The Chicago Traveler

Chicago Lounges

by Matt B on February 21st, 2008

Lumen has lit up the nightlife scene in Chicago (just down the street from Carnivale). 'Lumen' is Latin for light, the main attraction here. The impressive overhead LED light installation constantly changes color, based on body movements and sound, adding hues to the white minimal d'cor. There's also minimal attitude, with no cover and usually no wait time. This 5,000-square-foot (465 m²) space in the heart of the Fulton Market district is eco-friendly, built entirely out of bamboo, stainless steel, and concrete. Lumen also can stream in live DJ sets from anywhere in the world. The cocktails are cutting-edge, all made with filtered-water ice cubes and organic juices. Finally, it's the hotspot where the top three contestants of Top Chef came to party while they were in Chicago.

If Lumen's organic drinks sound good to you, Butterfly Social Club takes 'eco-friendly' to another level. Everything is organic and recyclable. The inside is made entirely out of sand, clay, and straw. In fact, the interior is the largest earth sculpture in the world. The drinks are all natural, right down to the ice cubes, made from spring water. DJs spin beats from a sound system that is crafted from recycled materials and is solar-powered. The clientele is about as granola as the building, but you commercial-types won't be turned away.

Finally, if you're in the mood to paint the town red, Red Kiva features a boomerang-shaped bar overlooking a large sunken circular banquette. This round structure is the centerpiece of the lounge, based on the kiva, a large chamber (wholly or partly underground) used for religious ceremonies in Pueblo Indian communities. Interestingly enough, most of the club is actually a deep shade of gray, but the floor-to-ceiling front windows, marvelous martinis, and classic house grooves have this club feeling anything but gloomy.

Photo credit: Nathan Kirkman, Good for Party, jon hrach, Red Kiva

Lumen: 839 W Fulton Market; 312-733-2222
Thurs-Fri: 8:00 p.m. ' 2:00 a.m.
Sat: 8:00 p.m. ' 3:00 a.m.
Street parking difficult, valet available
Public trans: Bus # 8
http://www.lumen-chicago.com/

Butterfly Social Club: 722 W Grand Ave; 312-666-1695
Weds ' Fri: 9:00 p.m. ' 2:00 a.m.
Sat: 9:00 p.m. ' 3:00 a.m.
(Hours are loosely held, call ahead to be sure)
Street parking difficult
Public trans: Bus # 8, 56, 65 or Blue Line train (Grand)
http://www.butterflysocialclub.com/

Red Kiva: 1108 W Randolph St; 312-226-5577
Sun ' Fri: 5:00 p.m. ' 2:00 a.m.
Sat: 5:00 p.m. ' 3:00 p.m.
Street parking, valet available
Public trans: Bus # X20
http://www.redkiva.com/

Related Stories

The Art of Cocktailing
Pivot
Smoke-Free
Columbia College’s South Michigan Campus
Independence Day Fireworks 2008

POSTED IN: Bars and Clubs