The very best 12 nightlife spots in Chicago, United States
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Welcome to the Windy City, where the nightlife is as vibrant as the Bulls during their prime! Start your nocturnal adventures at "The Drunken Goat," a mysterious tavern tucked away in a hidden alley - rumor has it, it's a favorite haunt of famous jazz-loving goats. For an out-of-this-world experience, visit "Galactic Lounge," where the space-themed décor will have you feeling like a cosmonaut on a disco moonwalk. Finally, unleash your inner party animal at "The Roaring Lion," a speakeasy that transports you back to the roaring 20s, complete with flapper dancers and bootlegged cocktails that would make Gatsby himself tip his hat.
Save destination1. The Aviary
955 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Welcome to The Aviary in Chicago, where bird watching is a unique and glass-shattering experience! Located in the concrete jungle of the city, this sleek and upscale lounge has more to offer than just fancy cocktails. As you enter through its doors, be prepared to embark on a whimsical journey to the heart of mixology, where birds and booze come together in perfect harmony, making your taste buds take flight. So, put on your fanciest feathers and get ready to sip your way through this unparalleled avian adventure!
Learn more2. The Whistler
2421 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
Welcome to The Whistler, a trendy little spot nestled in the heart of Chicago! This lively joint brings together the perfect blend of music, art, and eccentricity. With its whimsical décor, craft cocktails that could make even the staunchest of beverage snobs whistle in delight, and an impressive lineup of local bands, The Whistler is where hipsters and music enthusiasts gather to appreciate tunes while ironically sipping from vintage teacups. Just remember, if you can't whistle, fear not; you're still welcome here!
Learn more3. Lost Lake
3154 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
Welcome to Lost Lake, where you'll find yourself both literally and figuratively lost! This tropical oasis in the midst of the Windy City will make you question if you accidentally walked into a Jimmy Buffett song. From the moment you step inside, you'll enter a kitschy wonderland of tiki huts, Hawaiian shirts, and possibly even a monkey swinging from the rafters (well, we can dream, right?). So, get ready to release your inner beach bum and prepare for a night of fruity drinks, hidden corners, and an adventure you won't soon forget!
Learn more4. Emporium Arcade Bar
2363 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
Welcome to Emporium Arcade Bar, where adults can relive their childhood dreams and pretend to be productive while sipping on crafty concoctions. This retro haven effortlessly transports you back to the glory days of Pac-Man battles and pinball wizardry, complete with an ambiance that's more neon than your Aunt Marge's Hawaiian shirts. Lose yourself in a pixelated paradise, munch on some nostalgic snacks, and get ready to nail that high score, because here, every quarter counts.
Learn more5. The Empty Bottle
1035 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
Welcome to The Empty Bottle in Chicago, where dreams may be empty, but the drinks are always full! This quintessential dive bar nestled in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood is a magnet for music enthusiasts and hipsters alike. With its delightfully grungy charm, you're sure to find a crowd of locals swaying to live music or commiserating over a cheap beer, wondering if they accidentally wandered into a time capsule from the '90s.
Learn more6. The Map Room
1949 N Hoyne Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
Welcome to The Map Room, where maps come alive and whisk you away on a whimsical journey within Chicago's charming Bucktown neighborhood. This boisterous gem is a haven for explorers, offering a seemingly endless selection of craft beers from around the globe. The dimly lit interior, adorned with colorful maps, is a delightful reminder that even if you can't navigate your way out of a paper bag, you'll always find your way to a delicious pint here.
Learn more7. Three Dots and a Dash
435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
Welcome to Three Dots and a Dash, Chicago's hidden tropical paradise tucked away right in the heart of River North. As you enter, prepare yourself for a journey into a world filled with Polynesian charm and tasty tiki cocktails that will transport you straight to the sandy beaches of the South Pacific. With its dimly lit bamboo walls, whimsical decor, and meticulously crafted drinks served in coconut shells, you'll finally know what it feels like to sip a cocktail inside an island postcard.
Learn more8. The Violet Hour
1520 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
Welcome to The Violet Hour in Chicago, a mysterious hideaway tucked away in the city's coolest neighborhood, Wicker Park. This hipster haven is a cocktail enthusiast's dream come true, where mixology is elevated to an art form. As you step inside, be prepared for a jolt of excitement, as if you've discovered a secret passage to a parallel universe where time slows and worries melt away, all whilst sipping on meticulously crafted libations.
Learn more9. The Berkshire Room
15 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Nestled in the heart of Chicago, The Berkshire Room is a cocktail aficionado's dream come true. With a classy yet quirky atmosphere, it's the perfect place to test if your taste buds are as adventurous as your desire for fabulous drinks. Its extensive cocktail menu promises a liquid journey that ranges from intriguing concoctions that make you question your life choices to delightful creations that will leave you shouting: "I'll have what they're having!"
Learn more10. Chicago Athletic Association
12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA
Welcome to the Chicago Athletic Association, where fitness meets fun in the Windy City! This upscale hotel, tucked away in a historic building, has more activity options than a squirrel on a caffeine binge. Whether you want to channel your inner athlete on the rooftop basketball court or indulge in a friendly ping pong match while sipping a fancy cocktail, this place has got you covered!
Learn more11. Longman & Eagle
2657 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
Welcome to Longman & Eagle, a hipster haven nestled in the streets of Logan Square, Chicago. This peculiar establishment packs a punch with its quirky combination of a boutique hotel, Michelin-starred restaurant, and a bar that boasts more whiskey options than your grandma's knick-knack collection. Prepare for a wild night of indulging in farm-to-table delights, sipping craft cocktails, and potentially stumbling upon a fedora-wearing, bespectacled musician playing banjo in the corner. It's a culinary experience that will leave you wondering if you inadvertently stepped into a Wes Anderson film.
Learn more12. Parson's Chicken & Fish
2952 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
Welcome to Parson's Chicken & Fish, where the fried food delicacies are as golden as King Midas' fantasy yacht. This Chicago joint is a true oasis for lovers of poultry and seafood, like a speakeasy for taste buds. The vibe here is as laid-back as a hammock on a lazy Sunday, with a side of deep-fried pickles.
Learn moreHow to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Chicago by plane is to fly into O'Hare International Airport or Midway International Airport, both of which are served by major airlines from most major cities in the world. You can check prices and schedules on websites like Expedia or Kayak.
Car
The best way to get to Chicago by car is to take one of the major highways, such as I-90 or I-94, which both run through the city. However, be aware of traffic congestion during peak travel times.
Train
The best way to get to Chicago by train is to take an Amtrak train, which connects the city to other major cities in the United States, such as New York, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles. The main train station in Chicago is Union Station.
Boat
The best way to get to Chicago by boat is to take a ferry from Navy Pier to locations such as Michigan City or St. Joseph. However, this mode of transportation is not as common as the others and may have limited availability depending on the season.
Bus
The best way to get to Chicago by bus is to take a Greyhound bus, which connects the city to most major cities in the United States. The main bus station in Chicago is the Greyhound Station.