Chicago’s best late-night bars open until 4am—or later

What is it? A dim dive bar in Old Town that's known for being a favorite among celebs like Stephen Colbert, Bill Murray and John Belushi.

Why we love it: Among the framed drawings cluttering the wooden walls of this saloon-style staple are posters boasting that you’re in “le premiere dive bar” of Chicago. This was one of Anthony Bourdain's favorite bars in the city—the kind of spot where you'll find Second City students and company members mingling with the Old Town bar crowd. If you want to meet some interesting people at 3am on a Saturday night, this is a good place to start.

Time Out tip: One of the best parts about Old Town Ale House is admiring the eclectic and often crude paintings. The backstory is fascinating—ask your bartender.

Address: 219 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60610

Opening hours: Mon-Fri, Sun 3pm-4am; Sat 3pm-5am

What is it? A Six Corners staple that's been open since 1999.

Why we love it: Not feeling Subterranean’s music for the night? Can’t take the hipper-than-thou crowd at Rainbo? Head to this low-key sanctuary in the Milwaukee-North-Damen intersection. No one’s trying to out-cool anyone here (though late at night, they’re definitely trying to pick each other up), so feel free to strike up a conversation with a stranger over some tasty late-night bar eats.

Time Out tip: Estelle's has killer deals most nights of the week (like half-priced burgers on Mondays and $6 tequila drinks on Thursdays), so be sure to check out the day's specials.

Address: 2013 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon-Fri, Sun 4pm-4am; Sat 4pm-5am

What is it? A popular late-night bar in the Gold Coast with two levels. 

Why we love it: As soon as you walk into this place, it’s obvious that everyone has had enough drinks to consider you their best friend—and they know every single lyric to every single song. The first floor caters to the hip hop and Top 40 crowd, while the lower level gives you sing-along ’80s rock. If you can maneuver your way through the late-night dancing crowd, you’ll agree: This place always delivers a good time.

Time Out tip: This place charges cover, up to $20 at times, so be prepared to pay at the door. They take card, so you don't need to hit the ATM on your way over.

Address: 14 W Elm St, Chicago, IL 60610

Opening hours: Thu, Fri 9pm-4am; Sat 9pm-5am

What is it? A karaoke dive bar that's been open since 1986.

Why we love it: Although Alice's Lounge is no longer owned by its Alice herself, it's nearly unchanged since the new owners took over in 2022. Hammock Hospitality (Avondale Tap, Aberdeen Tap) made minor changes like ditching the buzzer entry system, and now, you can belt karaoke here seven nights a week.

Time Out tip: Karaoke starts at 10pm on Sundays through Thursdays, and at 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Address: 3556 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Mon-Fri, Sun 7pm-4am; Sat 7pm-5am

What is it? A storied family-owned Gold Coast bar. 

Why we love it: Even when it gets packed with the typical Division Street crowd, this Irish pub has an old soul. Antique beer paraphernalia and the signature Christmas decor hang from the ceiling year-round, and the green-tinged lighting sets the scene for a lively time at this Gold Coast icon.

Time Out tip: This place charges cover on busy nights, so be sure to bring cash.

Address: 20 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60610

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-4am; Sat 10am-5am; Sun 10am-4am

What is it? A low-key retro dive from the Estelle’s folks.

Why we love it: Weeknights are low-key, but the rooms fill up by midnight on weekends and stay packed until the 4am closing time (5am on Saturdays). Catch burlesque shows, pack into the photobooth with your friends and enjoy the (relatively) cheap drinks at this Logan Square hotspot. 

Time Out tip: Not drinking? No problem. The Owl serves a selection of non-alcoholic drinks, including THC seltzers and CBD sodas, so you can get in on the fun without the hangover.

Address: 2521 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon-Fri, Sun 5pm-4am; Sat 5pm-5am

What is it? A late-night bar popular among the yuppies of the Gold Coast.

Why we love it: Legend has it that the Velvet Underground once rocked the stage at Mother’s, which opened its doors in 1968. But don’t come here looking for avant-garde rock. These days, Mother’s is all about pleasing the sweat-drenched, booze-soaked Division Street masses who pack the dance floor into the early morning hours, hoping to grind against Mr. or Ms. Right—or at least Mr. or Ms. Tonight.

Time Out tip: Mother's offers a pretty good happy hour Wednesdays through Sundays with $6 beers, wines and mixed drinks from 7 to 10pm.

Address: 26 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60610

Opening hours: Wed-Fri, Sun 7pm-4am; Sat 7pm-5am

What is it? A lavish four-floor bar, lounge and restaurant that transforms into a nightclub. 

Why we love it: Housed in a historic Louis Sullivan building, Celeste is not short on options. On the first level, The Whiskey Bar is a nod to classic neighborhood bars, while the second-floor Deco Supper Club is a swanky spot to imbibe a craft cocktail. Disco, on the third floor, is a luminous sanctuary dedicated to the era of disco and dance. The main attraction, though, is the lush garden with a retractable roof on the fourth floor. You’ll escape the hustle and bustle of the city with floral-print Victorian furniture, tropical greenery, and vine-covered brick walls. DJs set the mood on weekends by spinning the hits.

