293 bars, restaurants, clubs, and venues open after 5. Hours, phone numbers, and vibes included.
Slow-cooked brisket is the name of the game. Try the loaded brisket nachos, brisket mac and cheese, or the savory barbecue brisket pizza.
Big Jones in Andersonville serves refined Lowcountry and Cajun cuisine sourced from 40+ local farms, delivering authentic Southern comfort with serious culinary chops. This farm-to-table gem is where Chicago's food-obsessed locals go for heritage recipes executed at a level that respects both tradition and technique.
Streeterville’s hidden gem, Birdman Ramen, serves up rich tori-paitan and bold shoyu bowls—no frills, just soulful broth and springy noodles. East of Michigan Ave, it’s the only spot delivering this level of ramen focus to a neighborhood hungry for authenticity.
# Birrieria Zaragoza Head to the Southwest Side for Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized birria de chivo—slow-roasted goat that's worth the pilgrimage from anywhere in Chicago. This family-run spot has mastered the craft, drawing serious food lovers who know authentic Mexican cuisine when they taste it.
Tucked into Lincoln Square with a beautiful garden patio and classic Provencal dishes, Bistro Campagne is one of the best date-night restaurants on the North Side. The wine list is deep, the atmosphere is charming, and the French cooking is the real deal.
4.6 stars, 436 reviews. Extremely generous portions of ham for the price. South suburban grill.
An Oak Lawn pub on 95th Street where the portions border on ridiculous and the vibe is pure southwest suburban hospitality. BJ McMahon's is the kind of place where you order one entree and eat for two days. Cold beer, huge plates, friendly staff, and a loyal crowd that's been keeping this spot packed. If you're in Oak Lawn and hungry, this is the answer.
Blazed Bakery Chicago is a cannabis-infused cafe in Logan Square, serving Chicago's north side.
BLVD Steakhouse brings upscale dining to Streeterville with premium cuts, polished service, and a refined atmosphere. A reliable high-end steakhouse option near the Magnificent Mile for those who take their beef seriously.
# Boka Boka's Lincoln Park location serves as the gold standard for Chicago date nights, with Chef Lee Wolen's seasonal American tasting menus delivered in an intimate, garden-enclosed dining room that feels like a secret. This Michelin-starred kitchen doesn't play it safe—expect precise technique and unexpected flavor combinations that justify the price tag and the reservation battle.
Authentic Southern soul food restaurant in Bronzeville. Full menu plus spoken word, comedy nights, and live entertainment. Soulful, intimate, and community-rooted.
A family-run Auburn Gresham joint that lives up to its self-proclaimed title of finger-lickin' barbecue heaven. Brown's brings that homestyle soul food energy — smoky meats, hearty sides, and the kind of warmth you only get from a kitchen that treats every plate like Sunday dinner.
South Side bakery famous for German chocolate cake and caramel cake. Chatham neighborhood gem with a devoted following.
James Beard winner Stephanie Izard's rooftop retreat atop the Hoxton Hotel in Fulton Market serves bold Peruvian-inspired plates with skyline views that don't quit. Cabra is the kind of place where the ceviche, the cocktails, and the sunset all compete for your attention.
South Side Cajun seafood boil with crab legs, crawfish, and shrimp. Choose your spice level and sauce. Casual counter service, big portions, cold beer available.
Iconic smoked fish shack on the far South East Side. Cash only, standing room only. James Beard Award winner. A Chicago original since 1948.
Canal Street Eatery in the West Loop offers unlimited pizza, pasta, and salad for those who believe more is more. A solid group-dinner option near the Fulton Market corridor when everyone's hungry and nobody wants to overthink it.
Casa Margarita is a waterfront mexican in Streeterville, serving Chicago's downtown side.
Casa Tequila Chicago is a tex-mex steakhouse in Wicker Park, serving Chicago's north side.
Cedars Mediterranean Kitchen is a vibrant Hyde Park dining destination at 1206 E. 53rd Street, serving authentic Mediterranean cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Open until 10PM Sunday through Thursday and 11PM on weekends, it is an ideal after-five dinner spot for couples and friends exploring the South Side. Reservations are available through OpenTable, making it easy to secure your table for a relaxed evening of Mediterranean flavors.
Rolling Meadows’ Chef Ping is a northwest suburban staple where 1,300+ Yelp reviews back its Peking duck and dim sum—flavors that silence city skeptics. Skip the tourist traps; this is where locals swear by Cantonese fire-broiled delicacies and Mandarin dumplings crafted with suburban precision.
Straight-up Sichuan cooking that doesn't pull punches -- the mapo tofu and mouth-numbing boiled fish are why people trek across Chicago for this place. Multiple locations across the city, each holding the line on bold, regional Chengdu flavors.
Chi Cafe is a late-night cantonese diner in Chinatown.
Riverfront steakhouse with jaw-dropping Chicago River views, an in-house dry-aging program, and bone-in filets that justify every dollar. Chicago Cut is where you take someone when the view and the steak both need to be unforgettable.