The popular Latin restaurant Nacional 27 in River North turns into a scene straight from Miami Beach on Friday and Saturday nights, when it clears out the dining room tables and turns the room into a large dance floor. "Miami Night Fridays" features live percussionists and DJs spinning high-energy "South Beach" beats. "Salsa Saturdays," as the name implies, is wall-to-wall "sultry salsa" and provides a sexier vibe--easy to get into with Nacional 27's sleek and chic décor. If you want to brush up on your dance moves first, attend one of its complimentary salsa lessons on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Nacional 27 has tapas and other small bites available in the 11 o'clock hour, and has an excellent drink list of over two dozen original cocktails; if you're attending in a group, ask your server about its popular "cocktail flights." Hours are Friday from 11:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and Saturday from 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
Nacional 27
325 W. Huron St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 664-2727
n27chicago.com
Bucktown's Rios d'Sudamerica is another restaurant that does the chameleon act, turning itself into a Latin dance club on Saturday nights. "Sutra Saturdays" aims for a more sophisticated crowd--you have to be 25 or older to attend. And while Rios d'Sudamerica doesn't have a cover charge, it does enforce a strict dress code, so dress to impress. DJs spin salsa, merengue and bachata dance music. Don't worry if your salsa moves aren't the best--the dim lights and candles on the tables make almost anybody look good. If you get tired from all the dancing, relax and sip a cocktail on a couch in its lounge area and take in the extensive wall murals of South American landmarks. Hours are Saturday from 10:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
Rios d'Sudamerica
2010 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 276-0170
riosdesudamerica.com
River North's Rumba evokes a long-forgotten supper club vibe straight out of '50s Cuba, with Latin food, live music and a dance floor. You'll feel like an extra in the movie "The Mambo Kings" as you're surrounded by the luxurious decor, with striking red over-sized booths, dark wood and exposed brick. The talented Latin musicians who pass through Rumba add an energy to the room that a DJ can't, playing a mix of merengue, cha cha, salsa, boleros and, of course, rumba. If you're looking for a romantic toplace impress a date, Rumba is it. Hours are Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Thursday from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday from 7:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and Saturday from 7:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
Rumba
351 West Hubbard St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 222-9428
rumba351.com
Located in Logan Square, Tumbao (a reference to the basic rhythm of a conga drum) is half restaurant, half nightclub, and features DJs spinning salsa, merengue and bachata music, along with live Latin jazz on Thursdays and live salsa on Saturdays. Best of all, there's never a cover charge. The low lighting, brick and dark wood give the club an upscale feeling and attract a younger clientele looking to see and be seen. Tumbao is strict with its dress code, so leave the gym shoes in the closet and dress to impress. The food served in the front half of Tumbao is Puerto Rican cuisine, along with "Caribbean inspired" small plates. Hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
Tumbao
3213 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 772-9800
tumbaochicago.com