The Bassment - Chicago
4.4(915)google
4.0(248)yelp
MusicLive MusicNight-Friendly
Overview
The Bassment is a sultry, ultra-stylish speakeasy-style live music lounge discreetly hidden beneath the streets of the trendy River North entertainment district. Accessed through a secret, unmarked door inside a British-themed restaurant, stepping down into this dimly lit luxury sanctuary reveals plush velvet sofas, gold accents, and a magnificent glowing brick stage. Specializing in sensational, energetic live performances of jazz, blues, funk, and soul music, the venue pairs its incredible acoustics with an exceptional, high-end menu of custom craft cocktails served in whimsical glassware, providing a sophisticated, exclusive nightlife rendezvous.
Practical Info
Best TimeFriday or Saturday nights between 9:30 PM and 11:30 PM are premier for capturing the true soul of this speakeasy-style live music lounge. This is when the house band brings down the house with live R&B, soul, and jazz. The dim brick-and-velvet underground decor creates an intimate, lively atmosphere perfect for enjoying craft cocktails.
Getting ThereDiscreetly located below street level at 353 W Hubbard St. Driving is highly impractical. Take the CTA Brown or Purple Line to the Merchandise Mart station, exit to the street level, and walk north to Hubbard St, then turn west; the entire walk takes roughly 3-5 minutes to the speakeasy's unassuming entrance.
Travel Tips
- As a hidden underground live music speakeasy, a strict 21+ age limit applies at all times. Door staff stringently inspect physical photo IDs; international travelers must present a physical passport, as digital scans or photocopies are strictly rejected.
- The entrance is heavily concealed behind an unmarked vintage black British phone booth door inside the side corridor of The Hampton Social restaurant. On Friday and Saturday live music nights, premium tables near the stage enforce a mandatory $50-$100 per person minimum spend; clarify billing rules before seating.
- The venue operates under a strict upscale dress code. Tank tops, excessively ripped jeans, athletic shorts, hoodies, baseball caps, and flip-flops are strictly barred. If dressed too casually, you will be turned away at the door without a refund, regardless of pre-paid reservations.
Reviews
Positive
- This subterranean live music lounge hidden behind a British red phone booth delivers quirky, charming visuals with its iconic neon and plush velvet seating.
- The live blues and soul bands are top-tier, interacting closely with the crowd, which paired with creative signature cocktails makes for stellar late-night fun.
- The service team is warm and attentive, with highly professional hosts and door staff; the restrooms are kept remarkably clean and orderly.
- Located in the heart of bustling River North, the surrounding public transit is extensive, offering great value for experiencing authentic local nightlife.
Heads up
- The venue strictly enforces a 21+ age limit and maintains a smart-casual dress code, making it entirely unfit for family trips or casual drop-ins.
- During peak weekend nights, individual guest density gets heavily saturated, turning spaces noisy and packed; without a table booking, you must stand.
- Drink prices and table minimums are on the premium side, carrying a noticeable commercial markup and a mandatory hefty service gratuity.
- Being a dimly lit underground den, the narrow flights of stairs present tough navigating barriers for wheelchair users or accessible transit.