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Arbella

The Ultimate Guide to Halloween 2016 in Chicago

Do the Monster Mash

by Jeffy Mai@jmai Oct 25, 2016, 1:45pm CDT

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Arbella

| Marc Much

by Jeffy Mai@jmai Oct 25, 2016, 1:45pm CDT

Growing up isn't all it's cracked up to be. For one thing, you're probably too old to go trick-or-treating, but fear not because there are plenty of other thrilling ways to celebrate Halloween. Chicago businesses are getting in the spirit of the holiday by hosting haunted parties and offering food and drink specials. So while the luxury of free candy is gone, you'll get to enjoy spooky-themed cocktails and other fun scares instead.

With the Cubs also playing at home in the World Series this weekend, there's bound to be an electric atmosphere all over town. Put the finishing touches on that costume you've been working on for weeks or come up with a last minute idea (no Guy Fieri impersonators, please) and make some plans. Many places are awarding prizes for the best dressed, so give it your all and you might even be able to win a tenth of the money needed for a ticket to a Cubs game.

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AceBounce

In the spirit of Netflix’s breakout phenomenon, Stranger Things, the downtown sports club will open its doors on Oct. 29 for ‘80s-themed cocktails, appetizers, unlimited ping pong and the sounds of DJ Barb. The best costume will win a variety of prizes and tickets to the party can be purchased here.

230 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60601

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Ampersand Wine Bar

The Ravenswood wine bar will host Hallowine, a dining event based on Stranger Things. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Oct. 30, patrons are invited to dress as their favorite character or ‘80s attire and chow on themed bites like Benny’s Burgers, Mrs. Wheeler’s Meatloaf, Not-So-Cold Fries and an Eggo Waffle dessert. Admission is $30 and includes the special menu and entry into a wine raffle. Tickets are available online.

4845 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

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Also featured in:

Arbella

Wake the dead with a Death by Disco blowout at River North’s new global cocktail lounge. For $45, partygoers will enjoy a 3-hour bar package from 9 p.m. to midnight complemented by passed bites, such as stuffed mushrooms and mini eggrolls. DJ Bridget Marie will provide the beats and a costume contest will reward the best dressed with a $250 grand prize. Tickets can be purchased online.

112 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

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Also featured in:

Carnivale

Revel in a festive brunch on Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feast on Latin-fusion dishes, enjoy tunes from a monster mash DJ and bring the kids for face painting and treats. Costumed adults will also receive a complimentary mimosa.

702 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60661

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Also featured in:

CH Distillery

Embracing the glamour and glory of the late ‘70s, The Bar & Table at CH Distillery will transform itself into Studio 564, inspired by New York’s Studio 54 nightclub. From 5 p.m. to midnight on Oct. 29, put on your best retro attire and boogie the night away while imbibing themed cocktails like the Harvey Wall Banger (vanilla anise vodka, orange juice) and Suffering Bastard (bourbon, CH London dry gin, lime, ginger, honey).

564 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661

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Also featured in:

Emporium Arcade Bar

Get spooked and then get your game on at Emporium as the Logan Square beer arcade will transform into a haunted hotel on Oct. 24 through 27. The thrill ride will take up nearly half of the 9,000 square foot space and each $10 ticket includes entry and one free drink.

2363 N Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60647

Visit Website

Fat Rice

The acclaimed Asian eatery is transforming into a disco inferno and offering two ways to celebrate on Oct. 29. Sit down to a five-course dinner with drink pairings—including shrimp cocktail, steak, chocolate cake and more—for $115, or step into The Ladies’ Room for a three-course omakase cocktail and snack pairing for $65. Afterwards, guests can head over to The Bakery at Fat Rice and bust a move on the dance floor. Tickets here.

2957 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Frontier

Go hog wild and celebrate Halloween Frontier-style on Oct. 31. The meat-centric restaurant will host the first ever “HOG-lloween” celebration, starting at 6:30 p.m., and offer AYCE pulled pork sliders, sides and Rocky Mountain oysters. Snag $15 tickets online.

1072 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

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Also featured in:

Fulton Market Kitchen

Indulge your curiosity with Pandora’s Box Halloween on Oct. 28. Starting at 9 p.m., Fulton Market Kitchen will throw a bash featuring DJs, live models, art and fashion installations, and drink specials from Cruzan Rum and Red Bull. Tickets are available here.

