see them again!

One of my favorite Chicago memories was seeing one of my favorite bands at the Double Door. Waiting in line to buy merch, the lead singer is having conversations with every person. While I am third in line, he notices me, waves, "Hi Peggah!" His level of excitement matched my level of surprise. We were able to talk sincerely with the band and opening band without being rushed out after the show. I was able to convince the singer to take pictures with me in the photo booth. Such a wonderful night. I cannot imagine recreating a better night at this venue or even in Chicago. Our elation with the experience fueled us for our 5 hour drive back to Michigan.

What makes a kickass dance party? The answer, while complex and intricate, comes down to one simple ingredient: the music. When the music is juicy and bodacious and irresistible, then you can't help but give in and let your freak flag fly. And this, dear readers, is a good thing. Launched in January of 2010, the Soul Summit Dance Party is a new monthly event that spans "the specturm of early, raw r&b, funk &soul." Six DJs take turns spinning mini-sets, so the range of sounds are varied and unpredictable, keeping the vibe fresh and fun. Surprsingly, the Double Door makes for an awesome dance club, what with a sweet sound system, high ceilings, and large dance floor. Exuberant and energetic, the crowd represented a darling mix of fucking hipsters, genre enthusiasts, and dancing machines. Everybody shook their thang and did what they wanted to do, and when a soul version of "Like a Rolling Stone" came on, some sort of jubilant apoplexy was shared by all. A blessed lack of prefab pretense and scenester shenanigans also contributed to this fine, fine evening. Next time I am going to wear comfy shoes and take the next day off - -this Summit is the real deal!

Going to Double Door is always a good experience. I've seen friend's bands play here, which always makes for an exciting night for them when trying to make a name for themselves. I also saw Matt Good perform here, which was amazing. My Canadian friend gave me the info that he'd be playing, and the tickets were only $20 if even that. My only complaint is the lack of seating. The bar prices are typical for a concert venue, and when I went to a show on NYE once they had PBR for $1 and mini champagne for $3. I like it.

I saw IAMX at the Double Door, and he sounded great. However, he also did a four-hour sound check and is a perfectionist, so I don't credit the venue. Like John, I was a bit freaked out by signs that said, "Drink special! $3.50 Bud Light." That's not drink special; that's drink stupid. Anyway, if you're short or don't wanna be bumped, the right side wall has a little platform that can afford you a pretty sweet view of the stage. This isn't my favorite place to see a show, by any stretch, but it does the trick.

I can't believe growing up in Chicago that I had never been to the Double Door before. Last Friday, I saw a fav of mine (Bob Schnieder) and he played a pretty killer show. Literally every song I wanted to hear was on his set list including a cover of Biz Marquees "You Say He's Just a Friend". The crowed was engaged most of the time and sand along to all of the popular tunes. The show itself was an excellent experience but that is more of a reflection on the artist than the venue. As far as the DD it was pretty good but it didn't knock my socks off. There was often times some unnecessary feedback which sounded like nails on a chalkboard. It's hard to get full enjoyment out of "Deep Blue Sea" with a shrill eeeeeeeeeeeeeek several times during the song. The place is pretty intimate though. I was in the very back of the crowd yelling for my favorite song "Ass Knockin" and I'm pretty sure he heard me because he played it right after. The service was friendly, the beer selection was pretty extensive, and the prices were affordable which also added pluses to the experience. Overall, the place is pretty good to see a show. I'd go back.

Had an awesome time... it was warm out and they had the A/C on which was badass. Great drinks, nice bartenders, not too pricey for being in Chicago. Saw Flying Lotus here on 4/2 it was SICK! Their system is LOUD AS F*CK! Sat on a subwoofer for half the show. Will come back if some more sweet electronic musicians play there.

Double Double Door Door. Freaking, freaking awesome. For some reason the PBR tastes better here. Maybe it's the music? Watching shows here reminds me of when I use to go watch shows in high school. . .except I can drink. . .or at least drink legally. I hope you like PBR. Other beers are kind of pricey. I had a fatty Fat Tire and it was $8. Yowser! They're only $3.99 at the liquor store. I have seen Phix here twice. They totally rock out. Last night was their last show in Chicago. Boooo (double thumbs are shaking down). Never fear, I will be back to Double Door soon for more musical fun times.

