Chicago Nightlife: 26 Best Local Bars & Nightclubs in Chicago

Green Mill Theater

Bars 14 2

By Marco

Chicago Equals Music

Green Mill Theater

14

It is the most popular place for music in Chicago. Chicago artists themselves come to this joint to appreciate true talent. It is known all over the world however it still manages to give you the feel of an intimate bar and well kept secret by locals. Read more ›

by Marco

Headquarters Beercade

Pubs 10 3

By Wesley

Bar meets arcade

Headquarters Beercade

10

Even though a few places like this are springing up across the country, it's still a pretty novel idea, and one of the biggest venues of its kind. You'll get to enjoy all those throwback arcade games without having to pay for them. Whether it's Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, Pac-Man, Time Crisis, or Pinball, plenty of classics are covered. Game on! Read more ›

by Wesley

Three Dots and a Dash

Nightlife 6 2

By Marco

Tiki Anyone?

Three Dots and a Dash

6

The lines are long, the drinks are chilled and there's a theme of Pirates everywhere. This bar is definitely still a hot spot to date. The setting is intimate and it is one of the few places that's filled with both tourists and the all knowing local crowd. There are several repeat customers which means this place definitely has an addictive element Read more ›

by Marco

Hopleaf Bar

Pubs 11 4

By Allison

Meals you dream about

Hopleaf Bar

11

This is one of the most local feeling bars in Chicago. You can defiantly pick out the regulars by the way they interact with the waiters and bartenders. It defiantly has a community feel. Plan to see other parts of Andersonville during your visit since Chicago is a large city and distances can seem shorter than they are in reality. Read more ›

by Allison

The Second City

Things To Do 10 2

By Wesley

Birthplace of improv comedy

The Second City

10

You're guaranteed to have an evening of laughter. You can get drinks, order food, and enjoy a hilarious stand up show or an improv comedy show. Locals enjoy coming here for a nice sophisticated and fun Friday evening, or when big acts come into town to perform. Read more ›

by Wesley

The Signature Lounge

Things To Do 8 3

By Allison

Hancock's View Wins Over Willis's

The Signature Lounge

8

The view from Hancock's tower is dynamic since it is located close to the lake and along Magnificent Mile. The view is what makes this Lounge. If you go I would plan on having lunch/dinner somewhere else. For locals its a space for celebrations and anniversaries. Read more ›

by Allison

Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

Nightlife 9 2

By Shana

Where You Will Find Me For Drinks

Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

9

To validate your class, yes I said that! To play pool, "Go Thorsten Hohmann (google him), shuffle board, chess, or bocce bay all while having the option of ordering food and drink. They have a rooftop area with a gorgeous view of the city and lake. Read more ›

by Shana

Pequod's Pizza

Pubs 14 2

By Wesley

Local Chicago deep dish pizza

Pequod's Pizza

14

Their deep dish pizza is baked in a pan lined with cheese, which leaves a delicious carmelized crust along the edges of the crust. You'll avoid the huge crowds at places like Gino's East, Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, and Pizzeria Uno (all great, but very touristy). It spans two floors, and the seating area runs deep into the building. Read more ›

by Wesley

The Publican

Bars 8 1

By Allison

A special meal at any time of day

The Publican

8

This restaurant is known as a favorite among locals. It's so popular you need to make sure you make a reservation if you want to go on the weekend. They are known for their poultry and hip interior design. When you enter the space you know you are somewhere special. Read more ›

by Allison

City Winery Chicago Riverwalk

Things To Do 12 3

By Allison

Lively, scenic, city hangout

City Winery Chicago Riverwalk

12

You should go for the great view of the river and great wine. The Riverwalk has been newly renovated so it still has the "new and shinny" feel. You can come here for a meal or just for drinks. I would recommend going early-ish to be the crowd since the place has become very popular Read more ›

