Renowned for its museums and bold architecture, Chicago is also loved for its amazing nightlife. Chicago nightlife is full of lively bars, vibrant nightclubs, comedy shows, unique craft breweries, and live music venues. The city has “Beer Schools’ and jazzy night time hotspots some amazing after parties. The exotic cocktails and the unique brewed beers would make you want to visit the place again and again. Head to the best nightclubs in Chicago to enjoy some house, hip-hop, disco, and more from dusk until dawn.
11 Top Places To Experience The Chicago Nightlife
Plan your Chicago adventure with this Chicago nightlife guide, bringing to you the best of dance clubs, breweries, hip-hop nightclubs in Chicago and more.
- The Violet Hour
- Forbidden Root
- East Room
- Blue Chicago
- The Map Room
- Smart Bar
- Studio Paris Nightclub
- Disco
- PRYSM Nightclub
- Monk’s Pub
- The Mid
1. The Violet Hour
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The Violet Hour is one of the best cocktail bars of Chicago. Located in the heart of Wicker Park, it specializes in artisanal cocktails. If you are visiting Chicago, your Chicago nightlife tour wouldn’t be complete without visiting this amazing place. It is a popular bar amongst both locals and tourists and totally hip. Hop in and try its exquisite high-end cocktails!
Timings: 6 PM – 2 AM (Monday – Sunday)
Location: 1520 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622-1967
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2. Forbidden Root
If you are looking for something unique then this is the brewery you should totally check out. Housed in a former classic movie theatre, The Hub, it is crafting some amazing botanical beers. The advent took place when its owner, Robert Finkel, came up with an idea to create a root-beer-flavored beer. It is Chicago’s first botanic brewery which is using wild ingredients and brewing some amazing and adventurous brews. Have high expectations? Well, the brewery wouldn’t let you down!
Timings: 11 AM – 12 AM (Monday – Sunday)
Location: 1746 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622-5012
3. East Room
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Chicago at night is a splendid sight! If you see a red light glowing above its door and a line of people outside, do not be worried. That is the sign that the East Room is open and now entertaining its guests and the line is the queue of people who are waiting to get in. This dimly lit, cozy place has cocktails and brews to offer. You can enjoy some great music here, including house and techno. The place flaunts hip-hop and dancing vibes. The drinks aren’t too costly and the place is open till the early hours of the morning for you to party all night.
Timings: 9 PM – 4 AM (All Days)
Location: 2354 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
4. Blue Chicago
If you are looking to enjoy the Chicago music scene then this world-renowned place is where you should head to. Blue Chicago has been entertaining guests since 1985. Its friendly and cozy ambiance invites both tourists and locals. Located in the center of the River North entertainment district, the place is close to popular hotels and restaurants, making it easy to visit. Enjoy the electric blues music here as bands perform live on stage and take you back through history!
Timings:
- 8 PM – 1:30 AM (Sunday – Friday)
- 8 PM – 2:30 AM (Saturday)
Location: 536 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654-7136
5. The Map Room
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Passing through Chicago? Make a stop at this traveler’s tavern here! The maps and flags from all over the world adorn the walls of The Map Room, making it a traveler’s hub. Also called the Beer Mecca, the pub offers some rare and unique craft beers since its opening in 1992. You can also be a part of the tastings here at its ‘Beer School’ where brewmasters will enlighten you on everything you need to know about beer. Enjoy the best selections of craft and import beers here.
Timings:
- 6:30 AM – 3 AM (Monday – Saturday)
- 11 AM – 2 AM (Sunday)
Location: 1949 N Hoyne Ave, Chicago, IL 60647-4560
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6. Smart Bar
Looking for the best dance clubs to enjoy the Chicago nightlife events? Groove here with the most vibrant crowds. The place boasts of a Funktion One sound system and the sound is unbelievably awesome. Positioned beneath the Metro Cabaret, this is one of the most popular dance destinations of Chicago. Both local and international DJs play here and the huge dance floor wouldn’t disappoint you. Head over here in your dancing shoes and dance till you drop.
Timings: 10 PM – 4 AM (All Days)
Location: 3730 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613-3810
7. Studio Paris Nightclub
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A chic indoor and outdoor lounge with amazing party scenes is what describes the Studio Paris Nightclub the best. This is one of the top hip-hop clubs in Chicago with an amazing DJ playing for the crowd. The best of Chicago nightlife, dancing, and bottle service can be experienced here. Enjoy versatile music here from all around the globe including some amazing live performances. The place is also a hot spot for Chicago’s afterparties!
