Menu

The 16 Best After Hours Bars in Chicago

For those looking to keep the party going late into the night, Chicago is home to a vibrant after hours bar scene. Whether you're a night owl or just looking for a place to unwind after a long day, Chicago has a variety of options to choose from. From trendy lounges to dive bars, there's something for everyone in the Windy City.

Before you head out to explore the after hours scene in Chicago, be sure to check out this curated list of the 16 Best After Hours Bars in Chicago. Compare the different services and key points to find the perfect spot to continue your night out in the city that never sleeps.

How this ranking works

This guide does not try to list everyone. It is our pick of after hours bars in Chicago, built on each business's public reputation and on how central this service is to what it does.

Some businesses pay for a fuller profile or a featured position. It is only open to those that have already passed our selection, and it is always marked.

Top 3Full rankingMapTips for choosing

Our 16 local picks compared

Three Dots and a Dash, Chicago#1
What sets it apart
  • Customers recommend making a reservation as the place tends to get busy.

  • The cocktails are praised for their flavor but some may find them too strong.

  • The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, creating a welcoming environment.

  • Overall, it is a great spot to enjoy a fun vibe and unique experience.

Three Dots and a Dash

4.55,160 reviews
435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States

Three Dots and a Dash is a popular cocktail bar located in Chicago, offering a variety of services and features that make it stand out. The establishment provides delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options, ensuring customers can enjoy their experience in different ways.

Highlighted for its fast service, great cocktails, and live performances, Three Dots and a Dash creates a vibrant atmosphere for its guests. Visitors have commended the establishment for its unique tiki bar setting and delicious drinks.

After Lounge + The Canvas, Chicago#2
What sets it apart
  • Outstanding customer service from friendly staff members and bartenders

  • Delicious and creative cocktails and food offerings

  • Intimate and relaxing ambiance perfect for dates or gatherings with friends

After Lounge + The Canvas

4.6108 reviews
1338 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

After Lounge + The Canvas is a trendy lounge located in Chicago that offers a variety of services and amenities to its customers. The establishment prides itself on its fast service and great cocktails, creating an atmosphere that is both cosy and upmarket. With a strong focus on inclusivity, it is also LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safe space.

Customer reviews rave about the exceptional experiences they have had at After Lounge. Some key points from satisfied customers include:

While some customers have expressed disappointment with specific experiences, the majority continue to praise the overall atmosphere and quality of service at After Lounge + The Canvas. Whether you are looking for a quiet spot to enjoy a cocktail or a venue for a special celebration, this lounge has something to offer for everyone.

Shamrock Club, Chicago#3

Shamrock Club

4.5552 reviews
210 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States

Shamrock Club in Chicago is a popular spot for those looking for a casual and cozy bar experience. The place offers a variety of service options including outdoor seating, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Customers enjoy highlights like bar games, fast service, a great beer selection, and a lively sports atmosphere.

One customer highlighted the "spirited vibes" of Shamrock Club, mentioning the delightful concoctions on the drinks menu and the wallet-friendly prices that don't compromise on quality. Another reviewer found the place to be a classic dive bar experience with good burgers and friendly bartenders.

The crowd at Shamrock Club ranges from blue-collar workers to locals and tourists, all enjoying the amenities like toilets and the laid-back atmosphere. With positive reviews praising the friendly staff and great food, Shamrock Club is a go-to spot for a fun and uncomplicated night out in Chicago.

AfterBar, Chicago#4
What sets it apart
  • Customers describe AfterBar as a super cute vibey place with amazing craft cocktails, making it a perfect spot for after-work drinks.

  • Visitors highly recommend the Jump Start my Heart cocktail, as it was a favorite among the bartenders and left a lasting impression.

  • One customer shared their delightful experience with a bartender named E, who went above and beyond to make them feel welcome and special during their visit.

  • Another patron praised the bar for its fantastic drinks and service, emphasizing the enjoyable atmosphere and top-notch bartenders.

