Those still mourning the loss of Wicker Park’s long-shuttered Sinibar, take heart: That lounge’s founding father Joseph Russo is back, with a similarly diverse mandate—and a much bigger space. Enter The Shrine, Russo’s new 8,000-square-foot dance club in the South Loop, featuring a musical lineup of DJs and live acts (e.g., Julie Dexter last Friday), plus a more intimate cocktail lounge, Coup d’état, adjoining the main club. We sent our photographer to check out the nightspot, billed as “Africa meets James Bond,” on Friday night.

Photography: Megan Dodge