Bars, restaurants, clubs, and venues open after 5. Hours, phone numbers, and vibes included.
This chic Chinatown staple highlights regional Sichuan specialties with authentic, mouth-numbing dishes layered with complex spice profiles. A friendly BYOB policy lets you pair beers or wines with fiery mapo tofu and dan dan noodles. A cozy, relaxed sanctuary for winding down the night with serious heat.
Don Pepe is a contemporary mexican in Little Village.
Enter through a record shop to find a stunning spot with great sound, a tiny stage where jazz musicians play, a great wine list, and fun cocktails.
Dorothy is a Chicago bar hosting community events, fundraisers, and themed nights in a welcoming atmosphere.
Riot Fest brings three days of punk, rock, and attitude to Douglass Park on the West Side, complete with carnival rides and a raucous energy that sets it apart from every other Chicago festival. The lineups consistently punch above their weight.
Dove's Luncheonette in Wicker Park is that rare spot where the counter service moves fast and the kitchen's Southern-Mexican mashup actually lands—their chorizo hash and breakfast tacos are legit. The tequila and mezcal selection backs up the cocktail program, and yeah, they're spinning vinyl the whole time, which somehow doesn't feel try-hard. It's the kind of place locals actually return to, not just Instagram once and ghost.
Pilsen's Dovetail Brewery is where craft beer obsessives go to geek out over authentic European lagers brewed on genuinely vintage equipment—their guided tours are as educational as they are Instagram-worthy. The dimly lit taproom stays open until 11 PM, making it the perfect pit stop before hitting up the neighborhood's Latin clubs and galleries.
Chicago's St. Patrick's Day Parade turns the river emerald green and the Loop into a citywide celebration of Irish heritage. Between the dyeing ceremony and the parade on Columbus Drive, it's one of the best March weekends in the city.
Schaumburg's heavyweight nightclub packs multiple dance floors, a sprawling outdoor garden patio, and a sound system built for bass. Chicago's top DJs rotate through Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights with VIP bottle service keeping the energy high until 2 AM.
Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace offers an upscale dinner theater experience, blending gourmet dining with world-class performances in an elegant, intimate setting. Its diverse lineup of Broadway-style productions and refined ambiance make it a top for adults seeking sophisticated entertainment.
Stephanie Izard's Fulton Market take on Chinese comfort food is as playful as it gets -- hand-pulled noodles, house-made dumplings, and creative cocktails in a space that's always buzzing. The goat dumplings alone are worth the trip to West Randolph.
Venue in Chesterton at 1100 Max Mochal Highway.
Nordic and Belgian-inspired craft brewery and winery in the Motor Row District. Co-fermented wines, double dry-hopped lagers, and exploratory brews by two Lagunitas alums. Dogs welcome, BYOF.
Tinley Park’s Durbin’s has been fueling locals since ’87—think ribs, burgers, and a beer garden that stays open until 2am. Live music spills out onto the patio, where the same family-run vibe has kept the pub’s doors swinging for decades. Skip the tourist traps; this is where the real neighborhood stays late.
The DuSable in Washington Park showcases America's top independent African American history museum with stellar rotating exhibitions and after-hours Grown Folks Stories events that draw the city's most culturally engaged crowd. Skip the daytime tourists and hit their evening programming for conversations that actually matter.
West suburban dispensary in Addison with extended Friday and Saturday hours until 10 PM — one of the later-closing options out in DuPage County. Walk-in friendly for both med and rec with a laid-back, approachable atmosphere.
Downtown Batavia’s East China Inn delivers bold Szechuan flavors in a sleek, riverfront setting—spicy maps, velvety braised meats, and a bar serving inventive smoothies. Locals favor the modern space for its refined take on Chinese classics, paired with Fox River views and a surprisingly sophisticated drink menu. Skip the clichés; this is where Batavia’s tastemakers dine.
A welcoming Wicker Park bar with attentive staff, clean vibes, and prices that won't wreck your wallet. Easy Bar lives up to its name — no attitude, just solid drinks and good company on Division Street. A reliable go-to for locals who want to keep things simple.