Looking for a place to get some serious cha cha or salsa practice in Chicago? The Latin dance scene is exploding in this town and serious dancers of all levels are tearing it up in these exciting Chicago dance clubs. Don’t expect to go to Chicago’s Latin dance hotspots to sit back and observe. If you like to stay busy on the dance floor, you may be pulled out of your seat and spun around faster than you can say “Oye Papi!”
Where to Cha Cha in Chicago
Nacional 27
325 W Huron St
Chicago, IL 60610
During the week, this classy place serves up some of the finest food and drinks in Chicago. They have a large tapas menu and the staff is very attentive, keeping the mojitos, martinis and caprihanas coming your way. Be prepared to drop some money, however. While they make some of the most delicious drinks you have ever put to your lips, they are not cheap. Just when you are ready to work off all those calories, they clear the chairs and make room for the action. On Fridays, free dance lessons begin at 9pm and the dancing begins at 10pm. If you like salsa, with the occasional meringue and bachata song, this a great place to get busy on the dance floor.
Rumba
351 W Hubbard St
Chicago, IL 60654
Located in downtown Chicago, Rumba offers guests a Latin dining and dance experience in a seductive, lavish atmosphere. The décor is kind of a throwback to the 50’s, a sort of palladium-style mambo Cuban club, but it’s still sexy looking. The Rumba hosts live entertainment Thursday through Saturday, and you will find their dance floor packed four days a week beginning as early as 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, which is “Salsa After-Work” night. Many salseros complain that the dance floor is small. However, be assured that you will never be alone on the dance floor, and the great live music alone may make up for the lack of space for fancy salsa moves.
Circuit Night Club
3641 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60613
The first thing you may notice about Circuit Night Club is that it hosts a lot of big into theme nights. Fortunately for Latin dancers, there are many Latin-themed nights that feature all kinds of Latin music, including salsa, merengue, cumbia and bachata. Sunday night is Noche Latina and caters to a Latino crowd. Thursdays are La Noche Loca (“the crazy night”) and feature the latest Latin dance music. You may want to note that this dance club has a large gay and lesbian crowd. Also, if you are squeamish about seeing scantily clad entertainers, you may want to avoid a night when the go-go dancers are out. But even if you are one of those rare dancers with reservations about frequenting an alternative night club, it’s a small price to pay for some good Latin music and dancing.
Martini Club
3124 N Central Ave.
Chicago, IL 773-403-8288
At the Marini club you will find old school salsa, bachata and merengue dancers. Thursday is Latin night, and ladies get in free until 12pm. This is not your down-to-earth dance dive. There is a steep $15 cover charge, and be prepared to dress to impress. The décor in this club is impressive, considering it used to be a bowling alley.
Green Dolphin Street
2200 North Ashland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
For serious salsa dancers, the Green Dolphin is the only place to go to show off some dance moves and get noticed. If you are a beginner salsa dancer, try the place out on a Tuesday night when it is less crowded and a dance instructor gives out free dance lessons. The Green Dolphin in Chicago has a more intimate setting than most dance clubs, but the dancing and music do not get more authentic.
April Lentini writes for Chicago Apartment Guide. Browse the wide variety of apartments available near your favorite Chicago Latin dance club.
