Late Bar

Update, Feb 2025: Came back after about a year. Service was great this time. I will be back soon and hopefully a bit more regularly if the service remains friendly. I was underwhelmed by the drinks. The pours are very by the books, which is fine and easy to track intake, but they are poured very tall, which is also great for hydration, but not so great for a flavorful drink. The soda did taste like a proper club soda: notably salty, which was unexpected and maybe also good for hydration! but did make for a bit of a chalky experience. March 2024: The bartenders are so so so so rude. A shame because otherwise it seems great! I will be extremely hesitant to come back.

I wanted enjoy this place, the music is what it is, you know what what you are walking into. Honestly the biggest issue is with the staff, bartenders move slow and seem uninterested in helping, while the other one was just there to hang and not taking orders. I could get past all that but there was another staff member who was just bussing, I tried to close out, they said they are not a bartender, I got that but I was trying to get the bartenders attention, and they started screaming I’m not a bartender and assaulted me, by grabbing my wrist and slamming it down on the table, then security came And I explained the situation they seemed reasonable and understood but also didn’t know what to say on account of the staff member. I don’t know any place that would allow there staff to touch customers, there is a huge difference between jesters and assault, I would say be careful when going in, they allow there employees who are not security to lay there hands on anyone freely. Also the drinks use very little alcohol it seems. And people get will flash you in the bathroom not the bars fault but something to be aware of.

Rude staff and management/owner. Got a bad drink, got charge 18$ for martini, even tho the round before was 22$ for two martinis, I do not mind paying, I just think prices should be consisten, at least for the same day/hour of service. I hate going out to places when bartender giving you a favor by making you a drink, what is happening to hospitality. Keep your customer happy and they will be back, guess what, not here.

literally there are 2 door staff and they do not communicate. my ID was checked by one and then another one was yelling at me that I was “trying to pull a fast one” — sir, I am 33 years old. I am not trying to “pull a fast one” on anyone. the staff here are disorganized and incredibly rude. go somewhere else

An awesome place to dance to ‘80s new wave music! Great drinks too!!

Don’t really drink, but great place to dance. I love the energy on Saturdays.

The atmosphere is great, the dance floor is aces on Saturdays (deep cuts and great energy), but they have some serious ironing to do when it comes to the bartenders and my review is weighted to reflect that. As others have said, their bedside manners aren’t the greatest; I would agree with the assessment of other reviewers who have labeled them “rude.” It’s a new crew, and a new owner also I believe, and the entire enterprise deserves some time to handle their wrinkles (depending on what vibe they’re going for, I guess). There are two primary categories of service attitudes: welcoming and connective, and ‘I don’t enjoy my job/people and I want this night to be over’ and they’re definitely nailing the latter and it makes me more inclined to just pregame elsewhere. Also, there used to be no cover, and now it’s $10 between 10 and 2 and that’s a lot for what you get. A happy medium of $5 all night would way more chill.

Racist towards my partner. Very unwelcoming vibe and shitty music

I've really enjoyed this place for their Saturday nights. Super cool group of people and traditional "goth night" dj set. No one bothers me. Everyone is just dancing and living their best life on the dance floor. Great sets by the DJs. All the classics and deep cuts your little heart can stand. $10 after 10pm. Well worth it. Use the link on the screens to request songs and always tip your bartenders and DJs.

I attended the 70's themed event. Lots of obscure, really old-school tunes. I'd have preferred the more well-known tunes of the 70's disco era. The event was free entry. On a Thursday night, there is lots of free street parking. Wasn't crowded so, lots of room to twirl around. Drinks are decently priced. On the wall hangs the co-founders picture. Sadly, like NEO, Dave is a thing of a bye gone era. I love the Saturday new wave event, but recently, I see that there's a dark wave by Philly and the beloved by me, new wave by Jeff alternate Saturdays thing going on. I'd much prefer them combining an hour on and an hour off alternative so, I don't have to think too hard, which Saturday do I want to attend. LATE BAR... just a suggestion.

Drinks reasonably priced, would go back just for that. Kind of odd crowd but ended up okay.

Passed this bar handful of times over last 4 years. Checked it out about a month ago. The purple light was enticing. Was taken aback by $7 cover charge and had no idea it had a goth theme. Cocktail list is decent and found a beer I like. Didn't care much form the music the old movie they were showing was interesting.

