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Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (16) music (15) friends (13) floor (13) time (12) great (12) night (11) club (10) service (10) drinks (9)
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  • 1/5 A Google U. 2 years ago on Google
    Management informed the DJ to avoid playing any hip-hop music to avoid attracting 'more black people.' The DJ told me this after I requested "diverse music". $19 for Jack Daniel's w/ ginger ale. $20 for a shot of Casamigos. Total rip-off. I will never come back or recommend to others.
    21 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Chelsea W. 1 year ago on Google
    My friends and I paid for a booth to celebrate my friends bachelorette weekend. We arrived at 1030 PM and the club was mostly empty. They sat us in a tiny booth on the dance floor and promised that they would move us once more people showed up. The space was not big enough for our group of 9, but we tried to make it work knowing we would be moved. Unfortunately, we were never moved. There was security on the floor but they never stopped the many strangers who came into our space and poured drinks for themselves. We had to spend our time asking people to leave. This was disappointing to have to do. I definitely felt that our group was neglected and I’m not quite sure what the point of paying for the booth on the floor is. You are basically on the dance floor with everyone else, but you are paying immensely more. They should get rid of these “booths.” I personally would ask for my money back and just pay the price to enter the club. The music is hip-hop & rap. However, the DJ does not spin their own music live or take requests. It is a prerecorded track. The venue is cute, but small. Also note that the bill already included gratuity as a SOC charge. Not everyone would know this, the person in our group did not, so tipped extra. Overall, I would not pick this location for a celebration.
    17 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 AJ F. 2 years ago on Google
    Got inside and ordered 6 tequila shots. How much did it cost? $113. 6 tiny, watered down shots came up to $113. Tried to enjoy the rest of the night, but then the club closed at 12:45 am even though they said it closed at 2 am. Not a huge loss since the DJ was awful. Couldn't dance to anything. Terrible experience. 0/10 would not recommend.
    16 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 James N. 2 years ago on Google
    Expensive cover for club access if you're not early. After paying the cover you don't even get access to all of the club because of crowd control. They don't tell you there is limited access before you pay creating false advertising to justify the cover. After trying to meet our friends on a higher level our friends came down to get us and they wouldn't let us or our friends back up. Even though security on the higher floor told our friends they could come get us and bring us up. Seems like they told them that to get them to leave to the lower level with no intention of letting them back up. We were finally able to get two rounds of drinks and when we got the check we had additional drinks we didn't order on the bill. The bartender was annoyed at us for noticing. We were sober enough to remember what we had considering we were only able to get two drinks each.
    16 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Cyn G. 1 year ago on Google • 182 reviews
    I haven't gone to Joy District in a while and I went for my friends birthday this weekend and it was a great time. The brunch was delightful and the waffles were great. I definitely recommend doing a girls brunch here or even going with a big group of friends.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Agathe M. 8 months ago on Google • 172 reviews
    Cute little Bar with a rooftop. I was looking for an instagrammable spot and this place didn’t disappoint. The decor & atmosphere was on point. The vibe was also great: the Dj played a variety of popular hip-hop music. The food & drink were also good. Will definitely come back sometimes before the end of the summer 😇
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tasia Conway (. 8 months ago on Google • 109 reviews
    Came here for my birthday brunch! They have $40 bottomless mimosas and you buy an entree separately! If you’ve been to a brunch in River North, this gives a similar vibe! Younger crowd, mini meals, and good vibes!

