Chicago Nightlife Between Lake Michigan Sand and Pinball

4.6 (218)

Thu, 18:00 – 01:00 (+1); Fri, 18:00 – 02:00 (+1); Sat, 18:00 – 04:00 (+1)

329 N Dearborn St

Reservations are required at this House of Blues hideaway, where staff give mini-tours of the detailed design and the bar pours Old Fashioneds, margaritas and botanical spritzers. Saturday runs until 4:00 AM.

4.5 (9,133)

Thu, 17:00 – 22:00; Fri – Sat, 17:00 – 00:00 (+1)

329 N Dearborn St

Folk art and musician tributes line the entry of this multi-level Marina City venue, known for crisp sound and room to dance. Spending in the restaurant before a show earns priority entry.

4.5 (3,047)

Mon – Fri, 11:00 – 22:00; Sat, 10:00 – 22:00; Sun, 10:00 – 20:00

1603 N Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable Lake Shore Dr

Spiked cold brew garnished with a donut hole leads the playful drinks at this North Avenue Beach spot, alongside mocktails, shrimp tacos, elote salad and lounge couches on the beach.

4.4 (79)

Wed – Thu, 16:00 – 00:00 (+1); Fri, 16:00 – 23:00 (+1); Sat, 12:00 – 23:00 (+1); Sun, 12:00 – 23:00

1357 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60642, USA

Pinball, giant-screen games and animatronic band shows fill this arcade bar, a pregame stop before Salt Shed events. Order a beer and a bump with neon green pickle relish, and note kids leave by 10:00 PM.

4.1 (1,655)

Tue – Fri, 10:30 – 00:00 (+1); Sat – Sun, 11:00 – 00:00 (+1)

110 W Hubbard St

Happy hour runs 4:00 to 6:00 PM and all day Thursday at this multi-level River North tavern. Holiday decor brings twinkling lights, and the upper two floors sometimes close for private events.

4.0 (673)

Mon – Sun, 11:00 – 22:00

1603 N Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable Lake Shore Dr

Frozen drinks, beer and weekend live music fill the rooftop and patio of this North Avenue Beach bar, with views of Lake Michigan and the skyline. Food is standard bar fare.