The only thing I love more about the biker-bar-esque punk/industrial rock dance club that is known as Exit is taking my unsuspecting friends or co-workers there for the first time. The... More

The only thing I love more about the biker-bar-esque punk/industrial rock dance club that is known as Exit is taking my unsuspecting friends or co-workers there for the first time. The skull-and-crossbones sign hanging outside doesn’t make them as edgy as the often-intimidating bouncer upfront—and the occasional line of Harleys parked nearby. My friends’ eyes only grow wider as they get ushered inside into a dark club that leads up some stairs to a dance floor surrounded by chain fencing. As the pounding industrial or punk beats blare through the sound system, you can see their eyes widen in a mix of awe, fear and amazement—it’s this “deer in the headlights” look that makes it easy to spot any first-timer to Exit. The funniest part is, for the most part the crowd and staff at Exit are way more friendly than the most refined bars in Lincoln Park—significant proof that looks aren’t everything. In fact, I love coming to Exit precisely to escape the myriad yuppie bars that lie across the Chicago River. It’s a refreshing change of pace, and the industrial goth music is very easy to get into after a couple of well-priced beers. The ability to people-watch (yes, there are some characters that float about) and dance without looking like a chump (your herky-jerky white man moves will be lost in the sea of dancers) make for an invigorating night of entertainment. If you’ve got a “second wind” after a night of drinking downtown, this is the perfect bar to unfurl your sails (assuming you can stand loud music, of course).
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This place has a really Gothic sort of image to it. But don't let that keep you away. It is actually a very diverse place with a fun crowd. It is one of the best places to be at late at night... More

This place has a really Gothic sort of image to it. But don't let that keep you away. It is actually a very diverse place with a fun crowd. It is one of the best places to be at late at night because this place gets crowded and the crowd gets really wild. Thursday's are their bondage nights, which I have never attented but sound like fun. Cool thing is that the cover charge is only five dollars too.
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I like this bar,different from your average neighborhood bar,if your into punk or your a biker you'll fit right in here and feel right at home. Drinks are a little on the pricey side but i like to... More

I like this bar,different from your average neighborhood bar,if your into punk or your a biker you'll fit right in here and feel right at home. Drinks are a little on the pricey side but i like to go there several times a year for special celebrations like for my b-day or new years. they have 2 floors,first floor is just a bar and they play house music,2nd floor is where the dance floor is with a dj. Bar kinda has a grunge look to it,and it is dark in there...kinda hard to see where your going in the room upstairs, but always have a great time and the crowd is friendly. only downfall is parking is hard to find on the street.
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