Bordel

  4.0 – 591 reviews   • Cocktail bar

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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.

Bordel 60622

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Reservations: opentable.comrestaurent.com

bordelchicago.com

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Reviews

C. G.
I’ve gone here many times and it’s always a fabulous time. From the amazing drinks to the best burlesque shows this is definitely a place to bring a date or even just a girls/ friends night out. The team here are truly phenomenal and really make you feel like you’re a regular. I’m usually not in the area often but I love to recommend this place whenever I can.
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John Allie
An absolute must for both locals and visitors alike! Bordel’s perfectly blends speakeasy mystique with a touch of burlesque flair — it’s like stepping back into the roaring 20s. The atmosphere is dimly lit and effortlessly cool, with incredible vibes all around.

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.
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Mike Rosen
What a fun experience! Unlike any other I’ve had! The hostess was exceptionally kind, we were late and our party had grown by 1 more than our reservation. This was a busy Friday night and they accommodated us graciously.

Drinks were great, we were seated near the stage and loved the show!
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Magda Lopez
I made reservations at Bordel for a large group to celebrate my birthday. The only positive thing I can say is that our server was kind and attentive.
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.
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Andylyn Deyto
Bordel was a great speakeasy to go to after dinner. It wasn’t too hidden but not too exposed either. We were able to find the door and come in during a show where the bartender found us a booth to slip into even with reservations. Great customer service and even better drinks!
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Katherine Éabha
I’d never been there; I’m from out of town. The patrons and staff treated me like I was a regular. The drinks were absolutely fantastic. The vibe was exactly what I needed to perk me up on a Tuesday evening. Five stars; no notes.
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Sade Luna
Visited for a friend’s birthday and we were really excited to see the burlesque performance. Unfortunately, the experience didn’t live up to our expectations.

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.
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Tony Williams
Good (but expensive) food and cocktails. We came with a big party from out of town for a burlesque show and despite telling us our reservation was next to the stage we were seated so far away we couldn’t even see the show. The place is pretty badly set up for a cabaret – all the performances are at the end of a long hallway. If you’re coming for food and drinks, enjoy. If you’re coming for a show, find somewhere else where you can be sure you’ll actually see it.
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Genia Guerra
Eh it was okay and also expensive. We saw three performances and the rest was the host talking to the audience. My Husband and I only had a drink each, mine was N/A and we ended up spending $70 there with added tip and fees. I don’t mind supporting the staff but the experience was just okay to be that expensive
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Tiffany S
Bordel was the perfect way to celebrate NYE before heading to another party to watch the ball drop (8pm show). We only had cocktails, no food.

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.
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