Music and drinks flow at posh Schaumburg club
Privilege Ultralounge is one of those spots that makes you wonder if you made a wrong turn and wound up in Chicago. The posh club, which has changed little since coming under new management a year ago, is a serious "see and be seen" destination, making it a fantastic place for people watching whether you're gawking at the hot professional dancers in skimpy clothing or the group in the corner shelling out hundreds for VIP bottle service. Just make sure to call in advance for table reservations or you're in for a night of standing.
Motif: A circular bar is the focal point of Privilege, surrounded by small tables that were all reserved by the time we showed up around midnight. A DJ booth and elevated dance floor is set up on one side while the other hosts the Martini Room, a curtained-off private party area with its own bar. Comfortable couches and small tables hold up the back end for lounging, and a secondary area around the fireplace tends to be popular with groups, even if though it's actually lit by candles instead of wood.
The 14 flat screens are one of the newest editions to the club, circling the bar area and lined up in view of the couches in the back. The televisions are mostly tuned into sports games during the early evening, but by nighttime they screen some truly bizarre music videos clipped together so that stars appear just long enough for you to recognize them and show someone else. Far from relegated to the dance floor, rainbow-colored lights flash around the entire place, contrasting with the otherwise soft lighting from hanging and wall-mounted lamps.
With this year's seemingly never-ending cool weather, the Miami-themed patio isn't at its peak now, but that doesn't stop the waterfront view from being a great place to sip a drink. Renovations are expected to be complete in two months, expanding the outdoor set up. After that the tiki torch-lit area with its cabana beds and faux palms is sure to be packed.
Liquid consumption: Martinis are the highlight of Privilege's menu and while they might seem girly on paper, rest assured these drinks are strong. The peach martini was pure alcohol, and though the Black Ice martini went down smooth, an aftertaste that tastes like an alcoholic raspberry reminds you of the kick. We found some milder tastes, if not kinder alcohol percentages, in the Grander Melon, a super fruity mix of Grand Mariner, watermelon pucker, peach schnapps, pineapple juice and raspberry framboise. The fizzy and refreshing Fuzzy Bellini featured Disaronno, champagne, peach schnapps and orange juice.
Food: An issue with the gas line closed the kitchen the night we were there, so we weren't able to sample their tapas menu. Still, food hardly is the emphasis of the spot, as most people eat elsewhere before the crowd really picks up after 11 p.m.
Parking: We didn't have any problem finding space in the free lot, but complimentary valet parking is available.
Bathroom: This seriously deserves its own mention. The counters were as well stocked as some small drug stores with a wide variety of hair sprays, moisturizers, candy, gum and anything else you need to freshen up. The result is that it's practically another hangout within the club for gossiping among visitors and bathroom attendants.
Music: Privilege features three resident DJs who spin a mix of Top 40, hip-hop and retro sounds like Prince and Michael Jackson. The result was some great tunes for dancing or just chilling out with reasonable volume control. Thursdays are salsa nights, and the Latin tunes bring in a crowd that rivals the Saturday night performance.
Crowd: The mix here is highly eclectic, ranging from 20-somethings in their clubby clothes to 40-year-olds grouped in the back. The idea is dress to impress, though varying ideas of what that means makes for some entertaining people watching with styles ranging from the too-casual guy in a baseball hat to women twirling around in frilly evening gowns.
Overall: A night out at Privilege is definitely an experience. Whether you're looking for a place to dance all night without a long trip back home or just a new spot to enjoy some upscale cocktails with a good view, you don't have to be a VIP to have this club deliver.
Privilege Ultralounge
1000 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg (847) 619-1400
4 p.m. to 1 a.m Tuesday to Thursday;4 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday; 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday; Sunday, Monday closed