4. Restaurants

Debonair Social Club

1575 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL, 60647
  • (773) 227-7990
  • Store is closed

Debonair Social Club Menu

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.

  • Drew B.

    For no reason other than an ego trip, one of the bouncers literally pushed me out of the entryway last night because I had inquired about why there was a cover. I wasn't refusing to pay the $5, just odd that a bar has such a low cover in the first place. The bouncer had a pretty messed up face so I can only assume he's been doing this forever and will most likely only amount to that in life. I suppose I actually helped him yesterday, by making him feel important as a gatekeeper to a trashy bar and using that power to deny me access. You're welcome, then.

    (1)

  • Lauren A.

    Bottle service, great DJ, awesome music, good bartenders. FUN PLACE!

    (5)

  • Brandy G.

    Came to see a favorite band play here a few weeks ago. Cover was $10. The bouncer asked which band I came to see, and he gifted me a free drink voucher. He was the friendliest staff member I encountered all night. I was later told that each band had to individually get 60 people through the door in order to get paid. I'd be surprised if there's room enough for much more than 60 people total. I'm not sure why this venue is touted as a "dance club" or offers space to bands. The layout is all kinds of wrong for just about anything but grabbing a drink, which is fine... Just do one thing well! Don't do all things and be content with mediocre... The venue appears to be a two level club, but the downstairs was dark and unused while I was there. The upper level is a good size, but the centralized bar makes the overall room feel cramped. The two-sided, oblong bar is unfortunately outfitted with a super low overhead ceiling which further isolates the left and right sides of the club. The remaining space is room enough on the left for two large high tops, a couple 6-person booths and some standing room at the bar or against the hallway wall. The right side is overcrowded with tables and chairs. The "dance floor" is elevated and doubles as a stage for bands. It's worth noting that a 5pc band is pushing the limits of having enough performance space. The bartender was courteous enough, but seemed bored and wishing she were anywhere else. It didnt take long before I was, too.

    (2)

  • Asenath N.

    Stop here for a girls night out. My friends really wanted to check this place out. There was a cover charge to get in on a Saturday night. There is two floors and they were both pretty empty. The music was good most of the time, they placed a variety which is always nice. My girls and I ended up leaving after an hour. Is not a place I see myself going back. Maybe if there is no cover charge to get in.

    (3)

  • jim s.

    Eh. I've Been in worse bars. But I've also definitely been in better. Only good thing was the band last night. Bartenders are slow even when the place is empty. Doorman is a complete tool. Typical meathead basically. Drinks were weak and over priced. Worst part is they try to charge a cover for this shit.. Thankfully the doorman is easily distracted So many better options in wicker park.

    (2)

  • Ashley B.

    I reluctantly stumbled in here last night. First step: get past rude bouncers who take their job too seriously. Second step: get to the bar somehow to get a few drinks but have a hard time moving through the crowd of ridiculously snooty people. Third: order a drink for you and a friend because by God do you need one after just two minutes in this place. Fourth: give your credit card for the $14 for two drinks (for BEER? Shitty beer?) and be told the minimum is $20 Fifth: vow to look up the law on credit card minimums tomorrow Sixth: pay for an extra drink for a stranger and chug yours and peace the eff out because Dimo's is around the corner bye With the plethora of bars in WP + Bucktown please, PLEASE take your money elsewhere. Seriously. Anywhere else. And ps. The $20 minimum. Yeah that's illegal. Google it.

    (1)

  • Robby K.

    you know all those 80's movies where there is a party scene, everyone does coke at the club, someone contracts HIV soon after? Debonaire is that kind of place... these reviews and the 2.5 star rating are pretty accurate... i've seen this place get remolded at minimum 4 times in the 7 years i have been going to this place. i am NOT proud to say that i have been coming here for 7 years. If you are looking to club on a budget this can be a great place. PBR/OldStyle are only $3 on a friday night; not bad. the sound system is great and the ambiance will impress suburban kids. the resident DJ Ryan paradise is alright mixing a blend of top 40 and popular electro. i saw a lot of totally rad, trendy stylish babes dancing with some really lame Chad bros. so if your a college bro definitely stop at this place for some greezy pune.

    (3)

  • Mike T.

    Okay, so this place is cheesier than a pizza, but I kinda like it! Ambiance: CHEESE, CHEESE EVERYWHERE. Crowd: Wicker park drunk people (you know.....) Seating: Pretty good. Their bar is big and so are their tables, so if you're coming to chill with friends, you can grab a spot usually. Dancefloor: White & Nerdy. Lots of fresh-faced guys in collared shirts dancing awkwardly. Decor: It kind of looks like a gay club. Flourescent backlit walls everywhere, but I like color (preeeeetttty), and I like gay clubs so that's cool with me! Drinks: They have good specials! Other than the specials drinks are reasonably priced + a few house cocktails which are slightly* better than OK This place is tacky as hell, I still like coming here because it's like the bar version of a cheesy horror movie. So bad it's good.

    (3)

  • Lau S.

    Horrible and disgusting. Saw an altercation on the street on the way in, which should have been my cue to run away screaming before things got worse. However, I was attending a friend's birthday event in the downstairs area. Ke$ha, et. al blaring on the main level = shoot me in the face, now. Recommend earplugs either way. Downstairs was fine aside from the near-sexual assault I witnessed--a guy was trying to pull girl back into his clutches after she made clear attempts to pull away. When I left, another guy had pulled her breast out of her shirt. The real treat came on the way out. A tall, thin, bearded, blue-eyed bouncer dragged a patron out by his face. They struggled against each other for a moment, knocking into me on the sidewalk. I had to scramble out of the way before the bouncer, holding the patron in a headlock, took him to the ground with a half dozen audible punches in the face. When he picked him back up, his entire face was pouring blood, like something out of a horror movie. Another bouncer intervened, separating them for a moment. The first bouncer then body-slammed the patron vertically against the front of the building, cracking his head against it. The whole scene was viscerally disturbing enough that I got nauseous, and another bystander began sobbing immediately. I didn't stick around to find out what happened next, but the patron definitely needed medical attention. Way to go, Debonair, employing violent lunatics whose job descriptions include splattering customers' brains across the concrete...all in the name of "protecting" the grime inside the doors. I hope this place burns to the ground.

    (1)

  • Marisa L.

    This was a fun spot for some dancing. There was a line, but it didn't take long. They played lots of hip hop for white people. I liked that there was a deal on Tecates-aroudn $3 a pop. Best part-photobooth!!!

    (3)

  • MC N.

    Last night I went to the Jeezy's Juke Joint fundraiser show. The show itself was absolutely amazing, such great entertainment. But the tech guys continuously fucked up the music and lights. They're lack of effort to sort out the problems almost made me think that they were screwing with the show on purpose. They would turn off the lights DURING performances, and it was NOTICEABLY happening when the more voluptuous women were on stage. Tech seemed to run smoothly when it was a small bodied performer. The crowd even started shouting "stop turning off the lights!!!" At dawn.stirpe@baml.com point one of the tech guys SUSHED the audience......professional. Way to let everyone know you're complete asshole,

    (1)

  • James L.

    I always have a good time here. It's definitely different type of atmosphere meaning dark, dank, but bumpin. Two levels playing different music. Downstairs mashups and old school tracks are the best. Upstairs definitely plays more mainstream but will get you going. Place doesn't get going tho till late. Crowd starts to show around 1am.

    (4)

  • Andre W.

    I came here and danced, drank, grinded and had a decent time Damn thang done and hangover was created Hell yeah!!!!

    (3)

  • Sarah V.

    Let's talk a little bit about getting weird. Like straight up fight your way to the red-lit stage, smash your back against the wall, and wiggle your jiggle with 300 of your brand-spankin' new besties for the night like no one's watching, WEIRD. My summer of liquor-indulged shenanigans can be traced back to many nights at Debonair. I've even converted my Ukrainian Village-dwelling friends, my LP trixie posse, and even my Wrigley-lovin' kids to becoming Debonair believers. Deblievers, if you will. Usually my eclectic group starts out our Saturday nights with a little BOYB din din, followed by a few rowdy bottles of vodka, and then a magical moment happens. The last cocktail has been drained dry. The sheen of sweat is glistening on our foreheads. Our hips are swaying to nothing more than the melody of cabs whizzing by as we determine our fate on a blistering sidewalk. Then it's decided. We're ready to get weird. Left in the dust is our stomping ground of tried and true River North. Our yellow chariot rockets through the city toward WiPa, hurdling us into a Blurred Lines frenzy that we can't wait to unleash on the rocking crowd of Debonair. We arrive at our destination and are faced with a cover. That sucks. I don't typically go to places who charge cover, however I'd pay Debonair in Sour Patch Kids from their favorite 7-Eleven if it got me through the door. Once through the doors, you have two options. A. Buy bottle service and sit your fanny in a booth and watch the fun, or B. Bypass the cocktails altogether and make a beeline for the dance floor. I've done both, and both are fun, but there's nothing like twerkin' it with the crowd and losing yourself. The DJ must be different from the past negative reviews, because I absolutely love the EDM and rap tracks he lays down. When you're light-headed from the beats and losing half of your body mass from sweating, take a pit stop in the bathroom, where an attendant is there to hussle your ass if you lollygag too long, but has the best spread of chotckis I've ever seen. Then snag an O Bomb from the bartender with the blonde curly locks. He's the best, and he'll remember you if you come back. A few rules to Debonair: 1. Do not bring drinks on the dance floor. That's not a Deb rule, that's my rule. We're a hard-partying bunch and don't like to absorb Jack and Coke while we're droppin' it like it's hot. 2. If you're not in the mood to have a blast, then you won't. And then you'll nit pick the drinks, any dirt on the floor, and the people. Come ready to hang, or don't come at all. 3. Most important- don't be a Judgey McJudgerson. No one else gives a hoot what your shirt says or how twisted your skirt is getting or how awkward you're moves are, so show the same respect and keep your Negative Nancy thoughts to yourself. 4. And one more thing- share the stage. That bitch is tiny and unless your moves were learned on you in a Vegas stripclub, let other people have a chance to act a fool in front of others, too.

    (4)

  • Kes D.

    Visited from out of town on a Saturday. DJ spinning good tunes (mix of electronica, indie, all with good danceable beats). A billion reserved tables, but no one showing up to take them. $20 credit card minimum. Nice bartender. Lots of space to dance. Largely empty, but maybe we were there too early.,,?

    (3)

  • Katie F.

    Okay, it has been a long while since this "old" lady hit a club this late at night. But I had friends in from the west coast who just did not believe that local time zones mattered. Fun place. I guess they have live music but the night we went it was all DJ action. I'm good with that. Love live music but prefer the DJ when dancing. Crowded, very hipster vibe. But that is to be expected. Good news is that it was a quick ride over on the Blue Line and we were in. I am not too proud to admit that my tall, blonde SF bar scene gf's and their short skirts helped us get in past the line. I do not like lines. No thank you, Sam I Am. I do not like lines at all. But I do like to dance and we did that for a very long time.

    (4)

  • Adele n.

    They're trying to have live music at Debonair and it's kinda whack. They're struggling to figure out the sound system and the mix. It's a strange space for bands to set up ( like a partially enclosed double-wide dj booth, where the bands are behind a half wall?). Plus the cover was high. And the drinks were pricey. Ehhhh.

    (2)

  • Krystal C.

    Typical Friday night AT Top #40 mixed with EDM type of music. I still love dancing to it. Line was short to get in. $5 cover. Nothing special about it, but I keep coming back because of the dancing.

    (3)

  • Sarah A.

    This is one of the worst bars I've been to the city. It's full of grungy people and I kept getting hit on by creepy older men. Wicker Park has a ton of better bars, go to one of those instead!

    (1)

  • Llamar 2.

    I went to an event in the lower level. I like the decor, but this place needs some lights and a fog machine or something. The main level had cheesy music and a whack dj with odd transitions. Staff was friendly though.

    (2)

  • Rob A.

    I went to debonair social club for the first time last night. I met up with a group of friends and my best buddy whose birthday we were celebrating. I liked this place, it's a mix of hipsters, and hip hop crowd and the music by the DJ was mostly electronic tech, and hip hop. Good vibes, scene, and music. The cover was $5 , the drinks are not going to be the cheapest, but it's a good place to go with a group of friends every now and then. I am usually a beer drinker but recently added mixed drinks to my bar outings. The bartender here made me one the best whisky sours I have had in this city. The service was fast for me to get drinks at the bar. I also noticed they had booths for bottle service, but I didn't inquire on the details. My friends and I had fun dancing, and drinking, and I saw no major issues with the club. Oh , they also have downstairs bar and DJ music, booths , and dance floor. It seemed cozy but hip-hop and hipster music, which I like. To cap off my first debonair social club experience, I asked some cute random chick on how late the place stays open, she stared at me for a second, and randomly moved in for a kiss, and I obliged her, so a random make out session proceeded, for 5 minutes, until her group of friends signal her over since they were leaving. Awesome experience, I am coming back to this club soon some weekend with a group of friends. Rob.

    (4)

  • Favi B.

    Had my birthday here in December on a wristband special.... Let me just say AMAZING!!! The owner was really on top of things, I was extremely pleased and things got good as the night progressed will definitely continue to go to debonair

    (5)

  • Brandon M.

    The first impression of this place starts with the blacked out windows- is this a strip club? Second impression starts with the bouncers. I won't go into much detail for fear my review will just be taken down. Next you're expected to pay for cover in wicker park. What a joke. Third impression is the interior design. The term "design" is used loosely. Is this real life? Stopped there, didn't dare enter the downstairs. Considered asking for directions on how to get away from here. Whoever first categorized this place as a "sports bar" must be confused. Its gut wrenching to see a picture of Aaron Paul from Breaking Bad in this place. I had too much respect for him.

    (1)

  • Kevin W.

    I play music in bands for a part time living and this place is the worst venue I've ever played at in my life. The staff was very rude to all the musicians and they go around asking the wives and family of the band members for the $10 cover charge even though they came in with the band before the place opened. Then they have the gall to not pay the band members a cent if less than 20 people show up to see them. They give one drink ticket to each band member that only gets you a Pabst or one of a couple other bottom shelf drinks. While I was on stage doing a sound check with my guitar around my neck, one of the employees came up on and demanded I show them my ID. I had to put my guitar down and rifle through my stuff to find my ID, I know I look a bit young for my age, but I'm 50 years old! They have no idea how to treat people at this dump. Bands and patrons alike should boycott this place until it closes down. Horrible place.

    (1)

  • Rory B.

    sucks

    (1)

  • Casper C.

    Stupid. Ugly and egotistical men and women that think they're the best thing to have dropped into Chicago. Overpriced drinks. No music requests. Rude bartenders. Do yourself a favor and down the street to Subterranean

    (2)

  • Taylor M.

    I came here for the first time for a friend's CD release party and I had so much fun! The light up stage makes for entertaining dancing! The owner and bartenders were great! Very generous! They ran out of pineapple juice so they gave me money to go to the convenience store next door to pick some up :) I came back here several times since and have enjoyed it every time. The one thing I did not like is they had a night for 18+ years old and the bar was full of teenagers... which was no fun at all. But every other night has been fantastic. The owner even gave me a band-aid when I started to get a blister from my new shoes! FYI Tuesdays are usually local metal and alternative bands if you are looking for something different!

    (4)

  • joe b.

    Cool place if you are in the mood for it. Bartenders are eclectic as fuck and I like that.

    (4)

  • Milica Z.

    I enjoy the music and drinks. I would come back again for sure.

    (4)

  • Joan L.

    Tried to come here once. Guy at the door told me and my friends that they were "at capacity" and as we were turning around to go get me a consolation taco (which ending up being pretty shitty by the way) we saw a group of standard "girls who go to clubs" (you know the ones I'm talking about...tight black minidress, black heels, tiny purse, acts like she don't care but she just wants you to look at her and envy her) show up and promptly be let in. Whatever Debonair, I'll take my money and dance moves to a club that appreciates the non-standard, costume wearing, drag queen channeling club girl.

    (1)

  • P S.

    How are you going to not provide air conditioning on a 100 degree day? ITS INHUMANE! If we are paying customers you should have the decency to provide conditions that make the place comfortable to dance in. It was BEYOND HOT! Upon speaking the Crotchety uptight manager with the ridiculously tight shirt he ignored me and failed to respond to my question. He then said I was banned . UM ok. ha ha ha really? boooo hoooo wow im really going to miss cheap drinks and being suffocated by bodies in 100 degree conditions. ALL YOUR STAFF complained it was too hot. And you know the manager was aware of this because he sweat up his ill young fitting fake Versace shirt with pit stains. Your drinks are beyond weak, your service and attitude are equally HORRENDOUS. How weak are the drinks you ask? I am 100 lbs, and 5 ft. and drink rarely! Two fruity style shots DID NOTHING seriously? Are you handing out koolaid? We are going out for big kid drinks. I used to love this place. My days at Debonaire are gone. At least I went out with a bang calling out that ridiculous uptight manager.

    (1)

  • Kelly V.

    Everyone that hangs out here looks really, really miserable. I remember sneaking in underage and thinking "wait, so this is supposed to be cool?" Aside from the 'let's pretend we're all in Europe with bad red lighting' basement thing, I feel like I'm inside of a Lite Brite box, and that isn't necessarily a good thing. Kudos to the whole free drink thing before Rehab, but I'll be 2 doors over at Flat Iron people watching.

    (2)

  • Richard K.

    Debonair is probably one of the better clubs/bars in Wicker. You get the essence of Wicker without it being too over the top. Good: - Music is awesome - Monday nights are great (Saturday is the busiest) - Fun place to dance - Bartenders are pretty fast - Downstairs is a little more chill with good tunes Bad: - usually a cover - can be wicker pretentious some nights - small bathrooms

    (4)

  • Raphael D.

    Good music and so-so atmosphere. However I can't ever return here because of the doorman shenanigans. My friend was going to go in and his cover was ten bucks while other people who were going in at that moment was five. He's black, well-spoken (not that it even matters) and was well-dressed like you would for a club. We did a little test to see what they would charge me. We had been around the corner on Damen out of the doorman's sight when we met up and he told me what happened. So I walk up by myself, single guy in jeans, tshirt and nice shoes and the door guy says its five bucks. I couldn't believe what happened. We went somewhere else obviously.

    (1)

  • Dana F.

    You know what, sometimes we all need to fist-pump to Benny Benassi and break out our best dance moves on the dance floor that is illuminated like a club in Ibiza. The lighting, dance floor, bouncers, and music make Debonair look like a club, feel like a club, and sound like a club...but the drink prices are much more in line with your standard bar. $5 for most beers; $7 for most well drinks. This is good! But what isn't good is the quality of the audio equipment in the club (on both the upper and lower levels). In places, it is deafening, to the point where you cannot hear a thing and your eardrums are ringing. In other places, the sound is at a more tolerable level, but there is some strange "bounce" of sound. Case in point: the poor bartender asked me to repeat my drink order 3 times because even she could not hear me. I also believe that later in the evening, Debonair starts charging cover, which negates the greatness of aforementioned drink prices. As much as I love to "get my dance on" like the next girl, when I've emptied my wallet for the privilege to find a spot to bust a move to some Top 40 and my eardrums are still ringing hours later, I think not.

    (2)

  • Iman W.

