Bars, restaurants, clubs, and venues open after 5. Hours, phone numbers, and vibes included.
Barrio is a modern mexican-american in River North, serving Chicago's downtown side.
Upscale Italian dining at Old Orchard in Skokie. Part of the DineAmic hospitality group. Handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and craft cocktails.
River North's most seductive steakhouse wraps bone-in ribeyes, live jazz, and dim speakeasy glamour into one of the hardest reservations in the city. The old-school cocktails hit as hard as the bill, and every detail — from the red leather booths to the tableside presentation — says this is a proper grown-up night out.
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 local favorite, 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.
Jalisco-style birria done right on the East Side. Tacos, quesatacos, birria ramen — everything simmered low and slow in rich consomme. Open till 11:30PM on weekends for a late-night birria fix.
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.
Modern, high-speed inner loop industrial taproom catering to drinking groups and after-hours business workers. 15-hour brisket, honey buffalo wings, smoked jackfruit, and local IPAs.
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'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.
This upscale Lincoln Park steakhouse serves a legendary carnivorous tasting menu featuring an exclusive steak flight. Beyond the famous steak flights, diners indulge in perfectly seared prime cuts, decadent sides, and craft cocktails. The ambiance is moody, contemporary, and romantically cozy — an excellent choice for date night or a business dinner.
Nightclub in West Loop at 200 North Green Street.
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.
Logan Square daytime cafe, nighttime bar, and celebrated music venue since 2010. Voted Chicago Best Non-Traditional Music Venue by the Chicago Reader. Serving craft cocktails, local coffee, and a night snack menu, Cafe Mustache hosts live music and karaoke nightly — Fridays at 10pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 8pm. A true neighborhood institution with an anything-goes creative spirit.
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.