Chicago Nightlife

Nightlife in Chicago

There are so many bars, eateries and clubs in Chicago you will have trouble deciding which ones to see. Why not take in a bunch in on one night. Remember to call your taxi if you have a few drinks to many and enjoy one of the nation’s finest nightlife areas.

If you want to kick back and relax you’ll want to have a drink under the stars at the Solstice Bar. The outdoor bar is so relaxing. If dancing is your thing then Hi-tops on the weekends is a prime location or try Club Eden to utilize your finest steps and dance the night away. Perhaps you just want to chill out and enjoy a good priced happy hour then the Irish Oak is the place for you. Do you want to have a rip roaring good old time? Then you have to go to Johnny O’Hagans where they celebrate St. Patrick’s Day all year round. Fun, good food and great people lead to enjoyment for all

Listed below are just a few of the places you’ll definitely want to visit during your stay in Chicago. There are plenty more with over 6,000 restaurants you can’t help but enjoy the Chicago Nightlife!

B.L.U.E.S in Lincoln Park

Want more blues then hit up B.L.U.E.S in Lincoln Park for a lively blues experience in a tiny joint. This place gets crowded so be sure to show up early to secure a table, this only adds to its charm. If you’re traveling to Chicago from out of town and want an unforgettable blues experience then B.L.U.E.S is the place to go.

2519 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Rory Lake’s Karaoke

Love Karaoke? Then Rory Lake’s Karaoke is sure to offer a one of a kind experience. This karaoke bar has a great music list, bingo, pool tables, and cards to cater to whatever you feel like doing. All types of people are drawn to this entertaining place which makes for a fun and eclectic crowd. You can also support the American Legion by buying drinks at the bar.

Smart Bar on N. Clark Avenue

Smart Bar on N. Clark Avenue is one of the best dance clubs in Chicago and features DJs from all around the world. Come here is you love techno, electronic and house music and want to experience its one of a kind Funktion Sound System. This place is great if you want to dance all night long with a friendly crowd. The best thing about this club is even if it features great international music, it’s totally unpretentious and there’s no dress code.

Metro / Smart Bar, 3730 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613

Second City located on N. Wells Street

Chicago has some great comedy clubs, but the best one is undoubtedly Second City located on N. Wells Street. This place has great food and drinks and hilarious shows and improv that will have you laughing until your face hurts.

Neo Nightclub in Lincoln Park

If you’re looking to try something unusual but fun while you’re in Chicago then head over to Neo Nightclub located in Lincoln Park. This place draws in a mixed crowd but mostly from the Goth and Punk communities. Every night of the week has a different theme, and Thursday nights with new wave and 80s music are particularly popular.

Dance Dance Party Party

If you’re a female and want to experience what a girls-only dance party feels like, then try out Chicago’s chapter of Dance Dance Party Party. This joint’s motto is “No boys, no booze and no judgment,” and is the latest in the nationwide girls-only dance phenomenon spreading across the country and developing a cult following. Women of all ages can come here on Wednesdays between 7-8 pm and Sundays 4-5 pm and get the workout of their lives. They can let loose without being afraid of getting hit on and without smelling like cigarettes and alcohol the next day.

Lincoln Karaoke

Are you traveling as a group and want to try out something special while in Chicago? Then head to Lincoln Karaoke, and get as close as you will ever get to Korean karaoke outside of Korea. The venue which has lighted up tambourines, great food, a full bar and amazing décor, is equipped for groups of +10 which each get their own private room to sing karaoke in.

Underground Wonder Bar on N. Dearborn Street

If you’re looking for a fun live band musical experience that is purely Chicago with ongoing drink specials, then head over to Underground Wonder Bar on N. Dearborn Street. This place features live music seven days a week from 10:30 am to 2:30 am, with bands playing different types of music including reggae and jazz.

710 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Lee’s Unleaded Blues on the South Side

Chicago is known for its blues scene, but many locals are complaining that it isn’t what it used to be. If you want to catch a glimpse of Chicago blues are all about, then visit Lee’s Unleaded Blues on the South Side. This local bar favorite has been around since the 1970s and is still every bit as authentic as when it first opened. Cover is only $5 and the drinks are reasonably priced.

