Subterranean

I saw The Weeks & Thompson Springs here 2025-01-25. It was a great show. The upstairs area allowed for viewing of the stage, while not being crushed by the dancing crowd in the pit. The drinks were fairly priced ($5/ shinerbock tall boy). The 3 bathrooms were sufficient for the crowd, and the coat check was very convenient for the hot sweaty shows in the mid winter.

I was just at the Subterranean this evening and I had to post this review. First let me say the atmosphere is nostalgic and so much more intimate than larger venues. There are a lot of stairs but if stairs aren’t a problem it’s 10/10. But for me they are. But even so the staff was so friendly and helpful and went out of their way to make sure I could still enjoy the show. Never once making me feel uncomfortable for needing accommodations. I go to alot of concerts big and small. And I have been treated poorly at several. But tonight the staff made me feel welcome and that is something I don’t feel often. So I just want to say Thankyou.

So decided to go only because I got a free ticket (as evidenced by the QR code below) Show up and supposedly it’s only the ‘first 50 guests’ who show up with it. My friend who showed up less than 5 minutes before me was allowed to use his. (keep in mind there were already hundreds of people there) Super frustrating and OF course can only be paid with cash, so they get an extra $4 in atm fees off of me because they won’t honor the tickets they sell. Making me pay when expected to get in for free honestly ruined the whole experience for me. Also shady because I could have gotten a ticket for $20 a week before if I knew my ticket wouldn’t be actually free. Place was overcrowded and insanely hot. A girl threw up on my friend at the bar. The ‘security’ inside were pushy and annoying. Coat check was upstairs and had to wait 10+ mins to get your coat or check it. Drink prices were standard and drinks were good, so that was a plus. I had a good time, but can’t recommend due to all of the other factors that honestly made it a whack experience, due to just how it started. DON’T SELL FREE TICKETS THAT AREN’t actually free!!!!!!!!!

On 02/20/2025 I went there for a show starting at 8. The ticket said the doors to the upstairs would open at 7 and that the venue would open at 6:30, but they didn't open their doors until 7:30. I understand bands being late, but how does a bar mange to open an hour after it's supposed to? People there were wanting to get food and drinks before the show and the Subterranean just straight up lost money and people's respect by opening so long after they were supposed to. The pictures really don't portray the place that well. I was expecting a bar with a counter that you can sit at before the show on the second floor starts, like the one it shows on Google when you look the place up, but instead the ground floor was reserved for something else at the time, and while you still could get food, there was nowhere to sit and eat and the show was almost beginning because they opened so late that I chose not to get anything from them. The look of the place and atmosphere are pretty good and I like that you can go to the top floor and look down at the band, but everything felt very cramped and like there was really no good place to stand. It just wasn't what I expected and I wish I had known more about it going in.

just played a show there the other night. great experience. great vibes. can’t wait to be back! I will say watch out for parking and load in though.

Saw a live show in the basement (which is actually the first floor on street level) and it was great. Free water constantly available which is important since it was very hot. The bar was quick and polite. I highly recommend ear protection as the room is incredibly small and the instruments are very close to you so it's louder/ more painful than your average rock show. The basement holds a max of 100 people so it's an intimate experience and you can guarantee you'll get up close to the band.

Very cool, intimate venue. Chandelier adds character to the space. Had a great time!

Not sure what these People advertised but paid For Satin Jackets. Saw another very cool girl playing familiar sounds. But i listened to artist i didn't pay for for 2.5 hours and i got tired. I wanted to see Satin Jackets. Im am Very disappointed... Never coming back to this specific venue again. Waste of time and no transparency of Artists. So now i don't even know the girl DJ i listened to. Get your act together...

