Bars & Nightlife

Bars & Nightlife

Bars & Nightlife

Chicago, Illinois

Provided byAdam Alexander/Choose Chicago

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Bars & NightlifeGuide was updated: 25 ביוני 2025

For nightlife, head to the many cocktail lounges, sports bars or dance clubs that dot the entertainment landscape. Or get tickets to legendary comedy club The Second City. Famous jazz and blues clubs abound, as well as smaller venues that represent local musicians and quiet bars with small bands playing music from around the world. Keep in mind that the legal drinking age is 21.

Le Colonial Lounge

Le Colonial Lounge

Le Colonial isn't only a refined dining establishment, but also a lounge featuring a chic bar popular with the young, clubby set. It is located upstairs from the restaurant of the same name. The staff serve tasty cocktails in a comfortable and romantic setting.

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Luxbar

Luxbar

Luxbar is a sophisticated two-story bar that features elegant marble floors and tables, mahogany walls and a stunning marble staircase that makes you feel like a movie star. Serves dinner as well as inventive cocktails.

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The Original Mother’s

The Original Mother’s

Division street is known for its bar scene, and Mother’s does not disappoint. A large venue with stylish antique sofas and easy chairs out front, with a lively dance floor in the back. Versatile, with karaoke nights as well as indie short film festivals. The famed setting for the 1986 cult film, “About Last Night”.

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House of Blues

House of Blues

House of Blues is an international chain of clubs, which promote current rock bands and other various acts performing jazz, blues, soul, funk and pop music.

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Buddy Guy’s Legends

Buddy Guy’s Legends

Buddy Guy's Legends is a world-famous live blues club named for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legend, Buddy Guy. This is the place to go for blues!

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Jazz Showcase

Jazz Showcase

Jazz Showcase is a famous venue for live Chicago jazz since 1947, showcasing local and international talent. Matinees with special discounts for students, seniors, and musicians on Sundays.

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The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge is a legendary live music venue with different varieties of jazz in a 1940s-style lounge. They capture jazz from New York to New Orleans.

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The Cubby Bear

The Cubby Bear

The Cubby Bear is located right across the street from Wrigley Field, and anyone hanging out in one of the club's private rooms has a view of the field. This is the place to be to catch all of the action after a Cubs game. Live bands perform regularly. Check the club's website for a list of performances. This late-night venue also serves lunch.

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Redhead Piano Bar

Redhead Piano Bar

Gather around the piano and sing along to live music. The Redhead Piano Bar's intimate atmosphere is conducive to connecting with old and new friends over a drink and a song. Business casual attire is required.

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Kingston Mines

Kingston Mines

This is the place to go for live blues music. Kingston Mines has been around since 1968, and this is one blues locale that really delivers. Stay all night, since the music doesn't stop, with bands rotating on two stages. Kingston Mines also has a late-night kitchen serving a full menu. Make sure to try the BBQ ribs.

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Metro & SmartBar

Metro & SmartBar

With nearly nightly live shows, Metro has been a staple of the Chicago music scene since it first opened in 1982, and has hosted major acts as well as promoted up-and-coming artists from the Chicago area and all over the nation. Smart Bar is located on the basement floor of Metro and follows the same principle of promoting artists on the rise. Come here Wednesday through Sunday nights to dance to some of the hottest DJs Chicago has to offer.

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Davenport's Piano Bar & Cabaret

Davenport's Piano Bar & Cabaret

Davenport's is definitely the place to go for entertainment and atmosphere, with a piano bar located in the front room, and a cabaret in the back.

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The J. Parker

The J. Parker

Enjoy your drink with class and a spectacular view in one of the lounges of The J. Parker, sitting above the Lincoln Hotel.

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Three Dots & a Dash

Three Dots & a Dash

Owner of Three Dots and a Dash Paul McGee is one of Chicago's favorite mixologist. His newest Polynesian-island themed bar centers around a 16 drink menu, focusing on eight classics and eight new creations, and has a Hawaiian tiki bar feel. Make sure to try the famous Painkiller No. 3 and enjoy some snacks. It's a great place to mingle with Chicagoans.

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Billy Sunday

Billy Sunday

When mixologist Alex Bachman and Yusho eatery chef Matthias Merges joined forces, they created Billy Sunday, a cozy, high concept antique-accented cocktail bar. Their drink menu features unique ingredients such as quince, grenadine, and ambergris-laced palm sugar; their food menu has items like pig ears and a chicken liver spread. Each of their 10 signature drinks feature different spirits. If you prefer more straight up beverages, they are able to accommodate all tastes.

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The Berkshire Room

The Berkshire Room

Located in the Acme Hotel, the Berkshire Room is a popular night spot for Chicagoans. Benjamin Schiller’s Blue Collar Lagers menu has become famous for its variety and delicious offers. Executive Chef Chris Curren offers delicious food to complement the fantastic drink menu. Try the Dealer’s Choice: you choose the liquor, flavor, and glassware, and the bartender crafts your drink from there.

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Parson's Chicken & Fish

Parson's Chicken & Fish

Parson's Chicken & Fish is a delightfully hip bar that features a friendly outdoor atmosphere (weather and season permitting) and a great mix of food and drinks. Signature Negroni Slushies are a popular item. If you don't try a Negroni Slushie, then opt for a Smoky Paloma; its ingredients include tequila, St. Germain, lime juice, San Pellegrino Pompelmo, mezcal, and salt.

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Punch House

Punch House

Punch House is a 1970s recreational room-themed basement bar. The laid back atmosphere makes the bar a great place to relax after a busy day out on the town. Try the Garrick Club: gin, cherry liqueur, raw sugar, lemon juice, and carbonation.

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