311 N Sangamon St, Chicago, IL 60607

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Also featured in:

Henry's

Roll back the clock and celebrate the business-savvy madames, slick playboys and sleazy politicians of yesteryear at a turn-of-the-century Chicago soiree. There will spooky drink specials and a live DJ spinning all night on Oct. 29, along with no cover charge.

18 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Il Tavolino

Everybody loves free food so the Conrad Chicago's new Italian cafe is giving away free pazzettes to guests who show up in costume between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Oct. 31. The signature item, described as a fold-over stuffed pizza sandwich, is available in combinations such as porchetta & fontina, n’duja & smoked mozzarella and cauliflower & harissa.

Open in Google Maps

101 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611

Visit Website

Maple & Ash

In a tongue-in-cheek twist, the swank Gold Coast restaurant will be donning the costume this Halloween and disguising itself as a Frontback Steakhouse. Chef Danny Grant is creating two specials to go along with the regular dinner menu. Diners can go down under with “Aussie-Style Caviar Service,” featuring white sturgeon caviar with an onion blossom ($130), or enhance any steak with a barbie-Q shrimp, coconut shrimp and onion rings for $25.

8 W Maple St, Chicago, IL 60610

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Also featured in:

Quartino

Gear up for another year of spooky wining and dining at Quartino’s annual Halloween Wine Bash on Oct. 31, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bash-goers can enter a costume contest with prizes and feast on signatures bites—pizza, salumi, cheeses, spuntini—and a variety of wines. Tickets for the event can be purchased online for $25.

626 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Saved By The Max - The Attic

Saved By The Bell fans will have a chance to explore another part of the Bayside universe on Oct. 28. Join the gang as they venture off campus to The Attic, located at 1575 N. Milwaukee Ave., and hang out at the infamous nightclub seen in season three of the show. The pop-up will feature a brand new cocktail menu, photo booths, costume contests, the best hits of the ‘80s and ‘90s, and more. Advance tickets are sold out but more tickets will be available at the door starting at 9 p.m.

Open in Google Maps

1575 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Visit Website

Shaw's Crab House

Nurse that Halloween hangover and roll into Shaw’s for a costume brunch on Oct. 29. Guests will enjoy a buffet of seafood, traditional breakfast fare and mini desserts while those who come dressed in costume will also receive $25 towards their next visit. Priced at $55 per person.

21 E Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60611

Visit Website

Also featured in:

SPiN

Fans of the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show will find everything they’re looking for and more at SPiN’s Halloween party on Oct. 29. The event will feature a themed karaoke battle, the musical stylings of a live “Eddie” impersonation saxophone player and a Time Warp Dance Off at center court. Specialty cocktails will keep the night’s theme going and include The Criminologist ($13), concocted with Campari, RTC Mallorca melon tea, grapefruit juice and orange juice.

344 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Table, Donkey and Stick

Give yourself a real scare this year with a four-course offal dinner on Oct. 31. Chef de cuisine Ryan Brosseau will offer creative treatment of some of his favorite off cuts, such as lamb heart carpaccio and crispy tripe with beef cheek marmalade and semolina waffles. Priced at $36 per person and seatings are available between 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

2728 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Visit Website

Also featured in:

The Godfrey Hotel Chicago

The Godfrey is turning up the paranormal activity on Oct. 29 by giving its rooftop lounge a sinister makeover and transforming the fifth floor into haunted rooms with horrors lurking in every corner. Ghouls and ghosts will roam the hallways and attendees are encouraged to dress up. All who survive the night are invited to the “Walk of No Shame” brunch the next morning at I|O Godfrey, where anyone in full costume will receive $10 off food and one free mimosa or Bloody Mary. Tickets here.

