Best Nightlife in Chicago

"Yasmin Gutierrez, executive pastry chef and partner at the Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, created the cookies, with dough now available in six packs ($10.95) to take home and bake. Choose from chocolate chunk, butterscotch oatmeal, Nutella,, gluten-free raspberry filled coconut macaron and a house flavor called Magic (chocolate, toffee, marshmallow and cornflakes)."

"You’ll struggle to find a more reliable brunch spot than Beatrix. With multiple locations around the city, the friendly chain of cozy cafés offers fresh-squeezed juices, brunch cocktails, and an outstanding breakfast menu. The all-day eatery focuses on healthy and affordable options with anything from light & fluffy lemon pancakes to steak chimichurri & eggs."

"This no-frills joint tempts passersby with lacquer-skinned roast ducks hanging by their necks in the steamed-up window. The menu is expansive but inexpensive: The Pei Par BBQ duck and the Hong-Kong–style barbecued pig are sublime in their simplicity, savory and slick with fat. Chinese broccoli arrives jade-green and crisp, and the beef chow fun comes out charred and tasting of the properly smoking wok."

"You deserve Hong Kong-style Chinese barbecue and Sun Wah BBQ has just what you need. Although this restaurant was originally a New York treasure, founder Eric Cheng decided Chicago was a better home. With the intricate array of options, Sun Wah continues to be an Uptown food staple."

"Feed your entire family a duck dinner for $40, complete with duck soup, stir fried greens with duck and pillowy baos to fill with crispy skin and juicy meat. Sun Wah BBQ, 5039 N. Broadway St., 773-769-1254, sunwahbbq.com"

"This new kid on the South Side block has officially stepped into recently-departed neighborhood institution Monnie Burke’s shoes as Pilsen’s latest Latin-inspired charmer. The patio is even more welcoming this time, a mass of exposed brick, soft lighting, and rustic exposed beams setting the tone while the poured cement floor radiates heat beneath diners’ feet. Food-wise, you’re looking at equally warm and cozy options like concha toast jazzed up with tres leches cream and strawberry-mezcal compote, nachos laced with cheddar and mango-braised beef, and steak and eggs topped with snappy chimichurri.How to order: Head to OpenTable for patio and indoor dining reservations or grab pick-up via Toast."

"Restaurants Mexican Lower West Side. Named after a bygone lumberyard in the area, Pilsen Yards replaces Monnie Burke's with a casual, music-fueled concept that specializes in tacos and other Mexican eats plus a long list of cocktails and beer. Guests can plan their visit around a jam-packed calendar of live DJs and art shows that promise to grace the space all year."

"Restaurants Mexican Lower West Side. Named after a bygone lumberyard in the area, Pilsen Yards replaces Monnie Burke's with a casual, music-fueled concept that specializes in tacos and other Mexican eats plus a long list of cocktails and beer. For brunch, go sweet with the tres leches concha toast or savory with the chilaquiles drenched in salsa roja."

"Dedicated to showcasing the rich culture and flavors of Peru, Tanta serves a creative menu of authentic Peruvian dishes and beverages in a casual, laid-back setting. Created by Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio, the menu combines traditional Peruvian and Spanish flavors with Chinese and Japanese influences, taking diners on an unforgettable international culinary journey. Tanta is committed to supporting sustainable farming and fishing by using locally sourced ingredients and products."

"Located on the second floor of this Peruvian restaurant, Tanta offers a nice outdoor space at which you can sip your Pisco Sour and nibble on delicious ceviches."

"Below the streets of RiNo lies The Underground, a bomb-shelter of a basement bar that has been on the radar of athletes and celebrities since it opened. Descending the stairs into the club takes you into a place that feels as if it could have once been...[Learn more]"

"Underground features late-night dancing and people-watching paired with trendy club music. There are talented DJs filling the club with music from various genres. Furthermore, they have special activities for holidays."

"Named for Marchesa Luisa Casati, an Italian muse and patron of the arts renowned for hosting parties teaming with interesting people, food, wine and song - this is your romantic sweet spot. The Main Salon is inspired by the Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice or dine in The Apartment modeled after a Parisian pied-a-terre. Start with European cheese and charcuterie, caviar service or medallions of foie gras for moments of sheer decadence."

"You can probably already tell that we love our cupcakes here in Chicago. More Cupcakes is known for their upscale environment and minimalist display. Stop by for delicious cupcakes with unique toppings."

"Perched on top of the Second City Comedy Club in Old Town, Utopian Tailgate really puts a playful and colorful spin on the Chicago rooftop scene. Dubbed a playground for grownups, the 10,000-square-foot indoor / outdoor venue comes with everything from swings and bungalows to eye-catching picnic tables, all surrounded with fantastic views over the Chicago skyline. Challenge your friends in putterball, super-sized jenga, giant connect-4 and beer, while you munch a curated menu of elevated pub grub and sip well-priced cocktails or something from the large draft selection."

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"This appealing gallery displays complex artwork, especially in media like wood, glass, fiber, and clay. National and local artists are represented, and jewelry is available. Read more about Vale Craft Gallery →"

"Established in 2002 in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago, Kavi Gupta Gallery focuses on presenting exhibitions of international emerging and mid-career artists in all media. The space has received enormous popular and critical responses for its curatorially-focused, project-based and ambitious and innovative programming. Within its two permanent gallery locations, the gallery hosts more than a dozen museum-quality exhibitions each year, while its publishing imprint, Kavi Gupta Editions, produces quality artist books and catalogs."

"Established in 2002, Kavi Gupta Art Gallery focusses on presenting works of international mid-career and emerging artists who have a record with museums in solo shows and biennales, and whose works have been published in important institutional and public collections. Kavi Gupta Art Gallery is divided into two main spaces; including the original gallery and a newly built 8,000 sq. ft exhibition space."

"Kavi Gupta Gallery features the artworks of a long list of artists from different parts of the world. It is owned by gallerist Kavi Gupta. The gallery has multiple exhibition spaces."

"This center dedicated to the famous artist is located in Jefferson Park, and with its bright mural you can’t miss it. You can check out an iPod at the front desk for a self-guided tour, or visit the first Thursday of the month at 2pm for a thirty-minute guided tour."