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Where to Find Late-Night Food in Chicago

The standards for nocturnal dining

by Naomi Waxman, aimee.levitt, and Ashok Selvam Updated
2 comments / new
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Don’t get caught on an empty stomach late night in Chicago.
| Shutterstock
by Naomi Waxman, aimee.levitt, and Ashok Selvam Updated
2 comments / new

Is Chicago still considered a late-night city?

COVID changed the rules, and now restaurants and bars don’t have the same staffing numbers as prior to March 2020. That means not everyone can afford to keep their doors open late. Reduced hours are the norm, and city government seems to be OK with it. Recall that Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the City Council curtailed liquor sales. Stores are no longer allowed to sell drinks past midnight, though bars can continue to pour. The city considers this a safety concern.

2022 has seen a rebound with some restaurants expanding hours. Summer will truly be a test in consumer confidence. Will folks be out and about late night? Or will they depend on delivery or — gasp — cook at home?

As Chicago ponders this, check out the following listing of restaurants that are serving past 11 p.m. Yes, the pandemic has redefined what is considered late night.

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 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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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Ghareeb Nawaz

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Go big at this Indian mainstay on Devon Avenue that’s open late. Everything on the menu is less than $10 so fill up on biryanis, curries, kebabs, and more without breaking the bank. Ghareeb Nawaz also has locations in University Village and Lombard. The restaurant offers takeout and delivery via third-party services.

2032 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 761-5300
(773) 761-5300

Also featured in:

Superdawg Drive-In

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The pandemic makes drive-thru restaurants uniquely situated to tackled the risks of COVID-19. Chicago’s greatest drive-thru continues to thrive. Superdawg’s unique hot dogs taste better while sitting in the car enjoying the retro setting.

6363 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646
(773) 763-0660
(773) 763-0660
A person with curly red hair wearing glasses hands a bag of food to a person sitting in an SUV. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Little Bad Wolf

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Head to this Andersonville gastropub for a beer and one of the finest burgers in town. The menu leans heavily on comfort foods as well as an extensive collection of whiskeys and craft brews. Little Bad Wolf offers outdoor seating and takeout and delivery. Don’t forget about Gretel, the sibling restaurant in Logan Square.

1541 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 942-6399
(773) 942-6399

Also featured in:

San Soo Gab San

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Customers can feast on kalbi, bulgogi, and samgyeopsal in the comforts of home. A second location is in Morton Grove. San Soo Gab San offers takeout and delivery via third party services.

5247 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 334-1589
(773) 334-1589
A charcoal grill and various banchan on a table.
Get Korean barbecue to go at San Soo Gab San.
San Soo Gab San [Official Photo]

Dancen

Copy Link

A small, nondescript Korean bar located in Lincoln Square, Dancen serves one of the city’s best late-night bites: Fire chicken. The must-try dish stars chunks of spicy marinated chicken that’s grilled over an open flame until it’s charred and caramelized. Diners can temper some of the heat by ordering it topped with melted cheese. The restaurant offers takeout.

5114 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 878-2400
(773) 878-2400

Also featured in:

The Wiener's Circle

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A true Chicago experience isn’t complete without a visit to Lincoln Park’s Wiener’s Circle. Management always has new gimmicks up its sleeve, but the char dogs — and the staff's high jinks — are still memorable. Just be sure to know what to expect if ordering a chocolate shake. During the pandemic, late-night hours have been limited to Thursday through Sunday. The restaurant offers outdoor seating at its new back patio and there’s a bar.

2622 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 477-7444
(773) 477-7444
A woman in a face mask stands outside a hot dog stand talking to another woman across a red picnic table Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Pequod's

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A hotspot for locals and tourists alike, Pequod’s is an essential Chicago dining experience. The Eater 38 pizzeria is renowned for the caramelized crust on its pan pies, a quality that gives the outer dough a cheesy flavor and crispy crunch. A second outpost is located in Morton Grove. The restaurant offers takeout and delivery; anticipate at least 40 minutes for the pizzas to bake.

2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 327-1512
(773) 327-1512

Also featured in:

The Moonlighter

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The Scofflaw Group’s laid-back sports bar features a spacious outdoor patio and approachable items like burgers, wings, and cheese fries. Takeout and delivery are also available.

