Goth Gigs and Dive Bars for Chicago Weekend Nights

4.3 (232)

Mon, 00:00 – 21:00; Wed, 19:00 – 00:00 (+1); Thu, 19:00 – 01:00 (+1); Fri, 19:00 – 01:30 (+1); Sat, 19:00 – 02:30 (+1); Sun, 09:00 – 21:00

952 W Newport Ave

Rickety wooden stairs lead down to The Underground Lounge, a basement bar inside the Links Hall Theater building on Newport. Since 1996, it has hosted live goth, metal and industrial acts, DJs, and dancing. A cement vault stage, arcade games, an L-shaped sofa and glass block pool room shape the space between sets.

4.5 (538)

Mon, 17:00 – 01:00 (+1); Tue – Thu, 17:00 – 01:30 (+1); Fri, 13:00 – 01:30 (+1); Sat, 11:00 – 02:00 (+1); Sun, 11:00 – 01:00 (+1)

3439 N Sheffield Ave

Nisei Lounge has operated near Wrigley Field since 1951. Cubs fandom runs deep at this neighborhood dive. Order a custom Malört infusion at the formica bar. The room also has a pool table. Bring your own food or have nearby spots deliver to your barstool. Entry is limited to guests aged 21 and over.

4.6 (593)

Mon – Fri, 15:00 – 02:00 (+1); Sat, 12:00 – 15:00 (+1); Sun, 12:00 – 02:00 (+1)

3740 N Clark St

At GMan Tavern, order a rotating draft at the handmade wooden bar. Vinyl records set the soundtrack at this decades-old Wrigleyville hangout. Play pool or pinball between drinks. An intimate space in the back hosts live music. Entry is limited to guests aged 21 and over.

4.5 (1,319)

Mon – Fri, 16:00 – 02:00 (+1); Sat – Sun, 11:00 – 02:00 (+1)

2100 W Belmont Ave

Beat Kitchen pairs casual American dining with live rock shows and underground comedy in an intimate second-floor space. The compact room offers close views of the stage. Reviewers praise the sound quality. The upstairs space includes a bar area. On Saturdays and Sundays, the venue opens at 11 AM and closes at 2 AM the following morning.