AARON HIBELL PRESENTS ALL TIME HIGH

Chicago Social Club sits in the middle of Amsterdam's Leidseplein entertainment district, in the busy Leidsebuurt part of the city centre. It opened in March 2011 and works as both a bar and a club, with a program that mixes DJ sets, concerts and other events. On many evenings it runs simply as a bar, and it is one of the few places in the area with a permit to stay open until 4 a.m. every night of the week. The building spreads over two floors, with a lot of stairs, a balcony and small corners to settle into. Descriptions of the place tend to say it is a little messy but cosy at the same time, which fits the way people use it: you can pick one spot for the whole night or drift from room to room. For concerts and larger events, the main space is a multifunctional theater room. It has a spacious hall, a stage and a balcony, and it is the room used for live performances as well as club nights and private functions. The crowd is mixed. Local descriptions mention hipsters, students, models and Dutch celebrities, and the club has a reputation for parties with a sexy edge. It is regarded as part of Amsterdam's commercial nightlife scene rather than an underground venue, and it draws both locals and visitors who want a night out in the Leidseplein area. Since 2011 it has built a solid name as a place to hang out and go clubbing, equally suited to someone who comes for a late show and someone who just wants a drink in a relaxed bar.