Nightlife in Chicago

400 clubs, live music venues and late-night spots in Chicago.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 400.

Photo: Daniel Schwen, CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence)

DoTheatreLoop
Chicago Theater
An old Balaban & Katz movie palace, refurbished as one of the city's premier performance venues. It hosts a wide range of events, from spoken word and stand-up comedy to jazz, gospel, and rock. Most people, however, know it for the iconic marquee out front.
Box office Mon-Fri noon-6PMGenerally $27.50 and up. Tours available Apr-Sep Tu,Th noon and Oct-March Tu noon, also the third Sa of every month at 11AM, noon; $5 · Heritage listed
DoTheatreLincoln Park-Old Town
Second City
The list of Second City alumni in show business has become something of a cliche — Alan Alda, John Belushi, Bill Murray, on and on — and it's still going strong today, with recent graduates like Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, and Tina Fey. The separate revues on the Mainstage and the e.t.c. theaters are consistently smart, timely, and funny. (The third stage, Donny's Skybox, is rented out to local sketch troupes outside the artistic direction of Second City, and is hit-or-miss.) The third act of the night is fully improvised, and if there's space left among the paying customers from the first two acts, admission is free.
8PM (Sun 7PM), Fri-Sat also 11PMTickets M $14, Su,Tu-Th $22, F-Sa $29
DoTheatreLoop
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Home of Chicago's renowned orchestra; they spend a lot of time on the road, though, so visiting orchestras and stately jazz concerts can also be found here, as can the occasional curveball like a silent film.
Box office Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 11AM-3PMStudent prices can run as low as $10; tickets for CSO events start from $25, but performances by traveling artists vary
DrinkNightclubNear South
Buddy Guy's Legends
A famous, fairly large blues club with a Cajun/soul food menu and frequent big-name acts. Buddy Guy himself holds court every January.
Mon Tue 5PM-2AM, Wed-Fri 11AM-2AM, Sat noon-3AM, Sun noon-2AMCover Su-Th $10, F Sa $20
DrinkBarWicker Park
The Hideout
One of the finest drinking and hollering establishments in the U.S., the Hideout hosts the best in alt-folk, bluegrass, Americana and just plain hillbilly music. The place is a bit hard to find, hidden as it is next to the city's main north-side refueling station for garbage trucks, but it's more than worth the trouble. Of special interest to old-timey fans is the regular Tuesday night appearance of Devil in a Woodpile.
Tue 7PM-2AM, Wed-Fri 4PM-2AM, Sat 7PM-3AMOutdoor seating
DoTheatreLoop
The Auditorium Theatre
Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan's masterpiece. Frank Lloyd Wright, who served as an apprentice on the project, called it "The greatest room for music and opera in the world — bar none." If the current production isn't worth seeing, take a tour of this gorgeous, acoustically-perfect theater instead. Tours are available at various times and days depending on the season.
$12
DrinkBarLincoln Park-Old Town
Kingston Mines
The larger of the blues bars on Halsted. Has a great set-up with two stages and two bands every night. One band plays for an hour on one stage then the other band takes over on the second stage for an hour — continuous music all night from 9:30PM.
Sun-Fri 8PM-4AM, Sat 8PM-5AM
DoTheatreNear South
Arie Crown Theater
Comfortable sit-down music venue in the midst of McCormick Place. It hosts big pop, rock, gospel, and R&B concerts as well as occasional musical.
Box office: Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM
DoTheatreLakeview-North Center
The Vic
A good concert venue — not dissimilar to the Metro in size or sound quality, but there are seats.
Concert prices vary
SeeBronzeville
Sunset Cafe
Ace Meyers Hardware Store
Countless jazz legends played at this legendary jazz club, including: Bix Beiderbecke, Jimmy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Earl Hines, Fletcher Henderson, Count Basie, and of course, Louis Armstrong. The club was run by unsavory mafia types and the musicians often had no choice but to keep playing here! Disjointed as it may be, the legendary club no longer exists and the building houses a hardware store. Nonetheless, the Sunset Cafe is Chicago's number one jazz history site and should not be missed by anyone traveling along The Jazz Track. There has been talk of resurrecting the club, but plans remain embryonic. Feel free to stop in if you'd like — the owner is used to all sorts of foreign jazz aficionados wandering in.