Dance! Dance! *drink* Dance! Hadn't been here in years. There's a cover charge now, but it's worth it. DJ's are awesome, rest of staff not so much.

Easily most unwelcoming, small, and dingy clubs in the city if not the world. I love it. Weird late 20th century music is the specialty. The crowd is comprised of literally anyone. I have never seen a more consistently diverse crowd in a dance club. Chubby 40 somethings in cargo shorts seen shimmying alongside Uber goth girls is normal. All ages and all kinds are equally unwelcome here.

I love this place! Perfect for going out with friends on the weekend. You can dance and enjoy good drinks. Bartenders are professional. But the biggest advantage of this place is that you can feel safe here. I highly recommend!

I used to go here alot a few years ago and the staff was great. Tonight they kinda sucked to be honest. I got a couple drinks, and closed my tab and gave this guy a 35% tip. I decided to stay and came back for another drink. I was told I should have kept the tab open because "it was busy". Kind of reasonable okay, fine, but this guy who spoke to me said it with a crazy bad condescending attitude. Like hello? I just paid $20 to get into your club and geez sorry I got a couple drinks AND tipped you 35%. Am I a horrible person for not keeping my tab open? Seriously fuck you. I love this place but please for God sakes get some better bartenders. What the fuck?! What happened to this place?

Loved going here for the music, drinks and people. RIH Dave Roberts

The very best balance of cozy and dive if you're looking for a dance/goth/alternative space with expertly-curated music, fine selection of beverages (even fancy sodas, for those who don't drink!), eagle-eyed security, and lifelong scene patrons who know how to act. The fact that pretty much all of the 1-stars here are from entitled whiners who had issues with security or didn't like the music tells you all you need to know if you're a well-behaved adult looking for a grown-up space to safely be yourself. The staff takes security very seriously, which is absolutely vital in a club of their size that keeps the hours they do in a majority residential neighborhood. It's possible they're overly cautious sometimes, but I'd rather somewhere cared too much about safety than too little. Compared to most "underground" spots, they're downright immaculate. I adored Neo, but LB feels like dancing in someone's living room by comparison. But don't let the classed up decor fool you--the staff are nightlife industry veterans who have been over your sh*t for decades. Had a bad experience? I guarantee you were probably the wrong one.

Great music. Laidback people. Nice bartenders. Great place for celebrating your birthday.

I was so excited to go back to this spot. I had a shot with Dj Dave from the old neo. I started dancing and there was a woman dancing next to me so I grabbed her hand and tried to dance with her but she walked away, I kept dancing. I went back to the bar to get a drink and the bouncer said I had to leave, because I made unwanted contact with a person. I said I would apologize but he said I couldn't. I got kicked out. I've been going to this place for years I never had any problems. I believe this is the last time I will be there. I there.

Late bar is a nice change of pace for a nightclub/lounge and it isn't along the super busy bar highway on Milwaukee Ave. the lounge plays primarily retro alternative/new-wave music with a VJ spinning the tunes on the decks and the tv screens. The crowd is a mix of goth, punk-rockers, and everything under the sun. This is the kind of place where you can go dance with a group, or pop in and cut up the rug all by yourself. The crowd is not judgmental at all, and probably won't care if you have on $1,000 stilettos or $10 Goodwill Doc Martens. So, if you want a comfortable vibe and wanna hear some killer tunes, pop in here.

Got your bars and got your community. The late bar is a safe haven for your new wavers, goth inclined, and punks. The walls are lined with solid promo on up and coming events from the next themed nights to the occasional band promo. The drinks are inexpensive and with the hours of this bar you can go on dancing or talking to folks till the wee hours of the morning. Ive come a handful of times and I enjoy my time here each time. I love the layout with tables and seats closer to the entrance and an open dance floor at the end. Given the taste in music and style, there is definitely no judgement when you come here. The music is usually accompanied with music videos being projected on the big screen. The floor is covered with folks dancing to their own rhythm. And a great feature is the DJ has an open call clipboard in case you want to add a suggestion. Truly a gem in Chicago. P.s. Shoutout to the team for holding onto my duffel bag when I forgot it a few weekends ago. Can't thank you all enough.

