Bars, restaurants, clubs, and venues open after 5. Hours, phone numbers, and vibes included.
The Auditorium Theatre is a National Historic Landmark in the Loop, hosting Broadway, dance, concerts, and special events in a stunning Adler & Sullivan-designed space.
Hidden below the Hampton Social in River North, you enter through a secret door and black curtain into a 1960s British-inspired lounge dripping with gold accents, brick walls, and velvet couches. The stage hosts everything from country to soul — it's swanky, loud, and impossible to find unless you know.
Bronzeville's most eccentric spot has been mixing craft cocktails with cosmetics since 1999—grab a drink at the bar, browse vintage beauty products, and catch live performances in the same room. The Miami-inspired aesthetic and elevated tacos make this a rare breed of venue that actually delivers on its quirky premise. It's the kind of place where you'll see someone buying lipstick between sets, and that's exactly why locals keep coming back.
The Edge Theater is a Chicago performance venue known for engaging theatrical experiences and innovative productions, including the popular Gladiator Fight Night series.
Legendary indie rock dive bar in Ukrainian Village, known for its raw, authentic live music crowd. One of Chicago's most respected independent music venues for over two decades.
Rogers Park's scrappy indie theater company produces original, thought-provoking work that you won't find on any other Chicago stage. The Factory Theater rewards the adventurous with shows that swing big and land hard.
Swinging, high-energy 1940s-style jazz lounge with legendary late-night jam sessions, heavy drink pours, and rich Chicago history. Once a Prohibition-era speakeasy frequented by Al Capone.
A quirky bar known for its live music and community events.
The J Parker in Chicago is a lively underground venue known for its eclectic mix of live music, engaging art installations, and a dynamic crowd that fuels the city's alternative nightlife scene. Located in the West Loop, it offers a gritty yet stylish atmosphere where indie rock, electronic, and experimental acts regularly take the stage.
A unique bar and music venue that hosts a variety of performances and events.
South-suburban lounge pouring 30-plus specialty martinis alongside soul-food-inspired pub fare in a grown-folks atmosphere. Free live bands Thursday and Friday, Feel Good Fridays with DJ Wyld Chyld, Hip House Saturdays with DJ Roc, and a catered soul-food jazz brunch on the first Sunday of each month.
The New Apartment Lounge in Greater Grand Crossing hasn’t changed since 1980—same dim lighting, same soulful jazz, same Tuesday night saxophone rituals that drew Von Freeman and his crew. Skip the tourist traps; this South Side gem feels like stepping into a living history lesson, where the music’s older than the neighborhood itself.
Carrying on the deep legacy of the historic 43rd Street Checkerboard Lounge. This Hyde Park mainstay features raw electric guitar blues, high-energy dancing, and an older local crowd that keeps the floor packed all night.
The Park Supper Club offers an elegant evening of live jazz in the heart of Washington Park, blending sophisticated ambiance with exceptional culinary experiences. With extended hours on performance weekends, this premium venue invites guests to savor a curated menu while enjoying the rich sounds of live music in an intimate, upscale setting.
Hyde Parks top live music venue and restaurant. Multi-level space with a concert hall, full restaurant, and rooftop. Features jazz, R&B, soul, and DJ nights with craft cocktails.