Bars, restaurants, clubs, and venues open after 5. Hours, phone numbers, and vibes included.
Grant Achatzs boundary-pushing cocktail lounge. Molecular mixology meets theatrical presentation. A once-in-a-lifetime cocktail experience.
Low-lit, high-tempo neighborhood dive bar featuring retro arcade cabinets and a lively local bar crowd. St. Louis rib tips, hot wings, pulled beef sandwiches, and pitcher lagers.
Offers a rotating menu of craft cocktails in a vintage setting.
Hidden below the Hampton Social in River North, you enter through a secret door and black curtain into a 1960s British-inspired lounge dripping with gold accents, brick walls, and velvet couches. The stage hosts everything from country to soul — it's swanky, loud, and impossible to find unless you know.
Features a vast selection of craft beers and a casual atmosphere.
Locals know the Berkshire Room inside the ACME Hotel in River North (west) is where bartenders turn your taste buds into a cocktail menu—no two Dealer’s Choice drinks are alike. Open ’til 2am weekends, it’s the spot to sip precision-poured experiments in a lounge that feels like a secret.
Logan Square bar and lounge with a neighborhood feel and late-night energy. A favorite among locals for craft cocktails, good music, and an easy-going vibe that keeps people coming back week after week.
Popular seafood boil chain with the signature Whole Sha-Bang sauce. Crab, crawfish, shrimp, and lobster in bags. Messy, loud, and always packed. BYOB-friendly.
The Boss Bar has been a staple in Chicago's River North neighborhood since 1987, offering a classic atmosphere with cold drinks, great food, and unforgettable nights. It's a go-to spot for adults looking to enjoy a relaxed yet lively nightlife experience.
Seeking a spot where Pilsen’s laid-back energy meets impeccable craft beer? The Bungalow delivers a relaxed vibe and a stellar selection, perfect for unwinding with locals who know the neighborhood inside out. No pretense, just great pours and easy conversation.
Humboldt Park’s original speakeasy, The California Clipper has been pouring vintage cocktails and hosting live jazz since ’37—its mahogany booths and 3am Saturday curfew make it a time capsule for locals who know where to look. Seasonal drinks and a tavern soul that’s survived decades of Chicago nights keep the crowd loyal.
The Charleston’s weathered charm and ornate tin ceiling make it a Bucktown staple, where craft beers flow late into the night. Open until 2am weeknights and 3am Saturdays, it’s a no-frills hangout for locals who know the west side’s best-kept secrets.
Boystown's legendary meat-free institution has been serving killer vegan Reubens and milkshakes that actually convert carnivores since 1983. This is where Chicago vegans and curious omnivores meet for proper diner comfort food—no pretension, just nostalgic classics done right. Late-night fuel that's been fueling the neighborhood for four decades.
Upscale dining in a stunning, meticulously restored 1905 firehouse on Michigan Avenue. The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant serves classic American fare with style in one of the South Loop's most architecturally impressive spaces. The original fire poles are still there -- the lobster bisque is legendary.
Combines magic shows with a bar experience in a vintage setting.
A classic dive bar known for its laid-back vibe and cheap drinks.
Chicago's oldest LGBTQ+ bar catering to women, The Closet has been a Lakeview staple for over 50 years. A neighborhood dive with a loyal sapphic following — karaoke nights, video bowling, darts, and a no-frills vibe that keeps people coming back. Open until 4am nightly, it's a beloved late-night anchor of Boystown.
The Comedy Bar in Chicago is an iconic venue renowned for its electrifying stand-up comedy nights, featuring both established and emerging talent in an intimate, upscale setting. Its lively ambiance and elite crowd make it a worth visiting destination for those seeking the pinnacle of Chicago’s comedy scene.
Features a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city skyline.
The Copper Top offers a unique blend of great food and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a great spot for late-night dining and celebrations. Their menu features a variety of options, and they specialize in creating bespoke experiences for events.
4.8 stars, 297 reviews. local favorite with the best corned beef in the burbs.
Dive deep into Hyde Park's most unpretentious watering hole, where University of Chicago students and grizzled regulars stake claims on worn bar stools and nursing cheap whiskeys that actually taste good. Pool games, zero pretense, and the kind of neighborhood authenticity that money can't buy—just don't expect craft cocktails or Instagram moments here.