Vision

September 8

Vision has been known in Chicago as one of the better night life spots to host big name Djs and a place for everyone to go to late night after other bars and clubs close. It is the sister club to Excaliber given that they are in the same building and you walk into them just through separate entrances.  The problem with living up to this reputation is that in the last few years other promoters have been doing a better job at hosting big name Djs and after parties to concerts and music festivals. This was apparent after North Coast Music Festival this year as most Dj after parties were at House Of Blues or The MiD just to name a few different venues but I digress.

Vision occupies a huge space.  When walking in you are greeted by a bar a small dance floor and stairs that lead up two more levels. On level two you have the Dj and another bar with plenty of couches and chairs to sit on or you can hang out on the railing and look at the dance floor below. On the third level you have a similar situation but the Dj booth is replaced by a set of tiny bathrooms. This makes for a very long and unsatisfying march up three flights of stairs to take care of business.

On the third floor there is also a walkway to cross over to a much more open space with several more bars a much larger dance floor, with what is a Dj Stage elevated above the dance floor surrounded by several more levers of balconies which creates a cool atmosphere as the crown packs the space.

I spent a good chunk of my night trying to locate several friends throughout the club (they don't go clubbing much) which could hurt someones overall experience, but that being said Vision is not a place you can visit once to see everything it has to offer. Looking at its floor plan online it seems I have missed many locations which is why they were omitted in this review.

That being said I'd have to add that Vision provides a unique birthday package compared to other clubs I've either hosted or experienced elsewhere  Not only does the birthday host receive a free bottle of champagne (most clubs) he/she receives a wristband worth 10 house shots (only seen it at Vision), everyone gets in free before midnight and if guests get in before 11:30pm they receive 2 free drink tickets (similar to Soundbar) not a bad way to get a few people started on a good buzz if you ask me.

Bottom line visit Vision maybe even give it more than one shot. The club itself has a specific personality. Explore it and see where you like to party most. I'd book a birthday here because the package seems to go above and beyond anyone else I have visited to date. But getting here by 11:30 to take advantage of those drink tickets (birthday parties only) you might be one of only a few people in the club as it is open till 5am on Saturdays.