Nightlife in Chicago

Streeterville

The Riu Rooftop Chicago

River North

IO Godfrey Rooftop Lounge

Posh rooftop restaurant & lounge in the Godfrey Hotel offering New American fare, booze & more.

Wrigleyville

Metro

A variety of indie & alternative bands play at this popular, intimate concert venue.

Fulton Market District

Bottom Lounge

Venue for underground music, beer & casual American comfort food (including vegetarian options).

River North

Blue Chicago

Late-night blues club with a casual crowd of adults (21 & over) enjoying music & drinks.

Ukrainian Village

The Empty Bottle

Indie music venue & bar hosting alternative bands in a somewhat small space with cheap drinks.

North Center

Martyrs'

Small bar & live-music venue showcasing eclectic performers, with a menu of pizza & bar bites.

Pilsen

Thalia Hall

This landmark venue, designed as an opera house in 1892, hosts concerts by well-known musical acts.

Near North

House of Blues Chicago

Rock- & blues-themed restaurant & bar serving Southern-inspired dishes, plus live music.

West Loop

WNDR Museum

Multi-sensory, contemporary installations by artists including Yayoi Kusama.

Chicago Loop

Aire Rooftop Bar Chicago

Seasonal cocktail bar on a hotel rooftop offering sweeping views, fire pits & a light menu.

Uptown

The Green Mill

Swinging sounds are on tap nightly, from big-name artists to local late-night jam sessions.

South Loop

Buddy Guy's Legends

Classic blues club with up-and-coming & famous acts 7 nights a week plus New-Orleans-inspired grub.

West Town

The Hideout

Prohibition-era bar in a small space that hosts all kinds of live music & dancing on Saturday night.

Near North

Howl at the Moon Chicago

High-energy regular live music shows in a popular bar chain featuring novelty bucket drinks.

Nightlife

Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre

Live music venue hosting big-name acts in a setting with pavilion & lawn seating for 12,000 people.

South Loop

Reggies Chicago

No-frills venue for hearing up-and-coming acts plus a wide pub grub menu & loads of beers.

Wrightwood Neighbors

Kingston Mines

Live bands play until late on 2 stages at this rustic blues club with barbecue & other pub grub.

Old Town Triangle

The J. Parker

Handcrafted cocktails, a light New American menu & city views on the Hotel Lincoln's swanky rooftop.

Near North

Upstairs at The Gwen

Swanky, seasonal spot for cocktails & New American sharing plates on a terrace with skyline views.

Near North

Z Bar

Posh lounge for creative cocktails & global tapas, plus a terrace providing scenic city views.

Chicago Loop

RAISED | An Urban Rooftop Bar

Hip indoor/outdoor hotel lounge featuring craft cocktails, small plates & a deck with skyline views.