957 bars, restaurants, clubs, and venues open after 5. Hours, phone numbers, and vibes included.
From the team behind two-Michelin-starred Oriole, All Well landed in the West Loop with a $120 five-course tasting menu from James Beard winner Noah Sandoval and chef Larry Feldmeier. Stay late for the bar menu — short rib sandwich, raclette potatoes, tempura maitakes.
THE original Italian beef, period. Al's has been dipping sandwiches on Taylor Street since 1938, and the formula hasn't changed: thin-sliced beef, soaked in jus, loaded with hot giardiniera, wrapped in Italian bread that disintegrates in your hands. Order it dipped. Eat it over the wrapper. This is Chicago.
The birthplace of the Italian beef sandwich. Al Ferreri and his sister Frances and brother-in-law Chris Pacelli Sr. opened this family beef stand in 1938 on the corner of Harrison and Lafflin, originally called Al's Bar-B-Q because the beef simmered outside. They figured out you could slice the roast thin on a deli slicer, cook it in its own juices with secret spices, and feed twice as many people with a first-rate sandwich. Since they were all Italian — that's where 'Italian Beef' came from. The Taylor Street location is the original, now run by the Pacelli family's next generation. Over 150 culinary awards. Ships nationwide via Goldbelly. This is not a chain — this is where Chicago's signature sandwich was invented.
Alto redefines the Italian steakhouse experience from the 17th floor of Wind Creek Chicago Southland, offering sweeping views alongside expertly grilled prime cuts aged a minimum of 28 days. The raw bar features oysters, jumbo shrimp cocktail, and tuna tartare, while the craft cocktail program delivers inventive creations in a sleek, elevated setting. Reservations are required for this exclusive dining destination, open Sunday through Thursday 5PM-10PM and Friday-Saturday until 11PM.
Amaru is a pan-latin bistro in Wicker Park, serving Chicago's north side.
Newly opened 16-screen AMC theater in the South Loop with plush recliner seating, Laser at AMC projection, IMAX, and Dolby Cinema. Located in the Roosevelt Collection retail complex.
The American Writers Museum in Chicago offers an elegant, immersive venue where literary history meets modern sophistication, featuring curated exhibits and exclusive events that celebrate the legacy of American authors. Its unique ambiance, blending curated galleries with intimate spaces, makes it a premier spot for refined gatherings and cultural evenings in the city.
Amerikas is a french-mexican fusion in Oak Park.
Andy's Jazz Club in River North, Chicago, offers an intimate, speakeasy-style setting where live jazz performances mingle with a menu of Southern and Creole-inspired cuisine. A must-visit for music lovers, it blends vintage charm with modern flair, making it a standout destination for Chicago's vibrant nightlife scene.
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.
The Anita Dee II takes you out on Lake Michigan for a nightlife experience you can't get on land. Private yacht cruises with skyline views, open bars, and DJ sets make this one of Chicago's most memorable ways to spend an evening on the water.
Departing from DuSable Harbor in the Loop, the Anita Dee II is a premium three-level yacht with breathtaking skyline views. Whether it's a party cruise or a private event, the city looks different from the water.
Anita Dee Yacht Charters offers an exclusive, opulent escape on Chicago’s Lake Michigan, featuring sleek vessels that glide past the city’s iconic skyline under the glow of twinkling lights. This premier venue caters to discerning guests with bespoke luxury experiences, making it a favored destination for high-profile nightlife seekers.
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.
3.9 stars, 1,000 reviews. Nice staff, best corn beef sandwiches in Chicago. South Side staple.
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.
# Arbella Arbella in River North is your after-hours playground—globally inspired cocktails and small plates that keep the kitchen humming until 3am on Saturdays, because sometimes dinner isn't the main event. The moody, sophisticated space shifts effortlessly from early evening dining into full-throttle nightlife mode, drawing serious drinkers and late-night food enthusiasts who know the difference between a cocktail bar and a *cocktail bar*.
Retro bowling alley and billiards lounge on the Oak Lawn/Evergreen Park border. Late-night bowling with DJ sets. Classic sports pub fare, custom pizzas, wings. Playful, social, rowdy.
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.
The Art Institute of Chicago, located in the heart of the Loop, offers a vibrant cultural experience with its renowned collections and occasional late-night events. While primarily a museum, it sits near Chicago's lively nightlife scene, making it a unique blend of art and urban energy.
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.