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A stack of pancakes topped with strawberries, blueberries, and sliced bananas.
Chicagoans can satisfy their hunger with pancakes and traditional diner foods at Griddle 24.
Griddle 24

The Essential 24-Hour Restaurants in Chicago

Sleep is overrated

by Jeffy Mai and Eater Staff Updated
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Chicagoans can satisfy their hunger with pancakes and traditional diner foods at Griddle 24.
| Griddle 24
by Jeffy Mai and Eater Staff Updated
1 comment / new

In Chicago, there’s something to do at nearly any hour and it’s important to know where one can eat. Some people work late, but perhaps more importantly, many people play late. Though the COVID-19 pandemic has forced a number of former all-day spots to scale back their hours, there’s still a variety of options for cheap and delicious late-night bites. So whenever those cravings for omelets, tacos, fried seafood, or Polish sausages hit, stumble into one of the following places for some much-needed sustenance.

For updated information on coronavirus cases, please visit the city of Chicago’s COVID-19 dashboard. Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may still pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here.

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New York Bagel & Bialy

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The finest bagels in Chicagoland are made in a Lincolnwood strip-mall shop and best of all, they’re available 24/7. Located right off I-94, New York Bagel & Bialy sells an assortment of breads and Jewish delights. Folks can order bagel sandwiches loaded with breakfast fillings, corned beef, pastrami, lox, and more.

4714 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712
(847) 677-9388
(847) 677-9388

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Diner Grill

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Legendary greasy spoon Diner Grill was decimated by a fire in 2016 but reopened its doors two years later after a massive rebuild. Customers will find all of the typical diner staples here as well as the signature Slinger — hash browns topped with two burger patties, cheese, grilled onions, over easy eggs, and chili. Finishing the whole thing in one sitting may induce a food coma.

1635 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 248-2030
(773) 248-2030

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Golden Apple Grill

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The Golden Apple’s bright neon sign above Lincoln Avenue invites passersby to stop in for sizzling skillets, waffles, blintzes, club sandwiches, burgers, and much more. The family-run diner has been a neighborhood mainstay for decades and was even featured on NPR’s “This American Life” in an episode titled “24 Hours at the Golden Apple.”

2971 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 528-1413
(773) 528-1413

Golden Nugget Pancake House

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The Golden Nugget’s iconic yellow signage has been overlooking the streets of Chicago since 1966. Along with standard breakfast fare, the menu features a variety of sandwiches and hearty plates like chicken fried steak and meatloaf. It’s a classic spot to hit up after a late-night bar crawl or concert. Although there are several outposts, only the Avondale location is currently open 24 hours.

2406 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 252-8903
(773) 252-8903

Griddle 24

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Open 24 hours Wednesday through Sunday, Griddle 24 is a modern River North diner that whips up a wide array of breakfast items, burgers, pastas, salads, and sandwiches. The boozy milkshakes are a fun way to end the night or start the morning.

334 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 943-2424
(312) 943-2424
A plate of bacon, eggs, and hash browns.
Start (or end) the day with breakfast and a boozy shake at Griddle 24.
Griddle 24 [Official Photo]

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Chavas Tacos

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This cozy West Town spot offers some of the best late-night Mexican food around. In addition to tacos, quesadillas, and burritos, the menu also has sections dedicated to all-day breakfast, seafood, and vegetarian options. The Chava’s Special (chilaquiles, two eggs, skirt steak) is a satisfying plate to enjoy as the sun is rising.

2351 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 226-1129
(312) 226-1129

White Palace Grill

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Chicagoans from all walks of life have been gathering at this South Loop diner since 1939. What do they all have in common? A shared love of reliable omelets, skillets, pancakes, waffles, French toasts, and more at all hours.

1159 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 939-7167
(312) 939-7167
A patty melt with fries and coleslaw.
White Palace Grill is one of Chicago’s most beloved greasy spoons.
White Palace Grill [Official Photo]

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Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp

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Fried fish and shrimp whenever one wants is a luxury. Chicagoans can experience this and more at Lawrence’s. Get popcorn shrimp thrown in a sandwich or tossed onto a bed of fries late into the night. And don’t forget to dunk the fried pleasures in the mild or hot sauce. Only the Chinatown location is 24 hours.

2120 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-2113
(312) 225-2113

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Steak 'N Egger

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Residing in Pilsen and six other locations around Chicagoland, Steak ‘N Egger is pretty much what one would expect from a truck-stop-style diner that's obviously known for its namesake dish. Service is speedy because most customers are on the run. Whether it’s a nightcap or just a pit stop, comforting breakfast, lunch, and dinner fare will be waiting here.

1174 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 226-5444
(312) 226-5444

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Maxwell Street Depot

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Planning on staying extra innings at a Sox game? No worries, Maxwell Street Depot will be open when fans leave the park. Classic Polish sausages, pork chop sandwiches, hot dogs, and burgers make up the all-star lineup.

411 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 337-0000
(312) 337-0000

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Kevin's Hamburger Heaven

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It’s called Hamburger Heaven but this popular Canaryville late-night haunt serves many types of foods at all hours of the day. Craving pancakes and omelets at 10 p.m., or jerk chicken tacos and a T-bone steak at 6 a.m.? Whatever folks want, the kitchen can make it happen.