3204 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 360-8896
(773) 360-8896

Also featured in:

Redhot Ranch

Copy Link

Drunken stupors and grease go together like … hot dogs and fries? Unlike ketchup, dumping a pile of spuds on top of a wiener is something Chicagoans fully support. Get the aforementioned Depression Dog, terrific smashed burgers, jumbo fried shrimp, and more at this no-frills joint. The restaurants just moved from Ashland to right around the corner to Armitage. A second outpost is located in Lakeview. Redhot Ranch offers outdoor seating and takeout.

2449 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 772-6020
(773) 772-6020

Also featured in:

White Palace Grill

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Breakfast for dinner? All options are on the table at this legendary greasy spoon that has been feeding college students, city workers, and night owls since 1939. The kitchen cranks out reliable omelets, skillets, pancakes, waffles, French toasts, sandwiches, and more at all hours of the day. White Palace Grill offers takeout and delivery via third party services.

1159 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 939-7167
(312) 939-7167

Also featured in:

Jim's Original

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Jim’s Original, the self-proclaimed home of the “original” Polish sausage, epitomizes Chicago’s street food scene. Satisfy the late-night munchies with a delicious Polish, hot dog, or pork chop sandwich. The stand offers takeout and delivery via third =-party services.

1250 S Union Ave, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 733-7820
(312) 733-7820

Taqueria Los Comales

Copy Link

Cheap, quick, and filling, tacos make for an excellent late-night meal. This popular local mini-chain offers a variety of choices including al pastor, bistec, barbacoa, and pescado. The tortas and burritos are equally tasty. Taqueria Los Comales offers takeout and delivery via third party services.

1544 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 666-2251
(312) 666-2251

Also featured in:

Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp

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A night on the town often ends in a binge-eating session, and few things are as devourable as the fried specialties at this South Side eatery. Enjoy shrimp — ranging from jumbo-sized to coconut — or golden pieces of catfish, cod, and perch. Lawrence’s has multiple locations and outdoor seating, and offers takeout and delivery via third party services.

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

Also featured in:

Chi Cafe

Copy Link

Chinatown is home to lots of late-night dining options and Chi Cafe is among the best. The long menu offers everything from congee and noodle soups to beef, pork, and seafood dishes — and at budget-friendly prices. The restaurant offers takeout and delivery.

2160 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 842-9993
(312) 842-9993
A plate of rice noodles with beef.
Chi Cafe cooks up a variety of American Chinese classics.
Chi Cafe [Official Photo]

Raymond's Tacos No. 2

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This popular mini-chain is open until 11:30 p.m. with delivery through Uber Eats. Street food expert Titus Ruscitti recommends the steak taco with American cheese.

2406 S Blue Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 254-5301
(773) 254-5301

More in Maps

Ricobene's

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Ricobene’s famous breaded steak sandwich is a Chicago classic and especially good as late-night fuel. The meaty creation features breaded steak, mozzarella, tomato sauce, and giardiniera on a Turano French roll. Other menu highlights include Italian beef, meatball sub, and pizza slices. The restaurant offers takeout and delivery.

252 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-5555
(312) 225-5555

Also featured in:

Maxwell Street Depot

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Located just a couple of blocks away from Sox Park, Maxwell Street Depot serves cheap and greasy delights. Grab a Polish sausage or a bone-in pork chop sandwich for a dependable post-game meal. The restaurat offers takeout and delivery.

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

Phil's Pizza

Copy Link

Although Chicago is famously associated with deep dish pizza, a large number of locals prefer a cracker-thin crust. Phil’s Pizza in Bridgeport is a longtime champion of tavern-style pies, which boast crispy, square-cut slices topped with tomato sauce and a thick layer of mozzarella. Adding fennel sausage is also highly recommended. The pizzeria is cash only and offers takeout and delivery.

1102 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60609
(773) 523-0947
(773) 523-0947

Also featured in:

Italian Fiesta Pizzeria

Copy Link

All five Italian Fiesta locations are open until midnight most days, and 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. This pizza is designed for carryout, with a memorable crisp crust dusted with herbs. President Obama endorsed the Hyde Park location when he lived in Chicago.