  • 1/5 Marifer M. 2 months ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    I was just there for brunch and had a horrible experience. To start the table was dirty; the glasses were dirty, the bottle service was average below average. The server was OK, she was nice. The food was decent. There was no DJ, there was supposed to be a DJ. The restrooms were disgusting, no toilet paper, or towels They tried to charge us for a birthday shot that the server asked for us she said “let me get you a birthday shot” and she picked down julio 1947, and tried to charge us for it ($40 bucks). Overall -3 out of 10. Wouldn’t go back.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Edwin M. 2 years ago on Google
    I've been to Joy District with friends before and this time we came for Brunch. It was Drag Brunch with bottomless mimosas. There were multiple performers and each performed at least 2-3 times and they were all very talented and stunning. I recognized a familiar face from other clubs, Mimi Marks, and they were celebrating a performer's birthday so the whole vibe was a party from start to end. We were surprised that hey had a giveaway and each person received a raffle ticket for a chance to win a 1/4 carat diamond! There were several groups attending, each celebrating something -- birthdays, graduations, and we actually even witnessed a proposal! The food was actually delicious! I tried the Chicken & Waffles and my friends had the Steak & Eggs. There were shots flowing for everyone in attendance and management was very friendly and welcoming too! The party kept going for us when we returned later for the rooftop and have been back twice since then (you have to enjoy the Summer while it's still here).
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Deku 4 months ago on Google • 49 reviews
    My cohorts and I decided to have a Saturday night out on the town and gave this spot a chance. We arrived around 1030pm and got in fairly quickly (cover charge of $20). The downstairs has a bar and seating a DJ playing music. The upstairs had another barm bottle service seating, and the main DJ. The vibe was great as there was a mix of women and men - white, black, Asian, Latino, etc. Alcohol seemed standard price for downtown: 10 dollar beers and 20 dollar mixed drinks. Our real complaint is that the DJ was awful at transitioning songs and would kill a song before the beat really dropped.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mona 2 years ago on Google
    Attended the AirOtic Soiree show at Joy district tonight and what an incredible experience it was. We got there a little early and enjoyed the views from the rooftop while we waited to be seating for the show. We had VIP tickets to the show so drinks and small bites were included in the ticket price. Definitely recommend the tuna nachos and the margarita flatbread!!! The 4 artists who performed tonight put on a Vegas style show that was so sensual, acrobatic, and simply breathtaking! You can tell these performers love what the do and they make it look so effortless. Had a wonderful evening with my girls and definitely recommend this event while it’s still ongoing at Joy district!!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paulina N. 2 years ago on Google
    I’ve only been to Joy District a handful of times and decided that it would be a super fun place to celebrate my 24th birthday! I had the best time with friends due to the super hype and fun environment with great music. After getting in, my friends and I walked up to the second floor which turns into a club vibe at night- and got a table with complimentary bottle service. The bottle girls are all super pretty and sweet- They made sure we got everything for the night. Def a place to stop at if you like going out in River North! Made so many memories at JOY that night!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Julie S. 2 years ago on Google
    The security guy was rude to me when I came downstairs after wanting to leave because the music was too loud. I approached a guy who was in an employee uniform and was just trying to ask for directions since I’m an out-of-state 23 year old female who was just lost. Instead of getting help I was told I was rude and he told me I was in the way of a private party (not marked at all, he pushed a table in the way after). We left and went to Miki’s Park across the street, way better despite different type of bar.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sabrina C. 6 months ago on Google • 45 reviews
    I had a blast at here for a Yelp event with the Yelp Elite squad and think I discovered my favorite grilled cheese and tomato bisque in the city! We got to sample a few of their bites which included: Vegan spring rolls- Really good Grilled cheese and tomato bisque - My favorite Meatballs Tuna Poké Lobster Rolls - soooooooooo good! The weather was perfect and the staff was so patient and helpful! Joy District is definitely a good choice for awesome rooftop vibes and bites! My only issue was that the bartenders could’ve been more friendly. Enjoyed myself regardless!

