Bars, restaurants, clubs, and venues open after 5. Hours, phone numbers, and vibes included.
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.
Located steps from Union Station in the West Loop, Taco Lulú is a charming neighborhood taqueria named after the owner's beloved dog. All traditional Mexican dishes are made from scratch daily — tacos and burritos packed with fresh ingredients pair perfectly with house-made margaritas or ice-cold cervezas. Bright, welcoming atmosphere ideal for a quick bite or casual after-work meal.
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.
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 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.
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.
A historic tavern with a cozy atmosphere and classic cocktails.
Gold Coast's Hangge-Uppe is a bi-level party bar where each floor spins a different genre — current hits upstairs, 80s rock downstairs, and a casual energy throughout. It's the kind of place where you end up staying three hours longer than planned.
A quirky bar known for its live music and community events.
Beneath River North, The Listening Room is an intimate basement nightclub where the DJ takes center stage under minimal lighting. Home of the House Calls event series, it's built for people who come to dance, not to be seen.
Historic Gold Coast dive bar with peanut shell floors and a 4AM license that has kept Division Street alive for decades. The Lodge is the real deal -- no pretense, cheap drinks, and open later than almost anywhere else in the neighborhood.
located inside the legendary Palmer House Hilton in the heart of the Loop, The Magic Parlour has captivated audiences since 2009 with the singular talents of magician Dennis Watkins. The intimate parlour seats just 75 guests for an up-close, mind-bending evening of sleight-of-hand, mentalism, and wonder. Performances include a complimentary beverage, and VIP guests can experience the exclusive Encore Room for a post-show private performance. An extraordinary date night or special occasion destination.
The Playpen is Chicago's legendary lakefront marina and gathering spot on Lake Michigan, just north of Navy Pier. Every summer it becomes the backdrop for the Chicago Scene Boat Party and other large-scale water events, where dozens of boats raft together for floating celebrations. The adjacent Ohio Street Beach makes it a top warm-weather destination.
Offers breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline from the 96th floor.
The Studebaker Theater, a historic Art Deco gem in Chicago’s The Loop, offers a unique blend of architectural elegance and lively nightlife with its eclectic lineup of concerts, comedy, and theatrical performances. Its intimate setting and iconic marquee make it a worth visiting destination for culture seekers and entertainment enthusiasts alike.
Offers an extensive whiskey selection and a relaxed vibe.