by Allison

Empty Bottle

Nightclubs 2 0

By Allison

A local's favorite music/dance venue

Empty Bottle

2

When I go to the Empty Bottle I go as a wing-woman for my single friends and we dance the night away as we check out the handsome men. It's a great place to grab a beer with someone new. This venue has a very local vibe so come here if you want to dance with a local. Read more ›

by Allison

Winter's Jazz Club

Bars 3 0

By Shana

Jazz: Intimate, Ambient, Exclusive

Winter's Jazz Club

3

I love finding new places in cities like Chicago. It's like I've stumbled upon a hidden gem just before it becomes public knowledge. Chicago is famous for it's jazz and R&B. Bars like the Green Mill, Blues Chicago, And Legends... But pull this out of your pocket when your friends discuss Jazz Scenes and they will be pleasantly surprised and baffled Read more ›

by Shana

Monk's Pub

Pubs 3 1

By Marco

Where All "Chicagoans" Go After Work

Monk's Pub

3

They have filling food. Cold Beer. And its the best bar closest to the Thompson Center where most train lines are. It is packed after work hours everyday but it doesn't give you that annoying "too many people feel." Instead It is bustling with the happy energy of loop professionals and the bar gives free peanuts that you can toss on the floor. Read more ›

by Marco

Town Hall Pub

Bars 2 2

By Allison

Drinking in your friend's basement

Town Hall Pub

2

This place is prefect for a beer at a good price and seeing a live comedy skit or music. When you walk in the door you walk past windows full of desserts and jello shots. I recommend trying the pudding shot! Town Hall Pub is not your normal bar in Boystown. Read more ›

by Allison

The Northman

Pubs 1 0

K

By Kelsey

Cozy Ciders for Days!

The Northman

1

The Northman is a cider-focused bar with ciders from all over the world – they even have a special Spanish cider tap that pours from high up on the wall! Their food menu is small but impressive, with meals that match their international ciders. The dark-wood bar is cozy and classy, perfect for slowly sipping cider with your favorite people. Read more ›

K

by Kelsey

Celeste

Pubs 1 0

By Shana

The Getaway

Celeste

1

All with the underlying ambience of smooth, chill..legit, as my opera teacher likes to call it, 1st: The Bar, an intro into the classic American drinking establishment 2nd: Deco Room, impressively patterned after a 1920's supper club 3rd: A Live Music Bar with singers like Sarah Young 4th: The Garden, An urban rooftop with Victorian styled seating Read more ›

by Shana

Phyllis' Musical Inn

Bars 1 0

By Justin

Great Live Music/Down 2 Earth Atmosphere

Phyllis' Musical Inn

1

Atmosphere is unassuming and down to earth, drinks are cheap, and this place is nestled in a quaint residential neighborhood. Tons of other spots within walking distance. Read more ›

by Justin

Lottie's Pub

Pubs 5 1

By Shana

TV's Chicago Fire Bar

Lottie's Pub

5

Lottie was a transvestite. This info is 2nd-hand from a tour, Drinks W Locals & Travelers by Marco of LikeALocalGuide. Lottie held underground/bar activities & eventually got busted for. The bar closed down in 66' and Lottie was long gone. They reopened in 2000's and say her ghost looms the scene happy that customers still have a good time. Read more ›

by Shana

London House on 22nd

Things To Do 2 0

By Shana

Breathtaking

London House on 22nd

2

LH is a historical building, positioned strategically so you fall in love with the river&architecture. You're Surrounded by a panoramic "quiet" & behind the scenes is the charming Chef Riley Huddleston & his team athletically creating your culinary encounter with hand picks from all over the world, to assure you that times stops and you just live. Read more ›

by Shana

The Violet Hour

Bars 3 0

By Dee Dee

Speakeasy in Vibrant Wicker Park

The Violet Hour

3

You'll have the address in mind, but it may take a minute to spot the door, as there is no sign and the entire front of the Violet Hour is covered in graffiti. Look for a single light bulb and folks searching in earnest for the entry way. Once inside, you'll find a candle lit bar, deep chairs to sink into, and an amazing line up of drinks. Read more ›