SubT (as I like to call it) gets four stars for the following: 1. I have fn memories of going there for live performances and dancing, having a blast. 2. My child, The Queen, has discovered this place on her own and is a regular there. 3. After a number of years absence from the venue, I came back and re-discovered I still could have a good time there, but this time with my family. Many moons have passed since I was last at SubT. I was very pleased that The Queen had discovered it and was actively attending shows there and having a good time. On the night they were going to be doing a 70s Disco DJ set, she got tickets for me and The Doctor to go with her. Walking into the door and going up the stair, my muscle memory kicked in and I went straight up to the third floor to the opposite side to get a table and a good spot near the rail to look over. It was like a homecoming. We had so much fun dancing and grooving to the tunes and watching those bad music videos. I tell everyone that all musicians need to bow in homage to Michael Jackson and Thriller as it raised the bar as to what video should be. Part of the fun was watching people on the second floor dance while watching the videos on the screen. Man it just took me back to Club COD, 950, Tuts, etc. For the Disco night, there was a pretty good mix of age groups and I was happy to see people embracing the vibe and dressing for it. I even got to step with a lovely Asian gentlemen whose wife could not keep up with him. GF was tired and just wanted to sit and drink her wine. And of course I danced and sang with The Doctor, Queen and some wonderful women standing next to us. The Doctor even saw some folks he works with on the other side of te balcony. What I will say about SubT, it is old, it is not up to ADA standards, there is not much in the way of seating and there are no bubbles. The building is so old that there is no elevator and no way to accommodate anyone on crutches or a wheelchair. I am guessing they would have to gut that whole place out to make it ADA ready. I would really like to have seen some splits of something sparkling, but had to settle for a white wine. Because we are tippers, we got excellent service at the bar. The Queen says she always gets great service when she is there as she is our child and likes to tip as well. But if you are looking to have a good time, connection with people who want to groove like you do, then this is your place. Not sure if there is a live event I would want to see, but if there is another DJ set with dancing, I will be back,

This has quite possibly become my favorite music venue in Chicago. It's got this whole art deco vibe, making it a fun mix of classy and funky; there's a balcony circling above the whole first floor so that even in a large crowd you still feel close to the artists; and this place always seems to have the coolest lineups. We went for Priya Ragu, who might actually be god, so you should def check her music out or else: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6iZTyHbQWGzpiWoyI0zz9F?si=RHLPy7fsQBS5tHM2QOru_g. They have tons of beers, a few ciders, but not a ton to make cocktails with. Prices are also pretty comparable to most places in the city; it's going to be around $7 for a drink. Subterranean is also super loud because of the wood paneling, so if you are the type of person who cares about your hearing, this is the kind of place looking like an old person and bringing earplugs night be worth it

Dark, intimate venue with 2 floors that has a older speak-easy-almost charm - I went to a Saturday "Riot! at the Disco: Emo and Pop Punk all night" DJ event and the place was packed and so vibrant - couldn't help getting caught up in everyone's excitement! Staff was really great and very efficient - security was ever present and vigilant just in case, which is great when a lot of drunk people are moshing at each other all night! The drinks are affordable - cans, bottles, drafts what have you - and I can attest that the Long Island I had might've been the strongest and best value I've had in Chicago (without tasting like it - man that bartender hooked me up)! It was super crowded when we went (honestly probably past fire code) but thank goodness for 2nd floor near the railing - I think it was less loud and honestly better to hear up there without the sweaty standing-room only moshing (personally - it was fun to watch but I was glad I wasn't in it). It was a blast! Coat check was full - Be prepared to carry / keep your winter gear on you and also dress lightly - the place was overly warm due to all the people and dancing. I also highly recommend bringing concert-level ear protection - this place is small and gets LOUD! Overall, fun and unique venue.

I surprisingly really enjoyed this venue. It's on the smaller side so it's more intimate. I found street parking about a block away which wasn't too bad. The security at the door checked ids and let us know there was a bar on each floor (3 levels) and the bathrooms were on the 3rd. I will say if you have to use the bathroom gonearly as there are only 2 and the line could get long. I stayed on the 2nd floor where the Broadway Rave was going on. You could see it from the 3rd. You stand along the railing and look down. The bartenders were friendly and they kept the line moving. Prices are for what you expect in Chicago.

