FOUNDING HOST APPLICATIONS OPEN — Earn up to 80% revenue share
The Windy City's legendary nightlife has something for everyone.
James Beard Award-winning artisanal cocktails.
Sophisticated speakeasy with an unmarked entrance.
Exotic, rum-based cocktails and group drinks.
Hidden tiki paradise in a back alley.
Live jazz every night and a cash-only bar.
Historic jazz club with a Prohibition-era feel.
Free freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies at midnight.
Cozy, gin-focused bar with a fireplace.
World-renowned for its theatrical and inventive cocktails.
Innovative cocktail lounge where drinks are a work of art.
Award-winning tiki cocktails and a fun, kitschy atmosphere.
Tropical tiki bar with a vintage, island vibe.
A curated evening itinerary from early drinks to late-night dancing.
Start with cocktails or craft beers at a neighborhood bar. Keep it relaxed — the night is young.
The Violet Hour
Wicker Park · $$$
Hit the main strip. Rooftop bars, live music, or a lively pub crawl through the best neighborhoods.
Cerise Rooftop
The Loop · $$$
The clubs open up. Dance floors fill, DJs take over, and the real nightlife begins.
The Green Mill
Uptown · $$
The epicenter of Chicago's nightlife, River North is where you'll find the city's most upscale clubs, chic lounges, and trendy restaurants. It's the place to see and be seen.
Known for its hip, artsy vibe, Wicker Park is a go-to for live music, dive bars, and unique cocktail lounges. The neighborhood has a laid-back, effortlessly cool energy.
Logan Square is a haven for cocktail connoisseurs and foodies. The neighborhood is packed with innovative bars, acclaimed restaurants, and cozy, vintage-inspired spots.
Once an industrial area, the West Loop is now one of Chicago's trendiest neighborhoods, boasting a world-class dining scene and a growing number of chic bars and lounges.
| District | Best For | Crowd | Walk Score | Top Venues |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| River North | Upscale clubbing and fancy cocktails. | Young professionals | 95 | Three Dots and a DashTao Chicago |
| Wicker Park | Indie music | Artists | 92 | The Violet HourEmporium Arcade Bar |
| Logan Square | Craft cocktails | Hip locals | 88 | ScofflawLost Lake |
| West Loop | Fine dining followed by upscale cocktails. | Foodies | 91 | The AviaryPunch Bowl Social |
It depends on what you're looking for! River North is great for upscale clubs, Wicker Park has a more indie vibe, and Logan Square is perfect for craft cocktails.
Most bars in Chicago close at 2am on weekdays and 3am on Saturdays. Some venues have a late-night license and stay open until 4am or 5am.
Some clubs and music venues have a cover charge, especially on weekends. It's always a good idea to check the venue's website or call ahead to confirm.