Bars, restaurants, clubs, and venues open after 5. Hours, phone numbers, and vibes included.
Rogers Park LGBTQIA+ bar and nightlife destination. Head downstairs to The Hole for DJs, dancing, and late-night energy. Gear-friendly. Bold, welcoming, and unpretentious nightlife.
Authentic Jamaican jerk chicken, oxtail, curry goat, and rum cocktails in Old Town. The jerk chicken is legit — slow-smoked with Scotch bonnet peppers. Late-night weekends.
Ja' Grill brings legit Caribbean flavor to Hyde Park with killer jerk chicken and oxtail that'll transport you straight to Kingston—their rum punches hit different when you're catching the vibe near UChicago. The spot's got that authentic island energy without the pretension, making it the rare neighborhood gem that feels like a proper escape from the city. Pull up on the weekends when the place is packed and you'll understand why locals keep this place on rotation.
3.7 stars, 87 reviews. Dancers were all very polite, attractive and engaging.
JJ Fish and Chicken is a popular spot for late-night cravings, offering a variety of flavorful chicken and fish options. Open daily, it's a go-to destination for quick bites and satisfying meals after dark.
Palos Heights’ best-kept secret: Joe Daniel’s serves hearty pub fare and killer drink deals in a laid-back setting, staying open until 1am on weeknights and 2am weekends. Locals flock here for late-night bites and a relaxed vibe that feels more like a neighborhood hangout than a bar.
Chef Josephine Wade's been running this Chatham institution for three decades, and her gumbo and fried catfish are the real deal—the kind of soul food that keeps South Siders coming back for generations. If you're hunting for authentic, no-frills Southern cooking on the South Side, this is the spot where locals actually eat, not Instagram tourists.
River North's Joy District is a multi-level nightclub capped by an airy rooftop deck draped in lush greenery that goes full tropical oasis in summer. Downstairs, the main floor keeps the late-night dancing going strong.
Juanita's Kitchen is a mexican-soul food hybrid in Englewood, serving Chicago's south side.
Chicago's second-oldest continuously operating tavern, holding it down in the South Loop since 1890. Kasey's is the neighborhood bar that survived Prohibition, two World Wars, and every trend. Come for the great beer selection and stay for the no-nonsense atmosphere.
Perched atop the Hyatt Place in Wicker Park, Kennedy Rooftop delivers panoramic skyline views from a heated outdoor terrace and sleek indoor lounge. The cocktails match the scenery, and the crowd reflects the neighborhood's effortlessly cool energy.
Kings Dining & Entertainment in River North transforms a historic ballpark into Chicago's top bowling destination with 20 lanes, dual bars, and elevated dining. This 27,000-square-foot playground rivals any nightlife venue, offering billiards, 50+ screens, and serious craft cocktails for the discerning crowd.
Massive, loud, and legendary blues club with continuous live bands rocking across two distinct stages. Famous for its late-night kitchen serving up excellent barbecue. A Chicago institution since 1968.
Legendary LGBTQ+ supper club in Boystown/Lakeview known for spectacular drag shows, cocktails named after pop divas, and a fabulous, inclusive crowd. A Chicago institution for over 20 years — whether you come for the show or the dinner, it never disappoints.
Kumiko is a japanese omakase cocktail bar in West Loop, serving Chicago's west side.
Bohemian community arts bar filled with day-of-the-dead decor, colorful string lights, and intimate tables. Light appetizers, local tamales, and churro desserts. Draws local couples and singles for acoustic open mics. 1.0 mile west of the Little Village Arch.
One of the oldest Latino drag bars in the country, La Cueva has been a Little Village LGBTQ+ sanctuary for over 40 years. Two elaborate shows a night with drag queens and kings make this a nightlife institution with serious history and heart.
La Josie is a jalisco-style mexican in West Loop, serving Chicago's west side.
Lanigan's holds down the 111th Street bar strip in Mount Greenwood with genuine Irish warmth and live traditional music sessions the first Sunday of every month—no tourist theatrics, just locals and fiddles. Weekly karaoke nights keep the energy high when the live trad isn't playing, and the pub's community-focused vibe makes it the neighborhood's reliable gathering spot for anyone serious about Irish hospitality done right.
Ukrainian Village's handmade dumpling and hand-pulled noodle spot feels like your coolest friend's kitchen if your friend happened to be a noodle savant. The name means 'old friend' in Mandarin, and the regulars here live up to it.
Owned by brothers Jerry and Jorge Hernandez, Berwyn locals. Twenty taps of mostly local craft beer, curated cocktails with fresh-squeezed juices. A homecoming bar the neighborhood can be proud of.
Upscale speakeasy hidden inside The Hoxton hotel that transitions into a high-energy nightclub with exceptional live bands. One of Fulton Market's top cocktail destinations.
A legendary historic South Side staple. Gritty, high-energy, down-home Chicago blues joint that rocks until early morning. One of the last authentic blues clubs on the South Side.
Le Nocturne carves out its own lane in Chicago nightlife with intimate house music day parties and late-night events. The smaller scale keeps the energy focused and the crowd curated.