Super fun venue and very down to Earth. A great way to check out bands at an affordable price, with different vantage points. They had a variety of drinks as well. Can't wait to see another show next time we're visiting Chicago.

I came to this venue to see Nappi Hour on a Friday night and it was lit! I was actually impressed with how the venue is set up. The drinks weren't outrageously expensive and the security here wasn't rude or anything. I definitely see myself returning to see more performances and events!

I went to Subterranean for their Taylor Swift night in April 2022. Overall, it was a really fun experience in a cool venue. The pros: great venue, fun event, not too crowded even though the event was sold out, free photo background with ring light, fun themed drinks The cons: getting in the door was a nightmare--it's very unclear which lines are for people who have tickets vs need tickets. The bathroom is tiny and pretty dingy.

Came here for some music with school of rock. It is a total hole in the wall type of place. Ordered some draft beer and it did not taste good. Fine place to watch the kids rock out. Not much seating so be prepared to stand and hold your coat. I recommend leaving coat in the car. Bathrooms were pretty dark.

If you go to Subterranean for a show that ends up being sold out it's not worth it unless you don't mind standing in the same spot for hours. I went to see Superdrag 7/25/2024 and I haven't caught a glimpse of the band. If you are a person willing to work your way through a jam packed crowd then you're fine but personally I'd like to get a drink and go to the bathroom once or twice during a show. That's absolutely not possible here. They should only allow 3/4ths of the people they currently have in the venue. If there's a fire, I'm dead.

Several events happening that night as it was the weekend before Halloween. Our event was drowned out by the concert happening downstairs. Also, crowded enough that fire code was a concern.

Went here and had a blast , so much so that I woke up in their basement at 8 in the morning still there, no security came to see if I was down there, no nothing, I wasn't the driver or even driving so why was I locked downstairs I have no idea, I'm still waiting to hear back from management

Came for a concert, super cool venue and super affordable drinks! One star off because we watched the show from the balcony and the sound wasn't great, otherwise we had a great time!

A great place to get nose broke ( my daughter ) or your ankle broken (her boyfriends) and somebody else got beaten pretty good all by the same guy in the mosh pit......no police were called on Sunday night

Bunch of clowns there. Couldn't be more pleased as to what the future holds for these guys. Tip of the hat to you. You did great.

Great place to bring my teen for all ages concerts. She and her friend had a blast and I found a place to sit with another mom.

The people were kind and the artists on stage were lit. Some things I didn't enjoy about it was that it was standing room only. No chairs and the only rails to hold on to were to the stairwell. I don't recommend wearing heels, whatsoever.

I expected more out of Subterranean, I really did. But it was a disappointing venue in a couple aspects. First off, the name is a wild misnomer... The first thing you do after your ID is checked is climb a flight of stairs to "Subterranean". I understand they derived the name from the fact that you can stand on the "balcony" and it seems like you're looking down on the performance but it's a big stretch. Now, I will hand it to them that it is divey enough to feel like an "underground" club but still. Second off, when I did stand up on the balcony area the acoustics are terrible. It is nearly unwatchable from up there so I'd suggest sticking to the main floor if you can. However, and this is my third point, the main floor BLASTS lights right into your eyes the entire time. I'm really not sure what the point is but there are big LED lights behind the band and they are pointed out directly at the crowd. I had to stare at the floor for most of the show because I was getting a headache while fearing blindness. And finally, the sound guy was amateur hour. Once when just arriving on stage, and twice during the performance, the lead singer had to stop and check that his guitar was on. Think about that... before the show starts is fine but he literally had to stop two songs because of sound issues unable to be ignored. I will be avoiding Subterranean at all costs in the future as it is the biggest disappointment venue I've ever visited.