1919 E 71st St, Chicago, IL 60649
(773) 684-2222
(773) 684-2222

Also featured in:

Lem's Bar-B-Q

Copy Link

Follow the smells coming from this South Side institution’s aquarium smoker and order up some rib tips. Lem’s offers takeout, and don’t forget about those hot links.

311 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619
(773) 994-2428
(773) 994-2428

More in Maps

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Ghareeb Nawaz

2032 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659

Go big at this Indian mainstay on Devon Avenue that’s open late. Everything on the menu is less than $10 so fill up on biryanis, curries, kebabs, and more without breaking the bank. Ghareeb Nawaz also has locations in University Village and Lombard. The restaurant offers takeout and delivery via third-party services.

2032 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 761-5300
(773) 761-5300

Superdawg Drive-In

6363 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646

The pandemic makes drive-thru restaurants uniquely situated to tackled the risks of COVID-19. Chicago’s greatest drive-thru continues to thrive. Superdawg’s unique hot dogs taste better while sitting in the car enjoying the retro setting.

6363 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646
(773) 763-0660
(773) 763-0660
A person with curly red hair wearing glasses hands a bag of food to a person sitting in an SUV. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Little Bad Wolf

1541 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60660

Head to this Andersonville gastropub for a beer and one of the finest burgers in town. The menu leans heavily on comfort foods as well as an extensive collection of whiskeys and craft brews. Little Bad Wolf offers outdoor seating and takeout and delivery. Don’t forget about Gretel, the sibling restaurant in Logan Square.

1541 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 942-6399
(773) 942-6399

San Soo Gab San

5247 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Customers can feast on kalbi, bulgogi, and samgyeopsal in the comforts of home. A second location is in Morton Grove. San Soo Gab San offers takeout and delivery via third party services.

5247 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 334-1589
(773) 334-1589
A charcoal grill and various banchan on a table.
Get Korean barbecue to go at San Soo Gab San.
San Soo Gab San [Official Photo]

Dancen

5114 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

A small, nondescript Korean bar located in Lincoln Square, Dancen serves one of the city’s best late-night bites: Fire chicken. The must-try dish stars chunks of spicy marinated chicken that’s grilled over an open flame until it’s charred and caramelized. Diners can temper some of the heat by ordering it topped with melted cheese. The restaurant offers takeout.

5114 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 878-2400
(773) 878-2400

The Wiener's Circle

2622 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

A true Chicago experience isn’t complete without a visit to Lincoln Park’s Wiener’s Circle. Management always has new gimmicks up its sleeve, but the char dogs — and the staff's high jinks — are still memorable. Just be sure to know what to expect if ordering a chocolate shake. During the pandemic, late-night hours have been limited to Thursday through Sunday. The restaurant offers outdoor seating at its new back patio and there’s a bar.

2622 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 477-7444
(773) 477-7444
A woman in a face mask stands outside a hot dog stand talking to another woman across a red picnic table Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Pequod's

2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

A hotspot for locals and tourists alike, Pequod’s is an essential Chicago dining experience. The Eater 38 pizzeria is renowned for the caramelized crust on its pan pies, a quality that gives the outer dough a cheesy flavor and crispy crunch. A second outpost is located in Morton Grove. The restaurant offers takeout and delivery; anticipate at least 40 minutes for the pizzas to bake.

2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 327-1512
(773) 327-1512

The Moonlighter

3204 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

The Scofflaw Group’s laid-back sports bar features a spacious outdoor patio and approachable items like burgers, wings, and cheese fries. Takeout and delivery are also available.

3204 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 360-8896
(773) 360-8896

Redhot Ranch

2449 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Drunken stupors and grease go together like … hot dogs and fries? Unlike ketchup, dumping a pile of spuds on top of a wiener is something Chicagoans fully support. Get the aforementioned Depression Dog, terrific smashed burgers, jumbo fried shrimp, and more at this no-frills joint. The restaurants just moved from Ashland to right around the corner to Armitage. A second outpost is located in Lakeview. Redhot Ranch offers outdoor seating and takeout.

