I was a little skeptical of a bar claiming to be chill and low key in a series of YouTube commercials directed by David Schwimmer and located blocks away from the Michigan Avenue tourist trap. I was right. The scene at Underground is typical Rockit Ranch; it's as if the company hand-picked a few employees from its other clubs, including
Rockit, and dropped them off here (picture typical Lincoln Park twenty- and thirty-somethings).
Located literally underground—patrons have to walk down two flights of stairs to reach the entrance—the place has a bomb shelter vibe: Concrete and metal are the main elements here, excluding the wall made of wood panels, and the lights have a green-tinge to them. Low gray and khaki leather couches are spread throughout the space and provide the perfect camouflage for the bar staff sporting army-inspired mini-dresses and fatigues. Flat screens playing snowy black and white images intimate hijacked video feed, and even the napkins exhibit Underground's bomb shelter logo. Lost fanatics would have a field day here (think Dharma Initiative hatch).
Although the crowd and location don't exactly fit the low key bill, the staff is exceptionally friendly and drinks are priced more along the lines of a neighborhood spot instead of a downtown club. Continuing with the underground feel, the folks at Rockit Ranch are planning on keeping events and DJ bookings a secret. If they plan on bringing in hipster underground acts like A-Trak and Hollertronix, both known to turn parties out, we hope the suit-wearing set will stay at home.
Centerstage Reviewer: Maya Henderson