554 W Pershing Rd, Chicago, IL 60609
(773) 924-5771
(773) 924-5771

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Stony Sub

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One of the city’s most iconic creations is the Gym Shoe (or Jim Shoe) sandwich. It combines roast beef, gyro meat, and corned beef on a sub roll and is dressed with lettuce, sliced tomato, melted cheese, hot and sweet peppers, onions, mayo, and gyro sauce. At Stony Sub, Chicagoans can devour the flavor-packed South Side original for both breakfast or a late-night bite.

8440 S Stony Is Ave, Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 978-4000
(773) 978-4000

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New York Bagel & Bialy

4714 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712

The finest bagels in Chicagoland are made in a Lincolnwood strip-mall shop and best of all, they’re available 24/7. Located right off I-94, New York Bagel & Bialy sells an assortment of breads and Jewish delights. Folks can order bagel sandwiches loaded with breakfast fillings, corned beef, pastrami, lox, and more.

4714 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712
(847) 677-9388
(847) 677-9388

Diner Grill

1635 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613

Legendary greasy spoon Diner Grill was decimated by a fire in 2016 but reopened its doors two years later after a massive rebuild. Customers will find all of the typical diner staples here as well as the signature Slinger — hash browns topped with two burger patties, cheese, grilled onions, over easy eggs, and chili. Finishing the whole thing in one sitting may induce a food coma.

1635 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 248-2030
(773) 248-2030

Golden Apple Grill

2971 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

The Golden Apple’s bright neon sign above Lincoln Avenue invites passersby to stop in for sizzling skillets, waffles, blintzes, club sandwiches, burgers, and much more. The family-run diner has been a neighborhood mainstay for decades and was even featured on NPR’s “This American Life” in an episode titled “24 Hours at the Golden Apple.”

2971 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 528-1413
(773) 528-1413

Golden Nugget Pancake House

2406 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

The Golden Nugget’s iconic yellow signage has been overlooking the streets of Chicago since 1966. Along with standard breakfast fare, the menu features a variety of sandwiches and hearty plates like chicken fried steak and meatloaf. It’s a classic spot to hit up after a late-night bar crawl or concert. Although there are several outposts, only the Avondale location is currently open 24 hours.

2406 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 252-8903
(773) 252-8903

Griddle 24

334 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Open 24 hours Wednesday through Sunday, Griddle 24 is a modern River North diner that whips up a wide array of breakfast items, burgers, pastas, salads, and sandwiches. The boozy milkshakes are a fun way to end the night or start the morning.

334 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 943-2424
(312) 943-2424
A plate of bacon, eggs, and hash browns.
Start (or end) the day with breakfast and a boozy shake at Griddle 24.
Griddle 24 [Official Photo]

Chavas Tacos

2351 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60612

This cozy West Town spot offers some of the best late-night Mexican food around. In addition to tacos, quesadillas, and burritos, the menu also has sections dedicated to all-day breakfast, seafood, and vegetarian options. The Chava’s Special (chilaquiles, two eggs, skirt steak) is a satisfying plate to enjoy as the sun is rising.

2351 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 226-1129
(312) 226-1129

White Palace Grill

1159 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60607

Chicagoans from all walks of life have been gathering at this South Loop diner since 1939. What do they all have in common? A shared love of reliable omelets, skillets, pancakes, waffles, French toasts, and more at all hours.

1159 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 939-7167
(312) 939-7167
A patty melt with fries and coleslaw.
White Palace Grill is one of Chicago’s most beloved greasy spoons.
White Palace Grill [Official Photo]

Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp

2120 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60616

Fried fish and shrimp whenever one wants is a luxury. Chicagoans can experience this and more at Lawrence’s. Get popcorn shrimp thrown in a sandwich or tossed onto a bed of fries late into the night. And don’t forget to dunk the fried pleasures in the mild or hot sauce. Only the Chinatown location is 24 hours.

2120 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-2113
(312) 225-2113

Steak 'N Egger

1174 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60608

Residing in Pilsen and six other locations around Chicagoland, Steak ‘N Egger is pretty much what one would expect from a truck-stop-style diner that's obviously known for its namesake dish. Service is speedy because most customers are on the run. Whether it’s a nightcap or just a pit stop, comforting breakfast, lunch, and dinner fare will be waiting here.

1174 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 226-5444
(312) 226-5444

Maxwell Street Depot

411 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60616

Planning on staying extra innings at a Sox game? No worries, Maxwell Street Depot will be open when fans leave the park. Classic Polish sausages, pork chop sandwiches, hot dogs, and burgers make up the all-star lineup.

411 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 337-0000
(312) 337-0000

Kevin's Hamburger Heaven

554 W Pershing Rd, Chicago, IL 60609

It’s called Hamburger Heaven but this popular Canaryville late-night haunt serves many types of foods at all hours of the day. Craving pancakes and omelets at 10 p.m., or jerk chicken tacos and a T-bone steak at 6 a.m.? Whatever folks want, the kitchen can make it happen.

554 W Pershing Rd, Chicago, IL 60609
(773) 924-5771
(773) 924-5771

Stony Sub

8440 S Stony Is Ave, Chicago, IL 60617

One of the city’s most iconic creations is the Gym Shoe (or Jim Shoe) sandwich. It combines roast beef, gyro meat, and corned beef on a sub roll and is dressed with lettuce, sliced tomato, melted cheese, hot and sweet peppers, onions, mayo, and gyro sauce. At Stony Sub, Chicagoans can devour the flavor-packed South Side original for both breakfast or a late-night bite.

8440 S Stony Is Ave, Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 978-4000
(773) 978-4000

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