The Chicago Traveler

In the interest of full disclosure, I have to say that it has been a long, long time since I’ve been to Hydrate on a weekend evening. That’s because the lines are long, the drinks are small and expensive, and the dance club is wall-to-wall crowded. But in spite of all that, this place can still be fun. You just have to know when to go.

Chic 20-somethings hypnotized by the deep bass emerging from Hydrate (just north of Beatnix) enter via the “blue room,” where a bar island sits in the middle of an aquamarine-colored room. There are only about a dozen stools here, but if you manage to claim one near the window, you are in for some great people-watching. More than likely though, you will follow the beats to the “red room” where club music thumps and tv screens feature dance videos. There aren’t many places to sit here either, but this is a dance club after all. Hydrate is where you go to shake your butt, not sit on it.

But as I said, it has been a long time since my friends and I have visited here on a weekend. That’s because Hydrate has plenty going on every other night of the week. For example, every Monday night is $1 Drink Night (only well drinks). Every month, there is usually an open bar night, where $10 buys you free drinks for two hours. Finally, the club also hosts some of the hottest names in the dance scene: Teri Bristol, Frankie Knuckles, Eddie Baez, Tony Moran, DJ Paulo, and more.

With its long line, Hydrate may not seem inviting on the weekends, but with great music and fun events, the club can be a blast all week long.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) polomex

Hydrate: 3458 N Halsted St; 773-975-9244
Sun – Fri: 8:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.
Sat: 8:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.
Street parking difficult
Public trans: Bus # 8, 152 or Red Line train (Addison)
http://www.hydratechicago.com/

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