127 W Huron St, Chicago, IL 60654

Visit Website

Also featured in:

The Northman

Geek out and choose sides on Oct. 31 as Chicago's first cider bar pits two venerable sci-fi franchises against each other. "Battle of the Stars" will be a Star Wars vs. Star Trek-themed event that aims to settle, once and for all, who's the best. Come dressed as your favorite characters and imbibe Saurin Brandy, Cardassian Coolers and lots of ciders from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Open in Google Maps

4333 N Lincoln, Chicago, IL 60618

Visit Website

Three Dots and a Dash

The River North tiki hideout is throwing its first annual Halloween costume bash on Oct. 30. Beverage director Julian Cox and Kevin Beary will create special holiday-themed cocktails to sip on while guests enjoy live music by DJ Fred Matters. Admission is $30 and includes two drinks and a light tiki fare. Tickets here.

435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

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Also featured in:

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AceBounce

230 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60601

In the spirit of Netflix’s breakout phenomenon, Stranger Things, the downtown sports club will open its doors on Oct. 29 for ‘80s-themed cocktails, appetizers, unlimited ping pong and the sounds of DJ Barb. The best costume will win a variety of prizes and tickets to the party can be purchased here.

230 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60601

Visit Website

Ampersand Wine Bar

4845 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

The Ravenswood wine bar will host Hallowine, a dining event based on Stranger Things. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Oct. 30, patrons are invited to dress as their favorite character or ‘80s attire and chow on themed bites like Benny’s Burgers, Mrs. Wheeler’s Meatloaf, Not-So-Cold Fries and an Eggo Waffle dessert. Admission is $30 and includes the special menu and entry into a wine raffle. Tickets are available online.

4845 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Visit Website

Arbella

112 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Wake the dead with a Death by Disco blowout at River North’s new global cocktail lounge. For $45, partygoers will enjoy a 3-hour bar package from 9 p.m. to midnight complemented by passed bites, such as stuffed mushrooms and mini eggrolls. DJ Bridget Marie will provide the beats and a costume contest will reward the best dressed with a $250 grand prize. Tickets can be purchased online.

112 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Visit Website

Carnivale

702 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60661

Revel in a festive brunch on Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feast on Latin-fusion dishes, enjoy tunes from a monster mash DJ and bring the kids for face painting and treats. Costumed adults will also receive a complimentary mimosa.

702 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60661

Visit Website

CH Distillery

564 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661

Embracing the glamour and glory of the late ‘70s, The Bar & Table at CH Distillery will transform itself into Studio 564, inspired by New York’s Studio 54 nightclub. From 5 p.m. to midnight on Oct. 29, put on your best retro attire and boogie the night away while imbibing themed cocktails like the Harvey Wall Banger (vanilla anise vodka, orange juice) and Suffering Bastard (bourbon, CH London dry gin, lime, ginger, honey).

564 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661

Visit Website

Emporium Arcade Bar

2363 N Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60647

Get spooked and then get your game on at Emporium as the Logan Square beer arcade will transform into a haunted hotel on Oct. 24 through 27. The thrill ride will take up nearly half of the 9,000 square foot space and each $10 ticket includes entry and one free drink.

2363 N Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60647

Visit Website

Fat Rice

2957 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

The acclaimed Asian eatery is transforming into a disco inferno and offering two ways to celebrate on Oct. 29. Sit down to a five-course dinner with drink pairings—including shrimp cocktail, steak, chocolate cake and more—for $115, or step into The Ladies’ Room for a three-course omakase cocktail and snack pairing for $65. Afterwards, guests can head over to The Bakery at Fat Rice and bust a move on the dance floor. Tickets here.

2957 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Visit Website

Frontier

1072 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Go hog wild and celebrate Halloween Frontier-style on Oct. 31. The meat-centric restaurant will host the first ever “HOG-lloween” celebration, starting at 6:30 p.m., and offer AYCE pulled pork sliders, sides and Rocky Mountain oysters. Snag $15 tickets online.

1072 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Visit Website

Fulton Market Kitchen

311 N Sangamon St, Chicago, IL 60607

Indulge your curiosity with Pandora’s Box Halloween on Oct. 28. Starting at 9 p.m., Fulton Market Kitchen will throw a bash featuring DJs, live models, art and fashion installations, and drink specials from Cruzan Rum and Red Bull. Tickets are available here.

311 N Sangamon St, Chicago, IL 60607

Visit Website

Henry's

18 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

Roll back the clock and celebrate the business-savvy madames, slick playboys and sleazy politicians of yesteryear at a turn-of-the-century Chicago soiree. There will spooky drink specials and a live DJ spinning all night on Oct. 29, along with no cover charge.