Well, I'm glad it didn't become a Banana Republic but here's the experience from the last show I saw there: Hot, not Aragon hot but way too hot for anyone who isn't 16 at their first basement punk show. The drinks are expensive and warm, unless of course you get a mixed drink with ice but then about the only thing you do get is ice. The beer selection leaves a lot to be desired. The Guinness is in the can and the Bass is in the bottle, just the opposite of my personal tastes. I can take expensive drinks if they are cold and there's a good selection and it keeps the venue from becoming a Starbucks or sports bar like Lounge Ax. Like most clubs in Chicago, all you hear is the vocals and the deep bass of the kick drum and bass guitar. You can almost never hear the guitars, especially when they are acoustic. That being said, the staff is suprisingly cool and attentive so it's kind of the anti-Hopleaf in that regards. I'm also glad they don't try to cram in 3-4 bands on weeknight shows, at least not the last few times I have been there. I agree with a lot of the other reviewers that this place seems to have just become another drinking destination where the people have no interest in the bands who are playing. I guess all those new Bucktown condo owners haven't established their own watering holes yet and so you are going to get the occasional backwards Cubs hat guy with cargo shorts and sandals along with their blond wives with shiny shirts and cell phones. I also heard a rumor that if you live in the building you can go to the shows for free. That's a nice touch.

Great venue. My first favorite place in the City of Chicago to see a show, followed by House of Blues. Yes, drinks are expensive here but hey I go here to see shows, not to drink! I have noticed over the years the crowd is tending to start to get a little weird. It used to be people who you knew were in there because they loved the band, now it seems that a bunch of people just come in to hang out in the back and drink and have no clue who is playing on stage. A lot of acts before they become well known play here...I have seen Travis here and The Twilight Singers. Other more well known acts are sometimes known to do a warm up gig here under another name on an off night every once in a blue moon. I'm not sure how much longer this place is going to be around since the suckification of Wicker Park. Better enjoy it while its still there... I can't help but to think its days are numbered.

Great for hearing up and coming bands. Yes, it's a bit on the dirty side and when all is said and done, it really is just a big room w/ a so-so bar and a few barstools; but with that comes the low cost of hearing some great live music. Great location that is easily accessible.

Alright. Yes, the Double Door is drowning in history. But I'm pretty sure it's also drowning in sewage, or something obscenely stinky. Either way, this is a great venue that everyone must go to at some point, at least once. It reminds me of Mississippi Nights (STL represent) back in the day, without all the smoke. Just be prepared to either A) smell farts all night, B) smell sweat all night, or C) smell sewage all night, because all of these smells are just mixing together in a big cloud of grossness that will smack you in the face every once in a while. Aside from the olfactory freakshow, the sound system is pretty decent here when up close, your ears don't get terribly blown out if you're near the front of the stage, which is always nice. When standing farther back though, near the entrance, it is kinda hard to hear IMO. I'm a shorty when it comes to concert-going (Literally, I always end up behind the dude that is 6'7"), so sometimes it can be hard to see as the floor is 100% flat, and beers are far too expensive. Also, $3/coat coatcheck on the main floor. However, great bands + small setting + affordable tickets = happy Karen.

Double Door's claim to fame is that they hosted a secret Rolling Stones show... like, 15 years ago. Since then... well. It's a cool spot, actually, but there's not many shows I have any interest in seeing here. They do book a lot of local talent, which is to be commended, but I can't with good conscience give this place anymore that than my certified "meh" rating. I saw Office and Mannequin Men play here once and it was fucking fabulous. I've also seen a few free-as-long-as-you're-willing-to-be-inundated-with-Camel-ad shows here. (BTW... I'll take your cig's, but I'll never buy 'em). Namely a kick-ass Phoenix set when it was, no hyperbole, well over 100 degrees in the place. I've also seen some terrible shows here. Ter-i-ble. They don't sell Miller products, and the "deals" here are anything but compared to elsewhere in the city. They classed-up the basement part of this place, but, when I went a few weeks ago, it was clogged with what looked like babyboomer-in-denial types. The whole place is unexpectedly chotchy, which, I guess, sums up most of Wicker/Bucktown right now anyway. Oh. Sidenote (looking at the other reviews.) This is not a "hipster" spot. Oh, wait, it IS a hipster spot if you're the type to call yourself a hipster. Which, if you read up on the topic, you would know that a self-respecting hipster would never do. Irony, paradoxically, is a hipster characteristic. (If you're tallying, right now we're at Irony in the third degree.)

