Like many metropolitan cities in the United States, Chicago is home to a large and vibrant population of citizens with roots in Latin America and the Caribbean. As a result, there is a plethora of entertainment enjoyed by all residents featuring Latin music and dance. Some of the most popular 18 and over clubs in the city are Latin-themed or host Latin nights.
Excaliber is a Chicago club in the River North area of downtown. It is located in a historic landmark built in 1892. The club not only hosts one of the most popular Latin nights in the city but is also known for its ghoulish history. Many erroneously believe that the building used to be a morgue early and claim the club is haunted. The club has four floors of dancing with different styles of music featured in each but on Thursdays Excaliber hosts one of the most popular and long-running Salsa nights in the city. Its Latin event is nearly 20 years old. The evening begins with Salsa and Cha Cha lessons until 9:30 p.m. The party lasts until 4 a.m. Excaliber also hosts a Latin night on the first Fridays of the month.
Excalibur Nightclub
632 North Dearborn Avenue
Chicago, IL. 60654
312-266-1944
www.excaliburchicago.com
Nacional 27 is a nightclub in downtown Chicago. In the early evening hours it is a supper club serving Latin American and Caribbean cuisine but at 11 p.m. it turns into an 18 and over Latin party. The club features several theme nights. On Fiesta Fridays the club bills itself as having a "South Beach Salsa" atmosphere. On Nacional 27's Salsa Saturdays the club stays open one hour later than its usual 2 a.m. closing time, shutting its doors at 3 a.m. Sundays are its Stir It Up Salsa gathering with a more laid-back atmosphere featuring the club's extensive bar selection with Latin and Brazilian-themed drink specials. The club's yearly highlight is its popular annual Salsa dancing competition. The competition is sponsored by Bacardi and sanctioned by the World Salsa Federation.
Nacional 27
325 West Huron
Chicago, IL 60654
312-664-2727
www.n27chicago.com
Rumba is a Cuban-themed club in the River North area that aims to reincarnate the glitz of pre-Castro Havana's famous ballrooms. It is a supper club that transforms into a nightclub four nights a week. The club's interior design is a retro mid-20th century nightclub decor with over-sized booths, red velvet floor to ceiling curtains and candelabra centerpieces on tables. From Wednesday to Saturday night, musicians grace Rumba's stage or DJs spin while couples take over the dance floor. On Friday nights, the club offers free Salsa lessons.
Rumba
351 West Hubbard Street
Chicago, IL 60654-4943
312-222-0770
www.rumba351.com