    Once upon a time, maybe a year or two ago, I went to a club with a group of friends, we stayed for about 5 minutes, then we left in search of greener pastures. Fast forward to 2011 and I am finally remembering that it was Debonair. I will say this, I personally didn't encounter any rude staff and I did not pay a cover. Just relaying my personal experience there. But this place was really..."eh." Ever been to a place where you don't necessarily hate it but you've got no reason to say you like it either? That's "eh." That's Debonair. The music wasn't particularly compelling me to sweat my hair out and my one drink was about as weak as it gets. For $9, I most certainly was expecting more than a thimble-full of Crown in my Crown and ginger ale, dang it!

    (2)

  • Anna V.

    To date, the only club I have ever been kicked out of. To the untrained eye, I have hipster leanings. This is a lie. I realize my total lack of hipsterness at Debonair, where nothing is as it seems. Debonair has a sad sort of charm about it that makes it hard to rate because, even though terrible nights often start at this place, I always sort of look at it wistfully when I cross the hell on earth intersection that is North/Milwaukee/Damen and head to Estelle's for dirty cheap beer. It's almost like I LIKE it - but whenever I go inside, I remember why I don't. And then I pay $8 for an EFFEN cocktail anyway and listen to dubstep all night long and have a pretty good time watching hipsters down Hipstermakers, because it's Debonair, and that's the whole reason it exists.

    (2)

  • Karlo F.

    I went to this place for the first time a couple nights ago for a friends birthday. My experience was a thumbs down. Our server was a nice person but thats as far as it goes. The most important part of the club is the DJ... His transitions were not smooth and was a huge buzzkill for me... Lol thats not a good thing because the whole point is to get a buzz, right? Especially if the drinks are a little more on the expensive side. I will not be returning to this place unless a friend wants to go there since I'm such a nice guy =)

    (2)

  • Maja B.

    I remember when Debonair Social Club opened. I immediately hated it. Mostly because I am foreign and didn't know what the word "debonair" meant. But, what was wrong with Trevia? Hah, I cannot believe I remembered that Trevia use to be there. I don't know if I am old, or if I just store useless knowledge in my brain. Maybe I'm just afraid of change and new things. The club had a black and white cool contrasting interior, a weirdly centered bar splitting the dance floor into two sections on different levels, and an immediate draw of hipsters, etc. Is this what debonair means? I looked up in the dictionary and found out that debonair basically was the world for cool back in the day. So is Debonair Social Club cool? Well, that depends on who you are and what you like. Chances are you will either hate or love Debonair. If you're with it, you'll get it. If not, then you probably won't. If you are over 30, with some industry exceptions, you will probably hate Debonair. If you are super-broke and can't afford an $8 cocktail you will probably hate Debonair. If you are super rich and expect valet, red carpets, super classy and good service, door people that bow down to you, dresscodes and the likes, you will probably hate Debonair. If you are in your 20s and live in Wicker Park, you will probably love Debonair. If you are industry and need a party on your Monday night off, you will probably love Debonair. If you are a true style and trendseeker, and want to get a feeling of what this generation will be remembered by, you will probably love Debonair. See the thing about Debonair is this, no matter if you love or hate hipsters, tattoos, those stupid little hats, bratty door dudes, overpriced drinks, danceclubs, electro, dubstep, these are the things that will define this era. The 2010s, what was new and different about them? What did they listen to? What did they wear? Where did they hang out? I think some of those nightlife photography albums from parties at Debonair will paint a pretty accurate picture.

    (4)

  • Sheresse S.

    Why oh Why does anyone even go here? Seriously Debonair is a joke to 90% of chicago there is a reason why people call it D-boner. I have given this place at-least a dozen chances and usually the only reason I end up here is because my friends are here. Walk into Debonair and the first thing you notice is you cannot hear a damn thing and you may never hear a thing again the music is so loud. Then you start to wonder what is that god awful smell? Everytime I've been here I have seen a drink sitting with vomit in it no joke. Is it possible to go anywhere in Wicker-Park without a pretentious douche hitting on you? I think not! I have never met a single person that likes this place. I will never in my life return ever.

    (1)

  • Saira K.

    Super-loud and crowded - sweaty and uncomfortable, weird lighting that gives you a headache, and a riot of a burlesque show. Devo's 'Whip it!' was re-enacted sans much clothing - I'm not into scantily clad women whipping each other and being whipped -while the crowd joined them in screaming 'Whip it Good!' "Into Shape!" I think it was supposed to be erotic (maybe it was for the guys or for women into women), but for me it was comedy/absurd.

    (2)

  • Rebecca C.

    So, from what I see a lot of people are indifferent to place! I guess they've never been here on a MONDAY night when Debonair hosts the dance party, "Rehab"! Seriously, this party is the very definition of a party! I don't know if Rehab promoters use a different staff but from what I've experienced everyone from the door guys to the bar backs to the bathroom attendants are on their A+ game! Nice, professional, and on top of their shit. Not stuck up either! I love Rehab because there's no dress code (sooo many bouncers at clubs across the city try to take advantage of their power and not let people in because they're wearing Steve Madden dress shoes or their shirt doesn't have a logo...believe me, I've seen it!), they let you dance anywhere and EVERYWHERE..tables, chairs, stage..if you can climb on it, you can dance on it, the music is BANGING! (Team Bayside High are the house DJ's every Monday night but they usually have guest DJ's which are equally as good and awesome), NO COVER with RSVP (do so through do312.com ) and hosted bar from 10-11 ON TOP of $2 pbrs and $4 well drinks!, an amazing mix of a crowd!, and overall great atmosphere! So, if you're ever off on a Tuesday, I HIGHLY recommend checking out Debonair! Rehab's an amazing party (I seriously have a GREAT time EVERY TIME I go!) and Debonair is an AWESOME home for it!

    (4)

  • Heaven M.

    They had Aaron Paul (Jesse Pinkman from Breaking Bad) host their parties all Lollapalooza Weekend. Also, the dude was super nice and hung out with everyone like a champ. They make special events at Debonair - simply special.

    (5)

  • Tom D.

    Red Hair Matt! This guy is so freaking fun. Actually, anyone who works here has to be cool, it's a job requirement.The decor is almost interactive, making me feel like I'm on drugs (even when I'm not). I've been to some crazy events here, Debonair likes to party!

    (5)

  • Chad R.

    Is this place hip? IS IT? I have never really seen anything happen here. I have never really seen even people that are "stuck" up or even interesting or interested in anything here. I have never really seen anyone that looked like they are affiliated with another person there at all. It's such a weird mix, but not even bizarre mix, but awkward sort of bland mix. Sometimes there are balding 40 year olds and sometimes there is a group complete preps going for a "night out". There is hardly any dancing and I wouldn't say that it is a place to meet people at all. I went to burlesque Wednesdays and thought that the place was amazing for that, however, went for a second time and it was basically the exact same thing and I heard they treat the ladies really terrible and like strippers (but they are not, they do it because they love it). Anyways, I RVSPed online just because you can get 3 drink tickets and I am dead broke. I guess I should judge after that, though I have been to this place well over 10 times now.

    (2)

  • Roy H.

    So this place was pretty interesting.... you get a mix of hipsters, ghetto, and clubbers here. So weird lol.... it was a pretty fun time though. Two dance floors one upstairs and one downstairs. Different types of music too. Pretty much your typical kinda club past that. Not too bad.

    (3)

  • Joseph F.

    I'm not certain if Debonair is supposed to be ironic or serious. The interior reminded me of a warehouse painted to look like the set to "Beetlejuice: The Musical". On top of that, everything is a super hard surface so the music sounds tinny. Can someone please tell me why straight people pay twice as much for alcohol when an enterprising bar owner puts up some monochromatic chandeliers and lights up a bar? The drinks here were so expensive. $9 for an absolut and soda? Who the hell are these people kidding? Sure. I could have been one of the many tanned, Jersey Shore-like woman with my tits hanging out and paid half that, but thankfully, I'm not. The venue is odd for the neighborhood. If Wrigleyville had strip malls, this bar would be in there. Save yourself some time and go anyplace else...you really cannot get much worse.

    (1)

  • Nelson S.

    Seriously, fuck this place. Oh, wait, it's all my fault, Debonair is just keeping it real, real bucking white. I couldn't make a selection for "ambiance". There wasn't a selection for "racist".

    (1)

  • Juliana R.

    Worst bar in the city.

    (1)

  • Daniel D.

    Debonair's: Expensive looking, boring, predictable hip ambient crowed to plastic to for any flavor and misery abound. Everybody here ends up talking about other bars they've been too, due to the sporadic specials which just made me feel, well, 'special' for trying. Over-rated, go across the street.

    (2)

  • J V.

    I haven't been to Rehab/Monday night at Debonair for a while, but decided to go with a bunch of friends on Halloween. We thought it would be a good time. All 6 of us RSVP'd online and only one of us made it "on the list." The bouncer said I could show him the confirmation emails, which I did, but he still did not let us in. One of my friends ended up talking to the bouncer who he knows from somewhere else and all of my friends except one was able to get in after that. The line was very long, which we expected, but we didn't expect the RSVP trouble. I left early since it seemed weird to leave the one friend outside all by himself. We also went to Rehab on the 31st because it was advertised at some point they were having a costume contest with a big prize, but the contest never happened. Their Facebook page has been strangely silent on the issue and comments inquiring about the contest have been oddly disappearing. None of these things are first world problems, but it seems highly suspect to pull a stunt like falsely advertising a contest that was never going to happen just so there would be bigger crowds than usual that night. Yes, Debonair was much busier than usual, but their weird strategy to bring people out is probably going to backfire for following weeks.

    (1)

  • Colleen C.

    Oh, damnit. I was all ready to spew my negativity all up in here. Yes, a rare 1 or 2 star review from yours truly...a rare occurrence. I was all set to jet with my hate-o-rage. And, then. I like, had fun. The wipsters (Wicker Park hipsters) are really a gentle bunch. Let's be honest...is someone going to jump you in skinny jeans and a pink scarf (actually witnessed at Debonair)? No. They may burn holes in your un-coiffed head with their misplaced condescension, but overall...the world when "Lethal Poetry" (also witnessed) is playing is not all that bad. My suggestion (like most of my group on the evening of our visit): bypass the upstairs...unless you'd like to just pretend you are in some sort of parody. I mean actually, the people watching is fantastic. Ok, off track...just go downstairs...grab a few drinks, and dance in the glow of black walls and hot pink neon lights. Just for a few minutes. Oh shiiiiiit, see...you had fun, too. Don't judge me! Few gripes: bathroom attendants. I don't know, they make me uncomfortable...but after several incidents I've witnessed over the past month, I think it's good someone is in there keeping things legit. However, the spread of gum and candy reminds me a bit much of Bar Chicago, et al. 2. $20 credit card minimum...but only downstairs? I ironically ordered 2 PBR's for some fellow guests so I didn't get upcharged to meet the requirement. I like the wipsters. They are fun. Debonair is so bad, it's good.

    (3)

  • Stef C.

    I was lucky enough to not pay cover since I got there sort of early.Long story short, its not that big of a place. The dance floor is pretty small but the music kicks a##. I will go back!

    (4)

  • Vineet S.

    The is the first club which I visited in Bucktown. The place has a mix of crowd from all ages.The decor is nice with all the fluroscent lights in the background. The DJ was nice enough to play all the songs which we kept on requesting. The drinks are nice with more vodka/liquor rather than cranberry or sprite.It has two dancefloors one upstairs and one downstairs.Overall a nice club to hang around on Saturday evening.

    (3)

  • Lexie V.

    Maybe it's because I'm not cool or 'hip', but this place sucks. Weak drinks, no parking, cover charge, rude bouncers (except for the guy with the beard, he's fine) As much as I like the talent that frequents Rehab, I hate the venue so much that it's not even worth going to. The place is overwhelmingly ironic.... from the ironic decor to the ironic facial hair of the patrons...I just can't take it. Half of the time the crowd looks like they just crawled out of the American Apparel just down the block, and the rest of the time the crowd looks like they just crawled out of the sewer. Either way it's very unfortunate. I put Debonair on the same level as Excalibur--- embarrassing. If you're ever even considering going to Debonair, just go to Evil Olive instead and save yourself the disappointment.

    (1)

  • Sophie A.

    No complaints -- I had fun! Went out with a group of girls and had a great time dancing without any creeper issues. I'd go back.

    (3)

  • Mark H.

    Cool place. Shrink Sound Bar into a smaller space and wahla. The group ranges from eclectic to lincoln park. Only 5 bucks cover. Another reason to spend your weekend in Wicker.

    (4)

  • Ashley A.

    I've gone here many times, both on weekend nights & Monday nights. Mondays actually get pretty packed. The theme on Mondays is called Rehab, an appropriate name considering it occurs following the weekend. Not sure about on weekends, but on Monday, if you rsvp & arrive between 10 & 11, there is no cover & you get free drink tickets. A couple of times, they gave me three tickets, but you usually get at least two; not bad! Beers are only $2 & vodka drinks are $4 on Mondays. The wait at the bar isn't too bad, but one night we had a female bartender who was so rude. We were going to leave her a cash tip, so we signed the credit card check & left the tip line blank. She looked at the receipt after we signed it, held it up to us, & said in a very rude tone that we forgot to tip. She was also laughing with another bartender & looking at her cell phone repeatedly; so unprofessional & rude. Other than that, the bartenders are pretty nice & attentive. The videos they project on the walls are typically really strange, but funny. I'm always a fan of the music; it ranges from pop to rock to old school 80s & 90s to techno electro beats. There is always music at Debonair that puts me in the mood to dance, and I like that the dance floor is on a platform. My friend had a couple fashion shows here & they let her use the bar top as the runway; super cool. We were a little upset at the last one though, because one of our best friends wouldn't be readmitted. Although she was wrong for bringing in a flask & getting caught with it, she threw out the flask right in front of the bouncer & is very good friends with my friend, the designer, whose fashion show was that night. We even had her come outside to try to convince the bouncers to let my friend back in, but they refused. I think it's good they have a zero tolerance policy, but I wish they would have let our friend back in.

    (4)

  • Ryne D.

    I'm surprised this place isn't more popular, honestly. It's located on prime real estate and is open late. Maybe it's because there are some better dance-y places in the area in terms of crowd and atmosphere, or that it's a club surrounded by decidedly non-clubby joints. But for just $5 cover (at least that's what I paid super-late Saturday night), it's not a bad location at all. Two floors with good (different) music on each, lots of seating, and it's never too hard to get the bartender's attention. I guess those last two are directly related to the thin crowds I see here...oh well. Drink prices are your average over-priced city prices. It's a bit too dark in here, especially in the basement level, and compared to other clubs it's small, but does the job for the amount of people I usually see here. Overall an OK place if you know what you're getting yourself into.

    (3)

  • Elizabeth L.

    Pros- different kinds of music. Videos playing on the wall. Cool door guys. Semi cool dance floor. Lots of sitting room. Cons- snotty bartenders. & the layout isn't the best. Hard to get in or out when busy. Recently had a cocktail server serve me & some friends (chuchy foot ball playin looking hispanic chick) she was extrelmy short & rude with us making us not feel welcome. Apon going to the bar she rudely told me we couldn't sit at the tables enless we ordered from her. We ended up walking out.

    (1)

  • Melli Y.

    Rude DJ's... Only take requests from people they know. Also not my type of music, it's like hippish punk indie music and a bit hard to dance to. But still had fun but I never stay long

    (2)

  • Brett F.

    I concur. With all of you. Wait, you there with the 5 star review, NOT you. Do I need to say much else? Why would anyone go here? No, really. Were you under duress? Someone had a gun to your head? Waterboarding? Did you run in here to hide from your ex walking down Milwaukee Ave? It is gross. Sticky. Dirty. Outdated. Creepy staff. Creepier clientele. Crappy Music. No Guinness. No Grey Goose. No Grapefruit Juice. NO FUN!!!!!!!!!!!! Homeboy working the door in the tweed blazer, levis and wingtips needs to CHILL THE FUCK OUT and stop putting his grubby hands on people. You are a broke-down poorman's Ross from Friends and your bouncer aka grandpa next to you with the arm brace needs to go back to Carbondale, they've been missing his mullet for months now.

    (1)

  • Stephanie A.

    Hipster place, went on tuesday, boring and music sucked, went on friday for lolla paloza after party, music was a little better. And will someone please tell me how much a beer is!? I paid 12 for 2 beers, my boyfriend paid 10 for 2, another friends paid 2.50 for a beer they said it was 2 for 5 so WTF ! !

    (1)

  • Maureen R.

    Le sigh, Debonair. Le sigh. I have to admit that I used to love going to Debonair. The music was amazing, the drinks were poured well, and the clientele were my kind of people. I went there on Saturday and my oh my how things have changed in the last year! Where to start? Music: AWFUL!! If I want to hear top 40 mundane corporate fodder, I will take myself to Wrigleyville, Lincoln Park, or River North. What made it even better was that it was mixed with what I'm pretty sure was the same house music track ALL NIGHT. Gross. My friend had a drink special for her birthday that night. That would have been great except for it was so obvious that there was water in our drinks, it made them barely drinkable. If I want to drink watered down whiskey, I'll build a time machine and take myself back to 9th grade! Clientele: WOW! It was like hanging out in Wrigleyville after a Cubs game. I'm sorry frat boy jerks and your jerk lady friends; you are annoying, and awful to be around! The bar was mostly packed in with guys wearing NorthFace jackets and smug expressions. The smell of Axe body spray permeated the air. I was privy to a lovely conversation with 2 ladies in the bathroom, that I'm sure are from Lincoln Park, making fun of the scenesters/hipsters that scattered the population there. Um, you're in Wicker Park dumb dumb! If I want to go hang out where these people hang out, I'll jam my fingers into an electrical socket, because that would be more enjoyable. Did I mention there was a rave club-esque go-go dancer on the bar? Double gross! So goodbye, Debonair! We had a fun run together. I'll never forget the memories made there. Unfortunately, I'll never be back to make more.

    (1)

  • Mihir P.

    I really wanted to like Debonair. I set up a party for a charity event with the manager Steve. When I got there, I asked for him but he never came up to even greet me. Even worse, the waitress who was trying to help said he didn't remember that we arrranged the party. I wish I could link the email exchange we had. This is so whacked I can't even believe it. I felt insulted. The waitress, Liz (I think that is her name), did her best to help by taking my word as to the specials Steve promised me. I loved the music - kind of 80's Brit rock instrumental. The decor was A Clockwork Orang - esqe theme but needed to be more trippy. I would love to go back but the management and barstaff just doesn't seem to give a shit.

    (2)

  • Kathleen A.

    Holy hipster heaven! I hadn't been back here since it first opened 2 years ago. I knew that once I saw the loads of fixed gear bikes locked up outside that I knew it'd be chock full of hipsters. I just so happened to be here when they were doing burlesque night. It was definitely interesting and entertaining. I'm not gonna lie, I do not think of myself as a hipster by any means, but I totally dig indie rock.This place was playing everything I'm currently jamming out to on my ipod right now so stars for that. All in all, a decent place to come here some good music and good people watching.

    (3)

  • Joe M.