Timings:
- 9 PM – 2 AM (Wednesday – Friday)
- 9 PM – 3 AM (Saturday)
Location: 59 W Hubbard St, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60654-4603
8. Disco
Designed by the famous Bonhomme Hospitality Group, the place flaunts retro wall decor, comfortable fur sofas, decorated mirror ceilings, and wall-to-wall LED dance floor. The Disco brings to its guests the discotheques of the 1970s New York City and Paris. A prior reservation is not needed here for entry but if you are looking to host an event here then make sure that you inquire beforehand due to heavy reservations.
Timings: 10 PM – 5 AM (Thursday – Saturday)
Location: 111 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
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9. PRYSM Nightclub
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This is a two-tiered nightclub playing amazing music on both its floors. This upscale nightclub has 3 cocktail bars, high-tech lighting, and guest DJs. The Saturdays here are usually packed and you can find famous DJs like Steve Angello and Afrojack playing here. The place has an amazing dance floor and plenty of tables for you to find yourself a spot. It also has a VIP suite which can be rented out.
Timings: 10 PM – 4 AM (Wednesday – Monday, Sunday closed)
Location: 1543 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642
10. Monk’s Pub
If you want to experience Chicago nightlife areas at downtown then do not miss out on the Monk’s pub. The place got its name owing to a splendid stay of its owner at a monastery once as a young boy. Since then he had wanted to name any public place that he might own, Monk’s. This pub is a cozy place with a European feel. The place is decorated by artifacts and the bookshelves hold vintage volumes. It once began with a single draft line of Schlitz. Today the pub has an extensive selection of some international craft beers. Step in and be charmed by this amazing Chicago pub!
Timings:
- 10 AM – 10 PM (Monday – Friday)
- 11 AM – 5 PM (Saturday)
Location: 205 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60606-1803
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11. The Mid
Experience the nightlife in Chicago like never before at this versatile venue in town. While the place offer its floor for dancing and drinking in the weekend, whereas on other nights the venue hosts indie pop bands and newbie DJ talents. Due to its amazing interiors and incredible party promoters, this place has nabbed the place among the most hyped party places in Chicago.
Timings: Mon, Fri 10pm–4am; Sat 10pm–5am (closed Tue, Wed, Thur, Sun)
Location: 306 N Halsted St,Chicago
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Nightlife
What’s Chicago known for?
If not to mention its amazing hotdogs and deep-dish pizzas, Chicago is famous for its amazing architecture, its music, its sports team, its culture and most importantly its weather conditions.
When is the best time to visit Chicago?
If you wish to enjoy the warm weather, a variety of festivals take place and fewer crowds, the months of April through May and between September and October is the best time to visit Chicago.
What is there to do in Chicago?
A few fun things to do in Chicago are: 1. Walkthrough the tropical paradise of Garfield Park Conservatory 2. Attend one of the many Millennium Park Events 3. Meet Queer Animals And Birds at Lincoln Park Zoo 4. Relax Amidst Nature at Lakefront Trail 5. Enjoy Lake Cruises
Is Chicago a good place to enjoy nightlife?
Chicago city is full of lively bars, vibrant nightclubs, comedy shows, unique craft breweries, and live music venues. The city has “Beer Schools’ and jazzy night time hotspots as well as some amazing after parties and is a great place to enjoy the nightlife.
Which area is the best to enjoy the nightlife in Chicago?
The Joy District Chicago is dotted with a number of lively pubs, bars, and nightclubs which will give you wonderful nightlife experiences.
Is it safe to walk on the streets in Chicago at night?
Apart from certain regions of Chicago, the city is quite safe to walk even at late hours of the night.
Which are the best places for Saturday nightlife in Chicago?
The Drop Lounge, 8fifty8, Studio Paris Nightclub are some of the best places for Saturday nightlife in Chicago.
Which is the best option for Chicago nightlife over 50?
Punch Bowl Social Chicago, AMF Forest Lanes, Winter’s Jazz Club are some of the best options for Chicago nightlife over 50.
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A writer by choice, a photographer by passion, a seasonal sailor preferably monsoons and a pilot when the wind is just right! When not in the city, I’m often found chasing sunrises in the mountains or sunsets at the beaches!