Great ambience. We had a sold out show here last month and the people here are special. Can't wait to be back chicago.

Really just not the best setup for a concert venue. There's a main floor that's super tiny and then an upstairs balcony section that wraps around the bottom floor. It's fine if you can get a spot right along the railing, but if not then you're gonna have a really hard time seeing the stage. There's only two bathrooms upstairs that are single stalls, so the lines get really long. I wouldn't want to see another show here unless I had to.

It's crazy, that a place like was so cool, promoted them and everything and to be told that you can't come back in , while my friend was speaking up for me and the staff, long story short, I get invited into whatever room that's unbeknownst to me, o don't wake up until the next morning, in THERE establishment, talking about poor security, someone that's overly intoxicated , at least you make sure that they leave with the friends that brought, them in , but was told he's not here, so how do you explain me leaving at 8am, oh so your cameras don't work, another security breach , should this place even be open, I've worked in security, as a door man, it's your responsibility to make sure that everyone is out of the business and safe as they leave, even if they are drunk you call them a Uber for them to make sure they at least get to they destination ‍ just thought I found a cool spot to chill and spend so good money , it's all good though

Subterranean discriminates against the disabled. They do not meet the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I was denied entry to Subterranean because of my mobility device, told "standing room only". I offered to disassemble my device and transport it (and myself) up and down the stairs (no elevator or ramp is available). I was still turned away with nothing but an offer for a refund. The staff at Subterranean never tried to help me. They only told me what they could not and would not do. Subterranean's CHOICE is unethical, unfair and against the law. Until Subterranean decides to provide full and equal enjoyment of the "goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations" offered by a place of public accommodation" as required by law, I hope that everybody will hold them accountable for their unacceptable DISCRIMINATION!!!

Man this place reminds of that time in my life when I could go out for a few days straight, get a couple hours of sleep, then be back up early the next day and feel fine! With that, SubT still looks like it did back then and it might be time for a makeover. Don't get me wrong, I love the whole "underground" feel of this place and would love for them to preserve it. Like I said, its in need of a makeover. When I was here last week, not sure if the air was circulating correctly but I was about to pass out as it was 60 degrees outside and felt like 80 inside. The fans finally came on after the 3rd set but at that time, the band I came to see already performed and I was ready to go! The bathrooms smelled not so fresh and could have used a little bit of a scrub down. On the upside, drinks on tap where cheap and the sound system sounded alright!

Went for Dance Yourself Clean. Bouncers tried to say that my friend didn't have a ticket. When showed the ticket they said it was "an attitude problem." No conversation was had. They refused to refund. The staff working the door is the most unprofessional group i have ever seen. Get better bouncers? Please.

This might be one of the most "challenging" clubs I've been to. The layout makes it impossible to see the band on the first floor if you're short, and trying to get to the bathrooms on the second floor through the crowd is like being in a mixed martial arts competition. The sound on the second floor is bad, but at least I finally found a spot there where I could watch the band on a TV screen. The back stage "room" is tiny and forces the bands to have to fight the crowd to go to the bathrooms. The staff were nice, but I wouldn't recommend it if I were in a touring band (or wanting to watch the band without fighting your way to the front).

I was here on October 30th, 2022 to see the Red Pears. I was so excited to go see them with my friends. However, the staff was extremely unprofessional and rude. I asked my underaged sister to hold my drink (alcohol) because I had to put something away in my bag. She gave it back to me. About 3 minutes later, one of the staff flashes his flashlight DIRECTLY in her eyes and kicked her out and repeatedly said "I saw you drink, you're out" She was NOT holding ANY alcoholic beverage. They literally had the audacity to push her out just like that. These staff definitely need a new prescription and be a bit more respectful. To the guy who flashed his little flashlight to my sister: I get that maybe you were having a bad day, but don't take it on someone else and make their day bad. Also maybe when you get a day off, I suggest going to an eye doctor. There's one right around the block from The Subterranean, hopefully you don't miss it.

