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The club's decadent design and exclusive atmosphere have a strong pull.

Friday Apr 16, 2004.     By Patrick Sisson

Bars + Clubs Feed

Sound-Bar

Hours: 10 p.m.-4 a.m. Thursday-Friday, Sunday; 10 p.m.-5 a.m. Saturday
Age: 21+
Cover: $10 on Thursdays; $20 Fridays and Saturdays

Dress: During opening weekend, a definite runway attitude took over, with a majority of the crowd sporting fashion-conscious looks. Perfectly coiffed hair was de rigeur among women, with many Paris Hilton impersonators sporting mini-skirts and jean jackets. The men weren't far behind, with designer jeans and slacks, many with a very European look. Dressy is definitely the way to go. Also, take note that coat check is mandatory.

Best way to get there: There are a few options if you're planning on taking the train. The Chicago stop on the Brown line is only four blocks away. The Grand stop on the Red line is a little more of a hike. Since this part of River North is crawling with clubs, street parking can be hard to find on weekends, but there are plenty of pay lots and valet options. Cabs are plentiful.

Vibe: According to management, Sound-Bar's intention is to try and raise the bar for Chicago clubbing. With a sleek, sparkling interior and big-name talent, it's obviously off to a promising start. Lots of lounge space makes it more welcoming than huge, warehouse-style dance clubs. In fact, make sure that you're ready to lounge, since many of the different enclosed rooms have occupancy limits and resulting lines to enter.

Quick tour: Even though Sound-Bar was designed in 2002 (when it was first slated to open), it's still cutting-edge. Slick Design and Manufacturing, the team behind Y and Syn, created a bi-level space infused with warm colors and varied textures. Think of it as a nightlife biosphere, with different rooms to fit any mood. The posh Round-Bar, decorated in a rich purple hue, has a predictably circular bar with couches lining the walls. The dance floor, surrounded by panes of frosted glass, contains an assortment of fog machines, rotating lights and high-tech monitors. Downstairs contains three separate lounge lairs: the glass-enclosed Red and Orange Rooms and the VIP-only Green Room.

Crowd: Sound-Bar's decadent design and exclusive atmosphere have a strong pull, so trendy fashionistas and big spenders will certainly come running. In addition to attracting its fair share of slightly self-important customers, Sound-Bar also boasts a solid music roster, so clubbers and dance music fans will also get in line.

Night to go: It's too early in the game to determine what nights will be popular, but there are a few clues. Thursday, with a reduced $10 cover and residents Lego and Diz, both superb house DJs, might become a big hit. Saturdays, with residents John Curley, Chris Tomasone and Jernell Geronimo, features some of the city's more experienced house DJs.

Claim to fame: The club's ambitious attempt to bring what it calls a luxury clubbing experience to Chicago.

You'll feel like you're in: Clubbing's Technicolor triumph that's perfect for people watching.

Music genre: House and techno predominate since John Curley, a DJ and promoter who works with Pure, has signed on to be the club's music director. He's already lined up serious talent. Green Velvet played April 1, his first local appearance since last year. Considering the rest of the April schedule boasts a wealth of top-flight talent, including Deep Dish, Sander Kleinenberg, Seb Fontaine and Laurent Garnier, Sound-Bar appears to be well-connected.

Beyond the dance floor: Drinks do run a little steep, but that's to be expected. There's also bottle service and plenty of VIP options available. For frequent customers, the Sound-Card is available in three different levels. The blue discount pass will guarantee priority entrance, discount admission and discounts with partnering businesses. More exclusive platinum and gold cards are also available.