    The Debonair Social Club is a name ambiguous in that it could go in two very disparate directions: One of refinement, elegance and sophistication - a place where men in Stetson hats and pocket squares would enjoy an after work Manhattan. It could also go poles apart. One of faux-decadence, soul-crushing irony and tacky ambiance - a place where neon headband wearing hipsters go to drink free PBR and cheap champagne. As it turns out, it is the later. Upon first moving to the city I assumed it was the former but on my first visit quickly realized this was not the case. While it has since been painted over, a few years ago the side stairway had the names of a slew of musicians written along the wall. This shortsighted* décor idea resulted in the spelling of singer-songwriter Elliott Smith's name 'Eliot Smith'. Acting like the name-dropping cool kid wannabe, I saw this as a perfect analogy for just how unauthentic and contrived this place was and didn't step through those doors again for almost three years. *As this is a bar that caters to a very "what's cool at the moment" crowd, by painting bands names on the wall they effectively dated themselves by including once hit bands which soon became laughably passé while similarly not including any interesting bands that have emerged since. But it is not without its upsides. Like many libation depositories, if drinking on a weeknight in the early evening, it's not so bad of a place to nestle up along the bar and imbibe. I've actually had a rather intimate encounter there (intimate in the sense that it was the venue of the first one-on-one conversation held with a girl I would come to love, rather then what I assume makes up the majority of Debonair's "intimate encounters" which likely consist of doing a line of blow in the bathroom and crotch grinding with a spandex-clad stranger). Quite frankly, Debonair pays off in spades in terms of interesting, free events. Just about every week there's some sort of beer tasting/burlesque show/multimedia DJ set event going on. All of which feature scads of free alcohol and a cavalcade of Wicker Park's finer social rejects/elite (depending on which side you're on). As far as shear entertainment value goes, I'll take drinking gratis booze at a communal circus sideshow just about any day I can. So while I generally loathe a lot of what the bar stands for and the crowd it attracts, at some point one needs to dismount from their respective high horse and acknowledge that choice in bar is not a political statement. A good time is what you make of it, and I've made myself plenty here. This is a good place to go if... you're looking for cheep, interesting fun or just got done listening to your Cold War Kids 7"*. *Reference already out of date as I write it.

    (3)

  • Jelena Z.

    I have to admit the name is what pulled me in. It's like a hybrid nod to the band "Broken Social Scene" spiked with the obvious but fitting "Buena Vista Social Club". I can dig it. I've only been here twice but was entertained on both occasions. Decent mix of sometimes cheesy but fun music, though there was absolutely nothing debonair about me singing along (er, screaming along) to Journey's "Don't Stop Believin". Elegantly wasted courtesy of my prior stop at Avenue M. We had a few cocktails among great company. I can't comment on the price of said cocktails only because my extremely generous/chivalrous/and likely drunk Greek friend covered the tab. However, the drinks were tasty and strong (more vodka than Red Bull). Overall, the guys seemed to like Debonair more than us ladies (might have to do with the crowd being predominantly female). Nothing standout about this spot but definitely a solid pick in Wicker Park.

    (3)

  • Melanie V.

    Well, I came here for Halloween....and the bouncer said that he was doing me a favor by only charging me $10 bucks to get in (instead of $15). Okay, sure. Then, when I try to re-enter, he claims that he doesn't remember my friend (even though he had on this really distinctive facepaint and costume. He looked insane. Anyone would've remembered him!) Whatever. We hung out by the front bar for most of the night. The service was pretty good. The bartenders were so busy, but they made sure to cater to each customer. My friend reminded me that there was a live band also; however, I apparently don't recall that part of the night. Cool, diverse crowd. $5 shots of jack = $30. Not bad, not bad.

    (3)

  • George K.

    Okay, this place is amazing, but the time I was here I wasn't able to fully go wild. This place has an amazing atmosphere, I really liked the layout as well as the lighting effects. The dance floor has a cool light up wall that had a really nice euro dance club type theme. There are a ton of tools and eurotrash there, but hey, thats every single dance club for ya. Downstairs was interesting. It was like a cave that was lit up with red. It was hilarious though because we saw a bunch of overweight people dancing to techno and they looked as if they were on ecstasy, but it was fun to watch. The best part, however, is the bathroom! They had an attendant selling gum and stuff and taking care of the sink. I tipped him and he extended his fist out for a pound and said, "Hey man, do me a favor and make it happen out there!" Like honestly, how bad ass is that? Anyways, the night I had gone it was raining, cold and we had coats, so we did not feel comfortable leaving our stuff unattended. However, if we did not have to worry about that stuff and we had drinks there and have gotten a little drunk, this place would have been five stars for sure. I cannot wait to go again and give this place 5 stars.

    (4)

  • Elisabeth C.

    This place is Crobar for hipsters. I can't believe it hasn't gone under yet. If you're looking to meet a guy in girls' True Religion jeans with an 'ironic' mustache and pay $6 for a Pabst this is the place for you. Edit: I love how there are a plethora of fake/employee 5 star reviews and yet it only drives this place's rating to two pathetic stars. Nice!

    (1)

  • Hoang L.

    REHAB on Mondays gets packed. Drink prices are kind of expensive for a Monday though. I didn't see a coat check area so I had to put my jacket near a booth. Yes, I was nervous someone was going to steal it so had to take everything out of the pockets and put it in my jeans. As a result, I had some things bulging out of my pants. Probably gave some people the wrong impression. Music was clubby. I was told they played old-school hip-hop. Maybe it was a different night.

    (2)

  • Emily B.

    On the night I went, I swear it appeared like everyone ate an Ecstasy pill and went to the Debonair. Does anyone know if this par for the course? There was a man next to me who started taking off his shirt and belt to the beat of a nice "Teach Me How to Dougie" remix - then proceeded to fasten the belt around his neck and beg for me to engage in a little S&M with him on the tiny dance floor. I politely declined. I'm pretty sure this is the type of place you go to and then have to check the Craig's List missed connections the next day. Seems like everyone is eyeing everyone. The DJ was great, until he went all 80s at toward the end of the night. Trust me, things get real weird when you play "Tainted Love" to a bunch of messed up 20-something bi-curious individuals. Though it WAS highly entertaining to watch. The drinks are weak, but affordable. I guess that's the trade off. Girls didn't have to pay cover, boys did: $5.

    (2)

  • Colleen B.

    You know that saying, "Have a bad experience, tell 10 people. Have a good experience, tell one."--? Well, I tend to review positive experiences on Yelp, but this is my effort to tell ten people (or more) how incredibly horrible Debonair is. I went tonight for their burlesque show they host the third Wednesday of each month. I went an hour early. Drinks = too expensive. Music = too loud. People = too hipster (now, I don't mind hipsters until they judge me. I felt judged for not being a hipster). Essentially, everything stunk until the burlesque started. Then the crowd expanded beyond the hipsters, hence the two-star rating. Also, each of the five burlesque performers were ridiculously thin. What happened to burlesque being an accepting, radical, sexual, performative space for people of all shapes and sizes?

    (2)

  • Bri A.

    I've only been here twice (on two different nights) and already have a love-hate relationship with the place. I love the music they play upstairs, but the bartenders have a bit of an attitude. At least you can sit down if you're downstairs, if you get there early enough. I don't like how men are allowed in the women's bathroom though. Theirs is 5ft away! The first time I came here was on a Friday night. The typical Wicker Park crowd was there. I was with another girl and two guys and the bouncer looked at us, then said it would be $10 for all four of us. It seemed like he just made it up. The second time I came here was last Saturday. My boyfriend and I didnt have to pay cover. Music was the same but the crowd was completely different. Everyone was dressed up and I felt like I was at Sound Bar or some other night club. I kinda felt out of place but had a good time anyway. The drinks are moderatly priced and not very consistant (depends on which bartender makes it though) but I loooove the music. I'll be back

    (3)

  • Law S.

    Cannot tell you how many times I have made a dancing fool of myself here. I really like this place, downstairs especially but upstairs has more of the popular music. For some odd reason, it always smells like vomit. Oh well you win some...you lose some.

    (3)

  • Marie G.

    Debonair is all right on most nights. It's a 3-star on the weekends. But on Monday, that is a 5-star nutso experience that absolutely slays basically any weekend party. I have seen people get horizontal on the dance floor. I have seen every micro-celebrity in town dancing on tables, spraying champagne everywhere, and annihilating the open bar at the beginning of the night. It's like Animal House, and it's like that every Monday. The insanity is four stars. The fifth star gets added for playing rock, soul, and still-dancey-but-not-face-melting tunes at a more reasonable volume in the basement, with a way less busy bartender. I try not to go every week, since the fun usually spills into the 4am afterparty zone for me, and sometimes I don't like starting Tuesdays off with a hangover.

    (4)

  • Stephanie Y.

    I need to return to Debonair. I have never laughed so hard in my life. The upstairs was full of kids who love pretending they know how to dance (disclaimer: I am NOT judging. In fact, if I had been a little more under the influence, I would have been on that dance floor too!) The downstairs...well, atleast the time I cam here, was quite empty. But offered the BEST people watching ever. In one corner, there was a girl dancing on a guy. Except it was more like..she was jumping up and down, while bending over? He clearly thought this was hot because he was jumping up and down too. She proceeded to give him a lap dance. Which consisted of not much more than her sitting on his lap and jumping up and down again. In another corner, there was a guy break dancing. Then he'd sit down on the stairs for a minute. Then he would jump back in and do some more break dancing. This continued for the entire time we were in this area. In another corner, there were some guys doing ninja samuria type dancing. Enough said. Hilarious people watching. But pricey drinks. Come here drunk already..you'll enjoy yourself more.

    (3)

  • Ismene P.

    Here's the basics: I love dancing, especially to hip-hop. I heard the downstairs area was hip-hop music. I called ahead to make sure they'd play music I'd like, and they got me on the list. The DJs and music they played downstairs were great! Loved it. Problem was the downstairs area was almost empty and my friends and I were basically the only people dancing until maybe 1am when all of a sudden the place was packed and everyone was dancing. When I looked around, most people were stereotypical hipsters....weird clothing options I believe were mainly 70's and 80's styles, giant glasses that I'm pretty sure more than half of them were just fashion glasses, and really weird dance moves. Moral of the story: if you are looking for a place in wicker park to dance to some good hip hop, the downstairs here is good, as long as you don't give a crap about who else is there...or if you're a giant hipster yourself.

    (3)

  • Jeanette S.

    I hate saying this but...this place was actually kinda...boring. I officially don't get club kids. The drinks sucked (altho I didn't have a problem with the bartenders like other reviewers here have). The DJ did nothing original with the music. I just remember Katy Perry and Lady Gaga. The DJ might've just been playing B96 through the intercom. I found it easy to get a hook-up as there was a nice line of hot guys pretty much waiting to get laid. So honestly, it depends on what you want from this place. There are better clubs out there, but I am officially unimpressed with the 'club' scene.

    (2)

  • Jacob J.

    Stars given for the Burlesque show: I was here for Angela Eve's Twisted Tassel Burlesque festival, so I missed out on their usual flavor of clientele. If you are planning to catch the show, I'd tell you first to check out their website first and see if this is your cup of tea. Angelaevestwistedtasslef… Think Suicide Girls and burlesque. (Please, if your that tame, go to Google, click for photo's and then type Suicide Girls. If you are daring click Google's preferences and change the filter level to off) Wild show, once it finally started, almost a full hour past the start time to get things going. It is definitely not a typical burlesque. These ladies are performance artist's, fetish models, fetish pin-ups, etc. A few artists who come to mind: One strip tease that really stood out was that of Miss Maya Sinstress, (See website for details) she had a rockin' show, she finishes by taking a mini-saw blade to her waist! She's wearing a sort of metal corset, when the blade strikes it, spark's go flying wildly over the crowd! Head turner, Angela Ryan. (Big long breath) Gosh, she is lovely and a sweetheart in person. I had the opportunity of complimenting her. Mmmmmmm. The host, I believe her name is Trixie Minx gave a bit of stand up comedy, which was a bit sleepy. Her onstage wowed us when she climbed atop a table, bust free! Eyes wide across the audience when see a bottle of Hershey Chocolate syrup open and pouring down her front-side. The air was rich of that Hershey's chocolate filled scent. Last in line was Angela Eve alongside a speed metal band. Wowzer's can this lady move. She may look prim and proper but this lady is a bad *ss. The show can run a little late, but you need to stick around. Glow in the dark tassels, cool! Audience was a very mixed group, if you like people watching, it's a "scene". One couple, she, a Goth Bettie Page and he, the Southeast Asian version of a biker / extra from the movie Grease. They were cool people. If I had more hair and could deal with the "slick" I might rock that hairstyle. In the midst of burlesque fans, this guy signals the DJ and the two now encircled by an audience are swing dancing. Staged? I dunno. There's another show coming up quick, check it out. $15. Debonair itself: For a weekday night they offered decent drinks specials and drink prep was average. Kilo Kai is available. The upstairs isn't as grandiose as photos on the Internet suggest. It's dirty and dark. I can't imagine it the way it's talked about in other reviews. I prefer the downstairs bar. It's very dark, it reminds me of a bar in Wrigleyville, (Spot - something?) The bar's ceiling is lined in a stream of light which follows the contours of where the wall meets the bar's edge. A faint glow of pink illuminates the area. Was beer more expensive downstairs? The staircase is old and narrow. Use with caution near drunks. Restrooms are down below. The washroom walls are completely covered with club fliers. Cost effective treatment and good marketing. There isn't too much to say about it really. Go back? Maybe one day? They say there's no cover.

    (3)

  • Kim J.

    I don't understand the cult-like following this "social club" has tried to generate. I've been to Debonair for Rehab, a fashion show, a rock show, and some other special occasion meriting its own "night." Debonair is now all out of chances. I dig the atmosphere, and the crowd doesn't bother me much. But throw in some standard electropop, a borderline rude staff, and cheap booze spilled EVERYWHERE (I'm not lying. look as far as you can in any direction and you will see spilled booze, and if you're lucky, a booze-vomit combo) and the night gets very old very fast. I won't get into the hipster factor, although I'd rather go out someplace where not everyone has the same tattoos and haircuts. Anyone else get the feeling that some people show up to this place just to get their picture taken and posted on Facebook?

    (2)

  • Simma Down Na H.

    I don't know man...I've heard good things about this place but last Friday sucked. I walked in then ten minutes later I walked out! Mostly everyone was standing NOT DANCING! What the F---? I give it another try...maybe Monday/Saturday night?

    (1)

  • Julia R.

    I've had some good times here - the light up walls are fun and look fantastic in pictures when you're catching your friends bustin' a move. It's fun to dance here - and somehow I always end up here if i'm in the area and had a few to drink. However, it's not a place to go if you haven't had a few to drink. Guys pay cover unless they're with a group of girls usually - works for me but not always my guy friends. Drinks are really expensive and either disgustingly strong or practically void of alcohol. Music is either awesome of kinda crappy. Bathrooms aren't nice, and there's a creepy basement with more dancing.... That being said - i know i will still find myself coming here in the future, then wondering the next day why I spent so much on a crappy drink and still haven't found a better place to get my groove on. But hey! I'll have gotten some great pictures!

    (3)

  • Amanda C.

    Okay... the thing about Debonair is that it actually kind of sucks, but pretty cool people work there, so it becomes tolerable. HI THOR! YOU ARE THE BEST SECURITY DUDE IN WICKER! There is a matron in the bathroom; I HATE PLACES THAT DO THIS! I do not want to tip a strange woman $1 to hand me a paper towel. I am capable of doing that myself, thank you! I am then forced to go through the awkwardness of not tipping her. LAMEEEE! You'll see a lot of parties there... families celebrating shit. Moms trying to be young, Dads looking along in disgust. Basically you will see marriages ending right before your eyes. BUT! You can dance to crappy music! And who doesn't have fun doing that!? As such, I give this place 3 stars.

    (3)

  • Tom H.

    Cool retro bar in Wicker Park...and if you get on the guest list you get 3 free beers and no cover! There is a small dance floor and the bar is huge which is right in the middle of the establishment so kinda makes it hard to walk around.

    (3)

  • Kim W.

    lol. do people still come here?

    (3)

  • Anjee J.

    As someone below me said, this IS the Neo of Wicker Park... Meaning it is filled with freaks, old freaks, annoying freaks, more freaks, hipster freaks, failgoth freaks, hideous freaks, skanky freaks, douchey freaks, yuppie freaks and every other kind of abhorrent freak imaginable. I came here to see A Perfect Circus because I'm a huge Trio fan, and while their set was brilliant, the hours I spent waiting for them to go on stage were some of the worst I've ever experienced in any sort of club/bar setting. The music is GARBAGE. Seriously, I think I heard like what, FIVE, different Yeah Yeah Yeahs remixes? Also, if I get premature wrinkles from all the glaring I did, I think I may sue. I'm not just being superficial and judgemental, I assure you -- the few strangers I accidentally got into conversations with could have been confused for lobotomy victims. That being said, if you are an individual with ANY shred of a soul, personality or brain, spare yourself and avoid this absolute shithole. It appears you have to be a cliche, braindead idiot to have a good time here.

    (1)

  • Amanda D.

    I know I gave this place a rather sour rating before I think it was because we went on the weekend. I came here last night for my second stop on my birthday eve party train lol and I loved it. They had the No Tell Motel: Night of the Pain Kurst Girls!!! Loved it! yelp.com/events/chicago-… The crowd was good; not the typical douche bag central! I was pretty much hanging around friends rather than people watching but I overall had a better experience this time around and will probably only go on Wednesdays now :)

    (4)

  • Holly S.

    You know that episode of The Simpsons when Moe reopens his bar as a trendy, hip joint with tons of garbage in it, attempting to be edgy? I think it's based on Debonair. The dumb ass videos all over attempting to be 'artsy' and lines from songs in Mac commercials on other screens make me want to stare at the floor all night. The manager looks like he was a Hot Topic reject in 1997 and apparently in his world, when it's $3 you-call-its and you ask for a vodka tonic, you get Belivdere unless you specify well. One of the bartenders needs a better boob job, and the guy from Beer Nuts needs to stop doing coke before bartending, because he was spilling all over and simply psychotic. And they called Brendan Kelly BRADLEY.

    (2)

  • Torry S.

    Ok, I been here for rehab and something else now. The dancefloor is always packed on monday but I wouldn't become a regular because the main DJs play the same stuff every time. It gets old. Downstairs is where you can chill if you want, its less hot and less packed and has cool lights and stuff, you just gotta go there on the right day it plays music you like because its more niche downstairs. The hipster factor is apparent but I'm not complaining, I'm too busy doing what I want to notice others. The bar tending is where this place takes a nose dive in my opinion, they are definitely overworked on large crowds, its understandable but I've counted the times where they knowingly serve select people and skipping others. Its can get pretty bad. Its just ok in my opinion go if there's something special but I can't see myself being a regular

    (3)

  • Angus G.

