146 bars, restaurants, clubs, and venues open after 5. Hours, phone numbers, and vibes included.
# 10pin Bowling Lounge River North's slickest bowling spot pulls off the impossible—craft cocktails and proper lane-side dining without the kitsch. The vibe skews upscale with a swanky bar anchoring the room, ping pong tables for when you need a break, and late-night hours (2 AM weekends) that make it a legit nightlife destination, not just a novelty.
Soo Ahn's Adalina commands the Gold Coast with uncompromising Italian elegance—think crystal chandeliers, A5 wagyu, and caviar service that justifies every penny. Skip dessert and head downstairs to the clandestine cocktail bar, where the real night begins for those in the know.
Alice's Lounge in Chicago is a sleek, intimate venue renowned for its sophisticated ambiance, curated cocktail menus, and a clientele that includes celebrities and industry elites. Its immersive experiences, from live jazz performances to exclusive private events, make it a must-visit for those seeking Chicago's most refined nightlife.
Alto redefines the Italian steakhouse experience from the 17th floor of Wind Creek Chicago Southland, offering sweeping views alongside expertly grilled prime cuts aged a minimum of 28 days. The raw bar features oysters, jumbo shrimp cocktail, and tuna tartare, while the craft cocktail program delivers inventive creations in a sleek, elevated setting. Reservations are required for this exclusive dining destination, open Sunday through Thursday 5PM-10PM and Friday-Saturday until 11PM.
Classy and energetic River North jazz club with top-notch drinks paired with blistering, fast-paced traditional and modern Chicago jazz performances. A full dinner menu complements nightly shows.
Bucktown's wildcard cocktail lounge pairs craft-forward drinks with 11 axe-throwing lanes and 4 rage rooms inside a moody, industrial-chic space. Once you've worked out the aggression, settle into the DJ-fueled nightlife side with dim lighting and layered textures that make this spot unlike anything else on the strip.
# Arbella Arbella in River North is your after-hours playground—globally inspired cocktails and small plates that keep the kitchen humming until 3am on Saturdays, because sometimes dinner isn't the main event. The moody, sophisticated space shifts effortlessly from early evening dining into full-throttle nightlife mode, drawing serious drinkers and late-night food enthusiasts who know the difference between a cocktail bar and a *cocktail bar*.
Ascend Cannabis - Logan Square blends a curated cannabis dispensary with a vibrant nightlife hub, offering a unique fusion of elevated wellness and social experiences in Chicago's artsy Logan Square neighborhood. Guests can enjoy live music, craft cocktails, and a thoughtfully selected menu of cannabis-infused products in a stylish, community-focused atmosphere.
# Avondale Bowl Avondale's best-kept secret pulls off the rare trick of being genuinely fun without trying too hard—eight vintage lanes, hand-scorecards, and a craft cocktail program that takes frozen White Russians seriously. The local beer list and retro aesthetic make it the kind of place where you'll actually want to linger after the pins stop falling. This is where Chicagoans go when they're over the typical night out.
Azul Rooftop in Chicago offers an exclusive, elevated experience with panoramic views of the city skyline, complemented by a sophisticated ambiance and curated cocktail menus. This premier venue is a hotspot for Chicago’s elite, blending chic design, live entertainment, and a vibrant atmosphere that defines the city’s premium nightlife scene.
Bandit is a sleek Chicago cocktail bar hosting happy hours, networking events, and social gatherings.
Loft-party vibes meet craft cocktails at this Chicago Avenue lounge on the Ukrainian Village strip. Comfy couches, creative drinks, and a sexy atmosphere that fills up fast once the sun goes down.
A cash-only Beverly institution that's been pouring pints for the South Side's Irish community for generations. Barney Callaghan's is the real deal — no pretension, no craft cocktail menu, just honest drinks and the kind of neighborhood warmth that chain bars can't replicate. Bring cash.
This Roman-inspired wine bar on Andersonville's Clark Street strip pairs house-made pasta and wood-fired dishes with Italian-focused craft cocktails. The daily happy hour pulls in the neighborhood crowd, and the candlelit dining room is a proper date-night spot.
Upscale Italian dining at Old Orchard in Skokie. Part of the DineAmic hospitality group. Handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and craft cocktails.
River North's most seductive steakhouse wraps bone-in ribeyes, live jazz, and dim speakeasy glamour into one of the hardest reservations in the city. The old-school cocktails hit as hard as the bill, and every detail — from the red leather booths to the tableside presentation — says this is a proper grown-up night out.
Upscale cocktail lounge tucked inside the Waldorf Astoria on Walton Street. Bernard's channels old-money sophistication with plush seating, expert bartenders, and a clubby atmosphere that makes you feel like you should be wearing a blazer. Late-night weekends bring a livelier energy without losing the polish.
An indoor mini golf bar in Lakeview with arcade games, craft cocktails, and a playful atmosphere. Artist-designed holes and a laid-back vibe make it perfect for date night.
Billy Sunday is a vintage amaro cocktail bar in Logan Square, serving Chicago's north side.
Blind Barber is a barbershop speakeasy in West Loop, serving Chicago's west side.
# Booze Box Slip through the neon-lit back alley behind Sushi Dokku to find this under-the-radar Japanese speakeasy pouring meticulously crafted cocktails that'll make you rethink what you thought you knew about spirit work. The vibe is pure Tokyo cool—smooth beats, selective DJs on weekends, and a crowd that actually appreciates a well-made drink without the posturing. It's the kind of spot locals keep to themselves, tucked away where the real night happens.
Behind a hidden grass door on Division Street in Wicker Park lies Bordel, a Parisian-inspired speakeasy lit entirely by candlelight. Nightly jazz, burlesque, and live entertainment share the room with savory small plates — it's moody, romantic, and very hard to leave.
Vintage speakeasy in the South Loop that pairs Prohibition-era cocktails with karaoke nights, creating the rare combination of craft drinks and unhinged fun. Brando's nails the speakeasy aesthetic without taking itself too seriously.
High-energy neighborhood party bar in Fulton Market with killer craft cocktails and live music sets. A fun, unpretentious spot for a night out in the West Loop.