The popular Uptown bar Holiday Club, known for its ’80s theme nights and back-room dance floor, will close May 17 to make way for apartments, but its owner hopes to reopen elsewhere.
“Come see us before we go bye bye,” the closing announcement on the 25-year-old bar’s Instagram reads.
The post amassed thousands of likes and dozens of comments from dismayed patrons. One commenter said she met her boyfriend there. Another person threatened to chain themselves to the door.
But Holiday Club could see another life.
Owner Sonny Domingo said he’s looking for locations to reopen. But he’s struggling to find an affordable spot.
The bar is closing so new apartments can be constructed, a decision that has drawn backlash from some fans of the bar.
“Why do we need another apartment complex to take over a staple of our community?!” one person commented, tagging local Ald. Angela Clay (46th).
Another added: “A Chicago staple being destroyed for more gray lifeless housing and franchised storefronts that NO ONE WANTS!!!!!”
Domingo lamented being forced to close and thanked patrons for their support.
“We’re not happy that we’re closing but unfortunately we have to and we have no choice,” Domingo said. “Everyone’s touched by what we’ve provided these past years, a place they can come in and have fun and feel safe.”
Plans for its last weekend will be announced on its social media soon, Domingo said. The celebration will likely involve attendees dressing in costumes representing their favorite decade to honor the bar’s well-known decades nights, he said.