Our Story
Chicago’s favorite cabaret & cocktail bar. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Bordel, the Wicker Park cocktail bar and cabaret that has redefined Chicago nightlife through its unique fusion of performance art, live music, and craft cocktails. Since its inception, Bordel has created a space where provocative entertainment, live jazz and creative cocktails converge, becoming a landmark in the city’s cultural landscape.
From the start, Bordel made a point to not only welcome global and avant-garde acts, but to first support and showcase the very best talent in Chicago. Bordel’s stage has featured many of the city's top studio musicians and producers, up-and-coming artists and spectacular limited-run shows. Bordel’s long standing cabaret shows were originally hosted by world-renowned burlesque performer Miss Tosh, Vaudeville by Sally Marvel and AJ Sacco, and are now curated by the inimitable Shimmy LaRoux.
Musically, Bordel is the only true Parisian spot in Chicago; where tasteful disco blends effortlessly with jazz, latin rhythms and of course, house music – a genre which represents the greatest connection between the two cities. Known for curating an ever-evolving roster of performers, from flamenco and burlesque to vaudeville, the venue has launched the careers of performers and artists that have since graced stages around the world.
As a Bonhomme Hospitality concept, led by founder and creative force Daniel Alonso, Bordel is at the forefront of Chicago’s nightlife evolution. The venue has played a pivotal role in reviving and elevating the speakeasy trend, offering an immersive, sensory experience that goes beyond the typical night out. Guests have enjoyed intimate, candlelit evenings featuring live flamenco, jazz, and burlesque, alongside surprise DJ sets and exclusive performances from Grammy-winning artists. “Reaching 10 years is a significant moment for Bordel and Bonhomme Hospitality,” says Daniel Alonso. “This venue has always been a celebration of culture, art, and innovation. We’re looking forward to continuing this journey with the community that has supported us from the very beginning.”
At the heart of Bordel’s success is its highly acclaimed bar program, helmed by industry maverick and Bonhomme Group partner and director of beverage programs, Brian Sturgulewski. The bar’s approach to mixology fuses old-world technique with modern flair, resulting in signature cocktails that have become local favorites. The originator of the “cocktail porrón”, and the oft-imitated “World Famous Spanish Coffee”, the award-winning beverage team continues to create unique “bordel-ed” twists on classic cocktails; matching the fun, irreverent spectacle of the venue. Having fostered the careers of some of the bar world's very best, Bordel’s esteemed alumni include Clint Rogers of The National Telluride (Colorado), Kristina Magro of Maxwells Trading (Chicago), and Alex "Jazzy" Garcia of Sip & Guzzle (New York) to name a few. The ever-evolving menu, coupled with Bordel’s collaboration with sister restaurant Mama Delia, a modern Spanish restaurant and sherry bar led by Bonhomme executive chef Marcos Campos, elevates the experience into a multisensory adventure.
Bordel, designed by the acclaimed Maison Bonhomme, is an intimate hideaway that channels the allure and mystery of 1920s Parisian speakeasies. Through the hidden door and up the leopard-print stairs, you will find yourself inside Bordel, appointed with pink velvet sofas and drapes, tasseled chandeliers, vintage bronze “cherub” sconces, Persian Bokhara hand-knotted rugs and walls covered in custom, handcrafted wallpaper inspired by 20th century American pulp cover artistry. The space feels like a portal to a more decadent era, transporting visitors to a world of forbidden cabaret lounges and hidden pleasures, where every detail invites guests to lose themselves in a fully immersive experience.