Cool place! Came here for an event called The Demon Dimension:. Year of the Demon. https://www.facebook.com/events/2393092264248102/?ti=cl The show was amazing, and the venue here at Subterranean was perfect for it. I'd say there was maybe 100 / 150 people there, just guessing, and there was just enough space for everyone. It wasn't too crowded that you couldn't move, and it definitely wasn't empty.... There seems to be 3 floors, but the show was on the 2nd and 3rd floor. Looked like a bar on the 1st floor / ground floor, but I don't think the show had that space. The 2nd floor or main floor was quite big.... plenty of room to dance or get drinks and stand around. The 3rd floor / top floor is interesting and much less space. The center of the floor is open overlooking the dance floor area on the main floor. The restrooms are all on the top floor, so really if you go up there it would be to stand around the railing overlooking the stage and dance floor. Great venue for under 200 people!

I absolutely love this venue. The location is in the heart of wicker park. Couldn't get any better. Oh, other than the awesome underground artist that perform here! Yes, it's very small but there's an upstairs and a downstairs where you stand. Wear comfortable shoes. Make sure you get in line early if you want to be close to the stage, which is actually pretty easy. However, people get VERY pushy-literally and figuratively-when attempting to move around. Myself included. Okay but seriously try and know your boundaries and personal space and just use manners. If someone will not let you through they are the d***, not you! Anyways, there's a bar downstairs in the back on the main floor. Great music and great venue. There's nothing I love more!

Phenomenal venue in Wicker. Came here this past Tuesday and saw my favorite band from Los Angeles called Silent Planet (Super amazing band check them out!) and it's not the fanciest venue you'll ever go to. However what I love about SubT is that it has a sense of intimacy. With no barricades that separate you from the artist/band you truly get a raw experience between the artist and the audience member. This was a metal show, so of course moshing and being pushed around is expected, but there's an upstairs balcony available if you don't want to get caught in the craziness and want to simply enjoy the performance from a safe distance. Everyone has their personal preference, but the low run dirty venue atmosphere is home for me.

First time here and I was super excited to see the red pears for the first time but could not due to the staff being rude !!!! I really thought they would be nice to be here but not anymore would leave 0 stars or even negative stars if I could !!!!!!!! Fire the racist security !!!

Subterranean is a cool music venue in Chicago right at the intersection of North & Damen & Milwaukee. They get some solid local indie bands playing here, plus they normally have a reggae DJ on Thursday nights. Definitely worth checking out their concert calendar.

GREAT VENUE! it's small (but in a good way) and security is so nice. once in November they saw I got hit and they moved up onto the side of the stage and helped crowdsurfers when needed. They also ask if you're alright if you seem like you need help. Upstairs has the merch and bathrooms and the bar always hands out cold water after for everyone. They always open doors when it's time. Very intimate experience too ! I always have a good time when I go. There's also good places around the venue to go before or after the show.

TERRIBLE sound. Terrible. I've seen a few bands here, but not as many as other venues. Recently caught one of my favorites, Rocket from the Crypt, and headed up to the balcony to get a bird's eye view. Except the sound was just awful. Kind of a bummer, for a music venue to have terrible sound quality, but there you have it.

The bouncer was very unhelpful and rude. i asked a very simple question about re entry, and he became alarmingly aggressive. do not go here if you want respect :)

I had a great time here. One of my son's bands, a folk rock band called Eitarnora (https://www.facebook.com/Eitarnora?fref=ts) played a short gig here at Subterranian. The venue is up in Wicker Park and is really nice. It's been around for a long time - three floors - first floor is bar and small stage. Second floor is larger space with another bar. Third floor is open space with balconies that look down on the second floor stage. They have an amply stocked bar (which was good). We were "on the list" so we got there a little before the doors open and were let in. We got to hear Eitenora practice some before the gig actually started and had a few drinks. The acoustics were very good. They have a very large professional mixer there who works with the bands and does a great job with sound. The guy attending the bar was a musician himself, who loved to talk about his work. I had a great time talking with him. The five stars is not only because they were smart enough to let my son play there. It is a great venue is a really good location. Everything just seemed right.