7401 S South Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60619

Velvet Lounge

If you’re looking to drink in some of the city’s jazz, then check out Velvet Lounge. This venue located on E. Cermak Street features great jazz music from national and local artists, a cozy interior, and strong perfectly mixed drinks. The jazz show usually lasts for about three hours. The cover is a bit hefty at $15 but the quality of music is definitely worth it.

67 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616

Cesar’s

For the Margarita lover and the Mexican atmosphere Cesar’s is the place to go. There is a restaurant and a bar for a comfortable, reasonably priced night out.

3166 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
Cross Street: Belmont Avenue
Phone: (773) 248-2835

Lakeview Links Bar & Grill

This place has everything from billiards to live music. Lakeview Links Bar & Grill is a great night out on the town and moderately priced. Also if you’re a sports fan this is the place to cheer on your team.

3206 N Wilton Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Cross Street: Clark St & Belmont Ave
Phone: (773) 975-0505
Fax: (773) 975-7078

Johnny O’Hagan’s

Imagine St. Patrick’s Day all year round. That’s what it’s like at Johnny O’Hagans. Fun and rowdy and a darn good old time with live Irish music every Thursday through Sunday. You’ll have a fantastic time.

3374 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
Cross Street: W Roscoe Street
Phone: (773) 248-3600

Blue Iguana

The Blue Iguana has live classic Rock shows on the weekend, tons of TV’s for watching your favorite sports teams and it’s known for it’s young, hip crowd and barbecued foods.

2909 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: 7739357500

Club Eden

At Club Eden’s bar you will hear all types of interesting music. The range is from Latin to Techno & Industrial to World Music and Disco and more. So if dancing is your thing this is the place to be.

3407 N. Clark, Chicago, Il 60657
Phone: (773) 327-4646

Solstice

The Solstice specializes in an outdoor bar environment so if you love to drink under the stars this is where you must visit. Room for over 100 guests and it boasts of weekly drink specials. Pull up a chair, kick back and just relax.

2666 N Halsted, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (773) 296-0304

Goose Island Wrigleyville

Goose Island Wrigleyville is a Cub’s fans true heaven. Tons of TV’s to watch the games and lots of good food and beer.

3535 N Clark, Chicago, IL 60657
Cross Street: Eddy Street
Phone: (773) 832-9040

Peg Leg Sullivan’s

It is whispered that Peg Leg Sullivan, living near O’Leary, actually ignited the Great Chicago Fire. Well, that’s the whisper anyway check it out it’s a great comfortable bar with delicious appetizers.

2721 N Halsted, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (773) 529-1700
Price: No cover
773-529-1700

The Irish Oak

The Irish Oak is known for its great happy hours and as a social meeting place. It has great food too and live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

3511 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657-1611
Cross Street: Cornelia Avenue
Phone: (773) 935-6669
Fax: (773) 935-6656
Price: No cover

Hi-Tops

Food, drink, pool tables and music. A young crowd hits this Hi-Tops spot for fun, drinking and dancing. It’s your best choice for the Rock and Pop and Disco dancing scene.

3551 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657-1714
Cross Street: Addison Street
Phone: (773) 348-0009
Price: $5 Friday and Saturday

Final Word

Chicago as the capital of the Midwest is full of great places to visit: fascinating art galleries, lush airy parks, and beautiful landmarks, there’s something for everyone, and you are not likely to be bored while visiting this great city.

Chicago is also world-renowned for its food and decadent restaurants, making it a great food destination all its own. If you’re visiting Chicago, you’re also probably looking to get a taste of this city’s nightlife.

Chicago is an eclectic and multicultural town with a rich musical history, and has enough bars and night clubs to make any night out a night to remember.

Nightlife in Chicago is spread out through the various, diverse neighborhoods, and the best way to experience it is to visit locales in different neighborhoods to get a feel for a range of cultures. There are many clubs and lounges located all around the city; here are the top 10 nightlife spots in Chicago.