Nightlife in Chicago
Where Chicago goes out — handpicked bars, clubs, live music rooms and late-night eats for any kind of night.
Best nightlife in Chicago
12 hand-picked bars, clubs, live music rooms & late-night eats.
Au Cheval
$$Late-night eats · West Loop
Kitchen open until 1am — the burger.
Cindy's
$$$Rooftop · Loop
Chicago Athletic Association rooftop over Millennium Park.
Green Mill
$$Live music · Uptown
Capone-era jazz club, still nightly.
Kumiko
$$$$Cocktail bar · West Loop
Japanese-influenced cocktails, James Beard winner.
London House Rooftop
$$$Rooftop · Loop
Riverwalk rooftop with Wrigley views.
Metro
$$Live music · Wrigleyville
1500-cap rock venue since 1982.
Pequod's
$$Late-night eats · Lincoln Park
Caramelized-crust pan pizza until 2am.
PRYSM
$$$Club · River North
Bottle-service megaclub.
Smartbar
$$Club · Lakeview
Underneath Metro — house & techno since 1982.
Sportsman's Club
$$Cocktail bar · Logan Square
Patio cocktail bar with rotating guest mixers.
The Aviary
$$$$Cocktail bar · West Loop
Grant Achatz's haute-cocktail theatre.
The Violet Hour
$$$Cocktail bar · Wicker Park
Speakeasy classic, behind mural facade.
Live & on stage
Chicago Blues Festival
Millennium Park · Jun 5–7 · Blues / Free
Christkindlmarket
Daley Plaza · Nov 21 – Dec 24 · Holiday
Lollapalooza
Grant Park · Jul 30 – Aug 2 · Festival
Pitchfork Music Festival
Union Park · Jul 18–20 · Indie
Frequently asked
- Standouts include our handpicked locals' list. The list mixes cocktail bars, live-music rooms and dance floors so you can build a full night without leaving the neighbourhood.