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We'd barely had enough time to process the demise of Sonotheque when we heard the news via Chicago Now that nearby venue Lava Lounge will end it's tenure as a club destination on December 18 in favor of a facelift and transformation into a cocktail lounge with mixologist Peter Vestinos (consultant for Naha, C-View, Roof and In Fine Spirits) acting as visionary. Co-owners Phil McFarland and Ty Fujimura will retain ownership of the venue, but with a new name and a new focus on drinks and conversation taking the place of an eclectic roster of multi-genre DJ nights, we're left with another headstone added to the city's nightlife graveyard and a winter full of long bus rides to Smart Bar. 
Photo via Lava Lounge's MySpace
Another Club Bites The Dust
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The stench of City Hall. No, it is not corrupt politicians or unwashed Aldermen.
Piss Poor Plumbin
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Sad. Although I never frequented this Lava as much as I did the old location on Damen this was a quality club that really brough the eclectic DJ's to town. And you're so right, SmartBar is a bitch to get to if you're not up for paying cab fare.
That was the spot when it was on Damen. Good beers on tap, cheap, and Mel Hammond on Sunday nights. I actually found a picture of the old spot, and looking at the new spot, it's funny how much the neighborhood has changed, while not really looking that different.
I knew the departure of the $3 Wittekerke Special was a sign of something ominous. R.I.P. LAVA
Finding good spots for non-commercial electronic music are becoming nearly impossible to find.
Lava will be missed by me but the fact is exclusively electronic music spots just aren't pulling enough of a crowd to sustain these days. Smart bar is riding on reputation alone IMO.
Stay tuned for new year happenings at the Lava location though...