Night moves: For 7 years, Bordel has combined cutting-edge entertainment with creative cocktails in a sultry speakeasy
When cast members of Chicago’s Hamilton went looking for a cool venue where they could let their hair down and perform outside of their demanding roles in the multi award-winning musical, they knew just the spot: Wicker Park’s Bordel.
At Liberté, Colby Lewis and Jimmie Jeter would host their fellow Hamilton actors in a fabulous musical free-for-all. Or as Bonhomme Musical Director Saam Hagshenas says of the once-a-month event: “It was an extraordinary insight to the sheer level of talent that Broadway performers possess.”
Open since 2014, Bordel has continuously hosted a rotating roster of one-of-a-kind artists who are given unhindered freedom to work their creative magic, whether it be fiery flamenco dancing, jazz from of-the-moment local musicians, sensuous burlesque dancing or the city’s best DJs.
“Walking into Bordel completely transports you and you can see it in the eyes of those guests entering for the first time,” says Saam. “It feels sexy and dangerous. Guests may encounter a half-naked fire eater or a flamenco dancer seconds after entering and yet it's still an upscale, cocktail-forward lounge.”
But before you can experience Bordel’s raw-meets-refined vibe, you first have to find it. Above contemporary Spanish restaurant Mama Delia, beyond the hidden door and up the leopard-print stairs, you’ll find Bordel’s sumptuous candlelit interiors, appointed with pink velvet sofas and curtains, tasseled chandeliers, vintage bronze cherub sconces, Persian Bokhara hand-knotted rugs and walls covered in custom, handcrafted wallpaper inspired by 20th century American pulp cover artistry.
“Bordel would stand on its own as a cocktail lounge and bar, so adding live entertainment elevates the experience exponentially,” says Saam. “Also, we've repositioned performances and really removed the barriers that normally exist between the stage and the audience.” That means, for example, a flamenco dancer may perform feet from your table, or you may be invited to stand on the stomach of Sally Marvel, long-time curator/performer at Bordel’s Thursday night Vaudeville show, as she casually lays on a bed of nails.
“Bordel has done a fantastic job of retaining its soul as a cocktail lounge while remaining accessible enough that people will come back the next week or even the next night,” says Saam. “It's truly the greatest date spot, with great drinks, dark and sexy interiors, and live performances to help avoid any lulls in conversation.”