    Worst part and most important truly: the bartender. I had been warned a million times by multiple friends that this bar was awful, but I had a friend visiting me that was out of town needing a place to dance. We were at the Damen stop. EvilOlive was closed. We had no other choice. What a mistake we made. We walked inside and the first sight I saw was our stupidly rude bartender taking shots with the other patrons. Keep in mind, I have no issues with our bartender taking shots with other customers, in fact I welcome it as bartenders deserve to have fun too. However, her breach of conduct grossly broke the unwritten code bartenders should keep. Trashy. Nasty. Ignorant. Pretentious. Rude. Ugh. I will never, and I repeat NEVER go back to this bar. Even when I apologized for pronouncing this poor girl's name incorrectly (and I did since I have a Southern accent) she just said it was my time to get out of the bar and didn't even give me a receipt. Upon record of this to the owner/runner of the club didn't illicit a single apology but a defense that it was a "generalization" of what happens at their club, although the reason we didn't go was because of the exact attitude that this bartender displayed. He even was rude to a random girl he didn't know in front of us as he tried to defend his bar. Gross. I've learned my lesson and I'll never be back. My friend is a bleeding-heart liberal with a taste for everyone's empathy, but not even this bar illicited any sort of sympathy from her. This bar is awful and needs to be shut down.

    (1)

  • Meghan O.

    It was Sunday, Reggae night. We were there for a friends birthday, it was just ok. I never dealt with anyone but the door guys and they seemed very chill and the first impression is most important. We all thought it was going to be electro/trance/house, (I have no idea, I don't like that music anyways) but it was to my fond surprise; it was reggae, which I enjoyed. No one was really dancing so we decided to, I could imagine the place being packed and if it were, it seemed like it would be a pretty good time. Not sure how much the drinks were, but they did not have miller or heineken light, so I settled for an Amstel light. I have no idea about the service, besides clearing tables quickly. I would go back.

    (2)

  • Christine F.

    Not entirely sure why this place has such a low rating. It's not that bad. I went here for part of my bachelorette party (and no, it wasn't the type of bachelorette party that involves cock balloons and blow up dolls, k thx). It's a super trendy bar right on the 6 corners. We were there on a Saturday, and it was very much a top 40 music type of place. My favorite part was the downstairs. They had mechanical horses and I rode those for awhile. To be honest, that entire night is a blur so this all I remember about Debonair. However, I wouldn't be hesitant to return.

    (3)

  • Carol J.

    Apparently I live in a very different world. One made of lollipops and unicorns because in my world, everyone is nice and people don't get all judgemental and actually try opening themselves up to new things and places and people. I also believe that a scene is also what you choose to make it...... So every time I've been to Debonair, I've had fun. A LOT of fun. Every single time. Why do you think that is? Because a) I AM FUN b) I enjoy mixing it up with the kids. c) I have been known to enjoy a cocktail or two. d) I was in the nightclub business and know you can't judge a club by a few random members or their collective patrons therefore, I don't. That could be it. The club itself has a pretty spacious design and layout, with nice sight lines and a fairly intimate space for live music upstairs. The format varies but is usually some type of alt rock, emo or even a tad metalish. Its not too loud and the bar is relatively accessible. No problems there. The downstairs though absolutely rocks. It reminds me of the old 950 or something where there is a big long bar and lots of little areas to camp out. There is a smallish dance floor but you can pretty much dance where you want to, no one cares. DJ line up varies and there is a lot of new talent testing the waters. Sometimes great, other times okay, but never really anything that takes away. Now, my favorite part about Debonair? Steve, the owner. The nicest guy I've ever met in the god forsaken nightclub industry. Always treats me well and has such a great attitude. When I rolled up for PHIZ with a party of 20+, he was more than accommodating. Waived our cover, bought some birthday girl shots. And indulged my friends in tours. Yeah, he's that nice. The bathroom attendant is always a doll and then there is my beloved Danielle behind the bar. Texts me to make sure I got home okay. Bless her heart. Yeah, I love them.

    (5)

  • Andrea R.

    I wasn't quite sure what to expect because I have friends who love it , but the Yelp reviews have been pretty mixed... Overall, Debonair Social Club didn't quite do it for me... I found it to be overly pretentious and just trying too hard. They were flashing erotic images on the walls and my friends and I just didn't really understand the point. Also the snooty bartenders and bathroom attendant didn't make me like the place any better. I was happy when 1 of the bartenders came over with free shots on the house, but I didn't see her give them to anyone else so I'm convinced they were gifts from one of the anonymous creepy men hanging out in the bar. Speaking of men there weren't many hanging out at the Debonair Social Club....about 80% of the customers were women. I'm all about swanky lounges, but I prefer the swanky ones without attitude.

    (2)

  • Kent S.

    Blah blah blah. Hipster this and hipster that. I'm pretty sure that I don't go here on Saturdays because of Lincoln Park's invasion of Bucktown. Maybe it's just because I'm social, but I always tend to have fun when there is a decent crowd at the Debonair. I usually prefer the music that comes from the basement, but I prefer the dance floor upstairs. When I first started coming around these parts, I just made it a point to tip my bartenders and talk to Thor. Ever since, a typical night means not paying cover and free shots. Those damn, pretentious hipsters.

    (4)

  • Carly O.

    What am I missing here? Obviously I'm way out of the loop. I can only describe my recent experience there, which could either be par for the course or totally out of the ordinary. I came for an art show after party. There were three people with various lists, wristbands and stamps at the door, not to mention the dude checking ID's. Is this place THAT exclusive...on a MONDAY NIGHT? OK, so the downstairs area which was apparently for the after party didn't have many people, so we stayed upstairs. The DJ that was on around 10:30 was awesome. OK, so he didn't take requests, but I'll forgive him for his music selection. We had some drink tickets which later expired. I found out the hard way when I paid $7 for a vodka soda? Really? C'mon. The place was packed. Forget about trying to use the bathroom or searching for lost friends. We had to wait for it to thin out just so we could leave. I can't describe the crowd at all. It didn't seem like your average Wicker Park crew, but maybe I'm just outdated. I will return so long as they have the same DJ and we don't have to pay to get in. Also, I won't buy drinks there.

    (3)

  • Dominick C.

    Debonair is kind of like a double cheeseburger to fill the lonely void. You're lulled in by scrumptious sexy hipsters, free drink tickets, and oddly enjoyable WTF-is-this electro-pop. Then you realize this burger is, well, just a burger. And as you pick your teeth of hipster chic and Pabst Blue Ribbon, you think to yourself, "Man, I should've had something more filling."

    (3)

  • Gfiddy F.

    Dance - this club is like many clubs, with lights, sounds, drinks and people celebrating. I didn't notice any of the apparently awful things going on around me, but I am perhaps slightly more worried that there are a bunch of angry people around me waiting to pounce on the slightest provocation :P Also, since I apparently have not yet made any hipster references in any of my previous reviews, here it is now - hipsters are cute and their clothing is pretty cute too, though not my style. Hipsters continue to contribute to the social life of this city, as well as contribute to our morning coffee, fun printed t-shirts, interesting posters that distract from the boring sidewalk, and again, tall, skinny and cute guys. I prefer hipstertown during the daytime. Anyway, naming one group or another is as I learned it about the fact of division that cuts across our shared public space which is based on, well, a lot of things. Communication is the only way to get through this - in conclusion, communication forever.

    (5)

  • Tish J.

    Went for a friend's birthday on Saturday. I don't see what the fuss is about. It is pricey but meh... Any place where the bartender gives me a shot and attempts to hook me up with a cute boy is alright by me.

    (3)

  • alicia g.

    Two good things about Debonair: 1, I once witnessed one of my good friends punch out the owner and various d-bags associated with the club Valentines Day 2007. 2. It's dark. What does that mean? It means that you aren't able to see how ugly people there REALLY are.

    (1)

  • Stefan S.

    (Saturday review, been there five times)Despite the reviews, I believe that a club can only be reviewed on its potential for fun, rather than on specific experiences. What kinds of things must a good club have? Well for me its the patrons, music, layout, price, and staff. Patrons: From what I could tell, everyone looked very normal, there wasn't an overwhelming amount of guidos or hipsters or ghetto people, just a nice crowd of people trying to have fun. The girls were very friendly and easy to talk to, much more down to earth than the downtown euro clubbers, and not to mention better looking than your average fake tan clubhead. I found the guys great as well, there were no rivalries or fights, everyone was having a good time and dancing, and not that fist pumping where 20 dudes gather on the floor to house music, but a good blend of guys and girls dancing. Overall there was a solid ratio, and everyone looked decent. Music: Downstairs it was mainly house which is hit or miss. And upstairs they played newer songs remixed with a dance beat, which all but one time is right on. Overall the music is very conducive to dancing and loud which is good because its a club. Layout: The layout isn't the best I've seen, but its by far not the worst. It sort of gives me this red neon miami club feeling, which I think some other poster mentioned as well. Ultimately I don't think the design distracts too much from the mood, although I do wish the downstairs was better lit, as it kinda looks creepy, but for now I will dance in the upstairs. Price: The cover fee is $5 dollars if any so there is no excuse to at least give it a shot. Although I do feel as if the drinks are on the pricey side($12 black Russian, small glass full of ice, $9 jack & coke). Then again maybe i'm just a poor college student ; ). So perhaps I will pre-game a bit before my next adventure. Staff: The staff has so far been very friendly and accommodating, Thor as he called is a wonderful gentleman, and a stones throw from your typical bouncer. He remembers faces well, and will grant you entry all night, so you can come and go as you please. The bartenders also seem nice although I have not really spoken to them. Overall if you are looking for a place to dance and get crazy this place is definitely solid, and if you're a fun person it's easy to have a good time here.

    (4)

  • Carol K.

    What's to like about a club that makes you stand in the cold to get in and once you do- you get ogled by smarmy guys while girls dance together on the cramped dance floor? Couple that with my feet being stuck to the floor, bartenders with an attitude, and dirty bathrooms and I pretty much have made up my mind not to go back. This club has potential- great location- lots of seats, good music (a little loud if you ask me) but maybe it was the night I was there- but I wondered the entire time I was there why I was there? What is with the line of guys standing along the black wall- very creepy! The bartenders (trust me- I went up to 2 different ones) both had an attitude- seems to me that one of us was the customer but they missed that! Took forever to get a drink (expensive) and my change was practically tossed at me. Left a tip thinking that would help but it was only good money thrown after bad. Lots of choices in this city- and I choose elsewhere!

    (1)

  • Steve R.

    Ended up here for the PHIZ thing, and my opinion of it is kinda split-personality, as is the bar. Regarding the main floor, it is completely beyond me why anyone would want to hang out here, or why anyone would think it is anything remotely different from any other dance bar you'd find in River North. Hey look there's wall projections. Yay. They have those at Martini Ranch too. Sux sux sux, and the array of poseurs I saw lurking about and preening brought the bile to the tip of my through (especially this eye-rolling skinny Duran Duran lookin' dude who made me want to commit violent acts). I was on my way out the fuckin' door after downing one drink when I noticed the stairway. Met the other PHIZ yelpers downstairs then, which was a whole different bag. Maybe it was the DJ that night, but anyplace that serves a nice stiff (average priced) drink quickly and spins Supersuckers and Bad Brains is alright in my book. Nice 'n dark too. Kinda loud, but that's how those types of places go. Not somewhere I would hit frequently (not that I hit anywhere frequently these days), but the basement saved it from a zero stars experience. There is no reason for anyone ever to hang in the upstairs for any reason who's not a complete swinging dong.

    (3)

  • Leanne B.

    I have had mixed feelings about Debonair in the past, but recently they have been for the better. Ever since REHAB has been being hosted here, it has been a great time...and the drink specials on that night RULE....(Mondays - seriously - it's worth it...) I *do* have a problem with the pricing at the door on the other nights; any place that charges men and not women seems pretty shady and obnoxious to me. However...for how many lookers and good dance parties seem to hang out in here, I'm pretty awesome with it. DJs=usually pretty awesome; videos on the wall = wouldn't mind if they were changed every now and then. Bar tenders are always attentive and usually make good drinks. Also, one time someone got buck-ass naked on top of the "cubes" that are sometimes up on the dance floor. Instead of harassing her or cat-calling someone so obviously overserved, everyone stopped, open-mouth stared, and basically just shrugged and continued dancing. It was amazing. Just know that you are getting into something faux-classy when you are heading in, and you'll get exactly what you're expecting.

    (4)

  • Michael M.

    When Debonair has an 80's Rehab night the club is a lot of fun. Other nights it is certainly not my thing. My dislike of Hipsters (their fashion, bad taste in music, hypocritical values, elitism) makes this place a no no on other nights.

    (2)

  • James V.

    This review is solely for Wednesday night at Debonair: No-tell Motel takes place here every Wednesday night starting at 9, and you'll find me here right about then for the free champagne until ten. The waitress, Angelina, is just about the hottest thing in the neighborhood, and she's a sweetie to boot. After the champagne, Vaudezilla puts on a burlesque show at 10 and 12. I haven't been staying for the burlesque lately, and the times I have in the past few weeks I've been too involved with the people I was with to watch the show. Some of the performers are beautiful, some are skilled, some are both, some are neither. Either way, the show is completely different every week and the champagne will just keep on drawing me back. Would I go there in a Saturday? No, that's what Croc is for.

    (5)

  • Tiff H.

    This place is so strange. Fun. But strange. There's not much to say, especially after Stefan's reviews. The patrons here are very mixed...so bring some friends who just want to let loose and who will dance. (I will say though, when I first arrived, there were some girls just sitting on the stage...made me think of those girls who never got asked to dance in 8th grade...just lined up on the walls.) The music upstairs is what you'd want to dance to, and I found the later it got, the better the music did. That may be just bc I kept drinking more though. Yes, the layout is a bit awkward...and I've had my fun downstairs. (hee.) The staff is always friendly and the drinks aren't too bad. So Debonair isn't a place I'd come to unless it was for their monthly burlesque shows (interesting...will say...very...interesting)...it's more of a place I'll just randomly find myself at if I'm not feeling Empire Liquors when roaming down Milwaukee.

    (3)

  • Grace L.

    The Wicker Park version of Excalibur. Yikes. Some may liken Debonair to the Sonotheque (which I don't have a problem with and have even found enjoyable on a few occasions), but I find the atmosphere at Debonair to be rather nasty and over-promoted. Beyond the facade of "big city glam", you'll soon realize you're merely admist an incredibly lame pool of party shirts livin' up their night on the town. Avoid.

    (1)

  • Matt C.

    Wah.......Wah..........Wah.............. This is what played over and over in my head after my last trip to Debonair Social Club. Debonair reminds me of a particular clip from the Chappelle Show involving Rick James. "I wish I had two sets of hands, so I could give you four thumbs down, bitch." There are so many negatives I do not know where to begin............. Nope, scratch that. I know exactly where I want to start! I could say a million things about our stupid, insolent, hand me down clothes wearing, asshole, Benicio Del Toro wannabe door guy. Our fabulously awful experience started in his hands and ended in them too. His shoulder exposed shirt wearing sidekick with the elbow brace from the nineteen eighties looked like he belonged in the ECW nursing home............ The bar staff is no better. Don't ask for what you want to drink, they probably do not have it. When you do ask, they will make sure to insult your fabulous taste.......... (HINT: I tip when you pour my drink, not for your insolent opinion about my taste in liquor.) After your first, they will be unavailable for the rest of the night, because you know, that a half full bar is so hard to keep with five bartenders. If you plan to smoke, remember that all of those in line have the right to enter before you. Even though you have already spent an ungodly amount of money to get in to this shit hole. When you do try to return, expect said door guy to accost you, tell you that you are an asshole, and then bleed all over your three hundred dollar dolce shirt with the finger he was using to bang the only pussy he can get, a two dollar whore off of the street. All of this will be topped when he pushes you out and tells you to leave for no reason what so ever! Do I sound upset? I highly recommend that when you are out in Wicker Park you avoid Debonair Social Club at all costs. There are plenty of quality spots that are cheaper, have better service, music, and ambiance. I will not be returning here..............

    (1)

  • Ingrid G.

    This place is really hit or miss. I've seen Debonair anywhere from deserted to overstuffed. The music is fine most of the time, hip hop upstairs and house-like downstairs. I've had a great time dancing here. I've also been completely underwhelmed. It's a crapshoot. I usually drag my ass out here because of convenience or peer pressure. Beats staying in, but if you've got other prospects, they probably beat Debonair.

    (2)

  • Jason A.

    checked out the wednesday night burlesque thing last night. i had never been in the place before. The decor and staff are sorta "fashion forward hipster-esque". Be sure to get there between 9-10 for free champagne in glasses that mysteriously look like test tubes. after that the drinks are over priced. the burlesque thing was entertaining though. definitely not some kind of artistic thing, more like a hipster saturday night live version, which in my opinion is a good thing. Diverse crowd... Verdict: I'll go back if its Wednesday and I want to get drunk on free champagne...

    (3)

  • Luke S.

    I really think I liked this place because I was so confused by all of the images on the screens. Besides the fact that I had a few too many cocktails before I walked in this place was very entertaining. It had somewhat of a club feel, which I typically hate, but it's different. There were these crazy images on the wall that appeased my ADD for a good hour. We got a booth on a Saturday night and the servers were constantly coming around to make sure my drink was full. I didn't like how they had a cover. I typically dislike any place with a cover. It was only $5 so I didn't lose too much sleep over it. I would go back again if I am in the neighborhood.

    (3)

  • Blake B.

    Debonair is the Neo of Wicker Park. With their six projection screens, this is a great place if you are into visual arts and VJs. There is a downstairs that is sometimes open and usually hosts material darker than the upstairs. The drain-chain decor needs to be zapped. They are always trying out new things and for a few weeks they had a play (as in theater) that would blend into the night. Keep in mind it's usually dead until late. Head here earlier in the evening if you want to hang out with friends.

    (4)

  • Ellen F.

    I have such mixed feelings about Debonair. Interior Design: Hate it. It looks as though they had 8 different good ideas, but none of them meshed well together. Instead of compromising and letting a couple go, they said, "F- it," and used them all. Bad idea. Oh, and the bar in the middle of the room is not only a poor use of space, but it's in the way. (I know it was already like this when the owners obtained the space and changing it would be quite costly, but it still doesn't work.) The Upstairs Bartenders: If they're not rude, they're slooooooooow. I'm not usually that jerk who doesn't tip, but at Debonair I have made the exception. The Music, Downstairs, and Women's Bathroom: The only saving graces and the only reason I'm giving Debonair three stars and not one. At least they got something right?

    (3)

  • Eliot D.

    Well. Where do I start? Indeed, the bartenders are seemingly quite unskilled compared to many other places I have been. It just seems that they kind of have a little party behind the bar, and when someone steps up to order a drink they all draw straws to see who gets the arduous task of removing the cap from an overpriced PBR. I would say the prices and bartenders combined most certainly take one star away from this place.. The door guy is cool. He always has a real tight hat on, and he remembers you if your nice to him. I don't really know how its possible for so many people to be assholes, but I think its difficult for people to realize that this bar only charges you a cover if you are full of yourself. Anyways, hes cool, and he's not the kind of dude that will deny you or give you are hard time if you walk up blasted as fuck, and you have a hard time getting your ID out. I mean common, thats why we're there right? I love seeing the people here. One time I saw a chick that looked like she had disappeared from home at age 7, moved in with a coke dealer, and now couldn't figure out why everyone didn't think she was just the sexiest thing since Lindsay Lohan. She proceeded to squirm her funny 85 lb body onto the speaker next to the DJ booth, where she insisted on lifting up her dress as she peered out into the crowd to see if there were any takers... I threw back a shot, made a vampire face, and got her a cab back to my place (just kidding). All in all it was a good time. It amazes me how every night seems to be different, yet the same. The downstairs is just as fun as the upstairs, the bathroom attendants always have something funny to say, and you can get so drunk that a dude wearing neon blinking shades dancing like hes been on an bad acid trip for the last 3 months of his life begins to look normal (true story). If this is the type of place you enjoy, then you will most certainly have a good time. Its in a cool area, but its definitely not for everyone. I took off one more star because it always seems to close too early.

