XO Sky lounge/bar in Wheeling

The first thing about XO Sky is its interior. XO Sky lounge has a nicer looking interior than any lounge/bar/club I've been to in downtown Chicago. Perhaps it looks so great because this place was opened very recently, but it looks very nice. Their decorative lighting makes it look very high-class.

The next thing you notice is that it is rather small, its cozy and classy, but still a little small. It could probably seat about 80 to 90. On the other hand, XO Sky is a hybrid of cafe, lounge and a club (at least on Saturdays) so half the people don't need tables and just hang out in the decently sized area by the bar or on the dancefloor - thus allowing maybe up to 200 guests at the same time. There is only one horseshoe-shaped bar but its size is sufficient for the size of this cafe, and it's a great looking bar.

Food and Drinks

I only went to XO Sky cafe in Wheeling (the town might also be called Buffalo Grove or Arlington Heights) once - for a birthday party with bottle service and food (yes, they have food). Thus, I cannot really jugde their drink prices. However, I was told that it was priced very reasonably. And their food was really good! Their shish kabob, chicken dishes and salad were on a level of a fancy restaurant - very very tasty. Though I didn't like the calamari...

Music at XO Sky by KGBeats and dj Baton

On the night of my visit they had djs Baton and KGBeats playing music (I'm pretty sure that they were the DJs playing when I was there). Music was not really the same as in mainstream nightclubs. And this actually made this place appear more prestigious - their music is a little lighter and "happier". Something in between a groovy lounge and a danceclub. It was very "danceable", yet is nice to also just listen to.

Crowd

The night started off with half of the guests aged over 40. But most of them left by 11 and were replaced by a crowd that averaged about 25 years old. The club filled up at around 11:30, if I remember correctly. Dancefloor was full at 12 (dancefloor at XOsky club isn't the biggest ever - its designated area would probably comfortably fit 40 people).

Overall impression of XO-Sky bar in Wheeling

I think this place is great. If the owners will be able to keep it clean and new looking, then it is sure to be one of the most appealing places. I really liked their food. The crowd appeared positive. There is plenty of free parking right in front of XO sky. The only bummer was that they made guys pay cover charges even though we had the bday party with bottle service and food - but i guess they need to make the money somewhere... I will be glad to go there again on a weekend on one of their dj nights.