Upstairs concert venue still the worst sound in the city.. muffled vocals and mids that are missing. I appreciate that consistency.

Not a bad venue to catch a show. I've been to their main stage upstairs for a handful of shows over the years. It's cool to be able to stand above the stage looking down from a balcony if the first floor near the stage fills up. Very small so space is pretty tight during a show. Sound quality isn't bad either. Not my favorite venue but there are definitely worse.

This place is a DUMP! The worst concert venue I have ever been too. Tiny dingy venue that oversells tickets. Bathrooms are horrible. The stage production and sound is crap. I will never see another show here. Horrible!!!!

Ooh, ooh, baby- I like your style! There's a healthy amount of beer and libations, a fabu view of lots of sexies, and fun at 3 different altitudes. I heard a rumor from a friend that she walked into people doing blow off the back of the toilet here, but thankfully, I saw none of that biz-nast. Just fun, fun, fun all around. There were great bands on both floors... but I think the 2nd floor is for the younger and rowdier crowd. The first floor is dark and sexy and has some great crescent booths to kick back in. *side note, on the first floor you get to drink out of glass wear, the second floor you get a plastic party cup... don't try to go upstairs with your glass... they will find you! I would defo go back if any bands I liked had a show there.

Short-staffed, false advertised, and lackluster. I went on the night they advertised as "Fleetwood Mac vs ABBA Dance Party". That was the only reason I went, and in the hour I was there, they played a couple ABBA songs and no Fleetwood Mac. The description of the $15 event explicitly said no remixes - all originals - and they had some DJ messing with everything like every other club. Would not have paid if I knew I was getting only maybe 10% of what was advertised. I'm not entirely sure if this bar is always $15 cover. Certainly overpriced for this ho-hum establishment. We walked in and the first floor bar had one single bartender, with 10-20 people waiting to be served. And this isn't some huge, popular club. We hung around for a bit until we realized, yes, this was the only bartender at this bar. We did not see a busboy or any other sort of help. So we headed upstairs, and thankfully found another bar with two bartenders. The drinks were cheaper than standard, but notably smaller than standard. $9 for small well drink. Most places are $10-$12 but larger cups. The crowd was young and rowdy. Around 11pm the first floor was far from full, but the second floor is where the action is. Very crowded up there. Very frat-party-like, feeling the floor bounce as everyone jumps around. This is probably a place you could have fun while totally hammered, but otherwise, I'd advise you avoid.

Armed with a Hello Kitty pocket flask and 17 hours to kill, I'd typically pass by spots like Subterranean 10 out of 10 times. Do the 5-second floor-to-ceiling scan through the creepily murky window wall to find an angular black box space with a bar (I guess) and tables (maybe) and, is that a stage? Stick around long enough and the doorman barks for IDs and $10 cover. "Whyfor, good sir?" you might ask quizzically, expecting some godawful garage band led by the nephew of the bar's financier, followed by a dismissive look because my shirts only popping off 3 buttons instead of the requisite 5-6. But you trust your Croatian hostess, shell out the green and enter in to the Great Known (and Likely Despised). Then, the most wonderful thing happens. A 10-piece ensemble takes the stage and, without so much as an introduction, assaults your ears with brassy combinations that instantly kickstart your bipedal, shape-cutting inner android. Then you discover this band just played for POTUS, and they're still causing sweat floods along the shores of the Subterranean. I'm not saying Black Bear Combo hand delivered the fourth star to a sub-par bar, but I'm not saying they didn't either. Of course, you earn your cover back as you chug vodka sodas so canary, they may as well be rung up as tap water. "So canary" means inexpensive. Yknow, "cheap cheap." Never heard of it? Of course not, I just made it up. But it will carry forth. They can't find a flattering font to save their storefront, but boy howdy, can they pick the entertainment.

