285 bars, restaurants, clubs, and venues open after 5. Hours, phone numbers, and vibes included.
Immersive escape rooms in River North. Themes from horror to heist. 2-8 players, 60 minutes to escape. BYOB allowed in some rooms. Book ahead — sells out on weekends.
Adobo Grill is a traditional mexican & tequila bar in Old Town, serving Chicago's north side.
Intimate Logan Square counter where the chef's obsessive approach to broth-making produces some of the most exceptional ramen in Chicago. Worth every minute of the wait — this is the bowl serious noodle heads make pilgrimages for.
Alice's Lounge in Chicago is a sleek, intimate venue renowned for its sophisticated ambiance, curated cocktail menus, and a clientele that includes celebrities and industry elites. Its immersive experiences, from live jazz performances to exclusive private events, make it a must-visit for those seeking Chicago's most refined nightlife.
Lincoln Park's aliveOne is the neighborhood bar that gets it right with live music, trivia nights, and a welcoming vibe that never feels forced. Solid happy hour and regular themed events keep the calendar interesting and the regulars coming back.
Amaru is a pan-latin bistro in Wicker Park, serving Chicago's north side.
Bucktown's wildcard cocktail lounge pairs craft-forward drinks with 11 axe-throwing lanes and 4 rage rooms inside a moody, industrial-chic space. Once you've worked out the aggression, settle into the DJ-fueled nightlife side with dim lighting and layered textures that make this spot unlike anything else on the strip.
Lakeview's Annoyance Theatre has been a legendary force in Chicago comedy and improv, launching careers and hosting original shows that push every boundary. The full bar helps — you'll need a drink after laughing that hard.
Andersonville's rustic Italian BYOB changes its menu weekly based on what the farms are growing -- it's seasonal cooking at its most honest. The intimate dining room and bring-your-own-bottle policy make it one of the best date nights on the North Side.
The Apollo Theater Chicago in Lincoln Park offers a vibrant nightlife experience with its historic charm and dynamic performances, blending classic elegance with modern energy. Known for its eclectic lineup of live music, comedy, and theatrical acts, it’s a must-visit destination for Chicago’s arts and entertainment scene.
Uptown's Aragon Ballroom has been hosting major music events since 1926 in a nearly 5,000-capacity room with jaw-dropping Moorish-inspired architecture. The ornate details make even a general admission show feel grand.
Upscale Argentinian steakhouse and tango bar in Lincoln Square. Live flamenco and tango shows, fine wines, ceviche, empanadas, and world-class steaks. Passionate, romantic, sophisticated. Live piano jazz weekly.
Asador Bastian in River North, Chicago, offers an upscale steakhouse experience with a vibrant, lively ambiance that blends fine dining with a dynamic nightlife scene. Its sizzling USDA Prime steaks and inventive cocktails make it a must-visit for those seeking indulgence in a sophisticated, energy-filled setting.
Ascend Cannabis - Logan Square blends a curated cannabis dispensary with a vibrant nightlife hub, offering a unique fusion of elevated wellness and social experiences in Chicago's artsy Logan Square neighborhood. Guests can enjoy live music, craft cocktails, and a thoughtfully selected menu of cannabis-infused products in a stylish, community-focused atmosphere.
# Avondale Bowl Avondale's best-kept secret pulls off the rare trick of being genuinely fun without trying too hard—eight vintage lanes, hand-scorecards, and a craft cocktail program that takes frozen White Russians seriously. The local beer list and retro aesthetic make it the kind of place where you'll actually want to linger after the pins stop falling. This is where Chicagoans go when they're over the typical night out.
Avondale Music Hall anchors the neighborhood's live music scene with DJ nights, themed parties, and touring acts in an intimate room. A no-frills venue where the sound is tight and the crowd actually came to hear the music.
Walk-in ax throwing. No experience needed. BYOB, book a lane with friends, throw axes at wooden targets. Perfect group date night or birthday activity. 18+.
Bucktown's Bad Butter went from pandemic-era Instagram sensation to one of the city's most sought-after bakeries. Founded by Daniel Koester, the shop turns out lavish croissants, Danishes, and artisan breads — get there early, because they sell out fast.
Bandit is a sleek Chicago cocktail bar hosting happy hours, networking events, and social gatherings.
Step into Barrel Cheese & Wine, where curated wine lists meet artisanal cheese selections in the heart of Lakeview. This intimate parlor offers a refined yet approachable atmosphere, perfect for savoring small plates and expertly paired libations in a space as elegant as it is welcoming.
This Roman-inspired wine bar on Andersonville's Clark Street strip pairs house-made pasta and wood-fired dishes with Italian-focused craft cocktails. The daily happy hour pulls in the neighborhood crowd, and the candlelit dining room is a proper date-night spot.
BaseCamp Pub keeps it raw in Lakeview with underground DJ nights, punk shows, and the kind of divey energy that bigger venues can't replicate. Cheap drinks, loud music, no pretense.
River North's most seductive steakhouse wraps bone-in ribeyes, live jazz, and dim speakeasy glamour into one of the hardest reservations in the city. The old-school cocktails hit as hard as the bill, and every detail — from the red leather booths to the tableside presentation — says this is a proper grown-up night out.
Beat Kitchen is a premier Chicago nightlife destination renowned for its eclectic mix of music, art, and immersive experiences, drawing discerning crowds seeking cutting-edge entertainment. Its industrial-chic venue and curated lineup of local and international talent solidify its status as a must-visit hub for Chicago's elite nightlife scene.