New York might be the city that never sleeps, but Chicago has its fair share of late-night bars, too. At these eight bars and nightclubs, the party can stay alive well past midnight.
KINGSTON MINES
Living History with Live Music: Kingston Mines, which opened in 1968, is the oldest continuously operating blues club in Chicago. The family-owned Lincoln Park staple serves more than just live music, though, with barbecue and more Southern fare, plus dozens of cocktails, beers and wines. Kingston Mines is open until 2 a.m. on Thursday and Sunday, and 4 a.m. on Sunday.
MOM’S PLACE
A Sip of Home: Scrabble, shuffleboard and signature cocktails all bring a sense of warm nostalgia to this River North bar. Mom’s Place regularly hosts karaoke nights, live bands and other themed music events at its three bars spread across two floors. Mom’s Place is open until 2 a.m. every night except Saturday, when it closes at 3 a.m.
BUTCH MCGUIRE’S
World-Famous Saloon: In the heart of Gold Coast, Butch McGuire’s is a comfortable, cozy neighborhood mainstay. Its daily specials — including cocktails on draft and events like comedy acts and trivia — make each visit a little more memorable. Closing time at Butch McGuire’s is 4 a.m on Sunday-Friday, and 5 a.m. on Saturday.
TUNNEL
Sophisticated Spirits: Tunnel is a nearly 5,000-square-foot dance club accessible via a secret staircase with a dress code of smart business casual. This River North spot keeps the party going with non-stop bottle service, a video wall and a lighting system synched to the hard-hitting beats. Tunnel stays open until 2 a.m. on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, and 3 a.m. on Saturday.
STREETER’S TAVERN
Happy Hour Handshakes: Found in a basement steps away from the Magnificent Mile, Streeter’s Tavern welcomes guests with a large domestic and imported beer menu, plus pool, giant Jenga and other bar games. Its Monday-through-Friday happy hour includes a “handshake,” a shot of one of 11 spirits and a can of beer for $14. Streeter’s Tavern closes at 4 a.m. Sunday to Friday and 5 a.m. on Saturday.
OLD TOWN ALE HOUSE
Not Your Grandma’s Dive Bar: The atmosphere at Old Town Ale House is raunchy and riotous. It’s been through a lot since its establishment in 1958, defined by its eccentric regulars, provocative paintings and old-fashioned juke box. Like the name suggests, it’s located in Old Town, a neighborhood with its own captivating history. The Ale House is open Sunday to Friday until 4 a.m. and Saturday until 5 a.m.
TAO
Koi Pond with Cocktails: Tao is a high-end nightclub and event space in River North. Half of its fun comes from its extravagant, East Asian-inspired decor, with ceiling-height statues, daybeds and a koi pond; the rest of the fun comes from its full bottle service and live DJ sets. Tao closes at 4 a.m. on Friday and 5 a.m. on Saturday.
SOUND-BAR
Laser-Lit Libations: Also in River North is Sound-Bar, a dance club with nine bars and four lounges on two floors. The high-energy vibe is kept up through state-of-the-art electronics, including laser lights and video projection walls. Its luxurious bottle service, which comes with juice, mixers and soda, includes champagne, cognac and tequila. Sound-Bar is open Friday until 4 a.m. and Saturday until 5 a.m.
