Originally Posted by StudentExplorer

Well, I don't really specialize in the kind of bars you would probably go to . . . but off the top of my head, you might consider Le Passage (http://entertainment.metromix.chicagotribune.com/top/1,1419,M-Metromix-Home-!PlaceDetail-21169,00.html).

Crobar is also huge in Chicago (http://entertainment.metromix.chicagotribune.com/top/1,1419,M-Metromix-Home-!PlaceDetail-3592,00.html). When I moved away, there was another huge mega club getting ready to open down by the river. . name alludes me right now. Aside from Crobar, though, my feeling is that most of the big clubs are on the cheesy side. For something more upscale, you'll have better luck I think with the hotels or smaller loungey places. The W on Lakeshore, btw, is especially nice.

I moved away from Chicago a year ago so take the above for what it's worth. In the end though, Chicago's nightlife has some catching up to do.

Something you might consider though is checking out one of Chicago's many great blues/jazz places.