2449 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 772-6020
(773) 772-6020

White Palace Grill

1159 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60607

Breakfast for dinner? All options are on the table at this legendary greasy spoon that has been feeding college students, city workers, and night owls since 1939. The kitchen cranks out reliable omelets, skillets, pancakes, waffles, French toasts, sandwiches, and more at all hours of the day. White Palace Grill offers takeout and delivery via third party services.

1159 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 939-7167
(312) 939-7167

Jim's Original

1250 S Union Ave, Chicago, IL 60607

Jim’s Original, the self-proclaimed home of the “original” Polish sausage, epitomizes Chicago’s street food scene. Satisfy the late-night munchies with a delicious Polish, hot dog, or pork chop sandwich. The stand offers takeout and delivery via third =-party services.

1250 S Union Ave, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 733-7820
(312) 733-7820

Taqueria Los Comales

1544 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

Cheap, quick, and filling, tacos make for an excellent late-night meal. This popular local mini-chain offers a variety of choices including al pastor, bistec, barbacoa, and pescado. The tortas and burritos are equally tasty. Taqueria Los Comales offers takeout and delivery via third party services.

1544 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 666-2251
(312) 666-2251

Lawrence's Fish & Shrimp

2120 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60616

A night on the town often ends in a binge-eating session, and few things are as devourable as the fried specialties at this South Side eatery. Enjoy shrimp — ranging from jumbo-sized to coconut — or golden pieces of catfish, cod, and perch. Lawrence’s has multiple locations and outdoor seating, and offers takeout and delivery via third party services.

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

Chi Cafe

2160 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Chinatown is home to lots of late-night dining options and Chi Cafe is among the best. The long menu offers everything from congee and noodle soups to beef, pork, and seafood dishes — and at budget-friendly prices. The restaurant offers takeout and delivery.

2160 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 842-9993
(312) 842-9993
A plate of rice noodles with beef.
Chi Cafe cooks up a variety of American Chinese classics.
Chi Cafe [Official Photo]

Raymond's Tacos No. 2

2406 S Blue Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60608

This popular mini-chain is open until 11:30 p.m. with delivery through Uber Eats. Street food expert Titus Ruscitti recommends the steak taco with American cheese.

2406 S Blue Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 254-5301
(773) 254-5301

Related Maps

Ricobene's

252 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60616

Ricobene’s famous breaded steak sandwich is a Chicago classic and especially good as late-night fuel. The meaty creation features breaded steak, mozzarella, tomato sauce, and giardiniera on a Turano French roll. Other menu highlights include Italian beef, meatball sub, and pizza slices. The restaurant offers takeout and delivery.

252 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-5555
(312) 225-5555

Maxwell Street Depot

411 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60616

Located just a couple of blocks away from Sox Park, Maxwell Street Depot serves cheap and greasy delights. Grab a Polish sausage or a bone-in pork chop sandwich for a dependable post-game meal. The restaurat offers takeout and delivery.

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

Phil's Pizza

1102 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60609

Although Chicago is famously associated with deep dish pizza, a large number of locals prefer a cracker-thin crust. Phil’s Pizza in Bridgeport is a longtime champion of tavern-style pies, which boast crispy, square-cut slices topped with tomato sauce and a thick layer of mozzarella. Adding fennel sausage is also highly recommended. The pizzeria is cash only and offers takeout and delivery.

1102 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60609
(773) 523-0947
(773) 523-0947

Italian Fiesta Pizzeria

1919 E 71st St, Chicago, IL 60649

All five Italian Fiesta locations are open until midnight most days, and 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. This pizza is designed for carryout, with a memorable crisp crust dusted with herbs. President Obama endorsed the Hyde Park location when he lived in Chicago.

1919 E 71st St, Chicago, IL 60649
(773) 684-2222
(773) 684-2222

Lem's Bar-B-Q

311 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619

Follow the smells coming from this South Side institution’s aquarium smoker and order up some rib tips. Lem’s offers takeout, and don’t forget about those hot links.

311 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619
(773) 994-2428
(773) 994-2428

Related Maps