Bars, restaurants, clubs, and venues open after 5. Hours, phone numbers, and vibes included.
A classic dive bar known for its laid-back vibe and cheap drinks.
Chicago's oldest LGBTQ+ bar catering to women, The Closet has been a Lakeview staple for over 50 years. A neighborhood dive with a loyal sapphic following — karaoke nights, video bowling, darts, and a no-frills vibe that keeps people coming back. Open until 4am nightly, it's a beloved late-night anchor of Boystown.
The Comedy Bar in Chicago is an iconic venue renowned for its electrifying stand-up comedy nights, featuring both established and emerging talent in an intimate, upscale setting. Its lively ambiance and elite crowd make it a worth visiting destination for those seeking the pinnacle of Chicago’s comedy scene.
Features a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city skyline.
Dive deep into Hyde Park's most unpretentious watering hole, where University of Chicago students and grizzled regulars stake claims on worn bar stools and nursing cheap whiskeys that actually taste good. Pool games, zero pretense, and the kind of neighborhood authenticity that money can't buy—just don't expect craft cocktails or Instagram moments here.
Slip through the Green Door Tavern's hidden bookshelf in River North and you'll find yourself in a legit Prohibition-era speakeasy where the bartenders pull your daily cocktail menu based on a tarot reading. The velvet booths, dim lighting, and carefully crafted cocktails keep the vibe intimate and theatrical until 2 AM—this is the kind of spot where locals go to actually disappear.
A gastropub with a cozy atmosphere and a focus on seasonal ingredients.
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.
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.
Black-owned cocktail lounge south of the city specializing in handcrafted cocktails, rare bourbons, and curated wines in a sleek, intimate setting. The Exclusive Pour is built for date nights with a sophisticated after-five energy that sets the standard.
High-octane, vehicle-themed bar with a packed outdoor roof deck blasted with sunlight and heavy music. Pulled pork sliders, smoked wings, craft beer taps, and signature bourbons.
Secret bar above the Bourgeois Pig coffee shop. Password required. Prohibition-era metal door leads to fancy cocktails and a transformed neighborhood speakeasy.
Stylish cocktail bar on the Lincoln Square-Ravenswood border pouring craft cocktails with a relaxed neighborhood feel. Happy hour starts at 3pm on weekends, and the bar stays open until 3am on Saturdays for the night owls.
Wrigleyville sports bar steps from Wrigley Field, known for themed events, creative drink specials, and a crowd that brings the energy whether or not there's a game. The Graystone is a pre-game ritual and a post-game destination in its own right.
A historic tavern with a cozy atmosphere and classic cocktails.
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.
Pilsen's go-to post-concert spot sits right across from Thalia Hall with affordable craft cocktails and a chill vibe that keeps the night going until 3am on Saturdays. It's the perfect second stop after a show on 18th Street.
Gold Coast's Hangge-Uppe is a bi-level party bar where each floor spins a different genre — current hits upstairs, 80s rock downstairs, and a casual energy throughout. It's the kind of place where you end up staying three hours longer than planned.
A quirky bar known for its live music and community events.
Tucked just off Division in Humboldt Park, The Hi-Lo delivers some of the best cocktails on the West Side at prices that feel almost too fair. The service is fabulous, the beer list respectable, and the atmosphere strikes that rare balance between polished and unpretentious. A neighborhood treasure.
Know the secret entrance near 5121 Food Hall in Hyde Park (south)? The Hyde’s password-protected speakeasy hides custom cocktails behind a discreet door, open until 2am weekdays and 3am weekends—prohibition-era vibes with a modern twist.
The southwest suburbs' favorite Irish pub since 2012 draws a loyal crowd with trivia on Wednesdays and karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights. It's a neighborhood anchor that doesn't try to be anything other than a great local bar.
A unique bar and music venue that hosts a variety of performances and events.