Bars, restaurants, clubs, and venues open after 5. Hours, phone numbers, and vibes included.
Alice's Lounge in Chicago is a sleek, intimate venue renowned for its sophisticated ambiance, curated cocktail menus, and a clientele that includes celebrities and industry elites. Its unique experiences, from live jazz performances to exclusive private events, make it a worth visiting for those seeking Chicago's most refined nightlife.
Lincoln Park's aliveOne is the neighborhood bar that gets it right with live music, trivia nights, and a welcoming vibe that never feels forced. Solid happy hour and regular themed events keep the calendar interesting and the regulars coming back.
18,500 capacity arena in Rosemont. Major concerts, WWE events, and family shows. Connected to the Rosemont entertainment district with hotels, dining, and nightlife.
All Together Now is a natural wine bar and restaurant in Chicago's Ukrainian Village, known for its laid-back atmosphere, creative small plates, and excellent selection of natural and organic wines. A welcoming neighborhood spot for daytime hangs and late-night dining.
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.
One of Chicago's most celebrated Off-Loop theaters, American Blues Theater has performed together for over 40 seasons. Known for world topes, reimagined classics, and innovative ensemble storytelling. Located at Stage 773 in Lakeview, the theater produces acclaimed works including its beloved annual production of It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! each holiday season.
The American Writers Museum in Chicago offers an elegant, engaging 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 great spot for refined gatherings and cultural evenings in the city.
Amerikas is a french-mexican fusion in Oak Park.
Small Pilsen gallery and music venue with a massive following and indescribable energy. Brings together music, fashion, art, and a dynamic community of Black and brown creatives. Monthly Jazz Series pop-ups and forward-thinking events make this one of Chicago's most culturally significant independent spaces.
Classy and energetic River North jazz club with excellent drinks paired with blistering, fast-paced traditional and modern Chicago jazz performances. A full dinner menu complements nightly shows.
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 top caters to discerning guests with bespoke luxury experiences, making it a favored destination for high-profile nightlife seekers.
Weekend-only nightclub in Wicker Park spinning EDM, house, and Top 40. Open till 5 a.m. with a relaxed dress code and reasonable table service — a solid alternative to the River North club scene.
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 lively 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 worth visiting destination for Chicago’s arts and entertainment scene.