AfterBar

4.824 reviews
310 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606, United States

AfterBar is a trendy bar situated in Chicago, offering a variety of services to cater to its diverse clientele. Some of the highlighted services include outdoor seating, dine-in options, fast service, and a selection of great cocktails. The establishment prides itself on creating a casual, cosy, and trendy atmosphere for its customers.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing evening with friends or a quick drink after work, AfterBar aims to provide a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.

Esmeralda's Lounge, Chicago#5
What sets it apart
  • The old-fashioned and margarita during happy hour are highly recommended

  • The bartenders are attentive and accommodating, always ready to make a special request

  • The cozy ambiance and friendly staff make for a great overall experience

Esmeralda's Lounge

4.5149 reviews
2539 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622, United States

Esmeralda's Lounge is a vibrant cocktail bar located in Chicago, offering a range of services and features that make it a standout choice for locals and tourists alike. With options like outdoor seating, dine-in, and live performances, this lounge caters to those looking for a great time.

The atmosphere at Esmeralda's Lounge is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, providing a welcoming space for all visitors. Customers have praised the fast service, great cocktails, and the excellent value for drinks during happy hour.

Whether you're looking to enjoy a relaxing evening with friends or dance the night away, Esmeralda's Lounge has something for everyone. Experience the warmth and culture of this hidden gem in Humboldt Park, where great music, delicious cocktails, and a beautiful patio await you.

M Lounge, Chicago#6
What sets it apart
  • Grown and sexy ambiance

  • Attentive bartenders and friendly staff

  • Clean and well-kept facilities

  • Great selection of drinks and cocktails

M Lounge

4.4682 reviews
1520 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, United States

M Lounge is a popular bar located in Chicago. Known for its fast service and great selection of beer, cocktails, and wine, this cozy and trendy spot offers a vibrant atmosphere for customers to enjoy. Live performances and sports add to the excitement, making it a fantastic place to unwind and socialize.

Customer reviews highlight the following key points:

Continental Lounge, Chicago#7
What sets it apart
  • Great choice for a night out, with cool staff and good drinks. Pool could use some improvement but worth a visit again.

  • Attentive staff and respectful security in a mixed late-night crowd. Beer prices are a downside but overall a decent experience.

  • Fun place with a dark vibe and a cool old-school photo booth for extra fun.

  • Rock bar straight out of a movie scene with cheap beer shot combos in a vintage setting.

Continental Lounge

4.4326 reviews
2801 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, United States

Continental Lounge offers a range of service options from Outdoor seating to Dine-in. With fast service, a great beer selection, and great cocktails, customers are sure to have a good time. The lounge is casual, cosy, and trendy, catering to a diverse group of patrons. Their offerings include alcohol, beer, cocktails, food, spirits, and wine, making it a one-stop-shop for all your nightlife needs.

Overall, customers have had positive experiences at Continental Lounge:

The Owl, Chicago#8
What sets it apart
  • Chill atmosphere with decent drinks and late-night hours

  • Staff can be unengaging at times

  • Great beer selection and cosy atmosphere

  • Live music adds to the fun vibe

The Owl

4.2822 reviews
2521 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States

The Owl is a popular bar in Chicago known for its fast service, great beer selection, live music, and cosy atmosphere. Customers have left reviews highlighting the chill atmosphere, decent drinks, and late-night hours of the bar. Some have mentioned that the staff can be a bit unengaging, but overall, the scene and drinks make up for it. Here are some key points summarizing customer reviews:

Good Night John Boy, Chicago#9
What sets it apart
  • If you love fun, energetic, 70s but also modern-day vibes, this is the best bar for you.

  • Great cocktails and fast service that ensures you have a fantastic time.

  • Exceptionally friendly staff who go above and beyond to make your visit memorable.

  • Vibrant atmosphere with a spacious dance floor and iconic decor.

Good Night John Boy

4.2309 reviews
905 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

Good Night John Boy is a trendy bar located in Chicago, offering a unique mix of 70s and modern-day vibes. The bar provides delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options, ensuring customers can enjoy their experience however they prefer.

