Bars, restaurants, clubs, and venues open after 5. Hours, phone numbers, and vibes included.
Billy Sunday is a vintage amaro cocktail bar in Logan Square, serving Chicago's north side.
A veteran-run neighborhood lounge anchoring North Center with an excellent after-5 PM atmosphere. Modern twist on classic bar comfort food paired with 25 rotating craft beers on tap. Known for trivia nights, a welcoming crowd, and genuine neighborhood energy.
Dog-friendly dive with a killer happy hour that keeps Wicker Park regulars coming back. Black Hole Bar is the kind of unpretentious spot where you can settle in for a few rounds without checking your bank account. The patio is a bonus on warm Chicago nights.
Oak Forest’s Blarney Stone Pub has been pouring craft beers and hosting open mics since ’94—think 40 drafts, 80+ bottles, and a kitchen open ’til 2am. A neighborhood staple with live tunes every week, it’s where locals sip pints and stumble into impromptu performances.
Blind Barber is a barbershop speakeasy in West Loop, serving Chicago's west side.
Bustling, legendary late-night blues club in River North with an enthusiastic crowd dancing to world-class local bands. Operating since 1985, it offers authentic Chicago Blues every night.
Slip through the neon-lit back alley behind Sushi Dokku to find this under-the-radar Japanese speakeasy pouring meticulously crafted cocktails that'll make you rethink what you thought you knew about spirit work. The vibe is pure Tokyo cool—smooth beats, selective DJs on weekends, and a crowd that actually appreciates a well-made drink without the posturing. It's the kind of spot locals keep to themselves, tucked away where the real night happens.
Behind a hidden grass door on Division Street in Wicker Park lies Bordel, a Parisian-inspired speakeasy lit entirely by candlelight. Nightly jazz, burlesque, and live entertainment share the room with savory small plates — it's moody, romantic, and very hard to leave.
Vintage speakeasy in the South Loop that pairs Prohibition-era cocktails with karaoke nights, creating the rare combination of craft drinks and unhinged fun. Brando's nails the speakeasy aesthetic without taking itself too seriously.
Pull up a stool at this no-frills Archer Avenue institution where $3 domestics and neighborhood camaraderie are the main attractions—order a Italian beef from Ricobene's and have it delivered straight to your seat. Bridgeport's realest dive bar doesn't pretend to be anything it's not, which is exactly why locals keep coming back. The jukebox, the regulars, the dive bar smell—it's all authentically Chicago.
High-energy neighborhood party bar in Fulton Market with killer craft cocktails and live music sets. A fun, unpretentious spot for a night out in the West Loop.
A beloved Logan Square live music bar and arts venue since 2010, The Burlington is one of Chicago most respected independent stages. Hosting local and touring acts nightly across rock, indie, folk, and experimental genres, the bar has earned a reputation as the heartbeat of Chicago neighborhood music scene.
Legendary Irish tavern and Gold Coast institution on Division Street since 1961. The quirky, eccentric decor changes with the seasons, the drinks are strong, and the crowd is a mix of regulars and first-timers who all end up having the same great time.
A neighborhood sports bar and grill on Halsted Street in West Pullman, serving the far South Side community with drinks, food, and game watching.
Gritty, deep-neighborhood late-night dive bar filled with old school jukebox lines and cheap, heavy pours. Street-style Steak Tacos, Tamales, Chicharrones, Draft Beer Cervezas.
Virtue Hospitality's Hyde Park gem serves seriously crafted agave cocktails and small-bite botanas in a space that actually feels like a proper escape—not some Instagram fever dream. Skip the Loop lounges and grab a date-night cocktail here where the bartenders know their mezcal from their tequila. The tropical drinks hit different when you're tucked into this corner of the South Side.
Authentic old-school dive bar in Lincoln Square core. Imported European lagers, pilsners, and traditional schnapps. Gritty, historic, European-fringe, no-nonsense.
Carol’s Pub is a beloved Uptown staple offering a cozy, intimate setting with a focus on live country music performances. Its warm atmosphere and attentive service make it a go-to destination for fans of the genre seeking an authentic, unpretentious bar experience. located in the heart of Uptown, the venue consistently draws a loyal crowd eager for quality entertainment and a welcoming community feel.
Cheesie's Pub & Grub is a popular Lakeview spot known for its late-night hours, full bar, and signature grilled cheese sandwiches. It's a great place to enjoy drinks and casual dining well past midnight, with trivia nights and arcade games adding to the fun atmosphere.
Comedy Bar Chicago (Chicago Comedy Lounge) brings the acclaimed Comedy Bar brand to the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Featuring nightly stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy shows in a full bar setting, it is a top for comedy fans on the North Side. Intimate theater seating ensures every angle is a great view.
A lively bar and grill on Grand Avenue in the heart of Belmont Cragin, serving the local community with drinks and food in a casual setting.
A multi-floor pub and grill in Glenwood with a rooftop deck, full bar, and gaming area. Serving burgers, pasta, and wings alongside an all-you-can-eat menu and happy hour specials. The venue transforms at night into a lively entertainment destination with occasional live performances — a south suburb gem perfect for group celebrations across multiple floors.
Multi-generational Irish pub on the Lincoln Square/Ravenswood border. Digital jukebox, seasonal craft drafts. Cozy, loud, playful, unpretentious.
Cleo's is the West Town sports bar that's always the right call — whether you're cheering on your favorite team, grabbing drinks with co-workers, recovering from a breakup, or just because you want a good pour. With a full food menu and a bocce court to keep things interesting, Cleo's brings laid-back neighborhood energy with enough personality to keep you coming back. It's the kind of spot where everyone feels welcome and the vibe is always on point.