Chicago’s new VIP rooms, perk-by-perk

Coup D’Etat at the Shrine
The digs Be not confused, party seekers: The Shrine is a sprawling South Loop dance club, and Coup D’Etat is its quieter, more loungey counterpart. Eventually the plan is to make Coup the VIP area for Shrine, but Coup also has its own elevated VIP-within-a-VIP section.
The perks The exclusive cocktail list (not offered at the Shrine) features the Napoleon (Hennessy, amaretto, Domaine Ste. Michelle, cherry, $13) and other exotic concoctions.
Exclusivity factor With a 200-person capacity, there’s plenty of room for VIPs—and you and your friends. The 40-seat VIP-in-the-VIP is for bottle service. Spotted recently: Mikey Rocks of the Cool Kids, Freddy Rodriguez, Slick Rick and Rhymefest.
Express entry The staff is on the lookout for creative types (i.e., dress as if you’re a junior at SAIC). Buying bottle service automatically gets you in, but it’s more about the individual, says Shrine brand manager Curtis House II.
Posh factor

2109 S Wabash Ave, 312-753-5700, theshrinechicago.com

Red Room at LaSalle Power Co.
The digs An intimate escape from the 20,000-square-foot LaSalle Power Co., the VIP Red Room echoes the main club’s rock theme with vintage concert posters, blood-red Victorian wallpaper and diamond-tufted booths.
The perks Its own audio system and servers, video games, a 52-inch LCD screen (bring your own DVDs) and three private entrances.
Exclusivity factor The Red Room fits only 50, and it’s often booked by celebrities (the Chelsea Girls, Mandy Moore) or private parties.
Express entry The venue is casual, so dressing up won’t sway anyone. Your only sure bet is to lay down $25–$35 per person (for two hours) and reserve the space.
Posh factor

500 N LaSalle St, 312-661-1122, lasallepowerco.com

Sub 51 at Hub 51
The digs Basically the basement of R.J. and Jerrod Melman’s River North restaurant Hub 51, this small, sleek space is industrial chic: brick walls, exposed ductwork and streamlined brown banquettes.
The perks Celeb DJs, a Funktion One sound system, bottle service and close proximity to celebs like Jeremy Piven, Heather Mills, Jeremy Piven, Billy Zane and Jeremy Piven.
Exclusivity factor Reservations are required, but if you call (or reserve online) at least a week ahead of time, you’re usually golden.
Express entry When you call, ask to speak to the VIP hostess or a manager. And dress to impress.
Posh factor

51 W Hubbard St (lower level), 312-828-0051, sub51.com

Stay Lounge
The digs We kept asking the guys at Stay where to find their VIP room. Their response? “Look around. The whole place is a VIP room!”
The perks Another Funktion One sound system; a staff trained to suck up to VIPs; a client database that tracks birthdays and special requests; an on-site concierge.
Exclusivity factor There’s no sign outside, and once you get in, the smallish size makes it a feat to snag a table. “It helps to know someone who works there [to get in and nab a table],” says Stay’s rep. (Alternatively, you could tag along with Dave Navarro, Speidi or Bubba Sparxxx, all recent guests.)
Express entry Don your fashion-forward duds and show up early, or call early in the week for a table reservation. (When you confirm, you’ll get a personal VIP host who will escort you to the front of the line.)
Posh factor

111 W Erie St, 312-475-0816, staylounge.com

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