Best Hangout Spots After Bar Close In Chicago
Picture this scenario: It's almost closing time at your favorite bar, but you and your friends want to keep the good times going. What's a Chicagoan to do? Instead of calling it a night, extend happy hour into the wee hours and even later by catching a live jazz music performance or squeezing in a game of bowling. The fun doesn't have to stop when you check out these after hour spots in Chicago to cap off your night on the town. For a safe night out, leave the car at home and use public transportation or a cab to get your destinations.
Green Mill Jazz Club
4802 N. Broadway Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 878-5552
greenmilljazz.com
Chicago has a strong jazz music heritage, so what's a night out without some live jazz music? At the famed Green Mill Jazz Club in the city's Uptown neighborhood, you and your friends can unwind and catch a live performance. Upcoming shows include The Fat Babies and The After Hours Green Mill Quartet Jam Session on select nights. The full performance calendar is available on the club's website. Green Mill is open until 4 a.m. Sunday through Friday, and is open until 5 a.m. on Saturday. Heads up: The club is cash-only (but it does have an ATM onsite) and has a cover charge, so you'll need to plan ahead if you have a long night out on the calendar.
Miller's Pub
134 S. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 263-4988
millerspub.com
For the quintessential end to a night out on the town, consider stopping in at Miller's Pub. The long-standing pub is located in Chicago's Loop neighborhood and the bar is open until 4 a.m. Peruse the pub's beer and cocktail menus so you can find just the right drink for your last call. Beer drinkers can find brews by Half Acre, Revolution, and many more, while cocktails include The Cisco Kid and Horse's Neck. You can also grab a bite to eat, as the pub's kitchen is open until midnight on Sunday and until 2 a.m. the rest of the week. Keep in mind that reservations are recommended.
The Owl
2521 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 235-5300
owlbarchicago.com
If you'd like to have a hoot and squeeze in one final last call before heading home, then consider checking out the Logan Square bar The Owl. The bar is open until 4 a.m. Sunday through Friday and until 5 a.m. on Saturday, so you and your friends can flock there for an even later night out. The Owl has a number of craft beer and cider on hand, with selections from Great Lakes, Goose Island, Unibroue, Three Floyds, and a number of other breweries. Want to hear some music as you wind down the night? The Owl has you covered, with DJ sets and live jazz music on the calendar. The venue is located near several public transportation options, so you can have a smooth and safe night out with friends.
Tempo Cafe
6 E. Chestnut St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 943-4373
www.facebook.com
After a long night of revelry, get back on your feet by tucking into a late dinner or snack at Tempo Cafe. The restaurant is open 24 hours and serves up a number of dishes that will be just what you need, including eggs, pancakes, and waffles. Tempo Cafe is located in the city's Near North Side, making it the right spot to wind down your night out with friends. If you prefer, you can sleep in a little bit, then make your way to the cafe for an early breakfast.
Waveland Bowl
3700 N. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 472-5900
www.wavelandbowl.com
If your long night out takes you near the city's North Center neighborhood, then consider lacing up those bowling shoes and playing at Waveland Bowl. The bowling alley boasts 40 lanes and has billiards, too, if you'd like play additional games. Waveland Bowl's Alley Dogs serves up bowling alley favorites that include pizza, burgers, hot dogs, and fries. Cosmic bowling times are available during certain hours, and the bowling alley's full schedule is online. The bowling alley is open until 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
