Famous for its museums and bold architecture, Chicago is also loved for its amazing nightlife. Chicago nightlife is full of vibrant bars, lively nightclubs, comedy shows, unique craft breweries, and live music venues. The city has “beer schools” and some amazing after-parties at night. The exotic cocktails and unique brewed beers will make you want to visit the place again and again. Visit the best nightclubs in Chicago to enjoy house, hip-hop, disco and more from dusk till dawn.
11 Top Places to Experience Chicago Nightlife
Plan your Chicago adventure with this Chicago nightlife guide, which will bring you the best dance clubs, breweries, hip-hop nightclubs, and more in Chicago.
- purple hour
- forbidden root
- East Room
- blue chicago
- map room
- smart bar
- Studio Paris Night Club
- disco
- PRYSM Night Club
- Monk Pub
- Middle
1. Purple Hour
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The Violet Hour is one of the best cocktail bars in Chicago. Located in the heart of Wicker Park, it specializes in artisan cocktails. If you are visiting Chicago, your Chicago nightlife tour would not be complete without visiting this amazing place. It’s a popular bar among both locals and tourists and is totally charming. Come and enjoy its exquisite high-end cocktails!
Time: 6 pm – 2 am (Monday – Sunday)
Place: 1520 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60622-1967
2. Forbidden Root
If you are looking for something unique then this is the brewery you should definitely check out. Located in The Hub, a former classic movie theatre, it’s brewing some amazing botanical beers. This came about when its owner, Robert Finkel, came up with the idea of creating a root-beer-flavored beer. This is Chicago’s first botanical brewery that is using wild ingredients and creating some amazing and adventurous brews. Have high expectations? Well, the brewery will not let you down!
Time: 11 am to 12 noon (Monday-Sunday)
Place: 1746 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622-5012
3. East Room
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Chicago at night is a spectacular sight! Don’t be worried if you see a red light burning above its door and a queue of people outside. This signals that the East Room is open and now entertaining its guests and the line is a line of people waiting to get inside. This dimly lit, cozy space offers cocktails and wine. You can enjoy some great music here including House and Techno. This venue showcases hip-hop and dance. The drinks are not too expensive and this place is open till dawn for you to party all night long.
Time: 9 pm to 4 am (all days)
Place: 2354 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647
4. Blue Chicago
If you want to enjoy the Chicago music scene then this world-famous venue is where you should go. Blue Chicago has been entertaining guests since 1985. Its friendly and relaxed atmosphere invites both tourists and locals. Located in the heart of the River North entertainment district, this location is close to popular hotels and restaurants, making it easy to get to. Enjoy electric blues music here as bands perform live on stage and take you back in history!
Time:
- 8 pm – 1:30 am (Sunday – Friday)
- 8 pm – 2:30 am (Saturday)
Place: 536 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654-7136
5. Map Room
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Passing through Chicago? Stay here at this traveler tavern! Maps and flags from around the world adorn the walls of The Map Room, making it a travelers’ hub. Also known as the Beer Mecca, this pub serves some rare and unique craft beers since its opening in 1992. You can also take part in a tasting at its ‘Beer School’ here, where brewmasters will teach you everything you need to know about beer. , Enjoy the best selection of craft and import beers here.
Time:
- 6:30 am – 3 pm (Monday – Saturday)
- 11 am to 2 pm (Sunday)
Place: 1949 N Hoyne Ave, Chicago, IL 60647-4560
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6. Smart Bar
Looking for the best dance clubs to enjoy Chicago nightlife events? Hang out here with the liveliest crowd. This venue has a Funktion One sound system and the sound is incredibly amazing. Located beneath the Metro Cabaret, it is one of Chicago’s most popular dance venues. Both local and international DJs play here and the huge dance floor will not let you down. Come here in your dancing shoes and dance until you drop.
Time: 10 pm to 4 am (all days)
Place: 3730 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613-3810
7. Studio Paris Nightclub
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A charming indoor and outdoor lounge with amazing party scenes best describes Studio Paris Night Club. This is one of the top hip-hop clubs in Chicago with an amazing DJ playing for the crowd. The best of Chicago’s nightlife, dancing and bottle service can be experienced here. Enjoy versatile music from around the world, including some amazing live performances here. This place is also a hot spot for Chicago after-parties!