    (3)

  • Anjali B.

    It was great like, 2 years ago. There were awesome, artsy people with great style, and service wasn't bad either. I think it just got diluted with baseball hats and trixies. Pity. :( I don't go there on purpose anymore, although I sometimes "end up" there, or I go if my friends are hosting an event there. EDIT: I am going more frequently now for Burlesque night on Wednesday (No-Tell Motel), and it's always a freaking blast. As long as it stays cool and doesn't attract too many [more] creepy old guys it'll be awesome.

    (5)

  • Amanda T.

    Okay okay, I know I put this place on blast in my previous review, but I'm going to retract what I've said. My preferences has evolved. Darwinism at its best. The problem with my initial visits was that I think I was going on the wrong nights. Rehab Mondays are a blast. Everyone is upbeat, jovial, and drunk (obviously). Just an all around good time. Sorry to have put you on blast before, Deb. I'd like to be friends now.

    (4)

  • Katie C.

    I know my review of Debonair isn't going to do much to boost its less-than-mediocre response from the Yelp community, but at least I'll put in my two cents. To all of the previous reviewers: I understand and sympathize with your complaints. It's true that this club is home to a lot of pseudo hipsters with bad clothes and stinky attitudes. The music isn't anything to write home about. You can barely see your way to the coat check in the dark, unnavigable basement. So what separates my experience from yours, fellow Yelpers? Well, I had fun there. Walking into this place, I had little-to-no expectation about what I was going to be dealing with. Okay, wait, strike that--having known what Wicker Park was like even a mere three years ago compared to now, I knew that the real alternative culture kids have already abandoned the area for their new arty enclaves, and that most of Wicker Park's late night patrons would be a mixture of Lincoln Park trixie-esque and college kids fresh pressed out of the Urban Outfitters mold. So I set off, despite the environment to have a good time. So that's what we did--we didn't have to pay any cover on Saturday night (always a plus), and my friend's roommate is a cocktail waitress on the first floor (she's a sweetheart and is just lucky to be one of those ridiculously good looking people) who served us all night--I tried this super tasty bottled drink called AM--it's like black raspberry vodka with red bull with yummy. So we didn't have to deal with any of the I'm-hungry-but-can't-eat-so-I-can-fit-into-this-­vintage-vest bartenders. We danced to the pulsing music (on the beat to the best of our ability, mind you) and warded off dancing creepers with our group diligence. I even had a nice little conversation with the bathroom attendant. I praised her for her patience. She appreciated that. We really didn't spend a lot of time in the basement, and I would have liked to go down there to dance--you all have said the music is better downstairs. Perhaps it was my company of friends, or the several vodka cranberries I swigged, but Debonair is a place I'd visit again.

    (4)

  • Nik B.

    In the end I have mixed feelings about this place. I like that a place exists where I can bet on hearing Justice at least a few times, and most likely some Daft Punk, but come on, don't pretend to be classy here. Classy places charge more than $7 for a jack and diet coke, Debonair charges $9. Is Debonair classy? No. Is Debonair kinda fun and full of interesting people? Yes.

    (3)

  • Moe f.

    If you like shitty dj's asking you to throw your hands in the air(really) and overpriced drinks, then you will love this place. Even the PBR was a rip.

    (1)

  • Carol M.

    Yikes. I went here last weekend for a birthday. $20 open bar for two hours...otherwise I wouldn't have stayed. It was about 10 till midnight (when the open bar closed) and the bartender gave us a hell of a time getting our last drink telling us that open bar was over. I had to bribe him w/ a large tip just to get it from him (might as well bought the drink and not dealt with the attitude). There was some interesting slow motion video art projected on the walls and the bathroom attendant, Precious, was a doll. That's about the only nice thing I can say about this place. It was bearable earlier in the night until all the tools started pouring in. Definitely won't be back here anytime soon. 4/52

    (1)

  • Justin V.

    Justin: "Are you in Fall Out Boy?" Bartender: "No." Justin: "Are you pretending to be in Fall Out Boy?" Bartender: "No." Justin: "Did that guy just say you have Effen bottle-service for $100?" Bartender: "Yeah, it's a special for Valentine's Day." Justin: "You mean it's on sale?" Bartender: "No, it's on special. For Valentine's day." Justin: "Is the other bartender in Fall Out Boy?" Bartender: "No. No one here is in Fall Out Boy." Justin: "Is this Fall Out Boy? Playing right now?" Bartender: "No." Girl in minidress: "Yes it is." Justin: "Told you." Bartender: "Do you want a drink or not?" Justin: "I'll take the cheapest beer you have in a bottle." Bartender: "We have PBR for $4." Justin: "I have to go." This is after having my ID checked by what appears to be a barbarian hurled forward through time, then bludgeoned with absolutely vile music in a "club" with no seats where everyone is either wearing something shiny or has a mullet/mohawk/rat-tail combo and 40 necklaces on at once. If you want to know what people mean when they go "Wicker Park has really gone down the shitter" just step on in. Then fall out, boy.

    (1)

  • Laila C.

    2 of my friends and I had our birthday party here last weekend. We had a 3 hour open bar, the whole downstairs to ourselves until 11pm AND free pizza for only $25. I have nothing to really complain about. It was basically like we had our own venue and everyone had a great time. The only weird part was a creepy looking couple sitting in the corner....Guess they couldn't tell it was a private event and I didn't have the heart to kick them out. Also, the DJ was nice enough to dl "birthday sex" for me, cuz it's pretty much the funniest song ever!

    (4)

  • Monique C.

    This decor of this place was kind-of cute I guess, but that's probably the only thing I liked. It was very small and music was ridiculous. Not only was it too loud, but I don't know what the DJ was trying to do.He would randomly cut in the middle of a song and change it. The transitions between songs were just terrible.

    (1)

  • Ganxta H.

    I can't figgure this place OUT!!!! Sometimes it is killer, an sometims WEAK.... Some bartenders are CREEPS, an someare real frendly.... Sometims musicis great, sometims NOT My frend said she had someone thretten to knife on her last time in the bathroom about how she usedth soap!!!! The world is sad.

    (3)

  • Gretta H.

    I'm going to agree with Steve R., Debonair Social Club makes me think about violence. It's like being trapped in an American Apparel catalogue while listening to very posh techno. I have a bias because I find hipsters (or even worse, Wipsters) to be the LEAST interesting, MOST pretentious superficial addition to my 20-something socializing. I cannot escape them and find Wicker Park and Bucktown very unappealing as a result. I was dragged here for a show and was reminded that my pants were not skinny enough, my scarf was not tied properly and my hair did not have enough product in it. When will the hipsters go away?

    (2)

  • Stacey A.

    My friend Carl spins here every other Friday. And there are some goodlooking hipster boys shimmying around the dance floor. Apart from that, I see no other reason to be in this place, ever. The downstairs part looks like a rape dungeon. It is super super creepy.

    (2)

  • Mike B.

    I went to this shithole once, so take my rant with the requisite grain of salt. This place sucks. It's filled with shitty people doing shitty things and being shittily served their shitty drinks. They may play music that is tolerable in the basement on some night I haven't considered going there, but you know what? I was rocking out to Hall & Oates in a Chili's bathroom once and I still didn't want to be in there more than 2 minutes. One at a time or all at once: Debonair can eat a whole bag of dicks.

    (1)

  • Patrick R.

    I knew this place sucked before I showed up, but the majority ruled. I tried to put the many many 1 star reviews out of my mind, but this place oozed awfulness. The dance floor in the basement is way too small, crowded and dark. The music was decent at best. Drinks were far from reasonable. The real cherry on top for this place had to be the unfinished room in the basement right passed the bar. There are creepy bars, but none that come close to this room. I don't think I can describe it accurately without using words that aren't appropriate for the internet...yeah that bad. If John Wayne Gacey did interior design this would be his magnum opus. There are way too many other spots around this place to waste your time. I'd even suggest shipping it to Tavern if you want an upgrade. That will be the only time I can say that.

    (1)

  • Diana R.

    I give this place four stars, it would have been five if a fight didn't break out but this place was great, we walked in, no cover, to some cool 80s music/top 40 from last year and the lady at the door said we could get a free drink ticket if we wrote down our email address, of course, I made one up. The free drink was a well drink or a beer, not bad. i mean where else do you walk in somewhere on a saturday night and get a free drink. Two hours later, we were dancing to all the songs from the 80s/90s/2000s, it was great! Upstairs was cool with visions of sexy models on the giant screens on the wall and downstairs was very dark but had a bunch of people dancing there as well. For a saturday night, it didn't get overcrowded like most places in wicker park and there was a good ambiance of people. I will definately go there again.

    (4)

  • Nick S.

    The bartenders need to be sent for training. I always have an issue with waiting a ridiculous amount of time for a drink while the bartenders bs with their friends. I am quite patient about this as I bartend as well, but it is ALWAYS a problem. The djs were just okay. Heard some bad mixing up on the first floor. If you are looking for the wannabe-pretentious crowd who thinks they deserve privilege and bottle-service, then this is the place for you. If you are looking for a good dance party... then look somewhere else.

    (1)

  • Ela G.

    Ok, this is to you, Mr. Ugly Fat bouncer checking IDs at the front on Halloween...yes you, dressed up like the Devil, even though he didn't need a costume, it was no Halloween act people......with a 2.5 star average, I wonder if the owner of Debonair might take a hint, well ok, it's not a hint, we are telling you straight to your face.....Don't hire JERKS and expect people to accept poor treatment. I dare say I don't deserve anyone telling me as I enter your club, "I hope you don't fall down the stairs" in a snarky, piece of shit tone as I pay your lame $10.00 cover and enter your establishment to buy drinks, and let's be honest, bring some Halloween hotness to the venue. If I wanted to be treated like crap, I'd go to Ed Debevics... Yes, after some hideous treatment by your venomous bouncer, I really REALLY wanted to tell him to f-off and go somewhere else....but with a bunch of freezing girls who just wanted to go somewhere and start having a great time, I sucked it up for the rest of the group. And you know what, after being spared the sight of this bouncer, I actually had a great time inside! The music was great, kudos to the DJ...hence the 2 stars instead of 1. As I walked in, I told the Devil bouncer that I was going to write about him today and he encouraged me to do so, so I hope he enjoys this, I dedicate it to him.....the owners of Debonair should realize that they have the ingredients to make a really successful club, but by continuing to employ a total a-hole like that bouncer, you will have a much harder time getting there. There is no reason to continue to keep someone like that around that severly affects the experiences of your clientele....maybe he's related to the owner, otherwise I can't fathom a reason as to why he's still there.

    (2)

  • Brian S.

    I actually liked the place. Excellent music. But the place is small.

    (4)

  • Peter C.

    I came in on a Sunday randomly. Even more random, ended up drinking with Batman there. WTF LOL Good times.

    (5)

  • Sara P.

    I went here to see the VHS or Beta dj set on a friday night. I like the cool lit up plastic wall near the dj booth that changes colors. I like that there are two bars in the main area. I thought the music was great the entire night. The cost of drinks was expected for a friday night. I like that there's a coat check. I like the red and black motif downstairs. The crowd is a bit pretentious and peppered with creepers, but as long as you have a sense of humor and at least one good companion, you'll probably have a good time. I know I'll be going back!

    (4)

  • Martin H.

    If you're looking for a hipster club, the is the place for you. Cover is only $5. Drinks are not cheap but not extremely expensive. There are two floors with different DJ's on each floor. They usually play a good mix of things and I like the DJ on the bottom floor better. You see all different kinds of characters here, so people watching is always fun. The first time I went here I had a lot more fun then the second time. The second time there was barely any people dancing on the bottom floor. In the end if you are in the Wicker Park area and you are looking for a fun place to dance to good music, check this place out.

    (4)

  • JP P.

    I've had three distinctly different experiences here. All of which should have been enough of a sign for me not to come here anymore. First visit: My friends and I were given major attitude about the way we were dressed. Okay. Fine. We weren't wearing designer clothes, but then again we weren't looking completely like bums. We were there for a friend's birthday party and the bouncer told us something along the lines of "you can't just come here looking like you got off the couch..." Alright, then my friends and I were freaked out my the slow-mo pretentious modern art videos of the two dudes fighting in a field. It was way contrived, and totally saw past those installations to see that this place was trying way too hard to be a hot, trendy scene. Nope. Not biting. Second visit: I came back a year later hoping for something different. Actually had a decent time. The music upstairs was danceable, and I personally was enjoying the wall panel that lights up in different colors - made me feel like I was in a music video. Downstairs was a little more hardcore. The DJ was very questionable, and we thought he was going crazy with some of the mixes that he was pulling. Overall, meh. Third visit: We came here as a last resort because the two previous places we had been to were a bust music-wise. Debonair, unfortunately did not salvage the evening. Got here at midnight, and found out there was cover. Started to walk away when the bouncer let us in for free, and we realized why when we got inside. It was dead...on a Saturday night. Why do I keep coming here?!

    (2)

  • Filly G.

    One star because I have to give it one star. One more star because the white people dancing here make me feel infinitely less white. And that's saying a lot. I mean, have you seen me dance? I make the robot look like J-Lo in her fly-girl years.

    (2)

  • Nancy H.

    This is where all the people who were weird and awkward back in high school go to do normal people things like drink and dance. You'll stick out like a sore thumb if you have rhythm, did not get dressed in the dark, and are not staring creepily at someone because you don't have the social skills to start a conversation. I really hope what I saw was a result of a lot of drugs that night, otherwise the future of America is in trouble. The only reason for the 2 stars instead of 1 is because there is a lot of potential for this club space. Both upstairs and downstairs are spacious, the bars are large, and it wasn't crowded on the Saturday night I went.

    (2)

  • M. J. W.

    I never reviews the Debonair only because I had such a bad time I didn't think it was worth spending even 5 minutes of my life. The door guy as an ass, the bartenders were exceptionally cold and indifferent. They showed preferential treatment to their friends instead of those standing there waiting patiently. We didn't have an issue with any of the others in attendance - as many were having just a bad a time as us. We left and went to Nick's. And talk about a difference! I like how Debonair opened with a flashy bang of all these "old-school" people involved. I guess they forgot about customer service, over-priced and watered downed drinks.

    (1)

  • laura heather h.

    I dance here too. I like to think of Crocodile and Debonair being the same except one has red neon (Debonair) and green neon (Crocodile). I only dance downstairs here and it is great. DJ's are awesome and the floor is open for dancing!

    (3)

  • Yoyo M.

    The only thing worse than cheesy hipsters are cheesy wanna-be hipsters. Enough said.

    (1)

  • Jordan B.

    Why do I like this place? I usually like the music downstairs. Lots of pretty people to look at. The straight people and the gay people pretty much all seem the same (a mixed blessing, but sometimes it is nice). What I don't like is the way some of the bartenders have talked to me. Or flat our refused to make certain drinks (and then proceed to make them for others right in front of me). Even at two stars though I think I'm likely to return at some point to go dancing.

    (2)

  • Chris W.

    Mannnn, I'm so surprised to see this place got so many shitty reviews. I didn't have any problems with the bouncer as a couple people said, the bartendress on the main floor was pretty cool, drinks are a little pricey but the atmosphere is pretty rad. It's dark, big colored lit up screen in the back of the main floor, you can see the silhouettes of people dancing over there. On the walls they've got slow motion art which is pretty simple and kind of trippy. The music's alright, good for dancing and getting pumped up. There's a downstairs too which is darker, a little more chill, more space to dance and another bar but not too many people down there when I went.

    (3)

  • Pete M.

    After putting down a $2 dollar tip to a bartender for a tall jack and coke, she motioned for me to put down more money. I said no. This place isn't worth your time...

    (3)

  • Erika O.

    The only reason I will give this place 2 stars is because the night I went, they had the best fucking music downstairs. The DJs were really good. Otherwise, it can burn to the ground for all I care. The bartenders act as if they're royalty because they're wearing ridiculous shit. I'm sorry but just because you're wearing some fucking coon skin hat or a warped version of Teddy Ruxpin around your neck, doesn't mean you're better than me. My friend's Appalachian cousin has the same hat and I don't see him bragging. If you have $2 vodka drinks, don't treat me like a criminal because I order them. Also, don't charge certain people more or less for the same drink. I rather hang out at a seedy truck stop with a burly man named Ramrod and 5 of his closest friends, than ever go back to this shit hole.

    (2)

  • Beth P.

    Millhouse was the original FallOut Boy. This place is full of attractive hipsters, but it took me days to wash off the condescending attitude that this place was dripping with. Oh shit, I have gap jeans on... is there a back door I can slip out of?!?! Ok, once I finish my overpriced PBR.

    (3)

  • Nathan C.

    The bouncer at debonair social club accused me of messing up the bathroom or something, called me a fag, shoved me to the ground outside and kicked my face. I now have a black eye. I called the cops but (duh) they didnt care. Don't go to Debonair and definitely don't throw any bricks through their windows in the middle of the night.

    (1)

  • Nada R.

    It pains me to admit it, but I totally had fun in this damp and festering mouth of hell.

    (3)

  • JP P.

    God, this place belongs in a Daniel Clowes story. When we came here to see a pal's band play the other night, my friend said to me, "It's as if we're on set of some TV movie - and this is how the 'rock club' would look." And he's right - with its overpriced Colt 45 in cans and bathroom attendants (what?), this is an actualized caricature of what is cool. Or rock-and-roll. Or whatever. In the meantime, I'll just imagine Enid Coleslaw spontaneously committing suicide if she were to ever come here. And that's kind of fun.

    (2)

  • Nick L.

    The main floor is pretty slick. Nice booths around the perimeter, a cool DJ booth and even a stage so it works for full on bands or just some wild dancing. The ambiance, lighting and style is pretty slick. And then there's the downstairs. After going here, this is what I can only assume a night club on the Death Star would be like - which you know, something that big -has- to have a club in it for those storm troopers to cut loose! But seriously, the downstairs is chill, dark and groovy for DJs and dancers a like. I dig it!

    (4)

  • Kiarash Z.

    EDIT: I went inside tonight. There was no cover, and it was a friend's going-away party. I lasted 10 minutes. The combination of trashy ritz, ethnic confusion and trixieness was too much for me to handle. I'll never go back again. ORIGINAL REVIEW: I never made it inside. The frustration I felt outside was enough to drive me away. First, my group of five RSVPed for an event, but half of us were told we'd have to pay. When I asked to see the list to check if our names were on it, I was told I couldn't see it. Sounds like a scam to me. After declining to pay the $10 cover (which no bar should be able to charge in a city with competition), I walked away with my crew. Within minutes, cops stormed the damn place. I know not why. From the doorway, I could hear awful remixes of bad '80s pop tunes and see a cornucopia of trixies and chads. Honestly, I would RATHER have seen gaggle of hipsters than the testosterone-drive zombies that were crowding the doorway. Places like this make me avoid Wicker Park altogether. If it weren't for Piece and Marshall McGearty's, I would never step foot in that evil 'hood.