Honestly, I'll keep going to this place ONLY for the music but they have TERRIBLE customer service. The staff here is extremely ignorant and egotistical. I recently visited this place and was having alot of fun, then they announced last call. So I reached out to the DJ for a request and as soon as I got her attention she shook her head. I noticed in the corner of my eye immediately a clipboard being pulled up the window. Apparently, the clipboard was for requests but she wasn't havin it ya'll. Did I mention they are CASH ONLY?

First time I come and good service even though I am Mexican good service from the bartenders I look forward to good service for the next time I come

I went to Late Bar for a birthday party on a Saturday night. One important thing to note is that there is a cover charge--it was $5 when we went there, I don't know if it changes depending on the night. This is a hidden gem of a bar. The back area has video projectors playing music videos. I think it was all 80s/90s when we were there, and again, I don't know if that changes. It's a decent size space for dancing and belting out the songs at the top of your lungs. (This is my normal singing voice style). The one challenge was that we were a pretty big group, and there aren't really bigger areas to sit down together. It wasn't a big deal because we weren't really there to be sitting. The vibe in the bar/club felt very welcoming. It's also a place that felt like you could come in your sweatpants or in a "night out" outfit and would be equally comfortable either way. Drinks were very reasonably priced. There is street parking available along Belmont. It's also very close to the highway if you're coming from the burbs. It's really a unique spot in the city and I would definitely go back for fun and dancing.

On Friday night, March 25, 2022, a Hispanic couple was enjoying a date night. They were drinking and the bartender became very unprofessional because his tips were not being met for every time, he poured their drinks. The guy was paying cash after every pour. Why would you demand a tip after each pour? The bartender stated he was looking for tips and ask them to leave (get the fuck out) Usually, you tip when you're ready to leave at any establishment. I have no clue as to whether the bartender is a co-owner or just a bartender. First time there but I would never return. This is why you should stay professional; you never know who's watching.

I have now been here a few times for the 80s music/videos which is very good. On many of these 80 theme nights the bar raises money for pediatric brain cancer, which is an issue close to my heart. Unfortunately, I have seen the scourge of this disease first hand after losing a nephew to it. So, according to me, anyone that helps in the battle against this terrible affliction gets a perfect grade. Also, a child of one of the DJs is currently battling brain cancer. So if you can, then I strongly encourage you to support this establishment with your patronage to help in this ongoing battle against cancer. On fund raising nights donations can be made to the DJ or the bartenders. Have a beer or a cocktail and relax knowing that you are making a difference, or simply let loose and dance to 80s music (kinda like I did). Please remember to donate.

every negative review here is ignorant. no they can't let you in without id or with suspect id- that's on you. no they can't let people in that are already overserved- illinois law. no they don't take song requests at last call- they are about to fucking close. 'last call' get it? it means 'about to close'. gosh drinks cost money? THERE'S A COVER?? (the horror). security SHOULD take their job seriously- they are 'security'- that's what that means. do you people hear yourselves? are you all fucking 4 years old? do you have any self awareness at all? grow up.

Racist establishment. We were here to celebrate a birthday party and someone from my group was told that they had their limit when this was our first stop of the night. The bouncer would not let me friend in simply by her appearance. I spoke with the manger and he was just as rude as the bouncer. They wouldn't even explain why they thought my friend had her limit. I will NEVER go there or recommend this place again.

the music was cool on a Saturday nite. The dance floor small, dirty bathrooms. The "security" guard takes his job too seriously. If your visiting Chicago avoid this place and find somewhere else to spend your money.

My son and a few friends have been begging me to go to late bar to discover the fun of eighties night on Saturdays So tonight my son drive us there , just him And myself. He has been frequenting this venue on more than several occasions and couldn't wait to introduce me to what Late Bar is all about . He felt I would love and adore and embrace the atmosphere and people. BUT Upon trying to enter , I was carded , which for a woman of 54 is always a compliment. I did not however have my illinois license since it was stolen , did had a temporary but Not with me cause it was paper and I was not driving ... but I did possess an older Wisconsin ID showing my picture AND AGE !! I'm born and bred here in this city , was with my son who wanted to show me what a great place this was, and I was denied entrance for not having a current ID?! I'm older and a Chicagoan and was with my kid for f*cks sake !! I couldn't believe it. I was dressed nice too , coming off of my work day on Michigan ave. I just was floored this person wouldn't let me in. We have several friends who go to Late Bar and now this venue is off the market for us. Thx for nothing. What a dick he was. Absolute dick. Ruined my evening with my son. Unforgivable I'll tell everyone to stay away now. Horrible experience. Long drive too. For nothing

