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Sonotheque

View Map1444 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago
Tel: (312) 226-7600 		View Website
Details Find What Else Is Nearby Sonotheque User Reviews

Editorial Review of Sonotheque

If you don't relish the pulsing grind and Red Bull-swigging analysts pervading the club scene, chances are Sonotheque will rock your boat. A favorite of both discriminating locals with honed techno chops and more easygoing types looking for a good scene, this East Village lounge attracts a solid roster of name-powered acts like Diplo and Ellen Allien, as well as local hotshots, resident spinners and global fare.

One of its biggest bonuses is the state-of-the art acoustic design, delivered with serious mod style. The sleek interior feels like an underground tunnel, with cement floors, low lighting and minimal decor. Hipsters and beat connoisseurs perch on clusters of geometrically perfect sofas or at seats along the lengthy wooden bar. The DJ spins from behind the windowed walls of a submarine-esque booth in the middle of the room: Some wish that the artists were more connected to the crowd, but most agree that it looks pretty damn cool in there.

The drink menu keeps it real by offering up lowbrow PBR alongside cocktails that are surprisingly cheap ($5-$10), large and blessedly strong. You might not need the social lube for the dance floor here, but you'll likely need it to kick-start conversation about minimal techno vs. micro-house. If that doesn't work, though, feel free to lose yourself in the indie flicks or anime selections playing on flatscreen panels above the bar as you soak up some mind-blowing music.

Check out Mondays for resident hip-hop and reggae DJs, or catch the monthly Africa HI-FI event. Cover is generally $10-$15; show up early on weekends if you're not keen on standing in line.

Centerstage Reviewer: Julia Steinberger

User Reviews

Read other people's reviews and post your own opinion about Sonotheque too!

Hours

7 p.m.-2 a.m. Sunday-Friday; 7 p.m.-3 a.m. Saturday, closed Monday

Directions to Sonotheque

Our directions are included with our maps of Sonotheque
Sonotheque was mentioned in these articles...

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Missed out on Cut Copy at the Vic? Catch a DJ set across the street.

Best Beats 3/9/09, 3/11/09
Dress your best for the Akira/Goorin Bros. fashion show at Sonotheque.

Meat Number 5, 3/10/09
The duo's protein-filled beats will do a body good...if they don't disgust you first.

Best Beats 3/2/09, 3/2/09
Party all day and all night in honor of Chicago's favorite nightlife photographer.

Best Beats 2/23/09, 2/20/09
Will you have Big Fun at Crocodile or stick with Flosstradamus at Sonotheque?

Best Beats 2/16/09, 2/17/09
You'll be a Brazil nut Friday during a special edition of Sonotheque's Braziliance.

Carnaval in Chicago, 2/12/09
We've found the best places to party like a Brazilian for five days straight.

Best Beats 2/2/09, 2/2/09
Get in the mood for V-Day with Afrodisiac at Sonotheque.

Best Beats 1/26/09, 1/26/09
Don't Mess Around; Get Loose and get ready for some Dance Party Magic on Saturday.

Best Beats 1/19/09, 1/19/09
The Hideout hosts a night of soul, early and late.

Best Beats: 1/3/09, 1/3/09
Lava's house-music party gets a hot new name this Friday.

Best Beats: 12/22/08, 12/22/08
There'll be no post-Christmas blues this weekend, thanks to DJ Lego, DJ Eleven and others.

Best Beats: 12/15/08, 12/15/08
Zentra's under HouseArrest on Friday...this is a good thing if you like to dance.

Thanksgiving Eve Events, 11/20/08
Give thanks for all the revelry going down on Black Wednesday, the biggest bar and club night of the year.

Virtual L: Chicago (Blue), 10/29/08
This gritty part of town has plenty to offer those travelling by car or by boat.

Joe Bryl, 10/14/08
We talk to the man behind one of Chicago's most musically adventurous clubs.

Grateful Us, 11/9/07
Centerstage is thankful for...a lot of things, it seems.

Bossa Nova Nights, 3/19/07
These local spots spread the Brazilian love, mixing mean capirinhas and bossa nova beats.

Psalm One, 2/5/07
The Englewood native is finding just the right formula for success.

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