Berlin Nightclub Space Reborn as Cocktail Bar and Dance Club

The iconic Lake View venue will reopen as The Belmont and Decibel, aiming to recapture Berlin's spirit of inclusivity and self-expression.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:12pm

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a cocktail glass and disco ball in bright neon colors, conceptually representing the vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere of the new Belmont and Decibel venue.The revival of Berlin Nightclub's iconic space as a new dual-concept venue promises to recapture the inclusive, celebratory spirit of Chicago's legendary LGBTQ+ nightlife.Chicago Today

After the legendary Berlin Nightclub closed in 2023, several former employees are reviving the space as a new dual-concept venue. The Belmont will operate as a cocktail bar until 10 p.m., then transform into the late-night dance club Decibel on select nights. The new owners hope to recreate the welcoming, all-inclusive atmosphere that made Berlin a landmark for Chicago's LGBTQ+ community.

Why it matters

Berlin Nightclub was a beloved institution that provided a safe, affirming space for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond for decades. Its closure left a void in Chicago's nightlife scene, so the reopening of this iconic space as a new dual-concept venue is significant for the city's cultural and social fabric.

The details

The Belmont and Decibel will open in the former Berlin Nightclub space at 954 W. Belmont Ave. The Belmont will operate as a cocktail bar Tuesday through Saturday until 10 p.m., then transition into the late-night dance club Decibel on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights. The new venue will keep Berlin's elevated stages for drag performances while adding new lighting, sound systems, bathrooms, and LED-lit bars. The team includes several former Berlin employees, including programming director Austin Neff and special events DJ Greg Haus.

  • Berlin Nightclub closed its doors in 2023 after pay negotiations between owners Jim Schuman and Jo Webster and employees came to a standstill.
  • The Belmont and Decibel will have a private opening on April 25 and 26, 2026.
  • The Belmont and Decibel are expected to open to the public as early as April 25, 2026, pending city approval.

The players

Marcus Devin

One of the new managers at the bar, Devin was a regular at Berlin as far back as the 1990s and eventually became an employee in 2016.

Austin Neff

The programming director at the new venue, previously worked at Berlin Nightclub.

Greg Haus

The special events DJ at the new venue, previously worked at Berlin Nightclub.

Joseph Giannini

Performed in drag under the name Gina Taye at Berlin Nightclub, is excited for a new generation to enjoy the space.

Jim Schuman

One of the owners of Berlin Nightclub, which closed in 2023 after pay negotiations with employees.

Jo Webster

One of the owners of Berlin Nightclub, which closed in 2023 after pay negotiations with employees.

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What they’re saying

“It is separate from Berlin. It's just trying to bring back the feeling and the community and the night life that Berlin used to have, especially before the pandemic.”

— Marcus Devin, New Manager

“It used to be, 'Everyone's welcome here, from any background.' You would come here and you would feel comfortable and everyone accepted you, and you got to be yourself. That is what we're going for.”

— Marcus Devin, New Manager

“I'm overjoyed that the space is being revitalized. I was hoping that it wasn't going to get demolished and turn into condos or something like that. So knowing that the space is going to stay there, it's kind of like our Chicago Stonewall, if you will.”

— Joseph Giannini, Former Berlin Performer

“I don't know if I can make it out past 10 p.m. anymore. But I'm willing to come out of retirement for a grand opening party.”

— Joseph Giannini, Former Berlin Performer

“I hope that the space can be all inclusive again without having to be tagged as a gay bar.”

— Joseph Giannini, Former Berlin Performer

What’s next

The Belmont and Decibel are expected to open to the public as early as April 25, 2026, pending final city approval.

The takeaway

The revival of the iconic Berlin Nightclub space as The Belmont and Decibel represents an opportunity to recapture the inclusive, welcoming spirit that made the original venue a landmark for Chicago's LGBTQ+ community and beyond. The new owners' commitment to maintaining Berlin's legacy while updating the space signals a promising future for this storied location.