by Dee Dee

Danny's Tavern

Nightclubs 0 0

By Allison

Dimly lit "house party" dance floor

Danny's Tavern

0

Danny's is commonly described as a house party feel with a DJ, cheap drinks, and a dance floor. This brings to light the personable feel it has with its customers. You will find the fraternity party people to hipster world travelers in this "house party". Read more ›

by Allison

Skylark

Pubs 1 1

By Allison

Dark, good food, photo booth dive bar

Skylark

1

This bar is for true hipsters. It's location is in an area where there isn't much else so it is a magnet for fun. You can't beat the Skylark's prices. There is a good craft beer selection and the tater tots are super popular. Read more ›

by Allison

Best Intentions

Nightlife 0 0

By Jasper

Atmosphere and cocktails!

Best Intentions

0

Authentic and genuine atmosphere Read more ›

by Jasper

Slippery Slope

Nightclubs 1 0

By Allison

hipster hangout- hot dance floor

Slippery Slope

1

The music is great and it's popular so the dance floor fills up real fast! Single ladies are magnets for dudes on the dance floor. You just need to make sure you have a buddy to help you say no when you're not into it. Read more ›

by Allison

Drumbar

Bars 1 0

By Allison

Great cocktails with a view

Drumbar

1

This bar is defiantly popular. It fills up quickly on the weekends. There is a DJ on the weekends which is pretty cool when it is such a small space they still value live turntable action. If you want to see the part of the nicely dressed Chicago population come here. Read more ›

by Allison

Masada

Nightlife 1 0

By Allison

Middle Eastern cocktail hour

Masada

1

You should visit for the entertainment! Last time I made it to Masada a the music changed and a belly dancer with a candelabra with lit candles on her head. You should go to see a different style...a modern middle eastern style Read more ›

by Allison

Nightlife in Chicago

Browse popular tours and discover 26 tips recommended by our locals

Chicago’s Best Bars

Headquarters Beercade

Lottie's Pub

City Winery Chicago Riverwalk

Green Mill Theater

Hopleaf Bar

The Publican

Pequod's Pizza

Best Nightlife in Chicago

Slippery Slope

Danny's Tavern

Empty Bottle

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Pequod's Pizza

City Winery Chicago Riverwalk

Hopleaf Bar

Pequod's Pizza

Green Mill Theater

City Winery Chicago Riverwalk

Christkindlmarket

Chicago French Market

Water Tower Place

Nightlife in Chicago

Browse popular tours and discover 26 tips recommended by our locals

Headquarters Beercade

Lottie's Pub

City Winery Chicago Riverwalk

Green Mill Theater

Hopleaf Bar

The Publican

Pequod's Pizza

Slippery Slope

Danny's Tavern

Empty Bottle

Green Mill Theater

Headquarters Beercade

Three Dots and a Dash

Hopleaf Bar

The Second City

The Signature Lounge

UnHighlights Tour of the Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

Pequod's Pizza

The Publican

City Winery Chicago Riverwalk

Become an influencer!

Empty Bottle

Winter's Jazz Club

Monk's Pub

Chicago Loop Interior Architecture Walking Tour

Town Hall Pub

The Northman

Celeste

Phyllis' Musical Inn

Lottie's Pub

London House on 22nd

The Violet Hour

Walking Tour of Chicago’s Historical Bars

Danny's Tavern

Skylark

Best Intentions

Slippery Slope

Drumbar

Masada

Things to do in popular destinations

Amsterdam

Barcelona

Berlin

Brussels

Budapest

Copenhagen

Istanbul

London

Los Angeles

Madrid

Milan

Moscow

Munich

New York

Paris

Prague

Rio de Janeiro

Rome

Vienna

Warsaw

About

Community