Mon-Sat 9AM-6PM, Sun 11AM-2PM
SeePilsen
Thalia Hall
This ornate former theater was built as a replica of an old opera house in Prague, and in its heyday served as the epicenter of Chicago Bohemian culture. Plays and operas were performed here, and much of the constitution of Czechoslovakia was drafted within these walls as well (at the end of World War I). Nearly a century later, after having served mainly as a residence for the local homeless, things seem to be looking up for Thalia Hall, with Dusek’s Board & Beer restaurant and Punch House bar now resident inside.
DoLive music venueLincoln Park-Old Town
Lincoln Hall
One of the best concert venues in Chicago, this former movie theater received a beautiful renovation in 2009 and now hosts good, moderately priced ($12-15) indie rock shows most nights of the week. (Keep an eye out for some excellent free events on Sundays.) Arrive early for a space in the roomy balcony or a few drinks in the comfortable bar area. There's a Dillinger connection here, too — the FBI's sharpshooters were camped out on the theater's roof, waiting for him to leave the Biograph.
DoTheatreLakeview-North Center
Metro
Chicago's foremost rock venue, although other genres like electronic and hip hop figure in the lineup as well. If a band is on the verge of stardom and they're on their way through Chicago, the Metro has a knack for booking them. Many shows are all ages, and are generally affordable. Tickets general admission (e.g. standing room only), so be prepared to stand, and press forward for your right to see a guitarist's nostrils. Smart Bar, next door, is owned by the Metro and features good DJs most nights of the week.
Tickets vary by event
DoBeachLincoln Park-Old Town
North Avenue Beach
Quite possibly the beach volleyball capital of the Midwest. There are semi-pro leagues here, and plenty of nets for amateurs to show up and play. There's also an enclosed roller-hockey rink and plenty of people whizzing past on the wide bike lanes. The North Avenue Beach House is a big boat-shaped structure at the center (look for the red smokestacks) where there are a few food and drink options, occasional live music, and Park District offices. A couple blocks south, toward Oak Street Beach, there are chess tables.
DoTheatreLincoln Park-Old Town
Park West
This converted movie theater (and former burlesque hall) has some of the best acoustics in the U.S., and it's surprisingly intimate considering it can seat up to a thousand. None other than Ringo Starr has said that Park West is second only to London's Royal Albert Hall. Fans will crowd the stage, but the best seats are toward the back, near the main bar and in the balconies... or call in advance to reserve a booth.
Tickets usually $25-45
DoUptown
The Green Mill
Jazz and lots of it at this Uptown landmark, famously an old hangout of Al Capone (who's not, though, around as much as he used to be). Go on a Sunday evening for the weekly poetry slam. There are a few excellent resident jazz ensembles.
Mon-Sat noon-4AM, Sun noon-4AMCovers usually less than $10
SeeArt galleryNear North
The Arts Club of Chicago
Easy to miss, as it's on a side street without much in the way of signage (or advertising), but this gallery has a long history — it opened in 1916, and hosted Pablo Picasso's first art show in the U.S. Visitors will find three public art shows each year, usually of exceptional quality. Note the Mies van der Rohe central staircase, which was transplanted from the club's previous Mies-designed location.
Mon-Fri 11AM-6PMFree
DrinkNightclubNear North
Andy's Jazz Club
A nice and slightly less pretentious jazz club featuring straight-ahead performances nightly.
Mon-Fri 11:30AM-1:30AM, Sat 5PM-2AM, Sun 5PM-1AMAdmission: $15, Dinner: $15-25
SeeHistoric siteBronzeville
Unity Hall
Built in 1887 to house a Jewish social organization, this building became famous as the headquarters of the Peoples Movement Club, founded by Oscar Stanton De Priest (1871-1951), the first African-American on Chicago's City Council and the first northern black delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives.
