Dance club meets pub
Pushing aside lame jokes about drugs, the name D'Tox could still strike up images of cooler-than-thou people doing a little drinking and dancing for ironic Hollywood-rehab effect. Thankfully, one visit to this hospitable Bellwood club and aptly named "ultra lounge" should change your assumption for the better.
Motif: After walking through the unassuming entrance at D'Tox, you are greeted by a small bar along the left wall -- not to mention the friendly doorman on the way in. There are a few bar stools, and odds are they will be filled. Just past the bar, both sides of the mirrored-wall dance floor are lined with chic tables and stools. Flashing lights color the room and televisions hang from the ceiling.
While the front room feels like a lounge, D'Tox's more upscale back section features two bars with slick, low couch-like seating lining the walls, a VIP booth and a tucked-away VIP room. If you want to secure a seat back here on a crowded night, you'd better call in advance.
In the middle of all this upscale treatment, of course, is the dance floor. You did come here to show off your moves, did you not?
Crowd: D'Tox's crowd fluctuates as the night goes on. Early on, the crowd leans toward an older group, presumably locals, who gather here to enjoy a few drinks and each other's company. As the night progresses, those looking to do a little grooving and shaking on the dance floor make their presence known. That's not to say you can't still accompany the more relaxed martini-and-appetizers group. No one's forcing you to dance.
Service: Fast and friendly. All of the employees at D'Tox are very welcoming. How often do bouncers at other clubs actually shake your hand and welcome you to their establishment? This might not happen every time, but it left a lasting impression.
Cover: The cover charge varies by night but favors early birds who arrive before 10 p.m.
Liquid consumption: D'Tox's three bars have a nice supply of domestic beer bottles, other assorted liquors and slushy machines churning mixed drinks. If you're feeling like a big shot, you can even request bottle service for your table.
Sounds: Early in the evening, the music focused on a mellow assortment of relaxed R&B. Patrons can expect more dance music as the night goes on, featuring spins along the lines of dance, rap, hip-hop, pop, reggae and other groove-generated genres. As long as it's high-energy music, there's a good chance you'll hear it at D'Tox.
Parking: A lot on the east side of the building provides free parking to early arrivals. Spots also are available on the street.
Overall: It seems only a small number of suburban clubs cater to those who want to do a little dancing. Even fewer provide intimate, pub-friendly accommodations. What sets D'Tox apart from these sometimes bigger and brighter clubs is its warmth. D'Tox is like a neighborhood bar that's also an upscale club. Even if you're not from the area, you are more than welcome.
D'Tox Bar and Ultra Lounge
2305 St. Charles Road, Bellwood
Hours: 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday