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The 12 Best Burlesque Shows in Chicago

Looking for a night of entertainment and glamour in the Windy City? Look no further than the vibrant world of burlesque shows in Chicago. From classic performances to avant-garde spectacles, Chicago's burlesque scene offers something for everyone.

With a rich history in the art of burlesque, Chicago boasts a diverse array of shows that showcase the beauty, humor, and sensuality of the art form. Whether you're a seasoned burlesque enthusiast or a newcomer looking to experience something new, Chicago's burlesque scene is sure to leave you dazzled and delighted.

Get ready to experience the magic of burlesque in Chicago with our list of The Best Burlesque Shows in Chicago. Compare and find the perfect show for your next night out!

How this ranking works

Before ranking this guide we review each business's track record, what its customers say and how clearly it explains its work. The result is an editorial selection that we update as things change.

Some businesses pay for a fuller profile or a featured position. It is only open to those that have already passed our selection, and it is always marked.

Top 3Full rankingMapTips for choosing

Our 12 local picks compared

Lips Drag Queen Show Palace, Restaurant & Bar, Chicago#1
What sets it apart
  • An entertaining show with delicious food - great for group celebrations

  • Fun atmosphere with unlimited drinks and interactive performers

  • Excellent service, good food, and unforgettable performances

  • Highly recommend for a night of good food and top-notch entertainment

Lips Drag Queen Show Palace, Restaurant & Bar

4.71,161 reviews
2229 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, United States

Lips Drag Queen Show Palace, Restaurant & Bar is a vibrant and inclusive establishment located in Chicago. The venue offers a unique experience combining delicious food with fabulous drag performances. Featuring dine-in service and a selection of great cocktails, this venue is ideal for those looking for a fun and entertaining night out.

Some key highlights of Lips include fast service, live music, and a friendly atmosphere that is both trendy and casual. Customers appreciate the accessibility options available, such as wheelchair-accessible entrances and seating.

The reviews speak for themselves:

Customers rave about the positive energy and fun vibe of Lips Drag Queen Show Palace, Restaurant & Bar. If you're looking for a memorable dining experience paired with outstanding entertainment, look no further than this unique establishment.

The Baton Show Lounge, Chicago#2
What sets it apart
  • The Disco night was incredible, with a DJ playing vinyl disco records and a fun and charming atmosphere.

  • Customers loved the variety and diversity of the drag show, as well as the clean venue and attentive staff.

  • Guests enjoyed the great stage, fantastic performers, and entertaining show that kept them engaged from start to finish.

  • Patrons appreciated the welcoming and friendly service at the bar, as well as the beautiful ornamental woodwork around the stage.

The Baton Show Lounge

4.6807 reviews
4713 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640, United States

The Baton Show Lounge is a legendary bar in Chicago that offers a variety of services and features that are sure to impress customers. From fast service to great cocktails, karaoke nights, and live performances, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The venue is known for its accessibility, with wheelchair-accessible seating and toilets available for all guests.

Customers have left numerous positive reviews about their experiences at The Baton Show Lounge. Some key points from customer reviews include:

Overall, The Baton Show Lounge is a must-visit destination for those looking for a memorable night out in Chicago.

The Drifter, Chicago#4
What sets it apart
  • Great atmosphere with live performances starting at 7pm. The 90-minute table limit keeps things moving smoothly. The venison sloppy joe sliders are a must-try!

  • A fun experience with vintage vibes. The vaudeville performance was a highlight. While the service was good, the bartender's attitude was slightly negative.

  • A unique spot for a date night with incredible drinks and talented performers. The only downside was the limited vegan food options.

The Drifter

4.5663 reviews
676-8 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States

The Drifter Lounge in Chicago offers a unique experience with its speakeasy-style ambiance and live performances. Guests can enjoy creative cocktails served in an intimate setting while being entertained by vaudeville and burlesque shows. The venue is LGBTQ+ friendly, making it a welcoming space for a diverse crowd. Some key reviews include:

Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago#5
What sets it apart
  • Beautiful theater with fantastic plays.

  • Stunning interior design and helpful staff.

  • Comfortable seats with clear views of the stage.

  • Great experience overall, highly recommended.

Cadillac Palace Theatre

4.73,102 reviews
151 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, United States

Cadillac Palace Theatre is a performing arts theater located in Chicago, Illinois. This stunning venue offers live performances and provides various amenities like assistive hearing loop and accessible seating. The theater is family-friendly with the option for children to enjoy the shows.

Customer reviews highlight the following key points:

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a night out, Cadillac Palace Theatre promises a memorable experience for all theater enthusiasts. Make sure to check out their upcoming shows and immerse yourself in the magic of live entertainment.

Vaudezilla!, Chicago#6
What sets it apart
  • The teachers at Vaudezilla are encouraging, fun, and welcoming to everyone, regardless of experience level or background.

  • Students feel safe, seen, and comfortable in classes, with instructors going above and beyond to provide support and guidance.

  • The community at Vaudezilla is described as healing, confidence-boosting, and empowering, fostering lasting friendships and personal growth.

  • Customers highly recommend their classes for bachelorette parties, citing the experience as fun, engaging, and memorable for all ages.

Vaudezilla!

4.711 reviews
3317 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618, United States

Vaudezilla! is a vibrant dance school located in Chicago that offers an array of services to cater to individuals interested in the art of burlesque. Their Service options include Online classes and On-site services, providing flexibility for students to learn remotely or in-person.

With a stellar rating of 4.7 stars, based on 11 reviews, this establishment has garnered positive feedback from its clientele. Here are some key points from customer reviews:

If you're looking to explore the world of burlesque and unleash your inner performer, Vaudezilla! comes highly recommended by satisfied students. Visit their website for more information on class schedules and offerings.

