The Succubus Club
The once-famed destination for the denizens of the Chicago nightclub scene, the Succubus Club closed its doors in the late 1990s. Declining sales and changes of culture were often cited by local papers and magazines for the famous, edgy nightclub’s demise. The local NPR station WBEZ even did a Sound Opinions piece recently, remembering the goth scene of past Chicago and taking note of its influences that were felt worldwide. That is, at least, the story as the public knows it. In the last year the Succubus Club reopened. The Succubus Club’s owner remains anonymous to the public at large, adding an air of mystery to the club that spawned dozens of imitators, a few successful franchises, and even a wandering “pop-up” clone, but none are quite as successful as the real thing.
The Succubus is a multi-level club containing a dance floor, four bars, a stage and DJ booth, balconies, elevated walkways, and VIP suites all in the main chamber alone. The club has received extensive renovations, though whether the money came from the owner, or some other benefactor is unknown. Deeper into the club are two galleries, a spa, a cigar and whiskey lounge, and further private rooms for VIP occupancy. The uppermost floor is completely soundproofed from activities below, and is usually reserved for string quartets and opera singers. The ceiling of this floor is made from glass, revealing the night sky up above. Between this floor and those below are the offices of the staff. Buried beneath the venue’s wine-and-beer cellars are the remains of the old Succubus Club in storage and the basement maze.
The Succubus Club rivals the Red Noº 5 and Blue Velvet as the most popular bars in Chicago. What the other two have in class, live music, and aesthetic, the Succubus makes up for in nostalgia. The club sees visitors of all ages and all sects, where the Blue Velvet predominantly caters to the elite and Red Noº 5 appeals mainly to outsiders.
Type
Bar
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