Our Story
The Division Street Entertainment District is one of Chicago's most vibrant and historic nightlife destinations, with a variety of bars, restaurants and dance clubs lining the street. Located on Division Street between State Street and Dearborn, the area's establishments are open late night. Over the years, Division Street has been a second home to entertainment icons including Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground, Koko Taylor, Lenny Bruce and Chaka Khan, and has long been the celebratory site for victorious Chicago sports teams including six basketball world championships, three hockey cups and the 2005 and 2016 baseball world championships.
Who We Are
The Division Street Entertainment District includes iconic spots like The Original Mother's, Butch McGuire's (the country's very first singles' bar), She-nannigans (a pioneer in hiring female bartenders), The Lodge Tavern, The Hangge-Uppe, and Hopsmith.
The Division Street Merchants’ host Hospitality Meetings that are a vital component of the community. Neighbors and business owners can come together in a comfortable setting to discuss pending issues regarding the hospitality industry with community leaders. Everything from new laws to regulations and security is on the table for discussion. Regular attendees include representatives from The Hospitality Business Association, The Illinois Restaurant Association, Alderman Brian Hopkins’ Office, The North Dearborn Association, The Gold Coast Neighborhood Association, Chicago’s 18th District Police Department, and The Magnificent Mile Association.