Bars, restaurants, clubs, and venues open after 5. Hours, phone numbers, and vibes included.
Addison dispensary with a boutique feel and personalized service that sets it apart from the big-chain experience. Formerly Sunnyside, the rebrand brought a tighter product curation and top-shelf focus to this west suburban spot.
Headquarters Beercade in River North packs dozens of free-play classic arcade games and pinball machines into a massive space with craft beer on tap. All games are free with a drink purchase — which makes the second round a very easy sell.
4.7 stars, 168 reviews. The corned beef is amazing — definitely the best I've had in Chicago.
Hemmingway's Bistro is a french bistro & jazz bar in Oak Park.
Tucked behind an industrial facade in Bucktown, The Hideout is one of Chicago's most beloved dive bars and music venues. The eclectic programming — indie rock, country, comedy, literary events — has made it a cultural landmark for the fiercely independent.
A classic neighborhood bar and American restaurant on Northwest Highway in Forest Glen, serving food and drinks daily with a welcoming local atmosphere.
Hippo's on 111th Street is where Mount Greenwood comes to drink—no craft cocktails, no velvet ropes, just ice-cold beer and actual neighbors who know your name. It's the kind of South Side dive that gets packed for Bears games, serves its purpose with zero apologies, and reminds you why neighborhood bars still matter in a city obsessed with the next big thing.
A southwest suburban BBQ favorite that lives up to its name with generous portions of slow-smoked meats and all the fixings. Hog Wild has cultivated a devoted following in Oak Lawn with the kind of no-nonsense, smoke-forward BBQ that makes the drive from the city absolutely worth it.
South-suburban brewpub crafting small-batch beers on-site alongside elevated pub fare in a laid-back taproom setting. Homewood Brewing keeps it local with weekend hours until 11 PM, making it the neighborhood's go-to for a post-work pint.
Bronzeville's legendary cash-only counter slings hickory-smoked rib tips and hot links from a custom aquarium smoker that's become as iconic as the food itself. BYOB keeps it real and keeps your tab lean. This is what Chicago BBQ actually tastes like.
Rogers Park's Honeybear Cafe wraps you in a cozy, homey atmosphere with comforting food and a neighborhood-first mentality. A solid starting point before exploring the bars and venues along the Howard Street corridor.
Rowdy, unpretentious South Side country saloon featuring a massive wooden bar dance floor. Weekly roots, bluegrass, and rockabilly live bands. Apple-and-oak smoked pork, beef brisket, rib tips, and smoked wings.
An Andersonville institution with one of the deepest Belgian beer lists in the Midwest and mussels-and-frites that could hold their own in Brussels. The cozy upstairs dining room makes it one of the best date-night bars on the North Side.
In River North, Hopsmith Chicago thrives as a go-to spot for spirited happy hours and eclectic social events. Its energetic atmosphere, fueled by regular speed dating nights, makes it a standout for those seeking connection and conversation.
Beverly's beloved craft brewery pouring creative house beers alongside a surprisingly elevated food menu on the South Side's Western Ave strip. Horse Thief Hollow is a community anchor where beer lovers gather for rotating taps and seasonal releases. Chicago's best neighborhood brewpub, period.
Tucked into River North, House of Blues Chicago is a must for live music fans, featuring national acts across its multiple stages—think loud, electric energy and a lineup that never disappoints. Its sprawling layout and engaging sound make it a standout spot for fans craving a high-octane, multi-act experience.
Interactive, wild dual-piano sing-along bar with massive novelty bucket drinks and extreme crowd engagement. A high-energy River North party destination.
South Side seafood counter serving crab legs, fried perch, catfish, and shrimp baskets. Butter garlic sauce is the move. Late night Friday/Saturday.