As in its New York location, a 20-foot tall Quan Yin statue stands atop a koi pond using 3D projection mapping technology, Rockwell Group’s LAB designed subtle animations bring this signature statue to life. TAO Chicago draws heavy inspiration from the brand’s other locations of TAO New York, TAO Las Vegas, and TAO Los Angeles. The custom staircase includes round banquettes and Chinese daybed-influenced sofas.
A grand staircase connects TAO’s ground and lower level seating, creating the ultimate platform to see and be seen. It’s two floors also contain four private dining rooms and a large bar. At TAO you’ll find the structure transformed into a multi-level lounge, restaurant, and separate adjoining nightclub by the hard work and design of Rockwell Group. This nightclub opened its doors in 2018, letting guests into its spacious nightclub and restaurant hybrid space. TAO Chicago is located by the city’s historic River North stone castle that dates back to the late 1800s. Tao Tao gives you dinner and a show with their exclusive restaraunt and nightclub
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To keep up with the constantly changing Chicago party scene, as well as find the perfect fit for you, you can use the free Discotech app to search nightclub events by date, buy tickets, sign up for guestlists, or even reserve tables if you’re feeling super-fancy. If you’re looking for spots with crowded dance floors, energetic soundtracks and attractive clientele, hop into the queue at some of the best nightclubs and dance clubs in Chicago. Whether it’s the jam-packed season of summer music festivals or winter in Chicago, these dance clubs keep electronic acts and talented DJs on stage late into the night. While you can no longer bust a move inside these most legendary Chicago nightclubs, a new crop of late-night destinations has stepped up to make sure the music and dancing never stops. In the 1980s, DJs Ron Hardy and Frankie Knuckles began spinning a new strain of disco music built from bass and drum machines in Chicago clubs, establishing the city as a hub of dance culture and the birthplace of house music. For me, the gay bar is part of all that, so I don’t think it is dying, but in evolution, and between Berwyn, Oak Park and Forest Park, there is a large population of individuals who would love to see one open again.The city of Chicago has long been known for its late-night clubs and entertainment venues. “I think there is a huge need for a gay bar out here, for a sense of community things become more open, we are starting to lose a part of our identity the remembrance of how we got here. Yet, what Jimenez and Monterosso are hoping is that a new gay bar will emerge beyond the rumors that are circulating now. “I do think it would be a good thing, as yet another offering in the community for something to do on a weekend at night that doesn’t involve driving into the city.” “I would not be disappointed to see a new gay bar open in the Hideaway’s space,” says Yingling, who recently legally “re-married” his long-time partner in June. He acknowledges that among most gay people, including himself, there is still an internalized fear and mistrust toward others regarding how a gay person may be perceived in public, especially if a couple chooses to hold hands, or publicly display affection. What Yingling, a nurse practitioner says is that he often would gather at the bar to unwind after work with straight female coworkers. “I think there is a lot of truth to the reality that gay couples and gay people no longer feel that they exclusively need to patronize gay bars, but the Hideaway will be somewhat missed,” says Charlie Yingling, 36. in Forest Park, and patronizing Poor Phil’s in Oak Park for their Friday night get-togethers to watch sports, or relax on the patio.Įven so, he would prefer going to a gay bar to meet new friends. You really have to have some kind of niche.”ĭavid Monterosso, 54, a former Hideaway patron, says since its closing, he and his gay friends have been enjoying Wednesday night Karaoke at Carole’s, 7307 Roosevelt Rd. There have been a lot of gay bars that have opened and closed in the suburbs. But, just opening up a dive and calling it a gay bar is not reason enough for people to come. Going into the city is far, and not drinking and driving is a factor, and Boys Town has gotten more dangerous lately. “Hideaway and Nutbush were pretty much the only bars in Forest Park that didn’t have any windows, so as time went on the crowd there was getting older. “A big reason many of the local gay bars are gone is that they did not keep up with the times to continue drawing people in,” says Jimenez, who has bartended at the two former gay bars in Forest Park, and Cell Block in Chicago.