Le Passage 937 N. Rush St.
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 255-0022 Le Passage Website
Located in the bowels of Chicago's lavish Gold Coast, finding Le Passage seemed more like an adventurous rite of passage than a simple walk to a nightclub. The trip required a few a lengthy strolls up and down Oak Street before my date and I finally gave up and inquired as to the club's whereabouts at a nearby restaurant. After being informed that the elusive club was tucked away in a well-lit alley off of Rush Street we curiously marched on to what seemed to be Chicago's best-kept (and best hid) secret.
The basement-turned-restaur-club's allure has attracted Chicago club goers with its sensual, dimly lit setting, voluptuous furnishings (all of the canvasses that adorn the walls are hand made in France and each column in the club is covered with gold) and elegant staff. Le Passage combines solid tunes with a tempting selection of eats. The restaurant boasts a menu offering "traditional French cuisine with an eclectic flair" compliments of Chef John Hogan and his able culinary staff. The entree prices are a bit steep (dinner and drinks for two can end up costing about $75), but are probably geared more toward the serious diner.
A visit to Le Passage's Yow bar is essential. Found in the club's oft roped-off backroom area, which serves a myriad of Polynesian concoctions created by famed Trader Vic's bartender Yow Low. Though not intended to be a V.I.P. area club manager Joe King says of the Yow bar, "everybody that comes here makes it that." But who does comes here? Upscale-types, 20-something club goers and the fashion conscious. Don't be surprised if you see a few familiar faces in this part of the club either, as a few super models, Chicagoland celebs and sports personalities have made appearances at Le Passage.
Hours: 9 p.m.-4 a.m. Thursday and Friday; 9 p.m.-5 a.m. Saturday
Light food served nightly from 10 p.m.-3 a.m.
