Going to a club that sounds like a cheap shade of lipstick and only has a $5 cover could be risky, but at Cherry Red, 2833 N. Sheffield Ave., the only thing that’s trashy is the way some of the co-eds are dressed.

Inside, things are classier than one would expect. The multilevel lounge has many landings and small stairs for people to trip on, which in and of itself is good entertainment. The overall theme of the club is sexy. Everything is covered in red: the walls, lights and seating – everything screams lusty red. Low banquettes are sprawled throughout, offering plenty of seating for tired dancers or those with sore feet.

This Lakeview hangout is overrun by DePaul students and other young people who want to dance. The crowd tends to be younger, which lowers the chance of being hit on by someone twice your age. But beware: As with any college place, there are the older lurkers.

On Friday nights, the music sticks to the generic hip-hop and dance music and features $5 martinis from their extensive list. Wednesdays get a little more exciting when Cherry Red hosts a freestyle hip-hop battle and dance party where local emcees rap for cash. But throughout the week there are various drink specials.

Cherry Red is located in a cute neighborhood, with plenty of other pubs that are fun to go to before or after hitting up Cherry Red. Chicago’s Pizza – the perfect spot for a late-night craving – is also just a few blocks down the street and open until 5 a.m.

Cherry Red is open 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Wednesday through Friday and 8 p.m.-3 a.m. Saturday; it’s located right off the CTA Brown Line at Diversey.

– Carrie MacQuaid