Good Night John Boy — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

My friends and I came here on July 13th. We know it’s a popular place, so we expected to have to wait in a long line. That was fine. After a few minutes, it started POURING rain to the point where almost everyone got out of line. They either left or stood under the covered patio in front of the building. Security had basically stopped letting people in even though we could see many people leaving from inside.

After about 15 minutes of standing outside, drenched in the rain and freezing, I went up to one of the security guards (the short one) and asked if people were still allowed in and if everyone standing under the patio would be able to “stay in line.” He replied and said yes, both the actual line and everyone under the patio were still considered in line. This was great news because none of the staff had said anything to anyone. There were at least 25 people standing under this patio hoping to get in.

After another 15 minutes, they still hadn't let a single person in from the patio. My friend went up and asked when we could get in. They told her they weren’t letting anyone in who didn’t have a table. We were all confused because why would they not tell us that? They could see 25 people freezing under the patio but decided not to mention that to us?

I went up to the man standing at the front door wearing a red/purple suit. I asked him if I could speak to someone, and he clearly did not care to hear what I had to say. He lied to my face and told me he was only the “bathroom attendant.” I spoke to him anyway because it was clear he was the one in charge outside. I told him it was extremely rude and unprofessional the way they were handling this. I made it clear we were leaving and were not trying to get in; I just wanted to share how horribly they handled the situation.

I COMPLETELY understand that they cannot control the weather. But all they had to do was come over to the patio and inform everyone that if they didn’t have a table, they would not be able to get in. They claimed they came over to the patio and told everyone that, but that was 10000% not true. Even the short security guard butted in when I told the red suit guy that the short one told us we were “in line,” which was clearly not true. Both men got VERY aggressive and extremely angry very quickly. I said it would have been very nice and respectful to inform all the soaking wet, freezing people under the patio that we would not be let in, and then they started yelling at me, “then go home! Then leave!” like little kids. I don’t think I’ve seen a grown man act like that in a LONG time.

I have lived in Chicago for 5 years now, and this is by far the WORST hospitality/customer service/staff I have EVER encountered, which is very sad because I am from Cleveland and love their location there. I am still in absolute disbelief at how they handled the situation and how they reacted when I called them out for being rude. If we had known AGES ago we wouldn’t be let in, we would have left 30 minutes prior.

I am a very introverted person who never complains about staff even when the service is bad. So for me to go up to them, the situation had to be THAT bad. I do apologize for calling the security guard “the short one.” I think he had a hard time hearing that and took it out on us. But I do hope the owner of this location sees this review because it really is a great place; you just need better staff who have at least SOME...

What happened at this bar on July 12, 2025, around 11:25 PM was not just unprofessional. It was dangerous and reckless.

My cousin and our friend went to the bathroom. My cousin had been drinking at the bar, and was unsteady on her feet, but wasn’t aggressive. I stayed behind holding my friend’s purse, which had her ID, passport, and wallet, so it wouldn’t get lost. After some time passed, I got concerned and tried to go into the bathroom to check on my cousin’s safety. A bouncer blocked me from entering, even after I explained that I was worried about her and had our friend’s belongings.

Shortly after, my cousin accidentally bumped into a bouncer. In response, two security guards physically carried her, leaving visible bruises and scratches on her upper arms and a bad scratch on her knee (photos attached). Our other friend, who was with her and trying to help, was also ejected, even though she was calm and coherent. She told security I had her wallet, ID, and passport and that we were just trying to reunite. She asked to wait on the bench by the door so they could locate me, but security refused.

Because my phone was dead, and my cousin and friend knew that, there was no way for them to reach me, and I had no idea they had been kicked out. They were left outside, one drunk and bruised, the other without a wallet, ID, or any way to get help. We were only reunited because two men we met a little before learned what happened and came to get me.

If those men hadn’t stepped in, they would have been stranded in downtown Chicago with no access to ID, transportation, or a safe way home.

This was 100% avoidable. The bar staff: • Blocked me from checking on my cousin or giving her back her belongings • Used unnecessary force on someone visibly drunk and left her unattended • Removed a coherent, reasonable person trying to help and refused a basic request to wait safely • Caused two women to be ejected without support while I held their critical documents

If you’re going to serve alcohol, you should know how to safely and respectfully handle intoxicated guests. That did not happen here.

This was negligent ejection and an example of serious mismanagement. Photos of the bruises and scratches...

Shocking Racism & Disrespect at "Good Night John Boy Chicago" – Avoid This Place!

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Date of Visit: 17 May 2025

I am writing this review with deep disappointment and anger after the blatant racism my friends and I experienced at "Good Night John Boy Chicago." As a group of Indian visitors excited to explore Chicago’s nightlife, we chose this club based on its reputation. Little did we know we’d be subjected to humiliating discrimination.

We arrived early, waited patiently in the queue for over an hour, only to be denied entry the moment we reached the door. The bouncer, without any explanation, glanced at our group and coldly said, “Not tonight.” When we politely asked why—especially after seeing multiple other groups (non-Indian) let in ahead of us—he shrugged and said, “Policy.” The staff nearby avoided eye contact, refusing to acknowledge us.

This was not a matter of capacity or dress code. We were neatly dressed, sober, and respectful. The only difference was our ethnicity. The bouncers and staff made it clear they were selectively gatekeeping based on race. When we tried to escalate the issue, the manager ignored us entirely, prioritizing other patrons.

What’s worse? This isn’t just poor service—it’s systemic racism. A simple “reply” or half-hearted apology won’t undo the humiliation of being treated as second-class because of our skin color. The club’s management has clearly fostered a toxic environment where discrimination is tolerated, if not encouraged.

To the owners: Train your staff. Fire these prejudiced bouncers. Take accountability. To fellow patrons of color: Save your time and dignity. This club does not deserve your money.

DO NOT SUPPORT...