Wandered in after having passed countless times. It’s been under the same ownership since 1986 and is a true example of a business that recognized what it had and changed with the times in order to not only preserve something that was truly special, but make sure it was able to stick around long enough to be enjoyed by younger generations. Please stop by and support this bar so it’s here for years to come.

Update: The bar is not cash only anymore. There are DJs on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. The bar and lounge is open starting at 4pm (except Sundays). Best Polish bar in Chicago. Retro, special, inexpensive, cash only. When live entertainment is back on the stage is lit with a disco ball surrounded by small jazz cafe seating. There is a pool table as well. Very important: the jukebox kills! And most drinks are around $3-7.

Reallllllly great potential here, but they've got some kinks to iron out. The atmosphere is awesome and the sound system is GREAT, but they could definitely do a better job of advertising what the nightly 'vibe' will be.. it's a bit like playing Russian Roulette, and could definitely be hit or miss depending on your taste. The bar is extremely inconsistent, different bar tenders will charge you different prices so honestly I recommend just sticking to the water station and spend your time on the dance floor ✌️

Myself and two friends were SA’d by a friend of the employees here. Yes, that’s right! Once we let the bouncers know they actually kicked us out and readmitted the predator that grouped us. The culture you promote is actually the fall of Rome in real time. Seek psychiatric help.

Great place with a good variety of drinks, music and comfortable seating in the bar area. Good energy with a non pretentious crowd.

Something has definitely shifted here. Used to be a fun neighborhood place to dance but it’s mostly been miss lately. Last time everyone was standing on the dance floor because the dj was trance (?) on a weekend night. Weird choice and a waste of a cover. Generally find the cover too high here for what it’s worth and will think twice before coming here on a random weekend night. Better to go dance at whistler for free or pay the cover at smartbar and have a solid time Also- what’s with the styrofoam cups?

Incredible remodel and whoever they have doing their booking is on the cutting edge of club music. Guaranteed to be one of the hottest spots in the city in the next few years.

An eclectic crowd where style and substance meet on the dance floor. A one of a kind in the city.

I went here with my Girlfriend on NYE and she said she felt very uncomfortable as the only Asian woman there. She drank too much because she was so anxious and then were asked to leave. I can understand being asked to leave in the scenario but what disturbed me was the manager who asked us to leave spoke exclusively to me and pretty much ignored my girlfriend. He never once asked her if she was ok or made any effort to ensure that I was actually her boyfriend. He just told me to get the girl out of there and go somewhere else. I would be very concerned as a woman attending this bar, they are more concerned with avoiding responsibility than creating a safe space for dancers.

Went there with the crew I work with at Lincoln hall and they showed us mad love. Might be thinking of being a door man for them as well! Nice room for dancing and the vibes is house. Pretty chill.

Very cool place. Apparently this is where the cool kids hang out. A real DJ could get the sound system going.

No cover, $3 coat check, and fantastic beats for hours. Definitely coming back again

5 stars because the music is always Hot-t-t-t And drinks are just ok. They’re in a small airplane plastic cup. The free water jug is never refilled.

I was really excited to try this spot but had never been before and not sure if it was my vibe or no. The techno artists were pretty obscure so I was really unsure for a $20 cash only cover. The door guy said “I guess you have to decide” I kind of figure that a solo person interested in trying out a place might get a break but there was no negotiation sadly to get my business. Smartbar is doing their obscure Format techno night tonight for $25 at the door and that is a slam dunk with well known and trusted artists and vibes. I want to support new/independent spots but please be real about how much ppl will reasonably spend if they aren’t sure they will like it :/ Also, another reviewer wrote that they had no cover and no cover was listed online so it was a bit shocking. 3 other ladies walked up the same time as I did and all 3 walked away as well after hearing the cover. It’s personally hard to get ladies to come out for techno as I also dj, and to have us feel shut out based on price is everything the techno movement is NOT. The original spirit of inclusion and people from all walks of life being welcome- well not all budgets are welcome at this spot. Devastated

You literally can't get in unless you carry cash with you. For those that travel light, you must bring a debit card or sufficient cash, or I suppose know the bouncer or something. You can not use any other form of payment to get in, though theyll let you put your card down for drinks. I won't comment on the rest of it though it seemed empty and no one was dancing.

Great energy in this bar. The lighting, sound, & caliber of local DJs they host is top-tier. Thursday nights around 11pm always tends to be a sweet spot for me there. Their Polish Handshake is a nice deviation from the Chicago Handshake. First time I had a vodka shot in years and their vodka was great actually. I went back for more.

Amazing interior and vibes, eclectic crowd and friendly staff. Good spot for late-night dancing in the back too.

Incredible atmosphere, super inclusive, friendly, welcoming, and very very well curated talent!! Lots of history in this place. Has a well stocked bar, cozy lounge area, and perfect sized dance floor with incredible sound system. I come here a few times a month and it’s never a bad time!!

I think this is a wonderful and intimate place for dj events. I've attended three events here and each time have had a great time.

Love Podlasie. Great energy, dance floor is amazing and everyone is welcoming. Security is kind. Fortune nights are especially wonderful!