Alright, right here on your right, you’ll spot the unassuming building that once pulsed with the heart of Chicago nightlife-Rive Gauche Nightclub. The name’s a bit cheeky if you know your Paris: “Rive Gauche” means “Left Bank,” as in the artsy side of the Seine. Of course, this spot sat on the right bank of the Chicago River, but hey-nobody ever accused Chicago nightlife of being literal.
Back in its heyday, late 1999 to 2005, Rive-just “Rive” to the regulars-was THE after-hours playground for Euro tourists, models, and the city’s young Polish crowd. Want to rub elbows with celebrities? Hugh Hefner himself made the rounds here, silk pajamas not required. The Parisian theme ran deep-miniature Eiffel Towers, sultry lighting, and more than a few women climbing up for an impromptu pole-dance, often encouraged by the club’s own photographers. And lest you think this was a free-for-all, only the ladies were ever invited to hop up and put on a show.
Before Rive, this spot was The Generator, a pioneering gay club. In a rare twist, the same owners simply switched gears as new scenes took over the city’s nightlife. But in 2003, after a high-profile tragedy at another club, city inspectors were out in force. Rive landed a ticket-not for dancing, but for outdated exit doors that swung the wrong way. They fixed it up, but by 2005, trends moved on and Rive reinvented itself again.
Clubs come and go, but-for a while, right here, you could have Paris in Chicago, even if just until closing time.
When you’re ready for our next stop, head south for about 7 minutes to reach 900 West Randolph.
