Temps might be getting colder, but that doesn’t stop people from lining up for a chance to check out the latest hot spots. You’ll still need a better excuse to jump the line than, “But I know the owner’s second cousin’s stepson!” We hit the streets to find the speediest way to slip past the velvet rope.
NV Penthouse Lounge
116 W. Hubbard St. 312-329-9960
The wait: 0 minutes
How it went: We wanted an after-dinner drink on a Friday but couldn’t afford bottle service at this new River North club. Would a regular Joe have a chance? We phoned ahead and our names were added to the list with this caveat: Get there by 9:30 p.m. or all bets were off. Turns out it didn’t matter. At 10:40 p.m. we found no line, and if there was a list, no one asked us about it.
Insider tip: If you want a penthouse view on weekends, book a party for the terrace.
Le Passage
937 N. Rush St. 312-255-0022
The wait: 10 minutes
How it went: We RSVPed to a general invite for the opening party at this new Gold Coast spot and got an e-mail confirmation. However, the note cautioned us to arrive early because of “overwhelming response.” At 9:30 p.m. on a Friday, we waited for only 10 minutes but found the crowd was still a bit thin inside.
Insider tip: Make reservations for The Drawing Room, then tell your server you want a nightcap at Le Passage.
Martini Park
151 W. Erie St. 312-640-0577
The wait: 27 minutes
How it went: The line looked impenetrable when we arrived about 11 p.m. on a Saturday; moments later a group of 10 gave up and left. Then we heard, “Let’s just go to Hooters,” and another six disappeared. Soon, we were in.
Insider tip: Get there before 9 p.m. on weekends, or bypass the line with bottle service or dinner reservations.
The Violet Hour
1520 N. Damen Ave. 773-252-1500
The wait: 61 minutes
How it went: This spot admits a limited number of people and doesn’t take reservations, but bargoers can leave a cell number with the doorman and return when called. We heard the wait was only 15 to 20 minutes at 11 p.m. on a Saturday, so we decided to stick around. A half hour in, we were offered standing room, but our stiletto-clad feet weren’t settling for anything less than a chair.
Insider tip: Lines are for suckers. Leave your number and hide out at a nearby bar.
Manor
642 N. Clark St. 312-475-1390
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The wait: 0 minutes
How it went: Bar staff suggested RSVPing by e-mail ( [email protected]). It worked: Within seconds of our 10:15 p.m. arrival on a Saturday, we were in. But hey — where were the crowds? Early arrival meant no line, but the scene inside wasn’t exactly jumping.
Insider tip: A couple entering just ahead of us paid a $20 cover (for the guy only), but our male companion wasn’t charged. It pays to RSVP.
Stone Lotus
873 N. Orleans St. 312-440-9680
The wait: 0 minutes
How it went: When we arrived a few minutes after 11 p.m. on a Friday, there were exactly four people at the door — and they were all with the club. With an employee to clubber ratio of 1:1, getting in was a breeze. It also was free. Our RSVP (via e-mail to the promoter) meant the club’s usual $20 cover was waived. By midnight, this late-night spot was packed, so we expected a line when we left at about 2:15 a.m. Alas, it was only two deep.
Insider tip: One sure way to get in: Make a table reservation for bottle service. You can even do it on Open Table.
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Express lanes
More tips to avoid waiting out in the cold
– RSVP to the club’s (or promoter’s) guest list
– Arrive early, generally before 10 or 11 p.m. and no later than midnight for late-night spots
– Round up a group and pitch in for bottle service — but beware of bars that try to impose a pricey three-bottle minimum
– Dress to impress and tip scales in your favor by showing up with more girls than guys
– Become a regular — or get a job in the industry: Knowing someone inside or working at another bar or club can help you slide past the ropes
– And we can’t guarantee this works, but we’ve spotted dudes (with a 20 dollar bill folded in palm) enter with a doorman to “look around” — and not come back out
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