Bars, restaurants, clubs, and venues open after 5. Hours, phone numbers, and vibes included.
Authentic old-school dive bar in Lincoln Square core. Imported European lagers, pilsners, and traditional schnapps. Gritty, historic, European-fringe, no-nonsense.
Carol’s Pub is a beloved Uptown staple offering a cozy, intimate setting with a focus on live country music performances. Its warm atmosphere and attentive service make it a go-to destination for fans of the genre seeking an authentic, unpretentious bar experience. located in the heart of Uptown, the venue consistently draws a loyal crowd eager for quality entertainment and a welcoming community feel.
Upscale, sophisticated lounge with a bustling late-night downtown bar scene. Baby back ribs, prime rib eye, Texas brisket, and bourbon cocktails.
Casa Margarita is a waterfront mexican in Streeterville, serving Chicago's downtown side.
Casa Tequila Chicago is a tex-mex steakhouse in Wicker Park, serving Chicago's north side.
Trendy, dimly lit coastal resort aesthetic with a highly stylized bar crowd and curated ambient energy. House-made Mole, Crispy Flautas, Seafood Staples, Craft Mezcal Infusions.
Synonymous with summertime in Chicago, Castaways Beach Club is the iconic boathouse on North Avenue Beach with the best skyline views in the city. This reimagined summer destination blends classic lakefront charm with modern design — serving elevated food, craft cocktails, and hosting rooftop house music sets and high-energy summer parties on the North Deck from May through September.
Venue in Lakeview at 3120 N. Lincoln Ave.
Cedars Mediterranean Kitchen is a lively Hyde Park dining destination at 1206 E. 53rd Street, serving authentic Mediterranean cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Open until 10PM Sunday through Thursday and 11PM on weekends, it is an ideal after-five dinner spot for couples and friends exploring the South Side. Reservations are available through OpenTable, making it easy to secure your table for a relaxed evening of Mediterranean flavors.
Housed in a historic Louis Sullivan building in River North, Celeste stacks four completely different floors: a pub, an Art Deco room, a Disco Room with an electroluminescent dance floor, and a year-round Victorian rooftop bar. One night, four venues.
Outdoor amphitheater in Orland Park hosting free summer concerts. Casual, lively, community-centric.
This family-run gem brings the bold, distinct flavors of Xinjiang-style cooking to the heart of Chinatown. Specialties include aromatic lamb skewers seasoned with cumin and chili alongside comforting hot pots perfect for late-night gatherings. The lively, authentic community atmosphere keeps the space lively into the late hours — a fantastic hidden treasure for night owls seeking intensely savory regional specialties.
A Chicago classic since 1982. Central Gyros is famous for juicy, perfectly seasoned gyro meat, fresh-cut fries, and fast counter service. The portions are huge and the prices are right. This is the kind of no-nonsense late-night spot that locals drive across town for after a night out.
Bar in Avondale at 2924 North Central Park Avenue.
A customizable West Loop event space built for unforgettable private events and celebrations. Centre Court Productions hosts brand activations, corporate gatherings, watch parties, birthday parties, mitzvahs, and social events in a sleek venue featuring an LED wall, full sound system, lounge furniture, and BYOB bar service. The dedicated on-site team handles everything from layout to vendor coordination.
Upscale rooftop bar and nightclub atop the Virgin Hotels Chicago in the Loop. Stunning city views, resident DJs, and a music-forward atmosphere that regularly hosts major festival after-parties. One of the few places in the city where you might catch a celebrity sighting.
Chicago top mid-size concert and dance venue, hosting national touring acts and world-class DJ events in a striking industrial space on the Near South Side. Radius Chicago (formerly Cermak Hall) seats up to 2,500 and is the go-to venue for electronic music, indie concerts, comedy, and major touring productions. Ticketed by AXS.
The Chicago suburbs favorite stand-up comedy club, located in The Promenade Bolingbrook. CG Comedy Club hosts a rotating lineup of nationally touring comedians every weekend in an intimate club setting. All shows are 21 and up with a two-drink minimum, making it a great date night alternative to the city.
Music venue in River North at 228 West Chicago Avenue.
Music venue in Chicago at 4859 South Wabash Avenue.
Comedy club in Wrigleyville at 3726 North Broadway.
Tucked away in Chicago's Gold Coast, this preserved 1904 mansion offers a rare glimpse into early 20th-century design through curated architecture lectures and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours. Its quiet, upscale atmosphere makes it a favorite for culture-focused visitors seeking a refined, low-key experience.
Cheesie's Pub & Grub is a popular Lakeview spot known for its late-night hours, full bar, and signature grilled cheese sandwiches. It's a great place to enjoy drinks and casual dining well past midnight, with trivia nights and arcade games adding to the fun atmosphere.
Rolling Meadows’ Chef Ping is a northwest suburban staple where 1,300+ Yelp reviews back its Peking duck and dim sum—flavors that silence city skeptics. Skip the tourist traps; this is where locals swear by Cantonese fire-broiled delicacies and Mandarin dumplings crafted with suburban precision.