    (1)

  • Paul L.

    $40 minimum to open a tab. I highly doubt anyone with a working brain would say, "Hey, let's go to this great place called Debonair, I feel like getting screwed." You can't polish a turd.

    (1)

  • Borracho G.

    It's typically not my type of place but it wasn't that horrible. I was with a group that wanted to go dancing after a few drinks. The music they played was pretty good and as the night went on the dancing spilled out from the tiny dance floor into the bar area which made it hard and annoying to get a drink at the bar. Drinks were not at all cheap and the Bro-factor was at mid to high capacity. Seems to attract the "Girls night out" crowd. Don't think I will make this a regular stop unless I'm with a group again that wants to go dancing in Wicker Park and I have no choice. I would rather just drink in that area.

    (3)

  • Shayna N.

    Oh I have such mixed feelings about this place! 1st Bonus: They have great booking!!! ... (at least from what I've seen so far): *Thursday 9/18 was Mike the 2600 King (a former art school classmate from St Louis) now hailing from Minneapolis, playing mashup, funk, soul and hiphop. We used to go out dancing to him religiously back in the day. *Friday 9/19 DJ MEDHI of the French crew Ed Banger records. LOVE him! ---- so I went to check it out. here's the rundown of my experience: 1) -CON- Advertised on going.com the show was FREE before 11pm with RSVP, but when we got there (before 11) they charged us $5 2) -PRO- The door guy was nice enough to let "the lady in for free" but still charged my boyfriend $5 (even though it had been advertised FREE b4 11) 3) -PRO - like the space, it's somewhere between a club and a bar giving it an unusual and homey type feel with the capacity to hold larger crowds 4) -PRO- upstairs bartender was attentive and efficient (she even topped off my vodka tonic) 5) -PRO- good music, the opening DJ was playing good tracks and mixing them well and from here it starts to go downhill.... 7) -CON- only 3 people looked they were actually enjoying dancing! The rest of the very large crowd meagerly mingled and shuffled from side to side (like old people, or kids at a middle school dance) LAME!..... not to mention the sloppy, wobbly couple swapping saliva perched on the speaker right in front of the DJ booth - get a room, jeeze, or at least move off the dance floor to give me more space to shake my booty. 8) -CON- bartender down stairs TOTALLY RUDE! (ok, so I asked for a simple PBR while she was in the middle of someone elses order, my bad) She then proceeded over the next 15 minutes to ignore us and serve EVERYONE else around us. F-THAT. Ok, so I was maybe I was a little anxious for my drink, still you DON'T ignore a customer like that under any condition, it's just poor business, plain and simple (I've worked in restaurants since i was 19, I did it with a smile whether I liked it or not). I've never been treated so poorly in an establishment before, EVER. It was at this point I stormed out of the club in a Huff - then decided, fuck her, she's not going to ruin my night, neither is this lame ass, crowd. 9) PRO - the bouncer remembered us at let us back in (I liked this guy - he knows good business) 10) PRO - I made my own fun, jumped up on the speaker and danced my ASS off for the next hour so the rest of you lamos couldn't get in my way. (I then I had my picture take like 1000 times from the Chicago, paparazzi - I have no idea who you are) exhausted I left around 1:30am. Dj Medhi rocked, as always - I'm pretty sure even if another good DJ comes through to play at Debonair I *probably* won't go just cause the crowd won't dance and the bartenders rude.

    (2)

  • Nicole P.

    A lil young for my tastes. But a cute spot when you're in the area.

    (2)

  • Ron R.

    Such a great name for a whack place. A mix of button up shirt guys, and hipsters that try too hard. The music was God awful (think cheesy club Ala SNL skit). It was free though, so that was cool...but there weren't even any girls that caught my eye. So we spent the time watching the cheesy club scene move around. Maybe it was a off night though...it just seems like the people there think they are really cool, but don't know how cheesy and played out they look

    (2)

  • Drea C.

    HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Who does this club think he is?!! Sitting itself right in the heart of hipster central and expecting to be loved unconditionally?! Ridiculous, I say! When I walked into this place, it was so dark that I tripped on all the weird and random steps that were placed in every possible place. No one should charge ten dollars for a simple vodka drink. NO ONE! If you are going to have shows here, get a stage that's bigger than a park bench. Maybe then the performers won't curse you profusely after the show. I think (but I'm not sure because I was pretty drunk) that there was a woman attendant in the bathroom passing out hot towels and hairspray and suckers - All things that tipsy, club girls truly need! Is this city really running out of jobs to give people? Ugh. Sorry. This review sucks. It's all over the place. But so was the debonair. If I wasn't so drunk, I would've been throwing up with disgust. Maybe next time...

    (2)

  • Tres-e T.

    The one and only time I went here, I was forced in here by one of my friends. It was undeniably irritating from the get go. Then Ashlee Simpson walked in, unremarkably, and I knew it was time to leave. West Hollywood called, it wants one of its shitty clubs back.

    (1)

  • J I.

    This is my favorite bar in Bucktown/Wicker Park. Great mix of music and Burlesque night is fun. They do have some decent munchies also

    (5)

  • Niki C.

    Friday night. Walked in. Sparse crowd. That was A. B. The bartender actually gave us the "hold on one second" index finger when we were waiting to order our drinks - Why? you ask? So she could continue text messaging. C. We were there for one beer & had to exit stage left, even. D. The super slo-mo videos were the only entertaining part of our tenure there. That's sad. E. I tried to go behind the big lit wall so I could do the "Walk Like an Egyptian" dance in order to spice things up, but let it be known to anyone who wants to try that ... you can't. F. I won't be back.

    (2)

  • Leang E.

    We were attracted to the open bar they were having with a certain vodka they were promoting. How can you not be entice with the free booze?! There was a little teeny line. We didn't make it on the list even if we RSVP'ed on the day of, but still got in anyways. It's a small lounge that does have a downstairs. It's minimal in decor, but the decor is somewhat questionable itself. They have projector screens that they use as wall art with photos of objects or videos of people. It's a unique idea. The people are more artsy in appearance. There wasn't any dancing going on when we were there, and they played more techno music. There is only one bar upstairs and one downstairs, but the upstairs bar is double sided. There are very few tables and booths, and if it ever got crowded you'd probably be staning for a while. I'd be surprised if I ended back out here.

    (1)

  • Stef B.

    I was here once when Marky Ramone was a Guest DJ. I had mixed perceptions depending on which direction I was looking. I like my bars loud and underground. A lot of people here come to Neo on Thursday's for 80's night, so there were a ton of familiar faces. Most everyone I didn't recognize (for a damn good reason I've never met them...) just seemed too slutty and overdone. There was Kill Hannah & friends in one corner, and Chciago Suicide Club members in the middle. My boyfriend and I were mingling with both, gagging at all the keychain-purse clutching lemmings that were not able to walk in their shoes or hold a conversation with any of the guys they were trying to hit on in either corner. We went upstairs, did a shot with the manager and good friend of outrs, then headed back to home-sweet-home Neo. The vibe of the night depends on the event - but the hipster clones drive me away. Sorry dudes, but uniqueness means a lot to me!

    (3)

  • Michelle R.

    Creepy! this is Chicago's wanna be elite trying to be totally LA in the1980's with creepy skinny skinny androgynous bartenders or barbacks or what does that guy do? I found out he goes by TyeLiner? the upstairs is so not my scene, the DJ played Beyonce hmph and then played Ministry Halloween which seemed sort of well ironic. Now downstairs is ok, if I'm already drunk when i get there. it's got a cool black red thing that my friends call the TRON bar. The bartenders will screw you out of cash if you aren't really paying attention and it's not cheap to begin with! They have bathroom attendants so you get guilted into paying to pee! I give it 2 only for the tron bar ****ADDITION**** so I ended up here again on Friday, what can you do when the guy buying the drinks really wants to go and half the group has never been and wants to go, you go... the video was of a balloon being filled with air with a picture of Paris Hilton on it, says it all. the owner guy with the pink hair shortchanged us and didn't want to admit he had then said oh yeah i guess I did. This is to be expected here! I swear I'm not going back again. ***NEW UPDATE*** Somehow this has become one of my favorite places to go to dance. It was like a train wreck and we kept going and now we go there. I have to have already had a few and walk in and go right down the stairs but I love to dance there! love it. minus a star for the still creepy upstairs but it's now less creepy, that crew moved on, and now it's lame touristy girls looking for that fall out boy boy or something. and I haven't seen pink hair guy who steals your cash downstairs in a long time so it's getting better.

    (4)

  • Jeremiah P.

    First, I am neither a "club kid," nor a "hipster." Second, I have been going to this place with friends for the past three years (probably 6-7 times per year). With that in mind, I do enjoy this place. The bouncers can be tough, but in time they have actually been really good to us. Also, it tends to get better later in the evening. If you are able to not care what others are doing and just want to have fun, this is a great place to go on a Saturday night. If, however, you love to judge other people and put people in categories that make life simple and comfortable for you, then this may not be your venue. Come here if you are looking for a fun time with a diverse group of people (lawyers, hipsters, club kids, professionals, etc.) - and be ready to dance.

    (4)

  • shaina v.

    I was on my way here when a friend of mine canceled our plans. So alas, I arrived alone. But it turns out that lonely girl at this bar = free drinks from traveling salesman. I guess I looked really distressed from looking at the wall projection of feist lyrics and a wet rose. And it wasn't long before I ran into some people that I knew and disappeared into the downstairs area. There are definitely two different environments here, so if you keep going up and down the two staircases, its almost like you made it to two bars that night. And you'll look really busy and won't have to talk to anyone. I kind of wanted to tell the thrashing dancers that the DJ set was not that serious, but if someone told me that at Berlin I'd give them the condaleeza rice stink eye and pour my Shirly Temple on their shoe. Overall, there was no cover on a Friday and the DJ played Bel Biv Devoe and this compensated for the inconvenience of being in Wicker Park. Update: I contined to have more fun each time I come here. I didn't think it would happen, but now I'm one of the takin it too seriously dancers. And I never venture upstairs anymore. I really like the dark mirror like wall coverings.

    (4)

  • matt h.

    I was unaware of the actualy definition of 'debonair'- after a quick search it seems there are two: (a) a sophisticated charm; (b) a really crap club. I made my way in just short of midnight on a Friday to meet some aquintances of a friend. The emptiness was eerie. I noticed a group of girls sitting in a booth surrounded by 3-4 guys standing and wearing their version of a striped black shirt who would sporadically yell over the way-loud music. Most people seemed to be carrying around drinks held in less than a 6oz glass. Something told me the weren't going to have $2 PBRs. We left before our heads exploaded.

    (1)

  • kevin C.

    I always have a fun time at this place.... 2 different DJ's so if you dont like whats spinning up top go downstairs and vise versa. You can count on this place for a good dance party. The one drawback is the bathroom is downstairs and if i recall its on urinal and one toilet.

    (4)

  • Monique O.

    Ugh!!! Well my brightest idea of the mere born 2010 was to head to the only debauchery laden joint in Wicker park, Debonair... to my drunken knowledge this place was a 4am bar. WRONG WRONG WRONG we were turned away on NYE at 1:30 after walking from Lottie's in 10 degree weather. another UGH! Needless to say we ended up at the Flat Iron an experience I'd gladly like to forget.

    (2)

  • Vanessa P.

    We were here for all of 10 minutes due to the overuse of swagger. That's right: swagger. I have never seen so many guys try to put swagger in their step to seem like they're "money." ...Or I'm just a hater.

    (2)

  • T K.

    Walking up to this place the first thing I noticed was a lot of black... black windows, blackened entrance, bleak exterior... and then the bright pink "Debonair" sign... The only thing I could think of was that this place looked, from the outside, like an S&M shop you would find in Amsterdam. Inside was slightly better. The place had a definite art-school meets hipster vibe to it. Complete with slow-mo erotic videos. (think french lingere boutique, not girls-gone-wild) But the place reminded me of foreign guys with cheap cologne and shiny suits more than sexy super-models too rich and beautiful to seen in a place like this. The crowd was mostly the hipster types when I went. Not my interest at all, but I gave them there space and admired their courage to go out in public dressed the way they were. The bartenders get a 1 star from me because they were *super* stingy with the pours (if you have to measure every shot, you shouldn't be working as a bartender) and I actually stood at the bar for 10 minutes waiting to be served only to be told that the special ended and it was cash bar. (uh, hello, did I turn invisible?)

    (2)

  • Wayne C.

    I heard lots of cool things about this place so I was excited to go. I went with girlfriends for the first time this past Friday night. I was pretty disappointed. It claims to be a "boutique video club" and hearing those words, you would expect to maybe not hear Beyonce, but I guess you can't escape her (unfortunately). There was a huge add for some video collection that featured Nick Drake and Kurt Cobain among others, however I never saw the actual video. There were random videos showing on the screens (one of the hot-to-trot bartender) around on the top floor and some of them were interesting. But that's about it - only interesting, nothing innovative or mind-blowing. We ventured downstairs for about 2 minutes - that's all we could take because of the awful dead fish smell. No one was down there except for the bartenders. We probably would have hung out down there to escape the creepy douches upstairs because it was pretty neat (dark red motif) if it didn't smell like an Atlantic wharf. Other than that, the crowd was blah and some guy asked me if his shoes were cool. They were not. Go there if you want to see large black filigree patterns on the wall or maybe an appearance by Pete Wentz...or, I guess, if someone's having a birthday party and you can't use "I'm washing my hair" as an excuse.

    (2)

  • Alexis H.

    I totally have mixed feelings about Debonair. Some nights I go and it's packed, and other nights I go and it's totally dead. Every time I've gone I've heard the same top 40/alternative mixes with a DJ who's trying to cater to both the music snobs and random bar crawlers at the same time: Poker Face segues into some obscure indie song then on to Kanye. You know the drill. Details: - Kinda clubby i.e. dark w/ loud music (you won't be getting a table and chatting with friends) - OK bartenders, but not great - Always a cover, usually $5. This sucks, especially considering you can't tell if anyone's there until you get inside. I always feel tricked when I've paid my cover and walk inside only to find there are like 3 other people there. - Best with a group of friends, so if it's empty, at least you have people to dance with I've had great times here, but really boring times as well. If you're willing pay cover for a potentially empty bar, check it out, but if not you won't be missing anything.

    (3)

  • Greg M.

    I definitely enjoyed my short time at this bar the other weekend. As far as clubs go, I'm not too well versed in what is deemed a good club or a bad one. However, I was definitely able to get my dance on pretty hard at this place. I enjoyed the music being played and ended up having a good time. For me, this all came down to my experience versus what the bar actually is and what it has to offer. And it ended up being a solid place to make your own fun. I definitely would not mind coming back again in the future.

    (3)

  • Mark S.

    Came here on Sat. night only because I was out with old friends and they had friends who work here. Yeah, I'm really not a disco/lounge/DJ club person, but what the hell? My friends told me to give the place a break since the owners/staff are alright and from places we liked back in the day & they're just making $ giving the new WP crowd what they want. The name kinda reminded me of the Afghan Whigs, so I thought I might possibly like it OK. The space is alright. One bathroom stall on each floor is ridiculous. The music pretty abominable. Drinks pricey and icy. Crowd was OK- mixed. Some extreme losers, some people seemed OK. The OK people were actually reasonably social there, or maybe it was just me... If you like the suuuuuuper slooooow motion video like they have of guys swinging the baseball bat in the world series, you might like the videos on the wall. All super slowmo of the bar staff in pretty lame poses, spray painting flowers and stuff. So I spent time with friends and had fun, but still hard to decipher why the hell I spent half a Saturday night here. Oh yeah, I spent a lot, got smashed and acted like a great big ass and had fun dancing around. Holy shit- what's that, right after Timberlake... the DJ's playing the Yeah Yeah Yeahs? Is that just for me? So I'm doing the robot dance and trying to do the running man and I'm not some pointy boot wearing poser posing coke snorting drooling on girls shirt unbuttoned cheese... I'll never go back, but the place gets an extra star for one decent song all night and the cool big bouncer dude not kicking my idiotic ass out- places like this just bring out the worst in me.

    (2)

  • Nana H.

    So i hear that Ashlee SImpson was here this past weekend...Now the already crappy place is gonna have shitty "celebrity" cred. How ironic that she didnt go to over to Celebrity...

    (2)

  • Allison Y.

    I went to Debonair Social Club on a Saturday for my friend's bachelorette party. The manager of Debonair was very nice and helpful while making plans to have our event here. We were given two complimentary pizzas and two complimentary bottles of wine for a group of 20. Also, we received wrist bands that allowed us to drive from 9 - 12 for only $25. The music was great but the atmosphere was a bit odd. The crowd was definitely random and ranged in age from young to old. Everyone had a great time but if we could do it again, we would definitely go to a different place.

    (2)

  • sarah s.

    BOOOOO to Debonair Social Club. I really miss Trevia. Trevia was unique. It's clear the neigborhood is changing. Debonair Social Club belongs in Lincoln Park. There is absolutely no ambiance there. It looks like the black paint was slathered on the walls. There was weird black cloth covering areas when I went, and more importantly, there were all of these creepy guys standing around, staring at one another. I go to a club to be around people who want to enjoy themselves, their friends, the music, and the drinks. People were more concerned with "observing" the scene, rather than being a part of it. My guess is that DSC goes out of business before the end of 2007.

    (1)

  • Katy G.

    Helpful tip for enjoying Debonair: go when you're already really fucked up. When you don't give a shit about the people around you, and you're only there to dance, you'll have so much fun.

    (4)

  • Babs H.

    Ok, I tried De-boner twice, because whatever, regardless of the crowd I can always have fun as long as the beats are good and I can shake my ass. The first time? Meh, so so. It took forever to get a drink and even longer to close my tab. But honestly. Can we plz talk about how skeezy this place is? The second time I went my debit card was stolen by one of the employees. I know it was an employee because I had ordered one round of drinks and shots, and forgot I had opened a tab. Ok, I didn't really forget per say, I was drunk and completely spaced on it (in my mild defense, please note this is the only time I've ever done that). Regardless, I left it there on accident. Being that I am a bartender, whenever a customer forgets their card in a drunken stupor or otherwise, I always turn the card over to the manager and it's locked in the safe. If the patron does not claim it within two weeks, the card gets shredded. The fact that some little asshole decided to go to Akira to buy the latest heinous overpriced threads had me fuming. I don't care if I had experienced the best service, had the best drinks, and the most fun in a place, this is a deal breaker FOR SURE. I must add that this establishment did not offer me any of those things, anyway. Although, the ladies' room was clean and cute.

    (1)

  • Nicole L.

    How to sum up Debonair, Oh Deboniar, hmmmm Debonaiiiiiir. Well due to the location and day I would say trashy. The women think their hot shit well they need to look in the mirror with out the pound of make up and fake hair they put on everyday. There is definitely a diverse mix of cliche trendy, hip hop, indie, punk crowd. The music is ridiculous overly loud and it's filthy. There's absolutely never parking. Any bar in the area is over priced and the only decent part is there's no cover for any or most of the events.

    (2)

  • Dan K.

    Decent music, a diverse crowd. Not my type of place, but I can dig it.

    (3)

  • C B.

    I didn't expect much . It has potential. It's fairly a mix crown. They often play that wave music. The Crownd between 18 to 41 of ages

    (2)

  • Victoria G.