18 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

Visit Website

Il Tavolino

101 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611

Everybody loves free food so the Conrad Chicago's new Italian cafe is giving away free pazzettes to guests who show up in costume between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Oct. 31. The signature item, described as a fold-over stuffed pizza sandwich, is available in combinations such as porchetta & fontina, n’duja & smoked mozzarella and cauliflower & harissa.

Open in Google Maps

101 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611

Visit Website

Maple & Ash

8 W Maple St, Chicago, IL 60610

In a tongue-in-cheek twist, the swank Gold Coast restaurant will be donning the costume this Halloween and disguising itself as a Frontback Steakhouse. Chef Danny Grant is creating two specials to go along with the regular dinner menu. Diners can go down under with “Aussie-Style Caviar Service,” featuring white sturgeon caviar with an onion blossom ($130), or enhance any steak with a barbie-Q shrimp, coconut shrimp and onion rings for $25.

8 W Maple St, Chicago, IL 60610

Visit Website

Quartino

626 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

Gear up for another year of spooky wining and dining at Quartino’s annual Halloween Wine Bash on Oct. 31, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bash-goers can enter a costume contest with prizes and feast on signatures bites—pizza, salumi, cheeses, spuntini—and a variety of wines. Tickets for the event can be purchased online for $25.

626 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

Visit Website

Saved By The Max - The Attic

1575 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Saved By The Bell fans will have a chance to explore another part of the Bayside universe on Oct. 28. Join the gang as they venture off campus to The Attic, located at 1575 N. Milwaukee Ave., and hang out at the infamous nightclub seen in season three of the show. The pop-up will feature a brand new cocktail menu, photo booths, costume contests, the best hits of the ‘80s and ‘90s, and more. Advance tickets are sold out but more tickets will be available at the door starting at 9 p.m.

Open in Google Maps

1575 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Visit Website

Shaw's Crab House

21 E Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60611

Nurse that Halloween hangover and roll into Shaw’s for a costume brunch on Oct. 29. Guests will enjoy a buffet of seafood, traditional breakfast fare and mini desserts while those who come dressed in costume will also receive $25 towards their next visit. Priced at $55 per person.

21 E Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60611

Visit Website

Related Maps

SPiN

344 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

Fans of the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show will find everything they’re looking for and more at SPiN’s Halloween party on Oct. 29. The event will feature a themed karaoke battle, the musical stylings of a live “Eddie” impersonation saxophone player and a Time Warp Dance Off at center court. Specialty cocktails will keep the night’s theme going and include The Criminologist ($13), concocted with Campari, RTC Mallorca melon tea, grapefruit juice and orange juice.

344 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

Visit Website

Table, Donkey and Stick

2728 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Give yourself a real scare this year with a four-course offal dinner on Oct. 31. Chef de cuisine Ryan Brosseau will offer creative treatment of some of his favorite off cuts, such as lamb heart carpaccio and crispy tripe with beef cheek marmalade and semolina waffles. Priced at $36 per person and seatings are available between 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

2728 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Visit Website

The Godfrey Hotel Chicago

127 W Huron St, Chicago, IL 60654

The Godfrey is turning up the paranormal activity on Oct. 29 by giving its rooftop lounge a sinister makeover and transforming the fifth floor into haunted rooms with horrors lurking in every corner. Ghouls and ghosts will roam the hallways and attendees are encouraged to dress up. All who survive the night are invited to the “Walk of No Shame” brunch the next morning at I|O Godfrey, where anyone in full costume will receive $10 off food and one free mimosa or Bloody Mary. Tickets here.

127 W Huron St, Chicago, IL 60654

Visit Website

The Northman

4333 N Lincoln, Chicago, IL 60618

Geek out and choose sides on Oct. 31 as Chicago's first cider bar pits two venerable sci-fi franchises against each other. "Battle of the Stars" will be a Star Wars vs. Star Trek-themed event that aims to settle, once and for all, who's the best. Come dressed as your favorite characters and imbibe Saurin Brandy, Cardassian Coolers and lots of ciders from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Open in Google Maps

4333 N Lincoln, Chicago, IL 60618

Visit Website