One of the highlights of Good Night John Boy is its fast service and great cocktails. Customers rave about the energetic atmosphere, friendly staff, and fantastic music that creates a vibrant and enjoyable environment. The bar also offers a range of alcohol options, including beer, spirits, and wine, perfect for those looking to unwind and have a good time.

Customer reviews highlight the exceptional service provided by the staff, with special mentions of employees like FLAVE DAVE and Dante. Some reviewers appreciated the fun decor, spacious dance floor, and overall positive vibes of the bar. Others noted the need for better crowd control during peak hours but acknowledged the undeniable appeal and energy of the venue.

Overall, Good Night John Boy is a top recommendation for those seeking an unforgettable night out in Chicago. Whether you're looking to enjoy great cocktails, dance the night away, or simply soak in the retro-inspired ambiance, this bar promises a memorable experience.

CloudBar at 360 CHICAGO#10
What sets it apart
  • Beautiful, breathtaking panoramic views of the city with great accessibility options ♿

  • Excellent service with a bit pricey but tasty food and drinks

  • Friendly and knowledgeable bartenders providing exceptional customer service

  • A must-visit spot offering an unforgettable experience with top-notch views and drinks

CloudBar at 360 CHICAGO

4.1195 reviews
875 N Michigan Ave 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

CloudBar at 360 CHICAGO offers a mesmerizing experience on the 94th floor of Chicago, providing stunning panoramic views of the city. This bar is perfect for those looking to enjoy great cocktails and a great beer selection in a trendy and upmarket atmosphere. The establishment ensures fast service and provides accessibility features like a wheelchair-accessible entrance and toilet. Patrons can indulge in a variety of offerings, including alcohol, beer, cocktails, spirits, wine, and delectable food options available at the bar.

With a rating of 4.1 and 195 reviews, customers have shared their experiences. Some key points from the reviews include:

CloudBar at 360 CHICAGO promises an unforgettable time for patrons looking to savor the Chicago skyline with their loved ones.

Brando's Speakeasy, Chicago#11
What sets it apart
  • A fun speakeasy vibe with a great trivia night and delicious drinks.

  • A cute hidden karaoke bar with a fantastic ambiance and wide song selection.

  • An old-school speakeasy vibe combined with interactive karaoke song selection and reasonably priced drinks.

  • A comfortable atmosphere and excellent service, perfect for a night out with friends or a date night.

Brando's Speakeasy

4.31,780 reviews
343 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60604, United States

Brando's Speakeasy is a popular karaoke bar in Chicago's Loop area. With a cozy and trendy atmosphere, it offers a unique experience for customers looking to have a good time. Some of the highlights of this speakeasy include fast service, a great beer selection, great cocktails, live music, and karaoke. The bar caters to different crowds, including groups, LGBTQ+ friendly individuals, and tourists.

Customer reviews rave about the fun atmosphere and great drinks offered at Brando's Speakeasy. Here are some key points from the customer feedback:

The Original Mother's, Chicago#12

The Original Mother's

4.0510 reviews
26 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60610, United States

The Original Mother's bar in Chicago offers a unique experience with its split sections playing different styles of music, creating a pleasant atmosphere for customers. The bar games, fast service, great cocktails, and live music make it a popular choice among visitors. Customer reviews highlight the enjoyable ambiance, mid-size crowds, and friendly bartenders. Some reviews mention the inconsistent service and loud music, but overall, patrons appreciate the lively environment and the option to host events for large groups. Despite some negative experiences, many customers praise the excellent service, fun dancing, and memorable celebrations, proving that The Original Mother's remains a sought-after destination in Chicago's nightlife scene.

Late Bar, Chicago#13
What sets it apart
  • The bartenders could be more welcoming and courteous.

  • Some customers found the cover charge of $10 to be too high.

  • The music and overall ambiance were enjoyable for most patrons.

  • The dance floor is a popular spot, especially on Saturdays.

Late Bar

3.9168 reviews
3534 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, United States

Late Bar is a vibrant night club located in Chicago, IL. Known for its great beer selection, cocktails, and live performances, this establishment offers an atmosphere that is casual, cozy, and trendy. With a rating of 3.9, customers have praised the fast service and variety of offerings available.