I paid extra for premium tickets (which were double the regular price) so I could be seated in the reserved area behind the bar & wouldn't have to stand all night. The seating in the premium area was great; however, no one would serve us drinks! The snotty bartender in the grey shirt said that it wasn't her responsibility, that there was a waitress who would take our drink orders. However, there wasn't a single waitress to be seen all night. The other thing that distrubed me was that a man in a fedora kept walking behind the bar, sneezing everywhere, and blowing his nose on the cocktail napkins! He did not look or act like an employee, but he must have belonged there, because the other bartenders just walked around him. When I saw this, I lost my desire to have any drinks made at the bar. In summary: this is a fun venue for shows, but the staff behind the bar really needs to figure out how to run things a little better. Some kind of drink service would be nice for the people who paid double to sit in the premium seating area.

Double Door is great for when you don't have any solid plans for the evening but you want to see a great show. I've only been a few times but every time the music has been great. Their latin dance night was AMAZING! Although after all of that dancing, I was practically drenched with sweat along with everyone else. I can't speak much for the drink options as I'm usually just there to dance or hear a new act. But it's a great venue, the crowd is always diverse and there for the music.

Spontaneous Wednesday night show, why not? No problem, I'll meet you at a bar close by for a couple beers beforehand. A seemingly harmless night turned a bit hazey towards the end. That's besides the point. A worn-in venue with a lot of room to get a good view of the show. Craft beers on tap and anything else you could think of. A waitress catering to the floor with a flashlight to get your attention. Nice touch, it worked for me. Get there early and snag a seat at the bar for the best spot. We had a spot towards the back to mull around but with a decent view. Went to see the founding member of the Black Crowes, Rich Robinson. They jammed out and was well worth the $20 cover for the entertainment. Bathroom was pretty beat to hell but when you drink, piss and repeat that's going to happen. Towards the end is where the haze set in...and around 11:30 it was time to hop a cab. If a band piques your interest, and are at the Double Door, get yourself there and enjoy.

I fucking hate this place and wouldn't even go there if the Ramones rose from the dead and scheduled a show at the venue. I think they'd pick somewhere else to play though. For full details on why this is the shittiest rock club in America see my review of 2008's Riotfest here: http://www.racketmag.com/?p=572 I'd like to think my experience had something to do with the venue getting locked out of this year's fest, but it was listed as one of the participating venues for a while so I can't say that with any certainty, although one of the organizers sympathized with my complaints. The worst staff, the worst thug bouncers, the worst treatment of patrons I've ever witnessed. The worst rock venue I've ever been to in my entire life and I frequent this shithole: http://www.myspace.com/bernies so that's saying something.

I would give this place a few more stars for the vibe. It's not a bad place to see a concert. However, I'm currently waiting in line for will call tickets (as that's the only option here) to see a show. The doors opened at 9:30, it is now 11:00 pm and I have missed the opening band that I wanted to see. At this rate I will also miss the second band that I really wanted to see. So unless you're only looking to see the headlining band, and even then, I might say skip this place and wait for the next show. Some of the staff are REALLY unnecessarily rude too. Also, to the security guard who "can f**king read" the name on drivers licenses, no you can't. I know how to spell my boyfriend's last name. It's two T's not F's.

Who doesn't love Double D's... Doubledoor has really turned into the place for me to be this past year or so. My first time here was for the Soul Summit dance party and I just kept coming back. There are great events thrown here from the monthly Summit to Dre Day to live shows. You can generally get a view of the stage from everywhere and the chill out area upstairs is always nice. The bar and staff are usually pretty cool. Fully loaded bar with great deals especially the Audum Live if you're hip to it. They do have servers that walk around too so take advantage if you are waited on. Aside from live shows its rare that I pay a cover for events like the Summit. That alone is what's up. Spacious enough to get your dance on and venue size is right to see your favorite artist. I come here on the reg for a reason. And don't fool with the Long Island unless its the weekend or you're going into work late. Another thing that came up in conversation was the fact that a lot of top quality artists have been coming here lately. It used to mostly be local or rock/alternative but given that I'm a hiphop head I have been pleasantly surprised at the venue schedule. Double D's is good in my book!

the best live music venue in wicker park ... i miss this joint. i wanna hear a jam session.

