NEVER HAVE I EVER — Restaurant in Chicago

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Chicago, "Never Have I Ever" emerges as a beacon for night owls and social butterflies alike, seeking refuge in the bustling city's nightlife. This bar isn't just a place to grab a drink; it's a sanctuary where memories are made, friendships are forged, and every night is a story waiting to be told. Its unique concept, inspired by the popular party game, promises not only a night of revelry but also an experience that stands out in the crowded landscape of Chicago's bars and nightclubs.

Atmosphere and Decor: A Fusion of Comfort and Chic

Stepping into "Never Have I Ever," guests are greeted by an ambiance that strikes a perfect balance between cozy and contemporary. The interior design blends rustic elements with modern flair, creating an inviting space that encourages patrons to relax and unwind. Whether it's the soft lighting that sets the mood, the eclectic mix of furniture that adds character, or the thoughtful touches that reflect the bar's playful name, every detail contributes to an atmosphere that's both welcoming and stylish.

The bar's drink menu is a testament to its commitment to quality and variety. From handcrafted cocktails that feature inventive twists on classic concoctions to a selection of craft beers and fine wines, "Never Have I Ever" caters to every taste. Signature drinks, inspired by the bar's namesake , offer guests a chance to explore new flavors and creations.

"Never Have I Ever" elevates the nightlife experience with an array of entertainment options and activities. Regular event nights and live music performances keep the energy high, fostering interaction and camaraderie. The presence of a DJ and a dedicated dance floor allows for spontaneous dancing, ensuring the night always ends on a high note.

The heart and soul of "Never Have I Ever" lie in its people. The staff goes above and beyond to create a welcoming environment, where patrons feel valued and attended to. Bartenders, with their mixology prowess, not only craft exquisite drinks but also serve as connoisseurs of good conversation, making everyone from regulars to first-timers feel right at home.

"Never Have I Ever" is more than just a bar; it's a destination that captures the essence of Chicago's spirited nightlife. With its unique blend of atmosphere, drink selection, entertainment, and unparalleled service, it stands as a testament to what makes the city's social scene so vibrant and inviting. Whether you're looking to kick back with friends, enjoy a night of lively entertainment, or simply explore new flavors in cocktails and cuisine, "Never Have I Ever" promises an experience that's memorable, enjoyable, and, most importantly, uniquely Chicagoan.

As you plan your next night out in the Windy City, consider making "Never Have I Ever" a part of your itinerary. It's not just a visit; it's an experience that will leave you with stories to tell and a desire to return, time...

Edited review (see image for club owners response to inital review):

Let’s clear up a few things—especially since the club responded with a “breakdown” which included some blatant inaccuracies.

First, I was charged $5 for a bottle of water, not $2 as claimed. If you're going to justify the charge, at least be honest about what you're charging customers. It's baffling that a business waits until someone is "truly in need" of water before offering it. The whole point of providing water is to keep people hydrated so they can continue enjoying their time, not wait until they're on the verge of blacking out. Charging for water over basic customer safety? It’s just a blatant cash grab at the wrong expense.

Second, I bought a couple of drinks. One bartender used a jigger, yes, but another clearly didn’t and free poured, which is exactly why I said my drinks tasted watered down. If you’re going to claim consistency, then ensure your staff actually practices it. Maybe next time, you should just make my drink with a garden hose so I can actually get a cup of water around here.

As for the music: No, I didn’t expect a "FiVe-HoUr FaN cLuB eXpErIeNcE", but I did expect to hear more of the artist the night was themed around. That’s just basic event follow-through.

What really stands out, though, is the tone of the club's response to my initial review. Instead of engaging respectfully with a paying customer’s feedback, you chose to get snarky and dismissive. That tells me—and probably anyone else reading—that genuine customer feedback isn’t taken seriously here.

Inital review: Do yourself a favor and avoid this bar. Not only do they charge for water (a basic necessity when drinking), but the drinks are watered down as well. I asked for tap water but they say the only option is bottled water. On top of that, I went for a themed night, and they didn’t even play the artist’s music! What's the point of a themed night if you're not even going to follow through with the theme? Save your money and go somewhere that actually cares about...

Note: This review is based on a concert experience at the location. Specifically in the club section in the back half of the building.

Pros: The drink menu and place itself isn't so bad to be honest. Prices are reasonable and variety of drinks are nice. Staff was cool, the bar in the front half and the use of neon lights throughout the building was what caught my eye.

Cons: The main and most important con was the size of the dance floor and the layout of the crowd/venue when the show was under way. Be forewarned. The dance floor is small, like super small! If you're not on the dance floor itself during the show it'll be very hard to have a view of who's even playing since the DJ booth is super high up. Once you're past the first roped off vip table in the floor, your vantage point of the space and the audio quality becomes pretty underwhelming unfortunately. At this point in the crowd, conversations going on next to you and people going towards the bathrooms/bar overtake the concert experience. There was an upstairs section with more room and views it seems like, but that was ironically roped off.

Overall, it was a "meh" experience. Given the other superior options we have in the city for concerts and especially EDM based concerts, I don't see myself coming back to this place specifically for a concert/show. Maybe for just a quick drink at the bar in front? If you don't care much for live music this place would be much better suited for your expectations. Otherwise, you're for sure better off going to Radius/Smartbar/Chop Shop/The Point for a more complete concert experience with suitable audio and video...