Chicago's Private Neighborhood Clubs

[Vlajos]

I have never heard of these private bars until today. They've been around a long time?

[Clark&Addison]

Originally Posted by Vlajos

I have never heard of these private bars until today. They've been around a long time?

I think most of the ones that actually fit the bill of the traditional "Neighborhood Social Club", the oldschool ones like most I mentioned earlier and I'm guessing the ones the OP mentioned/was referring to, have been around for 50+ years and are probably a lot less active and numerous now.

I have no idea how long "Key Clubs" have been a thing for, they seem to serve another purpose. Also not familiar with Birch Road but that looks like a newer thing and something a little bit different.

[fusillirob1983]

Originally Posted by Clark&Addison

Damba, maybe you can confirm but I'm pretty sure the one at 3332 Irving is called "Fort Irving" and 3456 might just be called "The Key Club", never actually been to either though. From my understanding "Key Clubs" are basically private bars that are open after regular bars close so bartenders and the like have a place to drink.

OP, I think Gaelic Fire Brigade is a social club for Union (aka all) Chicago Fire Fighters. There is also a Northside Fire Brigade, same idea.

Fairly certain there are a bunch of other clubs on the south side like Hamburg Athletic Club and Flags club, pretty sure there is a Canaryville Athletic Club and maybe some in Beverly, I'm from the North Side so not an expert by any means. Sort of like neighborhood fraternities.

On the North side, there is Lakeview Men's Club which is pretty public knowledge and just a private bar near Wrigley, a friend is a member. Also Rodam Social Club is one I have heard of doing some charity stuff. I know there is one called McWhinney Benevolent Association and I think there might be another one on Southport?

I'm sure there are some on the North West side but don't really know anything about them. I feel like I remember an article about one getting in some trouble or something a while back.

There is one in LP about a half block from Southport.

[Windy5555]

Originally Posted by &mpersand

There's one in Smith Park. The Huron Social Club on the NW corner of Campbell and Huron.

Interesting. I walked past one time and they had their door open and I saw a big bar inside. Was curious what that was. Can't find any info about them on Google.

[jonnynonos]

A lot of the Italian one's have or at least historically have had close affiliations with the mob -- LOL. No joke.

[i_am_hydrogen]

I was a member of the club on 3456 W Irving Park from about 2002-2007, when I was in my mid-20s. One night, my friend and I were at a bar in Lincoln Park, and we struck up a conversion with another guy at the bar. He ultimately told us about the club and invited us to go with him that night. Later on, we both became members. It's very similar to a regular bar. You drink, play pool, etc., except that it never closes. The windows are blacked out so you have no concept of what time it is. There were plenty of times when we stumbled out of that place at 7 or 8am very drunk, squinting at the harsh daylight. I haven't been back in years, but I think I still have the key somewhere.

[Vlajos]

Originally Posted by i_am_hydrogen

I was a member of the club on 3456 W Irving Park from about 2002-2007, when I was in my mid-20s. One night, my friend and I were at a bar in Lincoln Park, and we struck up a conversion with another guy at the bar. He ultimately told us about the club and invited us to go with him that night. Later on, we both became members. It's very similar to a regular bar. You drink, play pool, etc., except that it never closes. The windows are blacked out so you have no concept of what time it is. There were plenty of times when we stumbled out of that place at 7 or 8am very drunk, squinting at the harsh daylight. I haven't been back in years, but I think I still have the key somewhere.

Sounds fun. These still exist?