Time:
- 9pm – 2am (Wednesday – Friday)
- 9 pm – 3 am (Saturday)
Place: 59 W Hubbard St, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60654-4603
8. Disco
Designed by the renowned Bonhomme Hospitality Group, the venue showcases retro wall decor, cozy fur sofas, decorated mirror ceilings and a wall-to-wall LED dance floor. Disco brings to its guests the discotheques of 1970s New York City and Paris. There is no prior reservation required to enter here, but if you are looking to host an event here then make sure you inquire in advance due to heavy reservations.
Time: 10 pm – 5 am (Thursday – Saturday)
Place: 111 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
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9. PRYSM Night Club
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It is a two-level nightclub with amazing music playing on both floors. This upscale nightclub features 3 cocktail bars, high-tech lighting and guest DJs. It’s usually crowded on Saturdays and you can find famous DJs like Steve Angello and Afrojack playing here. This place has an amazing dance floor and plenty of tables for you to find a spot. It also has a VIP suite that can be rented out.
Time: 10 pm – 4 am (Wednesday – Monday, Sunday closed)
Place: 1543 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642
10. Monk Pub
If you want to experience the Chicago nightlife areas in Downtown don’t miss Monk’s Pub. The place takes its name from its owner’s glorious stay at a monastery as a young boy. From then on he wanted any public place he owned to be named Bhikshu. This pub is a cozy place with a European feel. The place is decorated with artefacts and has old books on the bookshelves. It once started with Schlitz’s single draft line. Today the pub has a wide selection of some international craft beers. Step inside and be mesmerized by this amazing Chicago pub!
Time:
- 10am – 10pm (Monday – Friday)
- 11 am to 5 pm (Saturday)
Place: 205 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60606-1803
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11. middle
Chicago nightlife has been experienced like never before at this versatile venue in the city. While on weekends the venue is available for dancing and drinking, on other nights the venue hosts indie pop bands and budding DJ talents. Due to its amazing interiors and incredible party promoters, this venue has become one of the most hyped party venues in Chicago.
Time: Mon, Fri 10pm to 4am; Saturday 10 PM to 5 AM (Closed on Tues, Wed, Thu, Sun)
Place: 306 N. Halsted St., Chicago
Are you ready for your Chicago nightlife adventure? Book your trip to USA now with TourTravelHotels and experience the vibrant and energetic Chicago nightclubs firsthand!
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FAQs About Chicago Nightlife
What is Chicago known for?
Not to mention its amazing hotdogs and deep-dish pizza, Chicago is famous for its amazing architecture, its music, its sports teams, its culture, and most importantly, its weather conditions.
When is the best time to visit Chicago?
If you want to enjoy warm weather, a variety of festivals and less crowds, the best time to visit Chicago is between the months of April to May and September to October.
What is there to do in Chicago?
Some fun things to do in Chicago are: 1. Wander the tropical paradise of the Garfield Park Conservatory 2. Attend one of the many Millennium Park events 3. Meet strange animals and birds at the Lincoln Park Zoo 4. Nature on the Lakefront Trail Rest between 5. enjoy lake cruises
Is Chicago a good place to enjoy nightlife?
Downtown Chicago is full of lively bars, lively nightclubs, comedy shows, unique craft breweries, and live music venues. The city has “beer schools” and night time entertainment hotspots as well as some amazing after parties and is a great place to enjoy the nightlife.
Which area is best to enjoy nightlife in Chicago?
Joy District Chicago is filled with many lively pubs, bars and nightclubs that will give you an amazing nightlife experience.
Is it safe to walk the streets at night in Chicago?
Apart from some areas of Chicago, it is quite safe to walk around the city even late at night.
What are the best places for Saturday nightlife in Chicago?
Drop Lounge, 8Fifty8, Studio Paris Nightclub are some of the best places for Saturday nightlife in Chicago.
What’s the best alternative to Chicago nightlife for those over 50?
Punch Bowl Social Chicago, AMF Forest Lane, Winters Jazz Club are some of the best options for over 50 Chicago nightlife.
