Bars, restaurants, clubs, and venues open after 5. Hours, phone numbers, and vibes included.
Taqueria Varitas is a authentic street tacos in Bronzeville, serving Chicago's south side.
4.5 stars, 687 reviews. Very fresh, wood grilled, excellent service. South Side Mexican spot.
An Evergreen Park tavern on 95th that feels like a South Side neighborhood bar crossed with a proper grill. Tavern in the Green brings big portions, solid comfort food, and the kind of service that makes you want to stay for another round. It's the suburb spot that doesn't feel suburban — just good food, good drinks, and regulars who treat it like a second living room.
Flavor is really good, portion size was good. There's more ribs underneath. South Side BBQ.
Downtown Tinley Park's Irish pub runs until 2 AM on weeknights and 3 AM on weekends, making Teehan's one of the latest-running bars in the south suburbs. Wings, craft beers, and a genuine neighborhood vibe keep the regulars coming back.
An Italian-American deli in West Town that makes sandwiches so good they've earned a cult following. Tempesta Market sources real-deal Italian meats and cheeses, but don't sleep on their corned beef — people say it's levels above what you'd expect from a place this small. The kind of market where everything in the case looks incredible and the sandwich you leave with is even better.
Rowdy cantina with loud crowds, whistle-blowing shot routines, and heavy tequila pouring. Ribeye Tacos, Sizzling Fajitas, Hand-made Flour Tortillas, Fresh Seafood.
An upscale rooftop restaurant and bar on the 16th floor of Trump Tower overlooking the Chicago River and Lake Michigan — new American cuisine, craft cocktails, and sweeping skyline views make it one of the city's top date-night destinations.
Test Venue in Chicago’s Loop is a sleek, intimate bar renowned for its curated cocktail program and engaging, speakeasy-style ambiance. Its exclusive access to rare spirits and bespoke mixology experiences make it a worth visiting for discerning nightlife enthusiasts.
Built in 1892 as a Romanesque Revival public hall, Thalia Hall is now the heart of Pilsen's live music scene with touring bands across every genre filling a room with character, soul, and excellent acoustics. One of the best mid-size venues in Chicago.
This casual, welcoming gem features tandoori-cooked meats, rich curries, and extensive vegetarian items. Butter chicken and freshly made garlic butter naan receive endless praise from the local community. The friendly owner greets guests warmly, creating a beautifully positive dining environment — top it off with a perfectly blended mango lassi.
The 606 is a 2.7-mile elevated trail running from Wicker Park to Humboldt Park — free to walk, run, or bike with neighborhood views the whole way. It's the High Line energy Chicago needed, connecting some of the city's best bar-hopping strips.
A fancier 16-seat bar within a bar at Pilsen Yards. Ideal for dates. The drink list leans into Chicago politics.
Wicker Park's Alley Cat is a Jazz Age and Art Deco bar from the Paulie Gee's team, serving $12 cocktails, spirit-free and THC/CBD drinks, and bar food like gluten-free fish sticks and pork skewers. The $7 Miller High Life and shot combo is the move.
Tucked inside Thunder Bowl in Mokena, The Alley Grill & Tap House serves up smoky BBQ ribs and crispy fried chicken alongside craft beer on tap—perfect for late-night games of pool or darts until 12:30am. Locals swear by the laid-back vibe and the ever-present buzz of sports on every screen.
Michelin-starred chef Jenner Tomaska's luxurious third-floor steakhouse blends Midwestern prime beef with 1920s French Nouvelle elegance. The Alston operates with a private members club sensibility that makes every dinner feel like an invitation-only affair.
Historic supper club with a retro Jazz-Age romantic vibe in the Gold Coast. The Ambassador Room brings back the golden era of Chicago nightlife with live entertainment, vintage cocktails, and an atmosphere that transports you to the 1920s. Dress up -- this place earns it.
No-frills seafood boil spot in Andersonville. Crab legs, shrimp, crawfish, lobster tail — pick your combo, sauce, and spice level. Plastic bibs, butcher paper, and cold beer.
Theater Wit in Lakeview delivers an intimate, unique experience with bold, boundary-pushing productions that resonate deeply with discerning audiences. Its sleek, modern venue and curated performances make it a top for Chicago’s most sophisticated theater enthusiasts.
Traditional Irish pub in Lincoln Square hosting cabaret, poetry, and comedy variety shows. Burgers, comfort food, and draft beers. Diverse, outrageous, inclusive.
The Auditorium Theatre is a National Historic Landmark in the Loop, hosting Broadway, dance, concerts, and special events in a stunning Adler & Sullivan-designed space.