Chicago’s new and rising celebrity hot spots
By Luis Gomez
Written: September 3, 2013

Here’s the thing about the most popular celebrity hangouts in Chicago: They’re always changing.

What was popular four years ago gets replaced by what opened four months ago. And what was once a restaurateur’s or nightclub impresario’s baby is now an afterthought, with most of their focus (and celebrity friends) being directed toward their newest projects.

There are, of course, exceptions. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse in the Gold Coast has been bringing in the bold names for nearly 25 years, and Joe’s Stone Crab has been a star favorite for more than a decade. And Paris Club has managed to go uncontested as the city’s top celeb hangout for two years now and doesn’t appear to be letting up any time soon, thanks mostly to upstairs club Studio Paris.

Parliament will look to chip away at Studio Paris’ reign, so to speak, when the royalty-themed lounge in the Near North neighborhood opens to the public Friday. Thanks to president Matt Deichl, who previously booked celebrity talent for Enclave and Cuvee, Parliament joins the list of new celebrity hangouts to watch in Chicago. Here is a look at that eclectic list, which includes a country music bar, the tiki bar located below it and a pro-wrestling themed restaurant.

The Squared Circle
2418 N. Ashland Ave.
Celebs: Brooke Hogan, Kevin Nash, David Draiman, Alicia Fox, Rikishi, Diamond Dallas Page, Amber Benson, Art Smith, Lance Storm, Rhyno, Molly Holly, Gail Kim, Christy Hemme
Opened: March
Description: Owner Lisa Marie Varon made a lot of friends in the pro-wrestling industry thanks to her time in TNA and WWE, and many of them have been coming out to support her pizza and gourmet burgers restaurant.