    I like Debonair. There, i said it. I have never had a bad night here and never had to wait an unreasonable amount of time at the bar for service. The music upstairs and downstairs is good to have a boogy too and the crowd is friendly and mixed. Don't really ask for much more on my nights out.

    (5)

  • Dana P.

    Found this place totally weird. We only stayed for about a half hour because it really wasn't our scene, but maybe it gets better late night- we were there around 10 pm. The bartender was rude, the crowd was weird, and they are trying too hard to be cool with the atmosphere. I won't be going back...

    (2)

  • Erin R.

    Whenever I've spent time in the basement of Debonair, I've left with an uneasy feeling. And the other day, I realized that the reason I've felt so uneasy is that I fear that every single person in the basement of Debonair is a sniff away from a drug overdose.

    (2)

  • Patrick F.

    Liz's "pre-emptive" thank you rating was a premature in this reviewers opinion! It's funny that when I read her review before writing mine, I thought she was reviewing Debonair - not Trevia. The crowd / scene was just like she described at Trevia: 'The-Most-Cliched- "Bad-Saturday-Night-at-a-Club" you could imagine.' The decor reminded me of one of those clubs in a movie where they're trying to make it look underground, but it just looks lame/ridiculous. Good times for all. PS - the extra star in my rating is for the bottle of Macallan they had that kept me from losing my mind.

    (2)

  • Cat B.

    I can't really say much because I could only handle being in this place for fifteen minutes, but it was pretty awful. $25 minimum to run a tab. $9 mixed drinks that are weak. The scene is so played out too...the banana republic or J Crew-like photos projected on the walls...The music is too loud. Actually, this place is perfect for the way this neighborhood is now...being taken over. So all of the cool places...Like Tre Via (that used to be housed in this space) are pushed out. Oh how we will all miss what we used to know as Wicker Park...

    (2)

  • Ellie B.

    Not all that impressed. We were here for a friend's birthday soiree back in February and I found the staff to be rather snotty. Which I didn't appreciate. Yes we had a drink package, but I tip well, so don't give me lip when I order another Stoli & soda water damnit! Overly pretentious, but I did like the diverse crowd.

    (3)

  • GossipGirl l.

    im not at all picky about music, i can pretty much dance to anything, that being said-the place is pretty! booths up stairs to sit, chill and talk, as well as an awsum dance floor-with a super kewl light up wall next to it. the bartenders have always always ALWAYS been crazy nice! i dont know if ladies are free or what but my friends and i have never had ta pay ta get in, and the bartenders have always been helpful! they hooked me up with some good mixed drinks. but i have to say the down stairs is my fav. just for dancing! and its all dark and funky with neon lights! MY ONLY BAD COMMENT- ihate hate hate it when there are bathroom attendents in the bathroom-ew hate it!!!!! i dont need someone to hand me my towel thanks?

    (4)

  • Jay C.

    Debonair is all about attitude and definitely gives off a pretentious woft as part of the scenester/hypester crowd that it attracts. Normally I would give it two stars but they do book some quality musical talent from time to time that brings together a different vibe from the usually nights. Prices for drinks are at a premium and there usually is very little dancing going on which sort of fits with the whole atmosphere of Debonair. You definitely notice the different cliques along the seats all the while the homemade video images along the wall gives it a voyeuristic appeal to the whole experience. Downstairs they have the second bar and DJ booth which usually spins the normal rotation of ignorable pop mash ups, just like upstairs it's a watering hole for a younger crowd with flipped caps and ironic 80's retro fashion. The overall feel is it's a place for scenesters to congregate and stand around with ranging sounds of dance music blarring from the overhead speakers. Big surprise that I rather enjoy my evenings at Sub-T just down the street than drop $80 on watery icy vodka cocktails. But again they do book some good talent from time to time (pregame before, enjoy the headline talent after).

    (3)

  • Lisa A.

    I've had the pleasure of heading into this great club 5 times now and I have to admit I've had fun every time. The drinks are reasonably priced but atmosphere is what I like. Everyone always seems to be having a good time. There are two floors and if you can't find what your ears likes on one floor you can go to the downstairs bar/dance floor. I've never found one kind of group of people there...I've always found this to be the least uptight club I've been to and I look forward to going back.

    (4)

  • David P.

    Some places you just have have to get drunk to be at, this is one of them. They get an extra star because I fooled a bartender once into getting me free+really cheap drinks!

    (4)

  • Eileen L.

    this place BLOWS. i've given it a shot several times but it comes down to this: 1. lame "bucktown" aka lincoln park transplanted into wicker park crowd 2. overpriced drinks. like $10 for a water downed drink. 3. it's a pete wentz bar. need i say more? 4. LAME hipster wannabes - like kids who just moved to chicago and think REHAB is cool. that night was never cool. 5. popped collar, screen printed button down with diesel zathan jeans types and their bitches. see #1 6. bad music 7. might as well be crobar. the only thing kind of good about this place is the dark basement that has "better" music.

    (1)

  • Ann C.

    Maybe it's because I have a job, but I don't think they over-charge for their drinks. But then again, I take care of the bartenders by tipping them and they in turn give me free shots and drinks. I can't imagine any one really "liking" the taste of PBR, or care for the incredible gas that results from drinking it. In any case, I always have fun when I go here...even if I don't really ever remember leaving.

    (5)

  • Angela L.

    Honestly, if I could give this place 0 stars, I would, but since I have to give it one to give it a rating, let me explain why it deserves no stars. I've come to this place before for an event about two years ago and I didn't remember much since the last time I went. I just remembered the night being mediocre so I didn't go into this night expecting much. However, as I wait in line in the pouring rain, these people proceed to take an excessively long time to check IDs and not only do they not let me in, they tell me my ID is fake. Clearly, these people need to brush up on what is real and what is not. The unfortunate part is that these people proceed to tell me that they know what a fake ID looks like and that's what mine is even though I am 21, about to be 22, and I produce other forms of ID and multiple credit cards to validate it. This ID goes through several people and no one believes that it's real. As a club, your inability to read IDs will lose you business, fast. In addition, they let in a bunch of underage kids with blatantly fake IDs and even when I try to get in as 18+, they still are unsure about letting me in because they aren't even sure that I'm 18 or just don't want to let me in. This not only happened to me but also approximately 20 other people who waited outside in the rain to get into the club. I could tell they were on the verge of taking my ID from me, as they were doing to other people, and clearly, this club is not a good place to have fun. Besides this, while they were playing music, on the video screens were old horror movies playing full of gore and completely not set for the mood of the event. Also, drinks were $10 apiece. Excuse me, do you know what kind of audience you're catering to? College students can't afford to pay $10 per drink and by keeping everyone sober, you're killing the atmosphere of the club and everyone will refuse to drink. Therefore, you' re actually making no money. Real smart. Mainly, it was people just eating a bunch to compensate for the lack of fun. Thanks for a no fun night. I left the event early because I couldn't stand it anymore. I rarely write reviews and never write a negative one, but my experience here was so negative that I had to do it. Don't go here, that's all I have to say.

    (1)

  • Candice R.

    It was pretty fun. and no cover. The drinks were stiff,and not expensive. everyone else is right, the bartenders aren't too friendly here. There were a lot of people dancing, and that always makes a club in my book. And some of the people dancing were actually good too. They did have a coat check, but it was 3 dollars! That's crazy expensive for a coat check. The music was good at first, but every song sounded just like the last one. I got bored dancing to it after awhile. So, I would go back if I were in the area but I wouldnt hike all the way out to wicker park just to go here.

    (3)

  • Private I.

    Phone was pick-pocketed from me in this place. Beware. I suppose it could happen anywhere but figured you all should know what sort of person ends up in this place: Thieves.

    (1)

  • Liz K.

    I'd give Debonair 3.5 stars--the acts they bring in are entertaining and sometimes below the radar in a good sense, and the place is super convenient to get to with the blue line less than a block away. And it's cab mania when you step out at 2am, although sometimes that means you have to fight drunken people for cabs you flagged down yourself (hint: it's easy to outwit and or outmaneuver drunks).Plus you have multiple quick-bites-to-eat options within a few hundred feet, like Santulos on Milwaukee, Underdog / Flash, Skewerz, and a convenience store. Upstairs tends to lean towards indie / new rave and is heavy on name dropping (ie: DJ set by dude from some of-the-moment band) and downstairs rocks techno, electro and house for the most part. The layout upstairs is a little odd and the sound is just OK, but they are unlike most dance clubs in that they have an actual stage next to the DJ booth, which gives them more options in the kind of stuff they can book. The basement that I hinted to--we've nicknamed it "The Rave Cave"--is perfectly acceptable, although for some reason it makes me think of a strip club, whether that's a good or a bad thing is a matter of preference. It's small enough so you can feel the evaporating sweat on the dancer next to you, but not big enough so that it bounces frequencies around to the point where you feel nauseous (although yes, earplugs are still a good idea). I would say that the section furthest from the DJ booth does need more sound, though. If you need a moment out of the speaker's reach and can't handle the bright led lights that outline notable attractions down there, be aware that there's a secret little sitting area completely without light just to the left of the bar. Careful so you don't sit on anyone or their empty glass, though, it's really that dark. And if you've got 5"+ stilettos on, be ultra careful. The stairs going down can be hard to see and the slate floor is not breakdancer-smooth. The hardest part is finding the basement. It's to the right of the entrance--you have to pass two booths and then the stairs will be on your left. They should put a lighted LED path to that part--It's kind of hard to find, but once you know where to go you've found the sweet spot of the place. Also the bartenders in the basement seem to be having a much better time and are more attentive than those upstairs, at least for what I've seen. Yes, it does seem odd to have bathroom attendants at such a gritty place, but if you have a broken zipper like I did one time, it's a lifesaver to have access to safety pins and another set of eyes to help you re-assemble your lower half into something more respectable.

    (4)

  • Lorraine A.

    I'm pretty picky about bars but there has never been a night at Debonair that hasn't been completely fun. Then again, sometimes it's the people you go with. I also normally go on nights where I've heard of or know and like the DJs. Minus one star because during one Rehab I heard the same song twice. HUGE NO-NO!

    (4)

  • Michael P.

    This place is stupid. I felt like I was in an episode of Gossip Girl or something. Do not want.

    (1)

  • Lindsay S.

    I hale from Lincoln Park and I'm used to hanging out at the upscale sports bar type places, but my friends and I were eager to try something new. During our Wicker Park bar tour we came across Debonair and I didn't want to go in because from outside it sounded very clubby. But once you get inside it's a lot more chill. Yes, the music was bumpin and they played great stuff! But you could also just sort of hang around without having any pole dancers booty shake in your face or greasy tight-shirted "club" guys hit on you like some other clubs downtown. I thought the service was fine and you can still get a Bud light for relatively cheap- although I prefer Miller. The crowd was extremely eclectic and I thought it had a great vibe- I would say that most places I frequent in Lincoln Park are much more pretentious and this was refreshing. It wasn't too crowded which was also nice, but as it gets more popular I'm guessing that will change. Overall I really liked it and can't wait to make my next trek out to the WP!

    (4)

  • Katie H.

    I've been in here a few more times than I'm comfortable admitting... variety of reasons. Often it was because a friend was DJing downstairs (quick: are you at Debonair? Are you wearing a button down shirt untucked with leather jacket? No? Then go downstairs immediately.) or because some girl who used to work here had a boner for my roommate and gave us free brunch (shitty, might I add). Oh and just about every Z-list Wicker Park celebutante had their birthday party here last year - always pretty much the worst bar party in Christendom. I've done some boogieing in the basement with my friends. Starts out awesome, ends horribly when drunk scenesluts show up and start careening into us yelling, "IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!! WOOOO!!!!" Bar is expensive for what it is. All the bartenders seem like they'd rather diddle around on their sidekicks than serve you. I once had my picture taken here for the Red Eye's Friday column Wearwolves. Some woman named Phnewfula commented that my "vintage wasn't working here." That's ok, I don't really need someone whose name sounds like a sneeze to approve of me. My grandma put the clipping up on her fridge. Yeah. I stopped coming here after I found out Fall Out Boy did a lot of their after-parties here. Not for me.

    (2)

  • Drucilla D.

    I am really surprised that the reviewers below seemed to loathe this bar. To each their own but for me it had all of the right elements: Red Bull, tons of seating, interesting characters for bar-staff, a fabulous art projection on the walls, and a very eclectic blend of patrons. Do not be afraid of the shady pink neon signage. It doesn't do the place justice but maybe it's entire objective is to keep certain people out. I actually dug it which is a very rare thing. I hope to go back again soon as I'm interested to see what the place has the potential of doing on another night or at a different time.

    (4)

  • Chanita S.

    I like this place despite the cheesy 80s theme.It's my kind of crowd--punk, rebels, a whole array of sexy freaks and crazy nonchalant people who aren't afraid to put down their beers and dance their butts off. At first, it was a little intimidating because almost everyone looked tripped out or drugged up, but maybe that's why this place is so cool. I've been down to the basement because my friend was spinning there once, and there was nothing fantastic to brag about except for the awesome bartender who definietly hooked us up. I never fail to leave with good times here! If you're a douche or wrapped up in the whole college/frat thing, I don't recommend this place. Spy bar's downtown--maybe you can check that place out.

    (4)

  • Hal C.

    I guess I must have come on the right night. Most of the reviews seemed to hate this place, and i guess I could see why- it's crawling with people who I wouldn't want to deal with and some of the people working there were questionable- but going there when there's a 2 hour open bar and no cover doesn't hurt too much. Thank god for after parties. I was by myself though, and if I didn't run into someone I knew I probably would have been out of there pretty quickly, as it didn't seem like a very friendly crowd. A lot of the 'too cool to talk to anyone' crowd, but I digress. If I were to come back here again during a non open bar time, I would NOT pay for a cocktail. I'd advise you do the same. I honestly had a hard time finishing one of my drinks because it tasted so funky- not too strong or too weak,just...strange. I'd chalk it up to a bad bartender, but it happened with 2 different people, so stick with the beer I guess. 3 stars for the promotion of free booze during my visit and for hearing the phrase "this beer better be really free!" in line outside.

    (3)

  • Linda W.

    This bar holds no pretenses, it's a somewhat punk atmosphere that felt free of judgment and reminded me of a place you might find in NYC. Their dance floor is elevated and the layout of the bar is on a split-level. There is also a downstairs area complete with another DJ and totally different vibe. I much preferred the main floor, where most of the activity was taking place.

    (3)

  • Cristina A.

    Good music, decent drink prices. Lower level has the better music selection... Mixed crowd. Great to dance! Open till 3 on Sat! Will be going back...

    (3)

  • Michelle V.

    Went here with girlfriends and we were graciously greeted by the bouncers...then realized when we got in why the bouncers were so nice. the place was EMPTY. we sat around and people watched to some pretty ok music. very interesting crowds--too bad it was all women and the only men in the place walked in with whordes of women so they were either the sorry bf of one of those women or gay. we left and went to another bar, but we did suggest debonair to a couple young gentlemen when they asked where we had been...my roomie referred to it as "the vag castle". haha. would go back to people watch, but would have to drink alot more before.

    (2)

  • Chella G.

    I was dragged here by a friend of a friend...we'll call her "Deb". Debonair Social Club reminds me a lot of this girl, "Deb". She never quite fits in because she's desperately trying to pretend that she knows everyone at the bar. She drinks a little too much, gets a little too loud, sometimes even falls down, yet thinks it's "so cool" and writes about it in her blog. She wants to be an event planner, yet she would probably get drunk and puke on a rich socialite at her museum's fundraiser. She'll pay too much go get into the "in" places even though everyone stopped going there months before. The only difference between "Deb" and Debonair is the weird assortment of flashing words on the wall. Overall, I don't like hanging out with "Deb" and I certainly never want to come back to Debonair.

    (1)

  • Rob L.

    So I can't disagree much with many of the other reviewers. The music was fine, the bartenders were nice, prices not too outrageous. The actual place? Well, they had these slow motion video on the side, which seem to be all artsy. The place looks cheap. It looks like a high school theater set done bad. The "dance floor" area is tiny. I wish they had more lighting at the tables, but then again, I am not too sure I want to see what condition those areas look like. It will probably take some convincing to come back here again....

    (2)

  • I like u.

    Don't order a Kamikaze here. The bartender doesn't know what he's doing. (The dude that wears a black hat and has very straight black hair.) Total waist of money. Felt like I was drinking a tablespoon sized Shirley Temple. It was the kind of experience where you look at your drink and say to yourself "I just paid 6 bucks for this? Is this some sort of joke? Honestly it was about a 2 tablespoons of liquid. Not being much of a drink expert. I must admit, I just watched a bartending video on how to prepare this drink..and let me tell you it was a heck of a lot heartier than how the dude at Debonair made it. In fact if you're looking for an excellent Kamikaze I suggest going to Lucky Number Grill at Millaukee and Western. Catch them on the last Thur of the month and grab some entertaining burlesque too! Oh yeah Debonair has good burlesque too. Thats one of the only reasons I go infact. Catch their NoTellMotel on Wed. nights. You won't forget it! Good show. Just drink before you go. 4 bucks for pabst. The bartender even admitted it was highway robbery! (a different one than mentioned earlier)...I wonder how his Kamikaze tasted...hmmm

    (2)

  • Candace M.

    This place has pretty decent music and it's always fun when a visiting musician(s) comes. I can't tell you how many times I've run into some of my favorite bands there. That said, on regular nights, it's just ok. The bartenders tend to ignore you. And the drinks are overpriced for the atmosphere (seriously charging more than a buck or two for PBR??). And the guys think they're the coolest people on the planet. But with a group, it's a pretty good time.

    (3)

  • Julie H.

    Well, I guess anything is better than Tre Via...

    (3)

  • Betty B.

    I don't understand the need for this place. Really? We needed a fake, dirty club in wicker park with awful window displays and overpriced drinks with a horrible brunch? Granted, I will probably end up here one night again, a little too drunk and convinced by a group of my friends that it wont be that bad. However, once we get in the basement and the ceiling is leaking again, I will remember why I didn't like to go there before.

    (2)

  • Ian H.

    This place sucks too, what is the deal with Chicago having lame names for all of their clubs? Crowd in here is a bunch of tools, probably in striped party shirts with creased jeans and square toe boots and the type of idiot girl that likes to mate with those types. Except for Jordan Z on saturdays, Music is meh, drinks are outrageous (over $4 for a PBR, WTF?) and I've had the absolute WORST bloodymary of my entire life during their "rockstar" brunch, this place and the assholes that frequent it are a total joke.. EEEFFFF this place!

    (1)

  • Matt M.

    One time I stumbled in here. You know the part in Babel where the deaf Japanese girl takes ecstasy and goes to that club in Tokyo? It was like that. They cut me off, and I deserved it.

    (3)

  • T M.

    I paid how much for a PBR after paying a cover to get in to a place that merits being called an abortion?!? AND the DJ sucked (quite aside from the quality of the music)?!?

    (1)

  • E p.

    I and a couple of girlfriend decided to check this place out due to a recommendation. Where to start. Umm, first off, it had to be somebody's birthday because in one corner, the Little Mermaid was continously being played on a large TV screen. Is this the right place to be showing that? I was surprised that the DJ didn't start playing Under the Sea. The music was very diverse especially on the first floor. It would jump from Britney Spears to trance or electronica to Metallica. That isn't the bad part, the bad part was that they jumped music genre after every other song so I felt like I was in a bad music nightmare. The bottom floor reminded me too much of a 80's club scene for some odd reason. However, it could have been worse like the bars on Rush and Division or Excalibur. Ugh.

    (2)

  • Julee M.

    Ehh, I liked it way better when it was TreVia. I've only been here on week nights usually after a show at Double Door or The Note and wasn't that impressed. I for sure wouldn't go on the weekends after reading the reviews on here. There are better places to go in my opinion.

    (2)

  • Jasmine D.

    Maybe I'm just cheesed because I had to pay a cover ($5 is not bad, but still) and the crowd was a wee douchey for my taste (perhaps not so surprising as Wicker Park seems to be the new Viagra Triangle). Still, though the DJ who spun the night I went was good.

    (2)

  • Lauren G.

    One star only because I can't give this horrible place negative stars. Absolutely TERRIBLE staff. Unoriginal and lame crowd, ESPECIALLY the ugly skank chic women. It smells like ass inside the club and the bartenders are complete idiots. Came here with a friend on a Monday night out of sheer obligation. Not only did the bartender (male, very ugly with terrible hair possible lice and venereal disease also possibly hadn't bathed in weeks, definition of smelly hipster borderline cokehead) was extremely rude. Walked away from us while we were ordering drinks from him! And yelled at us for asking if they served rum! I don't have the patience for shitty people especially people in the aservice industry. I asked fr my tab paid it and left a note about how he shouldn't be a fuck face especially if he wants a tip. Lmao he confronts me as if im going to walk put on my tab so I told him to go fuck himself and threw that little booklet thingy they give you your tab in at him and hot the pen intp the group of friends he served when he walked way from us. And NO I wasn't drunk, not even tipsy. He was such a fuckface twat! On my way out he calls the bouncers to kick us out but duh stupid we were alreading leaving! And he was a terrible drink mixer! How do you fuck up a horrible cranberry and vodka! AND they don't fucking serve Captain! WTF type of bar doesn't serve captain?!

    (1)

  • YANETTE M.

    awesome place ! had so much fun hear , couldnt believe how cool it was seeing is dat all da hipsters come here and act soooo cool and complicated !!!!!! yeah right !! suck it

    (4)

  • Lorenzo V.

    The scene is for hipsters, they're all pretty docile, you don't really have to worry about bar fights there. The bar tenders are kind of unskilled but they usually get good DJ's. Its a good place if you are looking to dance.

    (3)

  • Lara K.

    This place is aptly nicknamed "De' Boner Social Club." With blacked out windows, this club resembles the limo you see driving on the highway and wonder who is in it. Well once you find out its basically aging douche bags, its a bit of a disappointment. The bartenders are a joke- typical pretty faces that have an attitude and no motivation to actually pour a decent drink. The space itself is the only part that is actually interesting- although when djs come in and guest they are sent to a "tower" in the corner, away from the floor. Last couple of times I have seen artists perform they set up right next to the dance floor instead. There are giant projection screens with slow motion scenes being played out that can cause one to go into a hypnotic state. The bar downstairs is much like a radioactive dungeon and often is empty- is it because no one can see anything in the near pitch black darkness or is it because the music is less than stellar? Even though its billed as a "hipster" bar, anytime you go in there, its stacked full of old grimy sleazebags, slutty women and some random characters you can't quite define. The crowd only seems to be diverse and packed is when acts come in to town. Honestly, I hope this place dies a slow painful death because it won't be missed.

    (1)

  • Pilsen C.

    Terrible music, terrible atmosphere, terrible crowd, and (culturally) deteriorating neighborhood...this place really deserves to be in downtown Elgin or Naperville.

    (1)

  • J F.

    This is a 2 floor bar with dance floors on both levels. The lower level is pitch black, so you really can't see what you're drinking or who you're talking to. The upper floor has booths, bar and dance floor and is much brighter then the basement and ultimately more pleasurable to hang out. It's okay if you want to go somewhere on the cheap that is not ultra posh. Don't expect club atmosphere here, it's pretty much all the local Wicker Park kids just hanging out. I wouldn't go on my own.... Typically I have to be going with other people (with the aforementioned Wicker Park kids!)

    (2)

  • Andrew K.

    Wow. Why? I normally write long reviews, but no need just don't go.

    (1)

  • Nicole C.

    Everything everyone hates about this place I love. Good times, good people, good music.

    (5)

  • Alesha R.

    For portraying itself as a punk, laidback bar, it was surprisingly pretentious! The bartenders were SLOW and RUDE. The quality of the drinks varied greatly depending on what bartender you got. Also, even though the crowd was "punk" the music was techno! Didn't see that coming! I went on Friday night for the burlesque show. The show was great. However, we paid $12 per person just to get in, and there were very few places in the bar to actually see the show, as there was only about a 3 foot space between the bar and the stage. What a stupid setup! Also, even though the place has two floors, the bottom floor was completely empty. The only two people down there was the lady working the coat check and the DJ. The upstairs looked full at first, until you notice that the bar actually takes up most of the floor space. Totally not worth the money or time. Would definitely never go back there.

    (1)

  • Ivonne F.

    My boyfriend and I received horrible service at the Debonair. It took nearly 20 minutes to even get a drink and the bar was not crowded. The drink itself was overpriced, even for this neighborhood. The bartender spilled my boyfriend's drink and then refused to refill it. She even flipped me off when I asked her to give us a refill. We were then refused the opportunity to speak to a manager. The service was awful, and the pretentious atttitude was completely unwarranted. The music was average at best. I will never go back there.

    (1)

  • Mariana P.

    I liked the place, but definitely pretentious. I liked it because you can dance, but it's not the usual rap crap that they play at other bars. I was a little confused, as there were some people there with video cameras video taping this couple making out....I mean, how pretentious can you get? But, it was a fun time. Definitely packed. Will go back for sure!

    (4)

  • Traci S.

    After viewing a bar fight at another local Wicker park club, this place was a refreshing change from the usual club scene! We danced all night long to great hits against the colorful background of lights and semi-drunk hipsters. It was an overall good time, despite the somewhat aloofness of the bartenders. I'll definitely return :)

    (4)

  • David D.

    this place is so trashy it makes me l.o.l. it is what it is

    (3)

  • c w.

    i'll never forgive Debonair for irritating me so much that im using up my first ever yelp! review on them. i'll never get this review back.. losing my yelp! virginity to debonair makes me feel dirty. this place sucks. $8 for a captain & diet coke? seriously?? at this crappy place? well then, it must be delicious and brimming with tasty rum! wait? it's not? well, they must have really great customer service that tries to fix the problem then right? no? hmmm.. my friend ordered 2 captain & diets and we went into sticker shock at the price tag of $16 (plus tip of course..) then i tasted it and went into sugar shock at how sweet it was - it was definitely not diet. i was willing to overlook it even though i try to avoid regular pop. we wandered away from the bar sipping and chatting & i started noticing that i wasnt tasting any rum, at first i thought it was maybe cus all i could taste was sugar since im used to diet in my cocktails - but no. i asked my friend about hers and tried a sip - again no rum. $8 each for coke? maybe at the signature room where i've got a nice view of the city, coke is worth $8.. but not at debonair when my view is of 18 yr old high school girls in their 'sexy' outfits (i feel embarrassed for them so they don't have to) & a terrible interior paint job that could make you seasick. i took the drinks up to the bar, to a different bartender since the original guy seemed busier. i told her that they were not diet and had no rum. she looked at the drinks and said she wouldnt do anything cus we drank them. my drink was a little more than half full, my friends a little less than half.. also, the glass is jam-packed full of ice so pretty much taking 4 sips leaves you with half a drink. i asked her if she was serious and reminded her again that they were 8 bucks each. i'm a grown worman and i don't go around trying to scam free drinks - i just think that if you pay for something you should get it. if i had known that they were going to have the worst customer service after skimping on an already overpriced drink i wouldve stood by the bar & taken the most self-aware first sip ever. that way i could return it instantly & not be accused of trying to cheat them. this place is a joke. if you are absolutely forced to enter this building & purchase a drink, stick with beer. otherwise, go someplace -anyplace- else.

    (1)

  • Rachel K.

    I don't care what anyone else says, I've been going here since I turned 21 and I still love it! The owners, the bartenders, I've never been treated badly by anyone who works here (at least no one who is still employed here now!). I love that they have had the same management and a lot of the same staff since I started going there - unlike many other bars that are constantly changing management. I usually go weekdays, but weekends are always fun as well, especially since Thor is usually working the door and he's awesome. Definitely head down to the basement if you're there on a Saturday, as the music they play upstairs is often kind of mediocre or sometimes just plain bad. However, Greg Corner of Dark Wave Disco and Kill Hannah DJ's in the basement on Saturdays and always plays amazing music! And do I even have to mention how much fun Rehab Mondays are? I've been going there since that night was at Evil Olive and it's always been a great time. Pretty much my favorite hang out spot!

    (5)

  • L J.

    Horrible. Saturday night had horrible undanceable music and weird sexual videos. Will never go back.

    (1)

  • Tyler S.

    I considered giving this place two stars, because the DJ playing on Friday night was good (no Beyonce), but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I was ready to leave the second we walked in, despite the hour of open bar. The artsy decor, which at first may appear "interesting" quickly becomes mundane and eventually gives the sensation of hanging out in someone's poorly decorated basement. There was also a chandelier that was way too bright, and I always find that a turnoff. The videos playing were largely repetive, bizarre, and boring. I didn't venture downstairs, though I wish I had because it appears to be the more interesting section. Didn't have any major issues with service - thought the bartenders did ok - but just wasn't digging the vibe of the place. Glad I saw it, but I won't be back.

    (1)

  • Jessica H.

    so ive been here once for two minutes and i was wastttted. So wasted in fact i only lasted two minutes, but thats another story. In those two drunken minutes i must have thought it was cool so i decided to have my bday gathering there. So like a nice human being i called and emailed them ohhh like 5 times and no one EVER got back to me. Wow guys thats super lame. im offering to pay you more than you deserve to have a party there, and NO one got in touch with me ever!??! WEAK. so based on that alone i never went back, well thank god FIVE DOLLARS FOR PBR? AND I MEAN I LOVE PBR SO AS A DEVOTED FAN ID PAY IT OUT OF LOVE, BUT FIVE DOLLAR?!!? ARE YOU FOR REAL. and the crowd seems soooooooooo like im too old to actually be a hipster and not quite the transvestite you need to be to be cool at cro bar. im giving this place one star and id give it less if i could and ive never been there! LAME

    (1)

  • steve h.

    any place with no cover and two full bars automatically gets two stars from me. the third star is for the tall purdy and polite cocktail waitresses that somehow don't go into blind rages upon the hapless scenester wannabes* there. *if i saw me there i'd probably call myself a hapless scenester wannabe too. ps-the downstairs corner by the bar is ridiculously dark. thats where i'd hide a body if i murdered someone.

    (3)

  • Eric P.

    real quick review because i'm really drunk... but you ever like a cool ass band/artist but you don't want to really call yourself a fan because you don't want to be associated with those 'other fans'? (prince and mars volta fans. i'm staring at you.) DSC is suffering from that. i want to like the place. i really do. maybe i've outgrown the club/bar thing. but it's just too much hipster/wicker park in one place. the drinks were kinda expensive. me and a friend walked up the street hit the liquor store and drank 40s and came back. bam. we drunk, beyotch. other than that. the music is okay. the crowd is a little so hipster it looks like they don't have any fun ever. spending too much looking cool. i actually saw a dude with a mullet but he had the thickest new york bensonhurst accent i've ever heard. oh yeah. the women are pretty and plentiful. note to the men: if you come here, DON'T come in a huge group. you look like a pack of wolves. 2 or 3. don't be thirsty and enjoy the eye candy. someone's gonna notice.

    (3)

  • Louis A.

    Oh Debonair --- I hate to love you. Colt 45s, dope decor, sceney people, and enjoyable music (as well as a few top-of-the-line underground DJs). 80s excess and electro meets LA meets lots and lots and lots of ladies in white shorts. Always a fun time...as long as you go on a Fri/Sat. Don't expect a great dancefloor either --- this is strictly a place to see and be seen at.

    (3)

  • Katherine N.

    It's a nice space, but this bar charged me two different prices for the same drink, and tried to take $25 off my friend for two shots of Jameson. Fuck 'em.

    (1)

  • tessa c.

    i have to upgrade my review for my experience with no tell motel wednesday bartenders are sweet to me when i go as is the bathroom attendant lady. she charged my phone for me last time! although i thought at the time she actually hadn't and took my money. turns out she actually did charge it, it was just time for me to permanently replace my battery. if you overheard me complaining about it loudly i am sorry m'aam! also to the doorman elliot with the rat tail, sorry if i am too honest. i still think you look better without it. but you're cute so i guess it doesn't really matter what hair you have on your head.

    (4)

  • marisa s.

    i expected something totally different out of debonair. back when they first opened, the pics of the inside that i saw on metromix made it look like it was a pretty svelte place...and they also had kid millionaire DJ a few times, so i thought it had to be fairly decent. i went this fall for the Burton Store's opening party/DVD launch. the brews were free which was awesome, so i only spent my dolla dolla bills on tip - but i'm guessing if i come back, it won't be open bar, damn! the actual bar is quite small, but it is 360 degrees, you wherever you are, the bar is not far (well that's also because the place is soooo small too). the servers were nice, but maybe because shawn white and the whole Burton team was there...? the bar itself was nothing special and if they turned the lights on, it might have scared me. i don't think i'll be back, unless someone throws another launch party there or a good DJ is spinning...

    (2)

  • Stacie K.

    Meh. Loud, drinks are ok. Bartenders are um. .kind of scary looking. And it's kind of out of my way.. maybe it was just my attitude of the night, and I need to go back to feel it out again.. But judging from my first and last visit there, I wont' be going back again.

    (2)

  • Alice L.

    After reading different reviews, I was excited to check out this new bar/club in the Wicker Park area. Unfortunately, Debonair Social Club was not all that it was cracked up to be. What did I expect? Some live music, an eclectic mix of music with the downstairs playing to a different crowd. What did I experience? I felt like I walked in to a random, loud club downtown that was blaring techno music. Not my scene anymore, so I was definitely disappointed that we had to leave early so as to go to a different bar. What I did I like? The decor was quite interesting with some screens displaying intriguing artwork. I'd like to try it out again, possibly on a different night but have to say I was quite dissatisfied...

    (2)

  • Jennifer B.

    I showed up at Debonair at a friend's request knowing nothing about it, with a crew of the most un-hipster-like people you can imagine in tow. Although I hate to judge a place based on the crowd of people there, I will judge a little bit about Debonair due to the snotty attitude of the legging-clad crowd. We were there on a Friday night and the music didn't seem to fit at all with the scene- it was mostly top 40 pop stuff. There were these giant screens playing a 10-minute loop of this self-strangulation video over and over again- not exactly putting anyone in the mood to party! It wasn't very crowded so we got a big table as a home base, and I will say the our service was good the whole time we were there. It seems like maybe the music downstairs is better, but I will admit that I was intimidated by the actual glowstick dancing going on down there and mostly stuck to the top floor. I also hate having bathroom attendants in general, but especially in crappy, already-crowded bar bathrooms. The bar closed pretty early, and I was not at all sad to go.

    (2)

  • Liliana S.

    I've been here twice and I liked the music downstairs than upstairs. Music tends to be very commercial but it's a loungey atmosphere to enjoy some drinks before heading out somewhere else. Drinks are okay. Nothing spectacular. The crowd was not my cup of tea though. A lot of drunks that dont know how to handle their liquor. It's entertaining to see girls falling all over the place though. Would I go back? probably but is it my favorite spot? No.

    (3)

  • Tiffany K.

    i went with a bunch of my friends who were in town for the weekend and a buddy had a special video projection up. the crowd was so young, i felt incredibly old for being a then-20 year old. the upstairs space wasn't too big. i don't like that it's RIGHT on milwaukee.

    (3)

  • Ryan J.

    I haven't experienced much in Bucktown by way of night hot spots. But this is decent. Good music upstairs (I tend to like music that you can dance to/has been remixed/i've heard before), downstairs is another story though. It tends to be a mixed crowd of those people turning Bucktown into the biggest yuppie hell ever imagined since Dante's Inferno, the people who are bitter about the latter, and just people who dress outside the box because they want to be "different like everyone else" (a saying my roomie and I have rightfully coined for these types who think they are artistically individualistic but clearly are following the emo fads faster than the sorority girl follows the latest prepster fashions coming out of Abercrombie). All in all, a little overated, but still made for a good night of entertaining the straights outside of boystown without having to go further up Damen into the fraty boy hell of the area. End the night with a night cap at Violet Hour, it'll blow your mind all over your face (as Michael Ian Black would say).

    (3)

  • Justin H.

    super lame

    (1)

  • Joe B.

    For as fancy as the people were dressed here, and the decent decor, why were both DJs apparently spinning selections from NOW That's What I Call Music. Seriously, I heard that Ce Ce Peniston "Finally" song, as well as "100% Pure Love" by Crystal Waters (had to look that one up) and "Poison" by Bel Biv Devoe. One of my stars is actually for that last because I have a weak spot for it. Otherwise this place was terrible.

    (2)

  • jason t.

    honky, please. i guess i'm just not cool enough to enjoy paying five bucks for a pabst.

    (1)

  • elsa m.

    icky poo. thump, thump, thump.

    (2)

  • SAMANTHA P.

    if your goal for the night is to be gawked at and treated rudely by bar staff then debonair social club is your best bet in the city. it's a diverse crowd on thursdays but any other night is completeley taken over by women. the music selection leaves more to be desired. if you like a bar/club with no cover and snotty people, this is your place.

    (1)

  • Erin O.

    Wow, I can't believe these negative comments which is why I have to leave a positive one! I've been to Debonair several times and have had an awesome time every time. The service has always been awesome, including when I left my card there and they went to all lengths to get a hold of me and help me out. Yes, it's trendy and artsy and odd...that's what Wicker Park is supposed to be about! IT's fun watching people try out all these different styles. I meet awesome people every time I go there. I am having my party there tonight and Steve was awesome about it. I was a bartender for five years so I don't get pissy just b/c they are busy and can't kiss my butt. Sling me a drink and let me be on my way! The only thing I think is the Decor is lacking A BIT, but hey, it's Wicker Park! If you're looking for casual chic/hipster this place is awesome. I like it b/c it's NOT pretentious. But sometimes pretentious is fun...ha ha! Hey, I have fun wherever I go, I MAKE THE PLACE, I don't let it make me! WHOOO HOOO! Party Party!

    (4)

Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.

Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.

Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :9:00 pm - 5:00pm

Specialities

  • Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Parking : Valet, Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Ages Allowed : 21+
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Ambience : Hipster
    Noise Level : Loud
    Music : DJ
    Good For Dancing : Yes
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Happy Hour : No
    Best Nights : Wed, Fri, Sat
    Coat Check : Yes
    Smoking : No
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Has TV : Yes

Debonair Social Club

Share with your social network

WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES

Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online

Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.

© 2024 Restaurant Listings. All rights reserved.