Joe Russo, creator of Funky Buddha Lounge, opened the Shrine in the South Loop last Thursday. Russo's travels through South Africa inspired the venue's interior, which is accented with woven-leather banquettes, tribal patterns, and twig-covered light fixtures. Spanning 8,000 square feet, the nightclub and live performance space can accommodate about 800 guests for a full buyout; there are also two distinct spaces that host smaller gatherings.
To the right of the main entrance, the Shrine is a 600-capacity nightclub with a 45-foot bar, an elevated DJ booth, and a stage for live performances. Behind the bar, a couple of flat-screen TVs can hook up to laptops or DVD players. Two elevated bottle-service areas flank the room, offering seating for 40 and 60 guests.
Separated from the Shrine by two nine-foot doorways and equipped with a separate entrance, Coup d'Etat lounge can host receptions for 250. In addition to its own bar and DJ booth, the space includes an enclosed smoker's patio.
The venue's in-house dance troupe, comprised of five perfomers whose styles range from African to hip-hop, can entertain at private events. The Shrine does not serve food—instead, the spot focuses on specialty cocktails—but venue owners are open to working with outside caterers.