Time Out tip: We love a late happy hour, and we certainly love Celeste's because it runs from 5–8pm on Wed–Fri with $10 cocktails, $8 wine and $6 beer. Cheers!

Address: 111 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Wed–Fri 5pm–4am; Sat 7pm–5am

What is it? An affordable Old Town bar that's open until 5am on Saturdays.

Why we love it: This subteranean Lincoln Park bar has everything you expect from a dive in the area: Free popcorn, $4 beer specials, Black Crowes blasting from the speakers and post-frat boys high-fiving the night away. But, if you need a place to hole up for an extra two hours at the end of the night, there are certainly worse late-night bars that you could end up at.

Time Out tip: Ravens is open every day of the year, and at the time of writing this (Sept. 29, 2025), they've been open for 9,833 consecutive days! Check out the counter on their website to see the most up-to-date number.

Address: 2326 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 3pm-4am; Sat noon-5am; Sun noon-4am

What is it? A compact corner bar with cheap beer in Irving Park.

Why we love it: The windowless front door isn’t exactly a welcome mat, but once inside Christina’s Place's compact, cozy digs (and after an insanely cheap $3 Guinness), you’ll feel right at home. The football pennants hanging over the bar and baseball on several TVs scream sports bar, but the Talking Heads and ’60s-era Stones on the juke combined with the bartender’s Iggy and the Stooges shirt say otherwise.

Time Out tip: Christina's also hosts events like Saturday night karaoke and football watch parties. Follow their Instagram for the latest announcements.

Address: 3759 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Mon-Fri, Sun 3pm-4am; Sat 3pm-5am

What is it? An Irish pub in the heart of the Gold Coast.

Why we love it: A laid-back complement to the high-end restaurants surrounding it, Dublin's Bar & Grill is a popular Irish pub that's open late every day of the week. Not only does it offer buttoned-up dinnergoers a place to let their hair down after dinner at The Bellevue, but it also serves a full slate of pub fare that warrants a visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Time Out tip: Dublin's patio is open year-round, and it's a great spot for people-watching in the heart of the Viagra Triangle. 

Address: 1050 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610

Opening hours: Mon-Fri, Sun 10am-4am; Sat 10am-5am

What is it? A Humbolt Park bar that has "startlingly handsome bar staff, great music, pool table and cheap drinks."

Why we love it: In its past life as Hiawatha (a.k.a. Pizza Lounge), the only thing you’d pick up at The Continental was a six-pack of cheap beer to lug next door for a chicken dinner at Feed. Now, the more-than-100-year-old dive has transformed into a slick little enclave for the late-night crowd to scope each other out and suck down the last liquor of the night to the tune of the DJ’s all-rock repertoire.

Time Out tip: Head out to the patio when the weather permits, and send the night out en plein air. 

Address: 2801 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Mon, Sun 9pm-4am; Tue-Fri 5pm-4am; Sat 5pm-5am

What is it? A prominent South Side gay bar.

Why we love it: The entry process at Jeffery Pub is rather rigorous, but it’s worth it for strong drinks and a friendly LGBT vibe. We've watched crowds groove to hip hop and house while also chatting and canoodling on the sidelines. Plus, it's one of the few bars with a 4am license on the South Side.

Time Out tip: If you want to watch a PPV fight on the South Side, head to Jeffrey Pub.

Address: 7041 S Jeffery Blvd, Chicago, IL 60649

Opening hours: Mon-Fri, Sun noon-4am; Sat noon-5am

What is it? A beloved Wicker Park watering hole that's been open since 1977.

Why we love it: The rumble of the train drowns out your conversation at Nick's Beer Garden every five minutes, but that’s a small price to pay for a laid-back day sipping beer in the sun. Servers are attentive, and the crowd outside is pretty chill—the only shit-talking going on is at the pool table. That is, until most of Wicker Park’s other bars close at 2am and the line outside waiting to get in gets unruly.

Time Out tip: Nick's hosts weekly events like trivia on Tuesdays and bingo on Wednesdays.

Address: 1516 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Tue, Wed 7pm-3am; Thu 5pm-4am; Fri 4pm-4am; Sat noon-5am; Sun 2pm-4am

What is it? A low-key cocktail lounge with locations in Lakeview and Andersonville.

Why we love it: At this shoebox of a cocktail bar, the drinks are skillfully prepared, the crowd is kept to a minimum by the doorman, and the music never gets so loud that it drowns out your insights on Jean Genet. The clientele at Elixir is mixed in age but not in gender, and everyone is on their best behavior, which makes it an altogether more sophisticated and adult experience than Elixir’s next-door sister, Hydrate.

Time Out tip: This is a great spot to take a date at the end of a romantic night.

Address: 3452 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-2am; Fri 5pm-4am; Sat 5pm-5am; Sun 5pm-midnight

What is it? A multi-level LGBTQIA+ club.

