Chicago Nightlife

On the edge of Ukrainian Village and near Wicker Park, this classic dive bar with a tile-fronted façade has a free pool table in the back, and retro touches include a pressed-tin ceiling, ancient wood floors and a jukebox offering punk and alternative favourites.

This is Chicago's most famous brewery and has over 50 different beers on tap made at its own brewery. Dating back to 1988, the company was set up in order to encourage interest in craft beers and has been such a success that a second location opened in 1999 close to Wrigley Field.

A laid-back neighbourhood joint, Hopleaf bar in Andersonville has a vast array of Belgian and Midwestern craft brews on tap, and serves up delicious Belgian-inspired pub fare. The mussels are considered by many to be the best in town, and the steak frites aren't bad either. There's a beer garden for warmer months.

Set in the River North area, this elegant champagne bar offers over 250 champagnes, some by the glass, and creative cocktails made from top-shelf liquors. There's also a seasonally changing menu of small plates designed to accent the drinks (such as oysters and charcuterie). Live jazz performances take place most evenings.

Open from Tuesday to Saturday and featuring the city's top DJs, this club offers a massive 10m-long (30ft), L-shaped bar, a huge dancefloor and has a reputation for spinning hip tunes.

With bare walls and barely enough room to bust a move or two, Spy Bar is basement clubbing at its finest. Expect a host of world-class DJs and plenty of local talent too as the musical output sways from house, techno and bass to live acts as well. Just don't expect to leave before 4am.

The place to go to hear live blues in a relaxed, friendly setting, Blue Chicago is small and battered in a cozy kind of way. Expect plenty of traditional blues, a few big names and late last orders. Tickets aren't sold in advance – turn up at the door from 8pm.

At the Elbo Room, sounds range from rock and acid jazz to funk, soul and pop, seven nights a week. With good cocktails, decent local brews and enough bourbons to unbalance a bluesman, this place can get busy, so arrive early.

People from all walks of life gather at the nearly century-old Green Mill to listen to live jazz, blues and big band orchestras, or spin a rare classic from the jukebox. The bar's famous (or infamous) past patrons include Al Capone and Frank Sinatra, it's been featured in movies such as The Untouchables, and is rumoured to be haunted… the venue itself is laid-back, with kitschy décor and rickety chairs set around simple tables.