

Chicago’s favorite cabaret & cocktail bar. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Bordel, the Wicker Park cocktail bar and cabaret that has redefined Chicago nightlife through its unique fusion of performance art, live music, and craft cocktails. Since its inception, Bordel has created a space where provocative entertainment, live jazz and creative cocktails converge, becoming a landmark in the city’s cultural landscape. From the start, Bordel made a point to not only welcome global and avant-garde acts, but to first support and showcase the very best talent in Chicago. Bordel’s stage has featured many of the city’s top studio musicians and producers, up-and-coming artists and spectacular limited-run shows.
Craft drinks fuel the vibe at this bordello-inspired lounge offering a variety of live performances.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1721 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (312) 487-1236
Website: http://www.bordelchicago.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.comrestaurent.com
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Chicago | Bordel Cocktail Bar & Cabaret
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Reviews
The burlesque shows are a blast — playful, classy, and full of energy. Definitely make a reservation if you want to catch one! The sidecars are fantastic (and the touch of MSG is a unique twist you won’t find elsewhere).
Food was spot on and the service was top notch from start to finish. We absolutely love it here — a true Chicago gem that delivers an unforgettable night every time.
Drinks were great, we were seated near the stage and loved the show!
We were seated all the way in the back where we could not see the show at all. As other reviewers have mentioned, this seems to be a pattern. When a few of us went to ask if the performers would return to our section, the male performer on the mic told us we could stand near the stage on a small wooden stand . We brought over $200 in cash specifically to tip the dancers and began doing so.
Almost immediately, another staff member approached us and began berating our group. We explained that we were told we could stand there, but she continued raising her voice and speaking to us in a hostile tone. Trying to avoid conflict, we moved toward the DJ booth just to catch a glimpse of the show. I briefly touched the DJ table while stepping aside and the DJ swatted my hand away. The same staff member returned and continued addressing us aggressively.
As a large group of people of color, the way we were spoken to and handled felt discriminatory and targeted. The tone, hostility, and physical swatting were unnecessary and deeply embarrassing, especially during what was supposed to be a birthday celebration. We did not see other groups being treated this way.
For nearly $20 per cocktail, the drinks were watered down and poorly made. There should also be clearer communication when booking reservations about table placement or upgrade options, as nothing indicated our view would be completely obstructed.
We paid our bill and left. I have never felt so humiliated at a venue. I will not be returning.
While we anticipated a lively, crowded atmosphere, the performances stayed entirely at the very front of the venue and never moved throughout the space. Guests seated farther back didn’t get much of a view, which defeated the purpose of coming specifically for the show. It would greatly improve the experience if the show were announced and guests invited to sit, or if performers moved through the aisle so everyone could enjoy it.
When I briefly stepped aside to catch a glimpse of the performance, I was told that unless I needed the restroom, I should return to my table. The interaction felt dismissive and tone unnecessarily rude. Several staff members also appeared visibly bothered while working the floor, which took away from the celebratory atmosphere.
That said, the mixologist crafted delicious cocktails and the DJ kept the energy up with great music, both were definite highlights. However, based on the overall experience, I won’t be returning.
What I loved: cozy/dark, sexy ambiance upbeat burlesque-ish cabaret show, Shimmy LaRoux (host/performer) and service.
What could be better: for a ticketed event ($75/ticket) where the ticket goes toward the bill, I was very disappointed that they were out of multiple cocktails listed on their menu. It’s confusing how a cocktail bar runs out of two popular cocktails on NYE before the first show of the night (for a ticketed event nonetheless).
I’ll definitely return to Bordel many more times, but I hope they will have all the cocktails listed on their menu next time.