  • 4/5 Ana S. 1 year ago on Google
    Friendly service, great $10 burger+drink deal, the fries were amazing. No food options for vegans besides the fries though. The music was loud and pretty good too.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Sloan 1 year ago on Google
    All I’m saying is $67 for three SMALL drinks is ridiculous, as someone who really enjoys Chicago nightlife and understands it can be pricy. You can find stronger, larger beverages for half that cost at other clubs without much looking. The place is cute aesthetically, but I had more fun (and space to dance) elsewhere. The music selection was good and the DJ was definitely into it, but the strange layout of the place made it hard for my group to find a decent spot to chill and dance. Overall, a super “eh” experience.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Kyle B. 2 years ago on Google
    Way overpriced… They charge a service fee, a COVID fee, it’s not a cute place… No employees wear masks either which is probably not good right now… Don’t recommend!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Taylor D. 4 months ago on Google
    Joy district is always so much fun no matter what floor you’re on. I came for food the other night and the server told me they had a new pizza recipe and we ordered it and it was delicious! We ended up going to the night club after and it was also a lot of fun. Drinks were great and so was the service! Can’t wait to plan another night out
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Destiny 4. 1 year ago on Google
    0 stars. Paid over 2500 for bottle and table service only to be denied. I’m taking the owner and the organizers to small claims court. They were about two black guys who took just about 10 poorly dressed black girls through the back door. This was ridiculous. Never again first and last. Chris Brown organizers could offer me a free table at this place I would definitely refuse. This place is 🗑.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Alyssa B. 4 months ago on Google
    I loved the lesbian party hosted there but it is in a sports bar, and it had a very different vibe upstairs vs down. The space is pretty cool, I had a great time. I'm not sure I'd visit on a regular night.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Brycen C. 1 year ago on Google
    Decent atmosphere. Highly divided between floors, bring cash if you want to go up in floors. We spent the night on the second floor, however, there seems to be a rush to block off much of the bar for "VIPs" (in other words, people who pay cash to prevent others from having a good time).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Tristen B. 11 months ago on Google
    We went on a Friday, bartenders were friendly and attentive. Second floor access had a cover but it honestly wasn't worth it. They were playing disco and floor was packed to the point you couldn't move, drinks were spilt on you constantly. The 1st floor was kinda dead but had better music. Would go again but stay on the main level.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yoly K. 3 years ago on Google
    My wife surprised me with reservations for brunch at Joy District of Chicago and I must say that the service was great but the food wasn’t appealing. I ordered chicken and waffles in which the waffles AND the chicken were both over cooked/burnt. My wife order steak and eggs and the steak was medium rare (they never asked how she wanted her steak OR eggs) and the eggs tasted like a science project. The atmosphere is chique and urbanesque. It’s a really nice setup, HD flat screens to watch a game and valet parking of course.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Colin W. 1 year ago on Google
    Bar was fun and awesome, go to it for a good time! Not for people looking to chill though. It's definitely a parry atmosphere. For sure.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sarah A. 2 years ago on Google
    I threw my boyfriend a 30th birthday party at Joy and everything was perfect! We had a private space for our group, the music was bopping, and the food was phenomenal! Honorable mention to the Octopus tacos, Beef sliders, and the flatbreads. Joy is a guaranteed good time and I will certainly host parties here in the future. 10/10.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kelsey F. 2 years ago on Google
    Parlay has a delicious brunch menu and an amazing bottomless mimosa deal! There’s a ton of tv’s to watch whatever sports you are in to and it’s a super fun atmosphere with a dj!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emer A. 1 year ago on Google
    We've watched the FIFA World Cup 2022 here! Argentina won!!!! Wooohoooo! We lost our voice the next day from screaming! Anyways, Joy District is the Best place to watch sports games. Humongous TV every wall space of the whole place! Nice DJ!!! Super Lit place! Clean bathroom downstairs! The place is spacious enough compared to other sports bar in the area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Edwin C. 5 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    My go-to spot for anything. If I want to watch football and eat wings, they got great television and some of the best wings I have had. They also have really good tavern style pizza. If I feel like partying, the club on the second floor always has an amazing atmosphere. If I want to hangout and have a casual, the rooftop is a vibe. This place really has it all!

  • 2/5 Kelsey Paige M. 2 months ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    We went on a Thursday so didn’t expect it to be packed but there was not a soul there besides us and the staff. The staff was short with us and it was $120 for 3 shots and 2 beers. Definitely did not expect it to be so over priced. The music was also just tv commercial type music if that makes sense, nothing really upbeat or fun.