Late Bar is pretty cool. I went Friday night and the DJ was doing music video pairings with songs. Not sure if that's their normal thing or not. I really liked both the lady DJ and lady bartender. They were cool chicks. Important to note, they do not have any Tupac songs - however they have tons of The Beatles, Guns n Roses, Queen...well pretty much everything I requested aside from my man 2 Pac. I probably annoyed the poor DJ with my constant running up, jumping on the stair and trying to hand her the song request all cutesey like so she'd be more apt to play it. Drinks are super cheap and overall Late Bar is super chill. We went around midnight and there were only a couple other patrons so not that poppin'. Word on my street is the party kicks off a bit later here though. Cash only! ATM right inside though. Clean bathrooms ftw.

This bar reminds me of SF bars and m Race the bartender know here stuff. The horchata martini was a little sweet for my taste but she made me the most amazing vodka club soda with passion fruit, I loved it! Fully carbonated. Great music, cook decor and parking (I dad a dd by the way;) will be back

I gave 5 stars for the most illogical name . Place named "Late bar" is closed on Sunday at 7pm

This place blows. I started coming here a few years ago after Neo closed. Definitely enjoy the music on Saturday nights and the crowd is cool but like some other reviewers have mentioned, the staff is terrible. The door guys, the bartenders, the DJs. It's just not enjoyable anymore. I mean, it never was but now I don't think it's worth going at all. Literally the only good thing about this place is the music they play and that is it.

We were expecting a fun 80s dive bar and night club, but when we arrived we were asked to pay a 7 dollar cover and then again for drinks. Not only that, but WARNING THEY ONLY PLAY 80s GOTH AND ROCK, we requested tons of 80s pop and dance at their "clipboard" at the bar, and NONE of requests were honored/played because they were not in the goth genre. They played one Pet shop boys song and depache mode song that we requested and the dance floor was packed. So if you want to listen to some 80s Madonna or Depache Mode, head to Boystown or an Asian Kareoke bar as you're more likely to hear 80s pop instead. If this bar were smart they would hire my partner to play 80s music- the dance floor was packed when they played his choices- after they played the DJ's choices the place was empty.

Lisa "the manager" . Who seemed to be mad that we called her out on overcharging us drinks by DOUBLE the price.... And having to give us back half what we paid! LOL. Decided that later in the night I was "staggering" and "overserved". Even though I'd had less than 3 drinks as a fully responsible adult. VERY CONVENIENT LISA. You bitter rat. Lol, such vitriol from a bitter snake of a human being.

WOW! What an opening night ! There was a line out the door to get a taste of the new music and dance sensation to hit the Avondale/Portage Park neighborhood. The vibe is old-school new wave meets modern day cocktail lounge all wrapped up in a neighborhood bar. Think black, purple and painted white mannequins...and the music...ahhhhhhhh...the music...The triumphant return of "Planet Earth", DJ Dave Roberts' musical symphony of classic new wave club classics...throw in some eclectic art, a vintage draft beer tap system, far out video, an "Electric Dream" cocktail and a blast- from- the- past doorman. Voila! It's La La La Late Bar....and it's open La La La LATE....(til 4AM, 5AM Saturday) You've done this new wave fan and Duran Duran proud! Welcome!

5 stars for DJ Peroxide, whom saved my boy Oscar's BDAY nite! We came in sad and in despair after most of our party was broken up by the ballistic bouncing at Neo, which was a regular Thursday hangout for us. I'm sure people are familiar with the bouncers and their awesome judgement calls there. DJ Peroxide did not bat a lash to change up the regular Bittersweet playlist, and literally played anything and almost everything nuwave our group requested. The bartender got us all drunk with tons of shots to the bday boy. I think I might have been annoying everyone because I kept trying to be friends with drinkers at the bar and I remember making paper airplane notes that said "DJ Peroxide, you are SO COOL!" and throwing them up at the DJ booth. We danced our hearts out and had a great night. I wish this place had a more convenient location, I live a few blocks from Neo which sucks. Also according to some of the reviews I just read, the Saturday night DJ god Dave still doesn't play a lot of dance friendly songs, but thanks to this one night I'll stop by a few more times to give them more chances to win my heart. Maybe I can convince Oscar to ditch that b!tch Neo and come here instead. I'll need YOUR help, DJ DAVE!

