Guide to the Best Latin Nights in Chicago

Chicago has a thriving Latin nightlife scene that shows no signs of letting up anytime soon. From Latin dance lessons to live salsa bands to popular Latin dance music, Chicago has it all.

There are several bars and clubs in Chicago that can entertain you tonight with a Latin twist, but this guide leads you to the best Latin nights in Chicago. These are the places where everyone goes for hot Latin beats, to see and be seen, and where the party really heats up the sexy atmosphere.

Club 720, 720 North Wells Street, Chicago
Tuesday and Friday nights are the best nights at Club 720 for Latin dancing. With four different floors of music the club always has something to offer, but on Tuesdays and Fridays the club goes Latin with a floor dubbed the Tropical room, playing salsa, merengue and bachata for couples all night. On Tuesdays at eight there are free salsa lessons as well as other forms of Latin dance depending on the night and teacher present. Be sure to check the clubs website to find out if there will be a live salsa band playing on the night you want to go.

Green Dolphin Street, 2200 North Ashland Avenue, Chicago
Green Dolphin is the place to see and be seen for serious salsa dancers, as well as those new to the Latin scene in Chicago. If you are one of those that is new to the scene try the place out on a Tuesday night. Green Dolphin will be less crowded and the atmosphere is a little more relaxed as a DJ plays salsa, mambo and cha-cha while a dance instructor leads patrons through free dance lessons. If, on the other hand, you already have moves ready to be shown off drop by on Friday night, a local or visiting salsa band will lead dancers well into the night. The small, and intimate setting is definitely a place where your moves can gain you some attention.

Nacional 27, 325 West Huron Street, Chicago
The weekends see this popular Latin dining locale give way to a dance floor. I think Nacional's Latin nights would be so much better if they brought live bands into the upscale restaurant, but for now a Dj spins popular Latin music. From eleven till three in the morning every Friday and Saturday night, expect to see plenty of beautiful Chicago folks get some action on the dance floor.

Sangria Restaurant and Tapas Bar, 901 West Weed Street, Chicago
Sangria has definitely made itself into one of Chicago's Latin hotspots, every weekend the line outside the restaurant continues to grow. The intimate setting of the restaurant and bar encourages the crowd to mingle fast and well, the sultry Latin beats cause the party to really heat up. Friday offers up popular Latin dance music, from Bachata to hip shaking reggaeton. Saturday nights see things move a little slower with a large selection of merengue, salsa and bachata.