The Newport Theater, Chicago#7
What sets it apart
  • Absolutely entertaining and hilarious performances that are unlike anything seen before.

  • Shows of the greatest quality ranging from comedy to dance and burlesque.

  • Extremely talented and funny performers make every show a hit.

  • Intimate atmosphere and friendly staff that enhance the overall experience.

The Newport Theater

4.769 reviews
956 W Newport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, United States

The Newport Theater is a vibrant performing arts theater located in Chicago, IL. This theater offers a variety of live performances that guarantee an unforgettable experience for its audience.

Customer reviews rave about the unique and entertaining shows presented at The Newport Theater. Here are some key points from their reviews:

Whether you're looking for a fun solo activity, a memorable date night, or a unique outing with friends, The Newport Theater has something for everyone. Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness top-notch performances at this beloved theater!

Cabaret ZaZou, Chicago#8
What sets it apart
  • Customers rave about the entertaining and awe-inspiring performances.

  • Many highlight the delicious food served during the show.

  • The interactive nature of the show keeps guests engaged and excited.

Cabaret ZaZou

4.9309 reviews
32 W Randolph St 14th floor, Chicago, IL 60601, United States

Cabaret ZaZou is a vibrant and entertaining Theater company located in Chicago. They offer breathtaking performances filled with singing, acting, acrobatics, and humor. The atmosphere is delightful, making it a perfect night out for friends, family, or a unique date. The talented crew keeps the audience engaged from beginning to end.

Experience the magic of Cabaret ZaZou and immerse yourself in a world of talent and creativity that will leave you wanting more.

Annoyance Theatre & Bar, Chicago#9
What sets it apart
  • Clean theater and friendly bar service

  • Amazing talent and entertainment

  • Great atmosphere and reasonably priced drinks

  • Unique space for performing arts

Annoyance Theatre & Bar

4.7671 reviews
851 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, United States

Annoyance Theatre & Bar is a hub for live performances in Chicago. With a 4.7 rating from 671 reviews, it's a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The theater boasts gender-neutral toilets and wheelchair-accessible facilities for all to enjoy.

Customers rave about the diverse shows, with highlights including the Shark Tank musical and sketch comedy. Whether it's a date night or solo adventure, Annoyance Theatre & Bar promises a memorable experience for all.

Red Hot Annie, Chicago#10
What sets it apart
  • Customers rave about the fun and playful nature of the classes, making it a perfect option for group events like bachelorette parties.

  • The instructors are not only professional but also respectful, creating a comfortable environment for all participants to learn and express themselves.

  • Classes are not just about dancing, but also about connecting with one's spirit and building confidence, attracting a diverse and welcoming community of individuals.

Red Hot Annie

5.018 reviews
3317 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618, United States

Red Hot Annie offers a variety of service options to cater to individuals looking for a unique and empowering dance experience. Known for their exceptional customer service and top-notch instructors, this establishment has received a perfect 5.0 rating from satisfied customers.

Step out of your comfort zone and join the community at Red Hot Annie for a transformative experience that celebrates body positivity, self-expression, and empowerment like never before!

Kit Kat Lounge, Chicago#11
What sets it apart
  • Awesome atmosphere with entertaining performances

  • Fun and engaging drag brunch experience with delicious food and cocktails

  • Warm and welcoming vibe, perfect for a night out

  • Unforgettable drag brunch show with top-notch service and vibrant atmosphere

Kit Kat Lounge

4.51,362 reviews
3700 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60613, United States

Kit Kat Lounge is a vibrant bar located in Chicago, IL. They offer a variety of services and features to ensure a memorable experience for their customers. Some of the highlights include fast service, great cocktails, live music, and live performances. The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, trendy, and upmarket. Customers can enjoy a range of offerings such as alcohol, beer, cocktails, food, happy-hour drinks, happy-hour food, spirits, and wine.

If you're looking for a lively and entertaining bar experience, Kit Kat Lounge is the place to be!

Bordel, Chicago#12
What sets it apart
  • Posh and entertaining atmosphere with velvet textures

  • Staff are engaging and approachable

  • Delicious and creative cocktails

  • Live music and performances that captivate the audience

Bordel

4.0466 reviews
1721 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622, United States

Bordel is a renowned cocktail bar located in the vibrant city of Chicago. With a rating of 4.0, it offers a range of services and features that cater to its diverse clientele.

Customers have shared their experiences at Bordel, highlighting the friendly staff, impressive drinks, and captivating shows. Some have mentioned the cozy and trendy ambiance, making it a favorite spot for nightlife in the city. Whether you're looking for a fun evening out with friends or a unique place to celebrate special occasions, Bordel promises an unforgettable experience for all its patrons.

The comparison in brief

#BusinessRatingReviews
#1Lips Drag Queen Show Palace, Restaurant & Bar 4.71,161
#2The Baton Show Lounge 4.6807
#3Gallery Cabaret 4.6370
#4The Drifter 4.5663
#5Cadillac Palace Theatre 4.73,102
#6Vaudezilla! 4.711
#7The Newport Theater 4.769
#8Cabaret ZaZou 4.9309
#9Annoyance Theatre & Bar 4.7671
#10Red Hot Annie 5.018
#11Kit Kat Lounge 4.51,362
#12Bordel 4.0466

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Map of Burlesque Shows in Chicago

Chicago is known for its vibrant burlesque scene, with numerous shows happening all across the city. From elegant and traditional performances to wild and avant-garde displays, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Check out the map below to discover the best burlesque shows in Chicago and start planning your night out on the town!

Tips for choosing Burlesque Shows in Chicago

  1. Unique and diverse performances.
  2. Engaging and interactive shows.
  3. Talented and charismatic performers.
  4. Variety of venues and atmospheres.
  5. Perfect for a night out with friends or a special occasion.

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