Bars, restaurants, clubs, and venues open after 5. Hours, phone numbers, and vibes included.
Chicago's iconic upscale seafood destination since 1984. Raw bar, king crab legs, oysters, and jazz in the Oyster Bar. The main dining room is white-tablecloth; the bar side is lively and fun. Late night oyster happy hour.
Top Chef alum Fabio Viviani's River North Italian spot brings genuine energy to the neighborhood, especially on Friday nights. Siena Tavern delivers on the handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas, with a bar scene that keeps the room buzzing late.
Sifr's open-fire cooking and rooftop perch make it the rare spot where serious Middle Eastern cuisine meets proper Chicago nightlife vibes. The bold, shareable mezze lineup hits different when you're trading bites with a crew under the city lights, and their Michelin Bib Gourmand nod proves this isn't just Instagram bait. It's where you go when you want to eat exceptionally well and actually stay out.
The Sightseer is a two-level open-air party boat docked at Monroe Harbor on the Chicago lakefront. A popular venue for summer boat parties, corporate events, and private cruises — with stunning views of the skyline, an open-air dance deck, and a full bar. The go-to boat for upscale summer nightlife on Lake Michigan.
A cash-only dive bar tucked beneath the Loop El tracks since 1971, named after the gondola from the 1933 World's Fair — the clocks run 10 minutes fast, the beer is the cheapest in the Loop, and decades of Chicago sports history are scorched into the bar wood.
Sound Bar is a River North institution for house music purists — the kind of room where Chicago's electronic roots still pulse through world-class DJ lineups and iconic late-night sets. If you know, you know.
Literally underground in River North, Spy Bar is a 4,500-square-foot basement nightclub where DJs spin electronic, techno, and house music into the early hours. The space walks the line between high-octane dance floor and intimate lounge — dark, loud, and addictive.
top nightclub hosting international DJs and live performances.
New Orleans French Quarter flair with craft cocktails, Creole cooking, and a lively speakeasy/DJ setup in River North. A lively spot for dinner and late-night cocktails.
Streeter's Tavern bills itself as 'The Greatest Bar Below Earth' — an underground tavern tucked beneath the streets of Streeterville that delivers a one-of-a-kind late-night atmosphere. Every Thursday night features a live DJ from 8 PM to 2 AM, with daily specials running Sunday through Thursday and happy hour Monday through Friday from 5 PM to 7 PM. Part of a well-known family of Chicago bars that includes Lodge Tavern, Redhead Piano Bar, and Original Mother's, Streeter's combines neighborhood charm with downtown energy. Private party bookings are available for groups looking to take over this unique underground space.
Su Casa Mexican Restaurant is a traditional mexican in Magnificent Mile, serving Chicago's downtown side.
Locals know Sunnyside in River North isn’t just a dispensary—it’s a sleek, low-key spot where the staff’s product expertise rivals the art galleries nearby. Perfect for a quick, informed browse before dinner or a late-night stroll down Clark.
TAO Chicago occupies a 126-year-old building that once housed the Chicago Historical Society, now a 7,000-square-foot nightclub pulling world-renowned DJs like Robin Schulz and The Chainsmokers. Luminous strobe lights, heavy bass, and a crowd that dresses the part.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Features a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city skyline.
Upscale American tavern in the Loops historic landmark building. Seasonal cocktails, raw bar, and elevated comfort food. Popular for pre-theater dining.
Slip through the Green Door Tavern's hidden bookshelf in River North and you'll find yourself in a legit Prohibition-era speakeasy where the bartenders pull your daily cocktail menu based on a tarot reading. The velvet booths, dim lighting, and carefully crafted cocktails keep the vibe intimate and theatrical until 2 AM—this is the kind of spot where locals go to actually disappear.
River North's legendary escape room dominates with a flawless 5.0 Google rating—15,000+ reviews don't lie. Their engaging 60-minute adventures run late enough to hit after dinner, closing at midnight, making them a solid nightlife option when you want to switch things up from the usual bar crawl.
The Gage is a Michelin Guide Recommended gastropub on Michigan Avenue, housed in historically landmarked buildings from the 1800s in Chicago's Loop. Savor refined, rustic fare and award-winning cocktails in a space celebrated with OpenTable's Top 100 Restaurants in America and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. With happy hour Monday through Thursday from 2 to 5pm and kitchen hours extending to midnight on weekends, The Gage is a perfect destination for after-work drinks, date nights, and pre-theater dining.