Subterranean: User Reviews

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By Boiler279 from Westmont, October 20, 2009

Overall rating:

Really liked the upstairs area. Great atmosphere to see up and coming bands.

Subterranean is great venue hip hop!
By #1critic from Dundee, October 30, 2008

Overall rating:

I have now seen two hip hop shows upstairs in the subterranean, both were fantastic.
Great sound system! The bass does not drown out everything like at other venues. You can hear the MC's every word. Very intimate setting where many performers will walk right off the stage and into the crowd to give you a dat and grab a brew.
They also have very reasonably priced beer.
Subterranean is a great place to see a show.

thursday
By mrs.Marley-Banton from humboldt park/lakeview, July 3, 2008

Overall rating:

I've been there on Thursday and I have no complaints! It is great!! great DJ, music, and drink prices!!!

SubT is improving and def worth visiting
By A from humboldt park, June 10, 2008

Overall rating:

I've also heard that their staff is unpleasant (a supermean door guy or something) but my experience has been opposite. As a musician I felt they (or their freelancers) were super nice and available. They were also quite fair with the payout, unlike other similar venues. I think they did promote the show as they should have, at least to the same level as any other mid-size venue does. More is always good, but.. The sound is always way better than at some more "prestigious" places. I think their equipment is up to date and they hire good people. The interior is super cool and chicago-authentic, with big ol chandeliers and old wall paper and wood trim and balconies (but what's up with that UGLY dorky sculpture above the stage??). I do really love seeing shows there, but it's hit or miss if you don't know what you're going for.. they book all kinds of acts and let in some bad apples, but hey they need a place to play too. Some really great bands have played there as well, I guess they just book whatever will bring them the money, and they may still be learning what people want. Just check out the band on myspace and if you like it go. It's often 18+ and sometimes all ages, and i think this is major. It's kind of becoming the new (old) fireside bowl in some ways, allowing people who are into music to hear live music, much less discriminating than most places in that regard. This is where they surely make less money than strictly 21+ places, so they may make it up by higher drink prices. Perhaps they should have a special and keep everything else high.? I would definitely play there again, based on how I was treated, and make them some money (mutually). More and more bands are choosing to do their record release shows there I notice because they pay fair. I think it's a good approach to keep up the venue's reputation. The good bands will stay loyal and choose it over other places. From an audience perspective, i've seen bands at other places get sub-par sound and then sound huge at subterranean. There have been some super fun dance parties and I like how they mix it up. Sub-T, if you do in fact have some mean door guy, look into it, people are talking about it. You're a good place so replace any bad apples and it will help you out. Let people fill out a survey for 2 weeks or something.

Out of towners suck
By tramire from Bucktown, January 30, 2008

Overall rating:

I dislike reading reviews from suburban and lincoln park kids who have no idea about Chicago music and culture. This place has been playing hip-hop sets for years. I've been going there for about 8 years and have never had a bad time. If you don't liek rap or hip-hop go over to naperville.....

i've gone to sub-t a...
By AP from chicago, il, January 10, 2007

Overall rating:

i've gone to sub-t a couple times and i've always had a good time. the drinks are pricey like any other place in the city but its a nice place to lounge, drink and even dance if you like on the small dance floor.

I was one of the...
By Joe Vor-Tech from Chicago, il, August 4, 2006

Overall rating:

I was one of the Friday night promoters and in my years working with clubs this was the worst. The club did nothing to promote our night, the bartenders were bitter and mistreated our staff and crowd and the sound was sub-par.

They've placed the subs in the walls facing AWAY from the dancefloor, it was terrible. One night we came in to find they had moved the DJ booth on us without our knowledge, their projectors were constantly out of wack. Worst was the behavior of the bartenders, they did everything in their power to make people NOT want to return, we had patrons literally say "If you move the party I'll come out but not to Sub-T."

Drinks are over-priced, the sound is sub-par AND they CHARGE to get in... We're, FINALLY, moving the event elsewhere. Don't bother with this hole, there are better Friday night digs for free where the bartenders WANT to serve you.

Too much damn RAP!!!! ...
By House Gal from Chicago, IL, July 14, 2005

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Too much damn RAP!!!! Go on Wednesdays to hear some so so house music.

I love the Sub-T! Yes,...
By JR from Chicago, IL, January 31, 2005

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I love the Sub-T! Yes, it isn't the best looking place but if you want a place that isn't pretentious and you just want to dance your a** off. Go there!

I always have a good...
By mich f from chicago, il, February 7, 2004

Overall rating:

I always have a good time at subterranean, though i do wish the dj would play older hip hop and disco longer than he does! fun dancing, great atmosphere.