The 12 best Halloween bars in Chicago

What is it? A rotating pop-up bar in River North.

Why we love it: Running through Nov. 16, Tree House's pop-up Halloween Town combines two holidays in one, taking inspiration from Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas movie. The River North restaurant and bar has been transformed into a haunted hideaway filled with mysterious creatures, spooky bites and themed cocktails. 

Time Out tip: Guests under the age of 21 are allowed to join in on the fun until 8pm.

Address: 149 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654

Halloween hours: (Through Nov 16) Tue-Thu 4pm-midnight; Fri 3pm-midnight; Sat 11am-midnight; Sun noon-midnight

What is it? One of the biggest bars on Wrigleyville's main drag.

Why we love it: Blame the Cubs' playoff run for the lack of a haunted house at Halloween-themed party Nightmare on Clark Street running through November 3, but there will be plenty of spooky stuff to enjoy. Head to the rooftop of Stolen Saddle for an evening of eerie surprises and scary-good cocktails.

Time Out tip: General admission includes one drink, and for $23, that's a decent bang for your buck.

Address: 3505 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657

Halloween hours: (Through Nov 3) Thu, Fri 6–10pm; Sat 3–11pm; Sun 1-10pm

What is it? A tiki bar located in the underbelly of River North.

Why we love it: If your idea of the perfect Halloween includes signature cocktails from six of the country’s top tropical bars, head to this subterranean River North spot on Friday, October 31. Dubbed Terror in the Tropics, the ticketed event also features a marketplace with merch from the visiting bars, including Papercut (Austin), Last Rites (Miami), and False Idol (San Francisco).

Time Out tip: You get five drink tickets with GA admission.

Address: 435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Halloween hours: Oct 31, 8pm–midnight

What is it? An upscale cocktail bar next to Ever in the West Loop.

Why we love it: Chef Curtis Duffy of neighboring two-Michelin-starred restaurant Ever gets into the Halloween spirit with two nights of temptation. Dubbed After Dark: Into the 7 Deadly Sins, the all-inclusive October 31 and November 1 special events tap into indulgence with plenty of food, cocktails, and seven immersive areas to explore. 

Time Out tip: There’s a costume contest as well as a live band performance with Duffy himself on bass. 

Address: 1338 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60607

Halloween hours: Oct 31, Nov 1; 8pm–2am

What is it? The Godfrey Hotel's picturesque rooftop bar.

Why we love it: Tombs, treasures and terror are the themes at I|O Godfrey's rooftop Halloween party on Saturday, October 25. Dubbed Curse of the Nile, this immersive fete transforms the space into an ancient tomb complete with curses that awaken the dead. Calm your nerves with forbidden potions (themed cocktails like the scarab sangria) as you wander among the crypts, sarcophagi, and golden idols. 

Time Out tip: Costumes are highly encouraged!

Address: 127 W Huron St, Chicago, IL 60654

Halloween hours: Oct 25, 8pm–3am

What is it? A Hyde Park institution.

Why we love it: The Promontory's annual Halloween party is always a lively affair, and this year’s, on Friday, October 31, dubbed Freaky Friday: Memes & Nightmares, shouldn’t be any different. Live DJs throughout the night keep the energy high while the money prizes for best male and female costumes—this year’s theme is favorite viral memes—ups the creativity at this ticketed event.

Time Out tip: The Promontory recently announced that it will close at the end of the year, so this will be one of the last opportunities to visit before then.

Address: 5311 S Lake Park Ave W, Chicago, IL 60615

Halloween hours: Oct 31, 9pm–2am

What is it? TheWit Hotel’s swank rooftop lounge.

Why we love it: Experience Nightmare on Roof, TheWit's 27th floor Halloween bash on Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1. Guests will be treated to a welcome drink and can indulge in spooky cocktail specials. 

Time Out tip: Costumes are highly encouraged, and anyone not dressed in a costume or in attire that doesn't align with the bar's dress code will be denied entry.

Address: 201 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601

Halloween hours: Oct 31, Nov 1; 10pm–midnight

What is it? A luxe steakhouse and bar in the West Loop.

Why we love it: The Penthouse at Fioretta transforms into a decadent celebration of the film Sinners on Friday, October 31. With the city skyline as a backdrop, enjoy dancing and creative cocktails at this ticketed event. 

Time Out tip: Dress up as your favorite angel or devil—or both, perhaps?

Address: 318 N Sangamon St, Chicago, IL 60607

Halloween hours: Oct 31, 9pm–1am

What is it? A West Loop hotspot that offers old school entertainment, culinary refinement and a modern beverage program under one roof.

Why we love it: On Friday, October 31, Punch Bowl Social is hosting its spirited Halloween Bash, where guests can participate in raffles, get flash tattoos and enter a costume contest.

Time Out tip: Because PBS is centrally located in the West Loop, it's easy to hop to another nearby bar after the event ends.

Address: 310 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607

Halloween hours: Oct 31, 9pm–12:30am

What is it? An Avondale bar in an old Polish tavern from the folks behind bars like The Owl and Estelle's.

Why we love it: Central Park Bar celebrates its fourth anniversary and Halloween on Thursday, October 30 with a night of DJ-spun emo anthems and spooky drink specials. Head to the cozy patio for its emo costume party with prizes for the best looks. 

Time Out tip: Get there early and enjoy half-price happy hour from 4 to 7pm.

Address: 2924 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Halloween hours: Oct 30, 9pm-2am

What is it? A dog-friendly Lakeview bar.

Why we love it: There are friendly neighborhood bars, and then there’s Cody's Public House, which extends that howdy neighbor vibe to dogs, too, always welcoming them (and their owners) inside and out in its large beer garden. The spirit extends to Halloween with a Howl-O-Ween costume contest on Sunday, October 26, that benefits ALIVE Rescue with prizes for best dog costume and best dog and human combo. On Halloween, Cody’s hosts another costume party along with holiday-inspired drink specials.

Time Out tip: Free pup cups and dog swag are featured along with a pup-tail menu.

Address: 1658 W Barry Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Halloween hours: 4pm–2am