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Stranded Passengers Can Find Solace at the Gaslight Club at The Hilton O'Hare

Go To The Hotel's Web 
  Site Where: O'Hare International Airport [map], Chicago, IL, United States, 60666
March 15, 2010 at 11:37 AM | by | Comments (0)

If you get stuck at O'Hare Airport, there's one reason worth visiting Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport in Terminal 2. The airport hotel is home to the only remaining Gaslight Club, the inspiration behind Hugh Hefner's Playboy Club.

The old-school club was exclusively members-only up through September 11, 2001. Those granted access, like Hef, received gold-plated keys instead of membership cards. But now anyone can come on by to drink a Scotch and ogle the Gaslight Girls, who shimmy around in leotards and corsets with black fishnets. Keys are no longer needed.

There were Gaslight Clubs in New York—where Elizabeth Taylor filmed scenes for BUtterfield 8—Washington, D.C.; Chicago's Gold Coast; Beverly Hills; and Paris, all of which closed. All that stands is the O'Hare club, which opened in 1973. The bar's a throwback, with its Victorian wallpaper; deep red, brown and gold color scheme; old-time photos lining the walls; piano that plays jazz and show tunes; and a huge crystal chandelier that came from a German castle.

The Gaslight has flown under the radar, mostly because it's been a private club and also because, well, it's in an airport hotel on the outskirts of Chicago. But it manages to still attract some notable clientele. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres and Rachael Ray recently have visited the club.

The former Speakeasy room, which held cabaret performances, was converted into a dining room, so now you can grab a steak for lunch or dinner at the club. And it's open daily, with live entertainment available Monday through Saturday. But we're guessing you'll come for the scantily clad servers and the stiff drinks.

[Photo: Chicago Sun-Times]

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