Global Major Cities Guide

An introduction to the city’s bars, pubs, and lounges, highlighting options for nightlife and unique Chicago beverages.

Chicago’s nightlife is spread across several neighborhoods, each with its own unique vibe. Here are the most popular areas to explore:

River North: Known for upscale lounges, trendy cocktail bars, and high-energy nightclubs. Perfect for a chic night out.
Wicker Park/Bucktown: A hipster haven with dive bars, craft beer spots, and live music venues. Great for a laid-back, artsy vibe.
Logan Square: Offers a mix of craft cocktail bars, speakeasies, and breweries. Known for its creative and eclectic atmosphere.
West Loop/Fulton Market: A foodie hotspot by day, this area transforms into a hub for stylish bars and rooftop lounges at night.
Lincoln Park: A mix of college-friendly sports bars and more refined cocktail lounges. Ideal for a casual night out.
The Loop: While quieter at night, it has some iconic rooftop bars with stunning views of the city skyline.
Lakeview (Boystown): Chicago’s LGBTQ+ nightlife hub, featuring inclusive bars, drag shows, and dance clubs.
Pilsen: Known for its artsy vibe, this neighborhood offers unique bars and live music venues with a Latin flair.

Chicago’s nightlife caters to a wide range of tastes. Here are the main types of venues you’ll find:

Cocktail Bars: Known for their mixology expertise, these bars serve creative, high-quality drinks. Examples include The Aviary (a world-famous cocktail bar) and The Violet Hour (a speakeasy in Wicker Park).
Dive Bars: Affordable and unpretentious, dive bars like The Empty Bottle and Rainbo Club are perfect for a casual night out.
Sports Bars: Chicagoans are passionate about their sports teams. Head to bars like The Cubby Bear (near Wrigley Field) or Murphy’s Bleachers for a lively game-day atmosphere.
Rooftop Bars: Enjoy stunning views of the city at spots like Cindy’s Rooftop (Millennium Park) or LondonHouse Rooftop (The Loop).
Live Music Venues: Chicago has a rich music history, especially in jazz and blues. Check out Kingston Mines (Lincoln Park) or Buddy Guy’s Legends (South Loop) for live performances.
Nightclubs: For dancing and DJs, head to clubs like TAO Chicago (River North) or PRYSM (Lincoln Park).
Breweries and Beer Halls: Chicago has a thriving craft beer scene. Visit Revolution Brewing (Logan Square) or Goose Island Brewery (Lincoln Park).
Comedy Clubs: For a unique night out, try The Second City (Old Town) or Zanies Comedy Club (Old Town).

Drinks: Expect to pay $8–$15 for cocktails, $6–$10 for beer, and $10–$20 for wine, depending on the venue.
Cover Charges: Many nightclubs and live music venues charge a cover fee, typically $10–$30. Some high-end clubs may charge more.
Tipping: Tipping is customary in the U.S. Leave 15–20% of your total bill for bartenders and servers.

The Green Mill (Uptown): A historic jazz club with a speakeasy vibe, once frequented by Al Capone.
Three Dots and a Dash (River North): A tiki bar with exotic cocktails and a fun, tropical atmosphere.
The Signature Lounge (The Loop): Located on the 96th floor of the John Hancock Center, offering breathtaking views of the city.
Smart Bar (Lakeview): A legendary underground club for electronic music enthusiasts.
The Violet Hour (Wicker Park): A speakeasy with a hidden entrance and expertly crafted cocktails.

Bars typically open around 4 PM and close at 2 AM on weekdays and 3 AM on weekends.
Some late-night bars and clubs have extended hours, staying open until 4 AM or 5 AM.
Check individual venues for specific hours, as they may vary.

Upscale Venues: Dress to impress. Men should wear collared shirts and dress shoes, while women often opt for dresses or stylish outfits.
Casual Bars: Most dive bars, breweries, and sports bars have no strict dress code. Jeans and sneakers are acceptable.
Nightclubs: Many clubs enforce a dress code. Avoid athletic wear, flip-flops, and overly casual attire.

Transportation: Use rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft to get around safely at night. Public transit (CTA trains and buses) operates late, but be cautious when traveling alone.
Stay Alert: Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded venues. Avoid leaving drinks unattended.
Neighborhood Awareness: While most nightlife areas are safe, avoid wandering into unfamiliar or poorly lit areas late at night.
Emergency Numbers: Dial 911 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, you can contact the Chicago Police Department at 311.

Legal Drinking Age: The legal drinking age in the U.S. is 21. Be prepared to show a valid ID (passport or driver’s license) when entering bars or purchasing alcohol.
Last Call: Bars and clubs announce “last call” about 30 minutes before closing.
Open Container Laws: It is illegal to drink alcohol in public spaces (e.g., streets, parks) unless it’s a designated area like a festival or event.
Happy Hours: Illinois allows happy hour specials, so look for discounted drinks and appetizers during early evening hours (usually 4–7 PM).

Winter Months: Chicago winters can be harsh, so dress warmly if you’re bar-hopping. Many venues offer coat checks.
Reservations: Some popular bars and lounges require reservations, especially on weekends. Check ahead to avoid long waits.
Cultural Norms: Chicagoans are friendly and welcoming. Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with locals, especially at neighborhood bars.
Events and Festivals: Chicago hosts numerous nightlife-related events, such as the Chicago Blues Festival and Lollapalooza after-parties. Check the city’s event calendar for special happenings during your visit.

Chicago has a thriving LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, centered in Boystown (part of Lakeview). Must-visit spots include:

Chicago’s music scene is legendary, especially for jazz, blues, and house music. Don’t miss:

Buddy Guy’s Legends: A blues institution.
House of Blues: A popular venue for live concerts.
The Second City: A comedy club that launched the careers of many famous comedians.

Plan Ahead: Research venues and make reservations if needed, especially for high-demand spots.
Pace Yourself: Chicago’s nightlife can be intense, so drink responsibly and stay hydrated.
Explore Beyond Downtown: Some of the best bars and clubs are in neighborhoods outside the city center.

With this guide, you’re well-equipped to enjoy Chicago’s dynamic nightlife scene. Have fun and stay safe!