DrinkCaféLincoln Park-Old Town
3rd Coast Cafe
Once known as the Chicago meet-up spot for 2600, the computer hackers quarterly, 3rd Coast is an upscale late-night oasis amid blocks of impressive, silent Old Town row houses. Evenings feature jazz and solo guitarists, and the food is far above average for a cafe.
7AM-midnight daily
DrinkBarNear North
Blue Chicago
Live blues most nights of the week, except for Sundays. Has a sister club by the same name just a couple blocks away at 536 N Clark (312 661-0100, no music on Mondays).
Sun-Fri 8PM-2AM, Sat 8PM-3AMCover Su-Th $8, F Sa $10
EatBrazilian restaurantNear West Side
Carnivale
This chic Nuevo-Latino club has a great wait-staff and nice, colorful yet understated decor. They're always ready with a margarita, but only the (delicious) appetizers are available in the afternoon hours.
Mon-Thu 11:30AM-10:30PM (bar to midnight), Fri 11:30AM-11:30PM (bar to 1:30AM), Sat 5-11:30PM (bar to 1:30AM), Sun 5-10PM
DrinkBarWicker Park
Empty Bottle
To Chicago as the Knitting Factory is to NYC, the Empty Bottle hosts a mix of touring indie-rock veterans, local bands, and occasional appearances by American and Dutch avant-garde jazz. The sound and the room are OK at best, but the people who work here (and their great taste in music) make it exceptional. They also program events in Logan Square and Portage Park, among others. If you're hungry before a show, step next door to Bite (see Eat).
Mon-Wed 5PM-2AM, Thu-Fri 3PM-3AM, Sat noon-3AM, Sun noon-2AM$10-15, Mondays free
EatBarbecue restaurantPilsen
Honky Tonk BBQ
Exactly what it sounds like — the speakers deliver honky tonk music, while the kitchen serves pulled pork sandwiches, beef briskets, rib tips, and cornbread. There's a full bar as well, with live music on Thursdays and weekends.
Tue-Fri 4PM-2AM, Sat 4PM-3AM, Sun 4PM-2AM; kitchen closes at 11PM$10-16
EatMexican restaurantNear South
La Cantina Grill
Unpretentious, good Mexican cuisine. Live music on Friday nights.
Mon-Thu 11AM-11PM, Fri 11AM-2AM, Sat noon-2AM, Sun noon-10PM$10-15
DrinkBarBridgeport-Chinatown
Mitchell's Tap
Lots of different kinds of beer, bowling, golf machines, and frequent live music.
Sun-Fri 11AM-2AM, Sat 11AM-3AMcover on Sa only: $3-5
SeeChatham-South Shore
New Regal Theater
Old Avalon Theater
Built in 1927 as one of the South Side's most impressive movie palaces, done up in ornate Moorish Revival style, this theater was in operation well past the riots and up into the late 1970s. Since then, the theater has served as a church, and then a performance venue, before finally shuttering its doors in 2003. In 2008, however, the building caught a glimmer of new hope with a purchase by new owners hoping to turn the building into a new cultural venue. The idea hasn't quite taken hold yet, but there is reason to feel optimistic about this Chicago Landmark's long-term future. If you are not getting in for an event in the meantime (and believe it, the interior is in fabulous shape and incredibly beautiful), check out the cool mural on the side and ponder the building's incredible musical history; the venue's performers truly include every single world class blues, jazz, rhythm & blues, funk, and soul musician you can think of: John Coltrane, Count Basie, Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis Jr, Earth Wind & Fire, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, the Supremes, Gladys Knight, the Isley Brothers, Billie Holiday, Isaac Hayes, B.B. King, Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and so on.
DrinkBarWicker Park
Phyllis' Musical Inn
Everyone feels welcome at the Musical Inn. Outdoor seating is packed on Division in the summer, which is why this is one to know — few people are aware that a great beer garden lurks behind the tall stone fence next door to Phyllis', which looks like a garden variety dive bar at first glance. (Befitting the name, there are bands here sometimes.)