The Hangge-Uppe, Chicago#14
What sets it apart
  • Celebrated a memorable 30th birthday party with helpful staff and amazing music.

  • Considered a Chicago landmark with friendly and responsive staff, creating a safe and relaxed environment.

  • Complaints about disrespectful male staff and outdated music selection were also expressed.

  • Positive feedback on the vibrant vibes, occasional hit-or-miss music, and the energetic crowd.

The Hangge-Uppe

3.9577 reviews
14 W Elm St, Chicago, IL 60610, United States

The Hangge-Uppe: A Nightlife Icon in Chicago

The Hangge-Uppe is a vibrant bar located in the heart of Chicago. Known for its great cocktails and fast service, this venue has been a go-to spot for both locals and tourists. The atmosphere is described as both casual and trendy, making it a versatile destination for a night out.

Customer reviews highlight a few key points:

Whether you're looking for a night of dancing, enjoying a variety of spirits, or simply soaking in the energetic atmosphere, The Hangge-Uppe promises an unforgettable experience in the bustling nightlife scene of Chicago.

The Boss Bar, Chicago#15
What sets it apart
  • Excellent recommendations on drinks by the bartender

  • Chill atmosphere and great service

  • Disappointment in the lack of sports programming on TV screens

  • Vibrant atmosphere and good drink prices

The Boss Bar

3.81,295 reviews
420 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States

The Boss Bar is a lively establishment in Chicago offering a variety of Service options including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Customers can also enjoy highlights such as bar games, fast service, great beer selection, great cocktails, and sports. The bar is easily accessible with wheelchair-accessible entrances and toilets. The offerings range from alcohol, beer, cocktails, food, food at the bar, happy-hour drinks, spirits, to wine. Amenities like toilets and Wi-Fi are available, creating a casual and trendy atmosphere suitable for groups and tourists.

Customer reviews highlight different aspects of the bar. Some appreciated the knowledgeable and friendly bartender, while others pointed out the lack of sports programming on the screens.

Nights & Weekends, Chicago#16
What sets it apart
  • The decor and vibe of the bar are fantastic.

  • Large, accessible spot with good music and drinks.

  • Great music and fantastic bartenders, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.

  • Good spot for a group looking for good music and no hassle.

Nights & Weekends

3.7107 reviews
1009 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

Nights & Weekends is a trendy bar located in Chicago, offering a variety of services and features to its customers. The ambience is casual yet vibrant, attracting a mature crowd looking for a good time without any hassle. Guests can enjoy great cocktails while listening to live performances, creating a lively and entertaining atmosphere.

It is a popular spot in a bustling neighborhood, perfect for groups seeking an enjoyable night out. Customers appreciate the spacious layout and the variety of beverages available. With friendly staff and a chill vibe, Nights & Weekends is a go-to destination for those looking to unwind and have a good time in Chicago.

The comparison in brief

#BusinessRatingReviews
#1Three Dots and a Dash 4.55,160
#2After Lounge + The Canvas 4.6108
#3Shamrock Club 4.5552
#4AfterBar 4.824
#5Esmeralda's Lounge 4.5149
#6M Lounge 4.4682
#7Continental Lounge 4.4326
#8The Owl 4.2822
#9Good Night John Boy 4.2309
#10CloudBar at 360 CHICAGO 4.1195
#11Brando's Speakeasy 4.31,780
#12The Original Mother's 4.0510
#13Late Bar 3.9168
#14The Hangge-Uppe 3.9577
#15The Boss Bar 3.81,295
#16Nights & Weekends 3.7107

Is your business listed here?

Claim or add my business

Map of After Hours Bars in Chicago

Looking for a place to keep the party going after hours in Chicago? Check out this map of all the best bars that stay open late in the city. Whether you're in the mood for craft cocktails, live music, or just a cozy dive bar atmosphere, there's something on this list for everyone. Plan your night out and discover a new favorite spot to keep the fun going late into the night.

Tips for choosing After Hours Bars in Chicago

  1. Location.
  2. Drink specials.
  3. Music and atmosphere.
  4. Food options.

More guides like this