Bar of the month

Bluelight
3251 N. Western Ave.

The Basics

Where you’ll find it: 3251 N. Western. Just underneath the Western-Belmont overpass. (773) 755-5875. www.bluelightchicago.com

When it’s open: 6 p.m.-4 a.m. seven days a week.

Peak time: When Bluelight first opened early last summer, it would mostly get crowded once other bars closed at 2 a.m. Since then, however, it’s been getting busier earlier in the evening, usually around 10 or 11 p.m.

What you’ve heard: From the owners of Waterhouse and Matisse, so you expect class and cleanliness at every turn. ... You won’t recognize the place if you frequented it before the new owners took over. ... A rare upscale 4 a.m. bar that you’d be happy to go to well before other places close. ... It’s open late and it’s not a club or a dive? How nice is that?

History in short: The gritty Blue Light Lounge, which had been around since the 1970s, wasn’t the most welcoming place and was badly in need of a facelift. It got one from the owners of Waterhouse and Matisse and re-opened as Bluelight in August.

Visual Aids

First impressions: While it may be easy to overlook from the road, being it’s under and overpass, Bluelight has definite staying power, mainly because an upscale late-night bar is such a rarity in Chicago. Exposed brick walls on both sides, vintage artwork, cushioned benches and candles behind the liquor bottles all add up to create a pleasant ambiance. A handful of flat screens, Golden Tee, Silver Strike Bowling and a juke box are available to entertain, as is a regular DJ and the occasional live band. Bluelight is broken up into two separate rooms, each with full bars and plenty of seating.

The atmosphere: Bluelight is a big industry hangout, where people who just got off work can go lounge, have a drink and relax without getting constantly bumped into. Unlike a lot of Chicago’s after-hours establishments, Bluelight isn’t overly dark or loud and doesn’t house some of the sketchy characters you’ll see elsewhere in the wee hours. The front room is the primary bar where you’ll find conversations, and the equally comfortable back room often sees dancing break out later in the evening.

What you’ll tell your friends: “It’s the ultimate late-night destination where you go if you want to cap the night off in style. Good crowd and good atmosphere.”
— Don Rogers

“Why has it been so hard to find a nice 4 a.m. bar until now? Honestly, I would bring friends here at 3:00 in the afternoon if they were open. How many late-night places can you say that about?”
— Lauren, 27, Lincoln Park

What the Owner thinks: “We were looking to create a late-night place where you could come and feel comfortable. A clean 4 a.m. bar with a neighborhood feel where it’s busy, but you’re not going to feel cramped. It’s a good place to go without the dive bar or club feel.”
– Dan Latino

The Experience

At your service: “We definitely have a veteran waitstaff,” says owner Dan Latino. “It’s a very friendly group with top-notch bartenders who have experience elsewhere and know how to treat their customers.” Bluelight has waitresses on the weekends, a rarity for late-night bars in the city. Plenty of street parking is available nearby.

Get your drink on: Besides a full bar, Bluelight offers six different beers on tap, including Bud Light, Blue Moon, Stella Artois and Guinness. A big draw is an enticing collection of specialty drinks made with old-fashioned flavored soda, like the Chicago River, made with Bacardi Apple and Green River soda, or the Bluelight Special, which is a blend of Stoli Blueberry and Blue Raz soda. Don’t forget to ask for a Honeydew Me shot.

Menu variety: Bluelight doesn’t have a kitchen, but it does offer a hearty collection of delivery menus from nearby eating establishments that can take care of any late-night cravings you may have.

Specials: Every day: $2 Pabst Blue Ribbon drafts; Monday: $2 Bud Light drafts; Tuesday: $5 specialty drinks; Wednesday: Half-price industry night; Sunday: $6 PBR and Bud Light pitchers.

Who you can expect to see there: A good mix of people, ranging from those who make it the first — and only — bar of the night to those who are looking for a nightcap after an evening of bar-hopping. Ages range from mid-20s on up. Bluelight pulls its crowd from various neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville and Roscoe Village. It’s also big with industry folk, as plenty of the city’s waitresses and bartenders are known to stop by after their shifts end.

It’s a good spot to … “continue the party until 4 a.m. without the depressing dive-bar atmosphere.” ... “sing a little karaoke on Sunday nights.” ... “get some of the best party packages you’ll find anywhere, complete with a private room and bar.” ... “feel good about getting another drink or two in a refined, friendly bar with clean bathrooms.” ... “easily forget just how late it is.”

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