Sun-Fri 3PM-2AM, Sat 3PM-3AM
EatRestaurantWicker Park
Piece Brewery & Pizzeria
Thin-crust pizza and micro-brews. Live music most Fridays, karaoke on Thursdays at 9PM — live band karaoke on Saturdays at 11PM. The kitchen usually isn't open past 11:30PM or so, though.
Mon-Thu 11:30AM-1:30AM, Fri 11:30AM-2AM, Sat 11AM-3AM, Sun 11AM-1AM
DrinkBarLogan-Bucktown
Charleston
An old-time Bucktown joint with a big selection of reasonably priced beer and an impressive antique wood bar. There's a Jazz Jam every Tuesday night, and rock/folk/jazz shows most Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Mon-Fri 3PM-2AM, Sat Sun 2PM-2AM
DrinkBarLakeview-North Center
Hydrate
Inheritor of the space formerly owned by the infamous Manhole, Hydrate is now the ultimate dance club to See-and-Be-Seen on Halsted. On a night out in Boystown, everybody winds up here at one point or another.
Sun-Fri 8PM-4AM, Sat 8PM-5AMCover $10-20, depending on DJ and event
DoJazz barNear South
Jazz Showcase
Started in 1948 by Joe Segal, this historic jazz club is home to both national touring acts and the finest local jazz musicians Chicago has to offer. It is in the historic Dearborn Station building in the South Loop. Segal maintains the high standard for acoustic jazz that over the years has featured luminaries from Dizzy Gillespie to Chick Corea.
Sets Mon-Sat at 8PM and 10PM, and on Sun at 4PM, 8PM and 10PMPrices vary
DrinkBarLincoln Park-Old Town
Liar's Club
Good place to dance on the weekend — the DJs play the hits and know how to take the measure of the frat-free crowd. The round wood track-lit dance floor is a stand-out, too. If your friends don't dance, they can wait at the bar upstairs.
Sun-Fri 8PM-2AM, Sat 8PM-3AM$5 cover on weekends
DrinkBarNear South
M Lounge
Martinis and jazz; live performances Tu W 7PM-10PM. Nights with music supposedly have a two drink minimum, but for cheapskates, it is unclear how this policy would be enforced.
Tue-Thu 6PM-1AM, Fri Sat 6PM-2AM$12 martinis. $4+ beer, no cover
DoLive music venueLakeview-North Center
Martyrs'
Artists in Chicago have developed communities in so many different genres — rock, blues, jazz, classical, hip hop, house, reggae, folk, country & numerous traditional ethnic style — that Martyrs' strives to be the place to see each of them.
Shows start 7-9:30PMTickets $5-25
DrinkBarLakeview-North Center
Hungry Brain
There's a lot to like at this small Roscoe Village bar: a few pinball and arcade machines, the sense of being in someone's comfortable basement (with beer), and the Sunday night (10PM) Transmission series for improvisational and experimental jazz.
Tue-Sun 8PM-2AM
DrinkBarWicker Park
Rainbo Club
An old bar — the classic neon sign tips that right away — with a few literary references in its history. In a neighborhood of hipster dives, this is the hipster dive, but at least you can say you've been.
Sun-Fri 4PM-2AM, Sat 4PM-3AM
DrinkNightclubWicker Park
Subterranean
A laid-back club with diverse music and crowd. DJs spin in the lounge and indie rock appears in the Cabaret. Drinks are worth the price, and there's a bonus: once you stumble outside, you're surrounded by great after-hours dive eateries.
Mon 7PM-2AM, Tue-Fri 6PM-2AM, Sat 7PM-3AM, Sun 8PM-2AMCover usually $5
BuyRecord shopWicker Park
Dusty Groove
This record store is regarded as one of the best in the country for R&B, soul, and jazz.
10AM-8PM daily
DoBronzeville
Harold Washington Cultural Center
This major Bronzeville landmark is a performance venue showing movies, live jazz, blues, and more.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Chicago (CC BY-SA 4.0). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Place data from Overture Maps.