  • 1/5 Griffin P. 2 years ago on Google
    Drinks are a rip off, bouncers will shake you down for every penny they can get, and the music is unoriginal. It’d be 4 stars if they had better service and were still forgettable - but for the $$$ they’re charging this place is worth 0 stars.

  • 1/5 Iris D. 1 year ago on Google
    Ladies do not waste your time. The bouncers are the rudest to the women. Read the reviews, they hate us. Black women more so than anything. If you have light skin, curly hair and a bbl you may be ok for the sloppy, poor bouncers.

  • 5/5 Jessica W. 9 months ago on Google
    Some friends and I stopped in on a Friday night a few weeks ago. Ezell was excellent from the moment we arrived at joy until the time we left. He would check in just to make us feel welcome and to check to make sure we had everything we needed. The DJ that evening was also fantastic! There wasn't much time that I didn't spend dancing.

  • 5/5 Allison R. 9 months ago on Google
    I recently rented out the rooftop of Joy District for a large customer happy hour. I couldn't say better things about the staff. The staff went above and beyond to make sure our event was a success and that everyone was taken care of. The event planner, Krista, and GM, Tyler, were so attentive to our needs, thinking outside the box to get creative with different ideas to really make our event memorable. The space was perfect for a large happy hour of ~200 people. And the cocktails and appetizers were great! I highly recommend Joy District's rooftop if you're looking to host a corporate happy hour event.

  • 5/5 Shinar Y. 5 months ago on Google
    My group and I had some amazing food at the bar & then decided to go upstairs. They had Metro (Chicago Bulls/White Sox/B96) DJ performing and we had a BLAST! They have the best atmosphere, staff & food. It felt like I was at a concert when I was in the club from the incredible production. Now I can see why they’re always packed! 10/10

  • 1/5 Jada G. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice atmosphere but the security guards at the door are extremely rude. They have no respect for women. They talk in a very vulgar tone & treat people with disrespect. This is my second time coming here & experiencing this level of disrespect. It made me highly uncomfortable! You guys have to do better. I actually like this place but as the first point of contact, security should do better.

  • 3/5 Ashley J. 9 months ago on Google
    It's a cute bar with 3 floors, but the drinks leave something to be desired. They don't carry any specialty beers (literally Miller Lite, Bud Light, Corona, and modelo), and they don't do any craft cocktails. You can get standard cocktails, and the margarita was good, but if I'm paying Downtown prices, I'd like something more than a boring margarita. The fried chicken sliders were very good, and we all shared the pizza poutine (which was tasty but greasy), and the service was fantastic. Still, I think there are much better bars in the city.

  • 5/5 Lisa J. 2 years ago on Google
    We recently went to Parlay at Joy District for brunch. It’s a great spot to watch sports and they have a DJ. The food was excellent and loved the bottomless mimosas. We will definitely be back!

  • 4/5 Kylie C. 2 years ago on Google
    Went in after 1am after being at Hubbard Inn which sucked, and luckily the long line was gone. Had some good shots (expect them to be expensive, ~$15 each) and danced on the main area for a bit. The songs were good but second floor is where it’s at! It was soooo much fun up there, the DJ played the best hip hop jams and songs to twerk to, and there’s more cool lighting and people dancing so I highly recommend trying to get upstairs ASAP. Only downside was they close at 3 but the lights came on at 2:20 so we left early.

  • 1/5 Cymil Paul M. 2 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    This is ridiculous i just went to the restroom and they dont wnat me to go back ip just because i didnt have the stamp. As a first timer they didnt even let me know that i need that stamp when going down to the restroom. Its ridiculous, its stupid!!!!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Taylor W. 5 months ago on Google • 1 review
    Absolutely love Joy District! Have been in for birthdays, night club going out and brunch which is always so much fun!! The rooftop in the summer is next level and such a cute atmosphere. plus the staff is so friendly and makes sure that we we are always taken care of. Definitely my go to weekend hangout plus their wings are some of the best I’ve had in the city!


Call +1 312-906-7836 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Dancing
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Happy-hour food
    • ✓️ Happy-hour drinks
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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