After dark · Chicago, United States
15 Best Bars & Nightlife Spots in Chicago
The Dearborn leads the night. The rest of Chicago's best pours follow, by real review volume.
Order reflects real review volume, out of 111 tracked Chicago places. Refreshed monthly.
The Dearborn
BarThe Dearborn is a sophisticated yet approachable bar located in the heart of Chicago's Loop, drawing a mix of professionals, tourists, and locals.
Read our full guide →Three Dots and a Dash
BarThree Dots and a Dash is a subterranean tiki bar in Chicago's River North neighborhood, offering a transportive escape to the South Pacific.
Read our full guide →Cindy's Rooftop
BarCindy's Rooftop is a stylish bar and restaurant perched atop the historic Chicago Athletic Association hotel on Michigan Avenue.
Read our full guide →The Green Mill
BarThe Green Mill is an iconic jazz club that has been a cornerstone of Chicago's music scene since 1907.
Read our full guide →Howl at the Moon Chicago
BarHowl at the Moon Chicago is a high-energy dueling piano bar located in the vibrant River North district.
Read our full guide →Gus' Sip & Dip
BarGus' Sip & Dip is a playful, retro-themed bar located in the heart of Chicago's River North district.
Read our full guide →Brando's Speakeasy
BarFree entryBrando's Speakeasy is a hidden gem in downtown Chicago, evoking the clandestine bars of the Prohibition era.
Read our full guide →Flight Club Chicago
BarFlight Club Chicago is a premium social darts venue located in the heart of the city's River North neighborhood.
Read our full guide →The Green Door Tavern
BarThe Green Door Tavern is a beloved Chicago institution that has been serving drinks since the 1920s.
Read our full guide →Delilah's
BarDelilah's in Chicago is a beloved neighborhood bar on North Lincoln Avenue, celebrated for its intimate, dimly lit atmosphere and extensive selection of whiskeys and craft cocktails.
Read our full guide →Sparrow
BarTucked away on a quiet tree-lined street in Chicago's Gold Coast, Sparrow is a refined yet unpretentious cocktail bar that feels like a hidden gem.
Read our full guide →Broken Shaker at Freehand Chicago
BarBroken Shaker at Freehand Chicago is a rooftop bar located on the top floor of the Freehand hotel at 19 E Ohio St in the River North neighborhood.
Read our full guide →Best Intentions
BarFree entryBest Intentions is a beloved bar located on West Armitage Avenue in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood.
Read our full guide →Andy's Jazz Club
EntertainmentAndy's Jazz Club is a beloved fixture in Chicago's vibrant jazz scene, located in the heart of the River North district.
Read our full guide →Lazy Bird
BarLazy Bird is a hidden gem tucked away in Chicago's bustling West Loop neighborhood.
Read our full guide →
How we pick these
Bars, pubs and nightlife in Chicago ranked by how highly people rate them, drawn from the 111 places we track. Updated monthly.
Good to know
Most bars in Chicago fill up later in the evening rather than right after work.
A few rooftop and cocktail spots have a smart-casual door policy.
Check the last metro or line up a ride before a late night out.
Common questions
Where is the nightlife in Chicago?+
This list ranks the best-rated bars and nightlife spots in Chicago so you can find the right area for the night you want.
What time do bars close in Chicago?+
Closing times vary by venue and neighborhood; late-night spots are noted where we have hours.
Is Chicago good for a night out?+
Yes — from relaxed pubs to late bars, the highest-rated options are all here.
Rather have a human do the planning? A Local Friend can build this day for you, at local prices.