GREAT! Wild, fun dancing for SOUL TRAIN nights. It's got the requisite array of booze. It's DARK, which is good. The bathrooms are clean, and the drinks are reasonably priced. What more do you need in a bar? Go.

If you're not into 80s, goth, new wave, or punk than this place won't be your bag so don't bother. This is a place for misfits regardless of age or gender, and I'm awarding it four stars on the basis that it's important places like these remain open. I never knew I could enjoy a "dance club" because I thought they all played raunchy hip hop or awful EDM/dubstep, but Late Bar feels like an (ironically) refreshing blast from the past. In terms of the crowd, there's no judgement here, so no reason to feel self-conscious at all; dance however you want, as long as you're into it! As fun as it is, I only come here a handful of times a year, simply because the music can get redundant fast. I think there are a ton of themes their demographic would appreciate that they've yet to explore. I'm crossing my fingers they'll continue to do Bowie nights, Iggy Pop nights (I've missed out on that one!), and *fingers crossed* create an event for The Cramps. Also, an aside: I came here once the week of Halloween and it was DEAD. This place is no fun when it's empty, so make sure you go during an "event" night. My one complaint (and it isn't minor) is the sub-par cocktails. I don't know if I've continually ordered the wrong drinks, but they taste like bowling-alley quality cocktails, and they're definitely overcharging. That issue alone typically doesn't keep me here very long, which is a bummer. On the drink front, they need to get with the times and update their quality.

Shoutout to the dickweed bouncer on a power trip on Aug 3rd. My friends and I were all sober and looking to check out a couple local bars. He decided two of our friends were too drunk to enter because one of them tripped on the damn sidewalk???? Get a new job, ya useless pig.

I enjoy this place immensely. Even with its location off the Belmont Blueline (kinda hard to get to from the South side of Chicago) its still worth the trip and still five star worth. You will see lots of familiar faces if you come here often enough. The place can be dead kinda early but on Friday and Saturday from 8 to 10 there is Happy hour for $1 PBRs and $3 well drinks thats often enough for me to come out early. This is my go-to spot to hold my birthday parties. Good drinks, nice crowd/staff. Nothing but good memories. Great for dancing, if you wanna cut loose with no judgement. Let's keep this place around and keep the community strong. Its getting harder and harder to find places like this in Chicago. still love it tho, but the mens bathroom is hell cramped and no stall door (one toilet, no urinal). might need a friend to post up as the door as has no lock if you need to deuce it up. lolz.

I honestly loved this bar until I had a terrible issue with the bouncer. Used to go all the time and had always been treated great by staff. I wasn't drunk, completely sober and the bouncer wouldn't let me in and didn't give me a reason. I was meeting friends there and he wouldn't even let me in to tell them I was going home. Needless to say, I will never be going back to what was my favorite bar after this.

This place has potential but the crowds they draw are terrible. They need to change the music and themes

Wife and I enjoy coming here on Saturday nights. New wave nights are her favorite, so I take her out dancing. Good beer selection, and I like the set up of the place. Sometimes it gets really packed, and have to wait outside for a while; which is a knock against them, but it's pretty packed for a reason, and I know their business is booming at the time. Time of waiting on a drink isnt too bad actually. Even on a busy nights. So that's a big plus!

The bar itself isn't bad, but the DJ was absolutely terrible. His set consisted of boring and obscure music that was downright awful. To make matters worse, when I left a review of his awful set on Facebook, he began to accuse me of being a rude patron, something that's laughable seeing as I never even met him that night. The fact that Late Bar would employee someone that sinks into a childish tantrum and straight up lies about patrons when criticized is abhorrent. Also, someone was doing coke in the bathroom, which has no privacy at all; makes me think it's a common occurrence there. Sorry Late Bar, will not be coming back.