Double Door is a great little concert venue that reminds me of the places I'd go to see shows back in college. It's dark, it's a little dirty, and the women's bathroom has stickers and graffiti about bands rather than phone numbers and slander. Stacey A. and I went to see our friend Jess Sonner perform, and the acoustics were amazing. I'm not sure how much business the bar gets - the drinks are a bit pricey considering it's a dive-y sort of place. Upstairs is all black, and sparsely furnished. But really, who sits down during a concert? Downstairs is black and red, and has cozy little IKEA furniture so you can sit and chill while you wait for the band to come onstage. The bartenders downstairs are also really nice - if you're drunk and doing Three Stooges impressions and knocking over the chairs, they'll just laugh at you instead of getting mad. It's not a huge venue, but that's perfect for a solo act or a small band. I think that if I were in a band, I would be in love with this venue and want to play it all the time. Anyone want to teach me how to play guitar or something?

Whoa! Easy Double Door. What's with the remodeled basement? Leathers couches and red lights? A fancy new bar? What's going on? I thought we knew each other. Actually Double Door, it's time we had a talk. I love going to see shows at your place. You always book excellent bands (Joe Shanahan is a genious!), your drinks are reasonably priced, and you're located right off the Blue Line. What I'm wondering is, where did all these people who don't care about music come from? If the result of you cleaning up your appearance a little means I have to deal with a crowd of disinterested floozies who don't even know there is a show going, let's go back to the days of a bathroom covered with stickers and a little bit of cocaine! Ok, maybe that's a bit drastic. I know you've worked very hard to improve yourself. I'm glad that through all of this you haven't really raised ticket prices. Your staff couldn't be any nicer, and I've got to say, you still have great acoustics. There aren't many better venues to see a band coming into their own. What did you say? Cheating on you? No, no... The Empty Bottle and I are just friends.

This is a really cool and hip bar. I came here for my friend's show for the first time on Saturday. Walked in and there was good music playing with cool visuals on the wall. Also, it's a pretty unique place because there were tons of little vendors everywhere. When I walked in, there was a dessert table. Then I noticed that there was cool art and jewelry being sold. The upstairs had more jewelry being sold, as well as freshly cooked food. The downstairs had a separate, calmer vibe and a pool table. The music is loud enough but not too loud. The drinks were well-priced. The vibe was pretty laid back and awesome. I would def come back here.

Great staff, great booking, terrific sound, unbelievable sight lines. This is my hands-down favorite live music venue in Chicago. And now that I see they're doing more stuff with LDW it may become a great place to go dancing from time to time as well.

Looking for a great low key concert venue? Then look no further - Double door is the place! I just saw Liquid Soul perform last night and danced my arsss off!!! No frills, no re-entry either so once you are in, you are in! This place is intimate but has a spacious dance floor. There is also another bar downstairs with 2 pool tables. If you arrive early to your show, just head downstairs and it's a cozy space. Nice to hang out before the show.

Frank Black Smashing Pumpkins Janes Addiction Liz Phair Liquid Soul - About a thousand times Helen Stellar A million great Chicago bands that have and haven't made it. If you don't like this place. Don't go. It's one of the last great music venues in Chicago. Won't be long before it goes the way of Lounge Ax. Enjoy it while you can. Too Loud????? What are you doing here????

I went to listen to Cathryn Kalder back in december. She was awesome! At the time I was going through excruciating back pain, and I needed to get my medicine from my car. Apparently, going out for a smoke is allowed, but given that my car was right in front of the door, but the "bouncer" didn't see me smoking, i got charged again. That, in my opinion, amounts to stealing. It is the gotcha business model that I hate

So the shows at the Double Door are on point! i have only been twice, however it averaged around $20 per show. Where else could you get to see some quality neo-soul acts for that price! Bilal and Eric Roberson... i missed the Foreign Exchange because it fell on a Sunday. It got hot in there which was nice because i think it was in the single digits when I caught those concerts. Forget the coat check... i held my jacket. but if you live the lavish life... it was i think it was a handful of nickles (1-2 dollars... for you guys not from the south.) The environment was nice. I like the Wicker Park area and everyone was friendly. Yea... even the crowd! Just come early and get you a spot because you won't get a good view if you come in late.

Sometimes the sound sucks and the beer isn't all that cheap, but it's still a great venue for music! Usually you can go here to see a band for under $10. (Recently I saw The Sleepers, The Steepwater Band, and Marc Ford for $10.) This venue is a bit dirty, sometimes a bit edgy and it's an icon in the Chicago music scene. I never have to wait for a drink, there's some pool tables downstairs and their Halloween show is killer every year.

Great place to see Trampled by Turtles, a bizarrely packed house for bluegrass but you couldn't beat the energy. Pretty decent sound all over the bar and it was never piercingly loud which totally gets it an extra star. The whole experience felt a little mainstream music venue with transaction fees and $6 beers but at least there was a large selection of beers to be had.