Though you'd expect to find plenty of empty space in a 10,000-square-foot club, Zentra's big-name DJs keep things crowded. The club made its name in 1999 with Hindi-themed excess (right down to live camels), but a renovation and refocusing on the beats has made it a place for serious clubgoers.

Take your pick of downstairs venues: A big room with couches surrounding a crowded dance floor plays hip-hop, funk and progressive dance, and a smaller Hindi-inspired room with comfy couches and seductive red lighting leads to a back patio during summer months. The huge warehouse-like upper level makes good on Zentra's preference for house music, supported by fog machines, a projector and more than enough room to dance.

Resident DJs Hiroki, Papa G and Boy Wonder are joined by guests like Andre Harris, Derrick Carter, Mark Farina and Psycho Bitch. Crowds build up after midnight, so expect a wait— and expect to shell $10-$15 for admission as well. Be wise and visit the website to sign up for the guestlist, which will drop the cover price. It's also worth mentioning that Zentra's site is remarkably good, with lengthy bios and event info, and will give you the heads up on special events like cocktail receptions with waived cover charges.

Centerstage Reviewer: Stephanie Sims

Styles Tagged To Zentra

User Reviews

Read other people's reviews and post your own opinion about Zentra too!

In the House, 7/6/10
Our picks for Chicago’s most underrated house music venues

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Best Beats 4/14/09, 4/14/09
Kid Koala's opened for Bjork and Radiohead; he should be able to rock the Zentra stage.

Best Beats 3/9/09, 3/11/09
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Best Beats: 12/22/08, 12/22/08
There'll be no post-Christmas blues this weekend, thanks to DJ Lego, DJ Eleven and others.

Best Beats: 12/15/08, 12/15/08
Zentra's under HouseArrest on Friday...this is a good thing if you like to dance.

Best Beats: 12/15/08, 12/15/08
Zentra's under HouseArrest on Friday...this is a good thing if you like to dance.

Joe Bryl, 10/14/08
We talk to the man behind one of Chicago's most musically adventurous clubs.

Steve "Silk" Hurley, 7/18/06
The "Remix King" talks about the triumphant homecoming of Chicago House.