Sub-T has been an iconic Wicker Park Staple for several years. I used to come here for the old 606 Hip hop days. I wouldn't say the I am completely in love with the place but I would say I am a fan. My Hubs joined a Beat Battle here (and won, yay!). It is a very intimate place with community booth like seating with movable stool box chairs. I enjoy the venue because it is a no-frills place. Drink and musics. There is a full bar available with moderately priced drinks. The staff is friendly. I wish the speaker systems were better but its fine for now I suppose. This place has street parking and easily accessible by public transport if you are planning on having more than a few.

Cozy yet semi-scary. Despite its name it is not located in a basement or underground or anything of that sort- the stage (main floor) is located on the 2nd flr and the balcony on the third. In order to get there you obviously have to go up some stairs... these my friend, are some long and somewhat narrow scary stairs- I mean in case of a fire or emergency evacuation i would really be concerned. The venue, just like the stairs, is also long but narrow which makes the stage/front area the most coveted but hard to get to during a rock show. During all ages shows you will be among mostly 14-16 year old girls screaming on the top their lungs that they love whoever is on that stage- even when they don't know who they are. They will dance and throw their hands around wildly as if they are having a seizure without regard of those around them... but hey that expected, right? Oh best of all during one of these shows everyone agrees to jump at the same time for like five minutes straight- again, normal - but in this second story venue it quite simply creates an earthquake and you can't help but think that floor may cave in any second. I'm not going to say that the staff is friendly, but who cares right? I'm sure it's not part of their job description to really service you as much as it is to keep an eye on you. Overall i like the place, a few concerns, but a great chance to get up close to a favorite band in a smaller venue with good sound. Reminder: I am rating this place as/ when an all ages rock show takes place- so the people that go are the ones who create the atmosphere and experience. The experience is different on 18+ and 21+ shows/nights.

This place is so memorable and freaking cute! I loved the energy of the crowd, the "underground" aesthetic, and how they sell merchandise. My boyfriend and I were visiting from San Diego and rushed here right after dropping our bags at our hotel straight from the airport. The concert started at 7 and we got here at 9. It felt like we honestly didn't miss a thing. I loved how diverse the crowd was and noticed that people were coming up to strangers and making conversations. It was just so a friendly and lively environment. I'm convinced that Chicago is the place to be!

This was my first time here. I drove up from Indianapolis to see a band called ESSO Afrojam Funkbeat perform at Subeterranean. This bar is at a crazy busy intersection in Wicker Park with a lot going on 24/7 and lots of traffic. We paid our cover and decided to go upstairs thinking it might be less crowded, which it was, but man was it hot up there! There were various local artists lining the perimeter of the room upstairs in what appeared to be a pop-up art show, which was pleasantly unexpected. Luckily for us, we pulled some bar stools so we could sit and enjoy the show from the around the balcony looking down on to the stage. But even so, we had to lean over to see. If you weren't around the balcony, there would be no view of the stage from anywhere else upstairs. I must say that bathrooms were pretty poorly lit, so it was hard to see how clean they were or weren't. The whole venue itself seems like it could use a few afternoons of handyman work to freshen it up. I mean, I get that they are going for that underground dive-bar feel, but a little spring cleaning wouldn't hurt the place. Still, we had a fun night watching the band, but we didn't stick around afterwards to hang out.

I went there for the first time this weekend, and I agree with other reviewers that the space is great to get up close to the bands and prices are fair for drinks. However, I was very disappointed when, at the end of the concert, within 3 minutes of the music ending, the lights were on full bore and a man loudly told everyone to get out. This was rude to to the band who wanted to chat with fans and sell a few albums, and it was rude to attendees who didn't have a chance to interact with the band afterwards or even finish their drink before being thrown out.

I came here seeking respite from the cold weather after a concert./Halloween night. We had plans to go to Estelle's, which is right next door, but the rest of the group wasn't here yet and we were already halfway inside, so why not? It wasn't packed by any means. The music was good considering I thought it would be hip hop/rap the entire time. My friends come all the time for their hip hop nights, so I was wary to listen to one genre of music all night. The bartender got us a pitcher of water with our drinks and someone left a band-aid in the pitcher. We were a little confused because since it was Halloween, maybe it was a prop? But either way, the bartender was disgusted, apologized profusely and got us a brand new pitcher. Thank you. SubT's was a great start for the night. I only wish they were open longer and didn't have cover on the nights I want to go out.

Yah hello. It's me your local party mom going out on a Tuesday night again. So like, there were these three great bands I've been wanting to see again. My home fry seems to be getting a little tired of my good timing ways, so I kind of had to drag his lazy posterior out on a tuesday. But srsly, I mean, how lucky is he? to have someone who investigates and prescreens live music available on any given night? Not to mention our scintillating conversations, ie, "so what did you have for lunch?" Ok, I know, back to subterranean. So, this joint has been around since at least the 90s . The actual building, you will find, has been there much longer and I believe was a former speakeasy with dancing upstairs. It's a peculiar layout. I've never seen anything built quite like it really. So yah, the bands play upstairs. They are pretty solid at selecting bands too. The beer, well, yes, it could be improved. It's not much of a craft beer drinking place is my hunch. The draft craft seemed to have been tapped last season, . Maybe even two seasons back. Also, what was identified as an IPA was far more Pilsner in presence with notes of alley and basement. I don't know. So yep, stick to the pbr, mayhaps. But let me state, for the record, this is an awesome escape. I like it.

I have been to Subterranean more times than I can ever remember, but honestly for some reason I had never had any interest to set foot upstairs until my last visit! This weekend, Subterranean finally won me over, and I hate any part of Wicker Park winning me over, but Subterranean knows how to get it done. Rolled in buzzing from proper pre-gaming and rolled up to the second floor to see my friend's band play. There was lots of room, although the free space started to collapse as people began to materialize during the course of the night. There were $3 Goose Island 312s on special and there was a Goose Island guy who worked for them and hooked me up with two Goose Islands for free wahooo!! I got my way to the front and people were nice enough to let me through so that I could take video for my friend's band and the video came out decently, although I have to admit that I was too close! The lights were professional and bathing the stage in blues, reds and purples. Another discovery of my trip upstairs in Subterranean was that they even have a third floor! The third floor kind of reminds me of the Abbey because you got the rail on the middle open space where you can look down and watch the show downstairs from upstairs. Upstairs also features comfortable seating and clean bathrooms that had no line. I finally made my way down to the first floor after my friend's band played and wasn't getting elbowed by anyone, so there was plenty of room for me to stand around and be loud. The only downside of the night was that I left two beers on the table that weren't empty and came back and they got UFO'd!!!

Hadn't been here since the late 90s. It's still like "underground" atmosphere (kinda divy)... It's cool that they've managed to keep up the alternative vibe this long. We went for LUKR on 10/12 - AWESOME!!!! There were two other warm-up bands that were actually pretty good. The show was in the "downstairs" so, it's small. A few seats at the bar and around the east wall - otherwise stand and/or dance and hopefully don't spill your drink!! They're not getting 5 stars because of the bathrooms! Yuc.. stinky and too small. That's messed up cuz it made us not want to drink anymore so we wouldn't have to go back in there... not good! Not a total deal breaker -- going back for RASPUTINA but we'll make sure to be on empty beforehand and not drink much - lol. Will review again after Rasputina (I think that performance is "upstairs"), so... in the meantime keep that sweet vibe alive!