Why we love it: A construction theme dominates Rogers Park gay bar Jackhammer, where a grab bag of dudes cram the dance floor on weekend nights. Head downstairs to the Hole if you want to get sweaty in close quarters or slip outside to the patio if you need a chance to cool down.

Time Out tip: Jackhammer serves a selection of THC- and CBD-infused drinks, as well as sips infused with magnesium and adaptogens.

Address: 6406 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626

Opening hours: Wed 7pm-2am; Thu, Fri 7pm-4am; Sat 7pm-5am; Sun 3pm-4am

What is it? A casual modern Bucktown bar that suits the mood any time of day.

Why we love it: Located within walking distance of the Western Blue Line stop, Remedy is one of the only 4am bars in the neighborhood. Anyone in Bucktown who doesn't want to dive into crowded Wicker Park bars after 2am is probably heading here, so expect a crowd if you're showing up late.

Time Out tip: Remedy serves a small selection of snacks, like dips and cheese, which can be ordered to go.

Address: 1910 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon-Fri, Sun 4pm-4am; Sat 4pm-5am

What is it? A bar and concert venue in Wicker Park.

Why we love it: As the name Bourbon on Division suggests, expect plenty of whiskey to be flowing at Bourbon on Division. On the first floor, you can play pool, darts and arcade games or dance to tunes spun by DJs until as late as 5am on Saturdays. Upstairs, there’s a full stage and sound setup for live musical acts.

Time Out tip: The kitchen is open, so you can soak up the alcohol after a concert.

Address: 2050 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Tue-Fri 10pm-4am; Sat 10pm-5am

What is it? A buzzing underground bar near the Mag Mile and Loyola University.

Why we love it: Despite its wide selection of drafts on tap, regulars (a youngish, button-down crowd) at Streeter's Tavern suck down $7.50 Coors bottles, listen to the classic-rock-fueled jukebox and play table tennis, pool and foosball. Keep the good times going well into the early morning until 4am at this no frills, just vibes bar.

Time Out tip: Streeter's Tavern has a TouchTunes-like jukebox, but you might have to join the queue.

Address: 50 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Opening hours: Mon-Fri, Sun noon-4am; Sat noon-5am

What is it? Coffee shop by day, 4am bar by night.

Why we love it: Look for the glowing neon martini glass hanging above the entrance to this Lawrence Avenue bar, which proudly advertises its late-night hours. Uptown Lounge is a popular destination for folks heading to concerts at the Aragon and the Riviera—if there's a show at either venue, there's likely to be a crowd. Stop by for late-night karaoke (and maybe a martini or two).

Time Out tip: Uptown Lounge recently extended its weekday hours to operate as a coffee shop/coworking space during the day.

Address: 1136 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am-1pm, 4pm-4am; Sat 8am-5am; Sun 8am-4am

What is it? A spacious karaoke and darts bar in Irving Park.

Why we love it: The decor that graces Sidekick's is reminiscent of roller rinks circa the 1980s: Pink and aqua neon signage, wood paneling, fantastic mullets, cheap drinks, and all the nachos and pizza you can handle. 

Time Out tip: There’s a dedicated karaoke stage and song book chock-full of corny `70s and `80s hits, making this place a natural choice for getting drunk and stupid with large groups of people.

Address: 4424 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60641

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 2pm-4am; Sat noon-5am; Sun noon-4am

What is it? A River North bar and beer garden inside a building from the late 1800s.

Why we love it: We’ve seen people at this dim, homey, Near North pub hang out without ever ordering a drink, but we just can’t follow suit. We envy the friendly neighbors who drop onto wooden stools just to chat up the bartender. But when we spy two dozen beers on tap, we feel like settling in and getting our drink on.

Time Out tip: Bring your pups—Clark Street Ale House is dog-friendly!

Address: 742 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Mon-Fri, Sun 4pm-4am; Sat noon-5am

What is it? An Andersonville restaurant and lounge with more than 100 craft beers on rotation.

Why we love it: Locals flock to this bar for its namesake’s warmth (everyone loves the covered, heated patio) and coziness. It's also a popular spot for Sunday brunch drag shows and day drinking on the patio during the warmer months.

Time Out tip: Fireside bartenders tend to pour heavy here—we've ordered a Scotch on the rocks and found ourselves drinking from a full highball glass—so some food from the adjoining restaurant will be in order to soak it all up, especially if you're sticking around until close.

Address: 5739 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60660

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 11am-2am; Thu, Fri, Sun 11am-4am; Sat 11am-5am

What is it? A lively Rogers Park bar with free pool, darts and parking.

Why we love it: Over in West Rogers Park, family-owned lounge Mark II Lounge has been a late-night haven for over 60 years. Neighborhood locals come to play pool or darts—there’s even a pool league Monday through Thursday—until 4am most evenings. 

Time Out tip: It can get crowded after midnight and when there’s karaoke going on, so plan accordingly.

Address: 7436 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60645

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-4am; Fri, Sat 5pm-5am; Sun 5pm-3am