El Babalu is an excellent authentic latin music club.  It rivals the best salsa clubs in Chicago in number of nights open, quantity of live music, dance space, and atmosphere.

    The huge 3-1/2 story eagle mural facing south is a city landmark, you cannot miss it when driving north on I-43/I-94 heading toward downtown.

 

Lessons:  Tuesdays Ivan & Sodie salsa classes. 6pm intermediate, 7:15 advanced, 8:30 beginner.  $10/class.  Friday evenings around 9:30 there is a half-hour complimentary beginner lesson taught by Ivan prior to open dancing.

 

Dancing:  The large dance floor is surrounded by tables.  The club is tastefully decorated and has a fairly classy atmosphere.  Open salsa dancing on Tuesdays after the lesson, Thursdays, Fridays 9:00pm-2:00am, and Saturdays 9:00 pm-2:30 am.