Nightclub Decibel opened to the public Saturday — perhaps you know it as The Belmont, the name dominating its exterior marquee. Or, like my friends, you’re simply referring to it as New Berlin.
Taking up the space of the former queer club Berlin, comparisons are inevitable. They’re also welcome, according to manager Marcus Devin, who was a Berlin regular.
“We’re back, but not really. It’s not the same, but it feels the same,” he said of Decibel, which operates from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Perhaps the biggest difference from Berlin is that the space operates a cocktail bar, called The Belmont, before 10 p.m.
I visited during Decibel hours. (At 3 a.m. if you must know.) The dance floor was so rowdy, it was hard to imagine the early-evening lounge. But it was easy to imagine this spot flourishing.
Remembering Berlin
Berlin, which dominated the block for almost 40 years, was the first club I ever went to. (My first job was right across the street.) The same is true for countless Chicagoans. Berlin’s accessible location under the Belmont “L” always seemed to entice passersby.
“It was just such a welcoming crowd, the drag queens on the stage were pulling me up,” journalist Yareni Murillo recently told City Cast Chicago, remembering her first legal beverage on the dance floor.
Berlin closed in late 2023 following the unionization of employees. At the time, ownership wrote, “The magic that happened at 954 W. Belmont will never be recreated.”
Decibel tests that theory.
The party spilled onto the sidewalk, just like the good ol’ days. (Emmi Mack / City Cast Chicago)
What’s Different, What’s the Same
Like Berlin, Decibel is a queer space. It’s owned by HV Entertainment, which operates several local gay clubs. The goal, Devin said, is creating a place for patrons to express themselves.
On opening night, the crowd was diverse in race and gender. Large groups formed on the dance floor. Shirts were peeled off. On the sidelines, people made out passionately.
Five-dollar well drinks helped keep the vibe high, although future prices are not set in stone. At the door, you can expect a cover between $5 and $10. (Also not bad, IMO.)
When I asked a bartender about other changes, he simply rolled his eyes and motioned around. Gone is the iconic, cabaret-style mural behind the bar, replaced with a sleek, plainer backdrop and two large screens. The frosty new bar top lights up. The (eternally flooding) bathrooms were redone, thankfully.
I’m also happy to report that the short stage running through the center club is still there. Beckoning. Climbing up can make just about anyone feel like a star.
