Atlantis Chicago vs. Polekatz: Battle of the Strip Clubs

Two of the most popular Chicago strip clubs are the Atlantis Gentlemen’s Club in Ford Heights, and the legendary Polekatz over in Bridgeview.

We already published a full guide to Chicago’s top strip bars, which you should definitely check out if you are planning a big event.

However, today we are going to compare these two clubs directly: Atlantis vs. Polekatz.



Which is the best Chicago strip club?

Let’s see what they both offer…

Introducing Polekatz and Atlantis Chicago

Atlantis and Polekatz are two examples of completely different strip bars; each catering to the same crowd but with a unique atmosphere that sets them apart.

They are both located south of Downtown Chicago, around a 30 to 40 minute drive past Midway Intl.

The Atlantis Gentlemen’s Club is known for its bizarre ancient theme that promises to transport you to an adult playground from many centuries ago.

The club is visually striking from the moment you lay eyes on it. It has elegant palace style walls and columns that lead on to the golden interior of the VIP suites, and the blue tinted main showroom, presumably designed to appear as if you are submerged with Atlantis itself.

The club has five stages, 24 private dance rooms, 8 Atlantis Suites and 2 Master Suites; the latter of which well and truly up the luxury game.

This is no small strip club, but if it’s pure size and selection you’re looking for, Polekatz is just as impressive.

Polekatz main stage

The main stage at Polekatz strip club in Bridgeview (south-western suburbs of Chicago).

Polekatz looks like a dank, grey airport hanger from the outside, but once you step inside this club… the size and scale will take your breath away.

It is set across 18,000 square feet and filled with pole dancing and various private VIP areas.

The eight-shaped main stage is the focal point with a slew of topless beauties entertaining the scattered (and often busy) tables.

There are various smaller stages and an upstairs area in a club that is known for loud, pulsating music with plenty of eye candy.

The Ladies

Polekatz has over 150 ladies on its books, so you are sure to find exotic dancers for just about every taste.

They are known as the ‘Kittens of Polekatz’, a mix of local Chicago girls with some beauties who have travelled from all around the States, and some beyond.

Atlantis is not exactly short on strippers either. They have a huge roster of international dancers and show girls.

The Atlantis girls are recruited from all over the world with the only specification being ‘exotic and gorgeous’.

Having combed through hundreds of reviews, the general consensus is that the ladies of both clubs are friendly and welcoming to their guests. They are what you might consider strip club pros: used to large crowds and committed to making sure every party has a good night.

The same cannot be said for the bouncers, who have received a bashing in reviews for both of these venues. Polekatz in particular has a trail of negative experiences on the door.

VIP Deals and Group Bookings

As you’d expect, both of these venues are specialists for any kind of party that has the requirement of ‘adult entertainment’; and lots of it.

That includes:

  • Bachelor parties
  • Birthday parties
  • Divorce parties
  • Corporate events
  • Bachelorette parties
  • “Me and my friends just want to see loads of stripper” parties

While neither club advertises its group rates and discounts, they have booking/quote forms you can find below:

From what we’ve seen and heard, Polekatz is marginally cheaper.

But it doesn’t have the same luxury private rooms that Atlantis Chicago is known for.

One of the highlights of Atlantis is the stunning Athena’s Lounge, a private VIP exclusive lounge with a one-way glass wall that looks out on to the main stage.

stunning Athena's Lounge at Atlantis Chicago

A glimpse inside the stunning Athena’s Lounge at Atlantis Chicago

This area has its own private stage, hostesses and dancers plus you can take advantage of their exceptional Italian menu.

Access to the Athena Lounge requires that you buy Gold, Platinum or Black membership through their VIP portal.

Club Locations

These two clubs are located approximately 40 km apart. They are connected by IL-394 N.

Polekatz Chicago Gentlemen’s Club
7337 W 100th Pl, Bridgeview, IL 60455

Atlantis Gentlemen’s Club
1897 E Lincoln Hwy, Chicago Heights, IL 60411

Both clubs are located south of Chicago’s downtown area.

Atlantis is around a 35 minute drive from Downtown, whereas Polekatz is about 40 minutes (not far from Midway International Airport.

There’s not much to choose between the two in terms of ease of access. Getting to both clubs will require a short drive south.

Opening Hours

Here are the opening hours for the two clubs.

Day Atlantis Chicago Polekatz Chicago
Monday 3:00pm to 4:00am 12:00pm to 3:00am
Tuesday 3:00pm to 4:00am 12:00pm to 3:00am
Wednesday 3:00pm to 4:00am 12:00pm to 3:00am
Thursday 3:00pm to 4:00am 12:00pm to 3:00am
Friday 3:00pm to 6:00am 12:00pm to 4:00am
Saturday 7:00pm to 6:00am 5:00pm to 4:00am
Sunday 7:00pm to 4:00am 5:00pm to 3:00am

Entry Cost

Polekatz has no cover charge before 7:00pm, and then $10 after.

However, we spotted a free pass deal on their website. Simply text POLEKATZ to 25827.

This will also enrol you in their marketing program that sends out up to 5 promotional messages per month. You can text STOP to cancel.

Update: You can print a free pass for Polekatz here, too.

Is there an Atlantic Chicago free pass?

Yes.

Atlantis has a $20 cover charge. But you can present your ticket stub from any Chicago sporting event and get in free with a complimentary drink.

The stubs are only valid on the day of a game and it is restricted to one stub per person. Military also get in free at Atlantis by presenting a valid military ID.

They also run an Atlantis Daily Special from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. This is a great deal where you can get a burger, fries and a local beer for just $5 with free Admission and free Parking.

Both clubs are known to run special offers from time to time, so it’s worth checking their Facebook pages for any new deals:

Dances and Specials

Polekatz hosts the $10 Tuesdays special where you can get a topless dance for… $10. Or a fully nude dance for $20.

Polekatz lap dance $10

The famous Polekatz $10 topless dance special on Tuesdays

We haven’t had confirmation that these prices are available on other days, but many reviews suggest that they are.

One note with the private dances at Polekatz: they are not particularly ‘private’ unless you head to a VIP area. Don’t expect any curtains for privacy.

Atlantis private dances cost around $30, with drink prices at $4.50 according to the Ultimate Strip Club List.

Our Verdict

These are both fine Chicago strip clubs.

Atlantis is arguably the more ‘upmarket’ of the venues, and we’re reserving some special praise for its outstanding menu of Italian cuisine.

If your group is coming for the full dinner and drinks experience, you can’t go wrong with the fine dining at Atlantis. A perfect prelude to the eye candy that awaits…

Polekatz is a more traditional strip club experience. It doesn’t claim to transport you back hundreds of years, neither does it seem interested in such gimmicks.

What it does offer is a lot of beautiful dancers — topless on stage, but fully nude in the private rooms — as well as equally attractive waitresses and bar staff.

In lap dance bar terms… these are both huge venues.

And they can both get pretty busy in the prime weekend evening hours.

While neither of the clubs are located in the heart of Downtown Chicago. For a 30-40 minute drive south, they are well worth the journey. A great night out.


What do you think? Polekatz or Atlantis? Which is your favorite of these Chicago strip clubs?

We’ll be back to review two more famous lap dance clubs next week…

Have your say below.