I feel weird giving this 4 stars, but it has some things going for it that were surprising. I got here at 1am on a Saturday night (but I'm really too old for this stuff) and was pleased to find a pretty chill location. I did, by the way, have to pay $5 cover. Fine. Again, not fancy, not quiet, and definitely bad for a date. BUT the DJ was spinning pretty awesome 80s music - including deep cuts I hadn't heard in years, (or ever) and the videos that went with them were pretty entertaining. Plus, the bartenders weren't rude!?!!!? REALLY?! Seriously, they could get 5 stars just for that. Plus, I could actually make my way to the bar to order. Unheard of. It is full of folks way past their prime, married with VERY young 20s somethings who haven't even hit their prime yet. And there's a lot of pretty, skinny, goth-y women. But I still didn't feel intimated and had a good few hours and drinks. **Also see Ladybird X.'s review - it's spot on**

Great friendly crowd and they're open extra late! Bonus when you're leaving the bars that close at 2:00, you can stop in here!!

Delilah's, Neo, Holiday Club circa 1992 and Medusa's all get together and decide to Do It while a Bruce Lee movie plays in the background - that offspring is named Late Bar and managed to get the best DNA of the bunch. I mean, what do you expect when two of the city's best DJ's decide to open their own bar? Mods, rockers, scooterists, punks, goths, glam, skins, hooligans hear my decree: Late Bar brings what the other joints lost long ago. It's tucked away in an (my) obscure neighborhood, has a decent drink and beer selection, clean bathrooms, a fantastic sound system, space to boogie down if the mood takes you and is dark enough that you can keep your judgmental stares on the low when the time comes (and it does). Also, if your a/c goes out, pay a visit because it's always freakin' freezing in there.

I only wish there was an option for half of a star. That half of a star reflects the $3 PBR bottles that this establishment sells. So there will probably be a few reviews accounting the details of what happened last night (Friday, February 5). Long story short, my friends and I were asked to leave this sparsely-attended dance club for dancing on the dance floor. You heard right. My friends and I were approached by the two portly (portly descriptor added not for the sake of pettiness, but rather so YOU, the reader, can identify them if you are ever in the unfortunate circumstance of patronizing this misery pit) bar owners and were asked to leave because our dancing was 'obnoxious' to the patrons. Ironically, we were having a great time with the other customers. We entered into an impromptu dance-off with some customers which ended amicably. Upon stepping outside for a cigarette, a few of us chatted with some regulars who praised us for actually using the dance floor on this particular evening, which was noticeably empty (see other reviews). And then in a baffling exercise of what could only be described as power-tripping, we were asked to leave and subsequently told the police were on their way. Of course, we were not threatened by this as last time I checked, dancing on a dance floor was not crime in the city of Chicago. But rather an attack on the club owners' FUN FREE sensibilities. Which raises the obvious concerns as to the soundness of the proprietors' business practices. In essence, they elected to eject paying customers for dancing on the dance floor. Clearly, with management strategies like this, it would be seem Late Bar's days are numbered. If you want to have fun with your friends, the Late Bar may not be a good fit for you. You may have the police called on you. I do have to say, the Late Bar has given me an awesome story to tell at parties. So, to the owners of Late Bar, I offer my most sincere gratitude for my first bar ejection. I will hold my head high and say 'YES, I am a criminal'. My crime? Tripping the light fantastic. Seriously though, this bar can eff off.

I wanted it to be 5 stars but Neo's still got the royal flush to Late Bar's full house, in my opinion. Late Bar's trip aces are that it's ultra chic, clean, and sleek and its pair is that it's made up of beautiful staff that serve nominally priced drinks on the fly... two things that go very well together. When I first walked in (the flop) I was pleasantly surprised to see the hand I was dealt and the many regulars of Thursday night Neo waiting to go all in on the dance floor. At the turn, I saw a quaint little table marked 'reserved' for my friends and I (as it was m'lady KT's B-Day) and it had a bottle of champagne on ice with glasses waiting. At this point, the odds were on Late Bar to take the win. ... then came the river. I'm a sucker for 80's new wave music and though I appreciate the lesser known gems, I like to hear at least a few crowd favorites before the clock strikes midnight. I'll give credit where credit is due. DJ Dave Roberts is the reason I fell in love with Neo... but this visit to late bar also reminded me of the almost elitist vibe we'd get from the DJ booth. With Late Bar's DJ booth set up so high that no requests can come in, I was reminded of back in the day when we'd make requests for New Order's "Temptation" or Soft Cell's "Sex Dwarf" prior to the witching hour and be scolded by the DJ for wanting bigger hits and songs with words prior to Midnight. I mean, how dare we want a few power songs played to make the dance floor to people staring at the dance floor ratio greater than 4 to 70. I appreciate great 80's music just as much as the next guy (probably more) but I don't like feeling like my request for a song is like putting salt on a great chef's dish without even tasting it. I tasted it, so did everyone else, that's why only 5% of this place is dancing. Play us some hits, and don't wait till 2 am to do it. And that's why Neo makes the royal on the river.

Those who know me, know that I have major identity crises. So naturally when I found Late Bar, I was glad that there's finally a place for me and 100s of other people just like me to hang out in huge yet isolated groups. This bar is SO different! What other bar serves PBR on special? What other bar offers specials on drinks? What other bar has B-class DJs spinning all night long? Thank you Late Bar for being so unique in the entire Chicago and maybe in the entire world! *Footnotes* * Bar is cash only. * Music sucks. * Drinks are weak. * Bathrooms are tiny but fairly clean. * Enough street parking. * This place sucks.

Meh, not that impressive. I went a few weeks ago, so maybe things are different, but they don't have a drink menu. Their website boasts a "seasonal menu" of drinks that changes often, so check with them to see what these are. Well, what are they?! You don't have a menu that will tell me. Also, their website claims to have a menu that includes sugar/gluten free drink options as well as local and organic drink options. Where is this menu? The website seriously got me all excited about a huge menu of awesome drinks that didn't exist. The bartender was even surprised when I asked for a menu, as if my question was bizarre. Clearly, the homage to the 80s is also not my scene, so I didn't find this place particularly entertaining. Watching all of the 40 and 50somethings relive the 80s was pretty fun and watching all of the people who wouldn't have even remembered this decade try to pretend like this place meant something to them was also funny, but that's about it. The drinks were made really weak by one bartender and strong by another, so it was totally hit or miss. The bar was super crowded and it wasn't really worth the wait after awhile. Meh, I'm not sure if I'll be back. Get a drink menu that details those seasonal options, please.

I've been itching to get back here, after one brief visit. Music: Excellent. (REALLY want to go in on a Saturday for Planet Earth...one of these weeks...) Staff: Friendly as all get out! One night out elsewhere, I met a doorguy who gave me two complimentary drink coupons! Met the owners, who were quite sweet as well. Drinks: My visit was brief, but the HORCHATA MARTINI still has me talking. If I had more, I'd be slurring...but I digress. It's nice to go somewhere and be welcomed with a specialty drink menu, it's even nicer when it's a "rock'n'roll"-type bar. My regular haunts do not typically offer such concoctions. The night I went, a friend drove, but it's a short walk from the Belmont blue line, which is another bonus. Very much looking forward to a return visit!

Late Bar = Echo & the Bunnymen + The Cure + a guy who looks like Eraserhead. It seriously is trying to have the look of an 80s drama film with the neon purple lighting, and would also have something like Echo and the Bunnymen playing. I'm not at all against being in bars with those who are in their late thirties or early forties, but this place is a group of people that age going back to their life when they were younger listening to bands like the Cure. They've seriously switched back to that sort of look, not necessarily goth, but still dark. To add, while I was waiting for a beer, a guy who really looked like Eraserhead started talking to me. Asked where my friends and I where coming from. When I said a diner (D&L Snack Shop) he replied, "Yeah. You smell like a diner." "Yeah. I was just at one," I said repeating myself like he didn't catch it. He then asked if I liked food. I ran away, didn't even finish my beer and my friends and I went down the street to Alice's.

The big 5 for a place that does a bunch of my favorite things: 1) is dark, yet clean. 2) plays all my favorite new wave, ska, punk and '80's Brit music 3) is run by nightlife veterans whom I adore and respect. 4) has serious drinks at really fair prices 5) ample street parking 6) will gladly confirm my concise knowledge of The Cure, Depeche Mode, English Beat, New Order, Tones on Tail, Ministry, Psychedelic Furs et al. 7) DJ's will actually take requests, and play them! 8) Did I mention how clean it is? 9) All inclusive, very much like the old school Medusa vibe! 10) has a psychic that tells me what I want to hear. My only downsides: 1) too far from my place to party like a rock star 2) can't find my Schott Perfecto 3) I can't find Avec hairspray anymore to get the mighty spikage 4) all my gloves now have fingers in them 5) all my studded pieces have been replaced by (gasp) Tiffany....