Chicago's Old Town is a vibrant neighborhood, brimming with history, charm, and a surprisingly diverse culinary scene. What makes it even better? Many of its fantastic restaurants stay open late, catering to those with late-night cravings or those enjoying a night out on the town. This guide dives into the top 15 late-night dining spots in Old Town, offering a variety of cuisines and ambiances to suit every taste.
Finding Your Perfect Late Night Bite: Cuisine Categories
To help you navigate this delicious landscape, we've categorized the restaurants based on their culinary offerings:
1. Classic American Fare:
- Andros Taverna: (Mediterranean/Greek with late hours) Enjoy a taste of Greece in this lively tavern with late-night hours. Their flavorful dishes and warm atmosphere are perfect for a post-show bite.
2. Pizza Perfection:
- Lou Mitchell's: (American diner; breakfast/lunch mostly) Although not strictly a late-night spot, it's an Old Town institution worthy of mention for its exceptional breakfast.
3. International Flavors:
- RPM Italian: (Upscale Italian; Open late) Indulge in sophisticated Italian cuisine in a stylish setting. Their late-night menu offers a more relaxed atmosphere without compromising on quality.
- The Purple Pig: (Mediterranean tapas; open late) Tapas are a perfect option for a late-night meal. The Purple Pig offers a vast selection of shareable small plates, allowing you to sample various Mediterranean flavors.
4. Casual and Quick Bites:
- Kingston Mines: (Blues club with food; open late) Enjoy blues music and some late-night comfort food at this iconic Chicago blues club.
Top 15 Late Night Eats in Old Town: A Detailed Look
This list blends various cuisines and price points to suit any budget and preference:
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Andros Taverna: (Greek) Known for its authentic Greek dishes and lively atmosphere, Andros Taverna offers a taste of the Mediterranean, perfect for late-night gatherings. They often have live music, adding to the vibrant ambiance.
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RPM Italian: (Italian) A sophisticated Italian restaurant with a late-night menu, RPM Italian provides a refined dining experience even after the clock strikes midnight. Their pasta dishes are particularly popular.
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The Purple Pig: (Mediterranean Tapas) This popular spot is perfect for sharing small plates and enjoying a variety of Mediterranean flavors. The wine list is extensive and complements the tapas beautifully.
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Old Town Social: (American Gastropub) This gastropub offers a casual yet upscale atmosphere with a menu that features creative American dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and shareable plates. Their late-night crowd is generally lively and social.
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North Pond: (Upscale American) A slightly more upscale option, North Pond offers a refined menu with seasonal ingredients. While not open extremely late, their extended hours provide a great choice for a later dinner.
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Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse: (Steakhouse) A Chicago institution, Gibsons is known for its prime steaks and lively atmosphere. While not strictly in Old Town, its proximity and late hours make it a viable option.
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Shaw's Crab House: (Seafood) For seafood lovers, Shaw's Crab House offers fresh catches and a lively ambiance. Again, its location is slightly outside Old Town but easily accessible.
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Tavern on Rush: (American Bar & Grill) Another solid option near Old Town, Tavern on Rush offers a wide range of American bar food perfect for a late-night meal.
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Kingston Mines: (Blues Club with Food) This iconic blues club also offers a simple food menu to complement the music. It's a great choice for a truly late night out.
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The Berghoff Restaurant: (German) A historic German restaurant, The Berghoff offers classic German dishes and a cozy atmosphere. Their extended hours make it suitable for a late supper.
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The Redhead Piano Bar: (American Bar Food) A piano bar with a casual atmosphere, Redhead offers late-night dining with an added musical element.
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The Pony Inn: (American Bar Food) A classic Chicago tavern offering a casual late-night dining experience.
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Rosebud on Rush: (Italian) Similar to other Italian options mentioned, this restaurant provides a late-night alternative for pasta and Italian favorites.
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Beatrix: (American) This restaurant boasts a wide-ranging menu, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Though not strictly a “late-night” spot, its extended hours cater to those who prefer a later dining experience.
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Luxbar: (American Gastropub) Known for its stylish atmosphere and creative cocktails, Luxbar’s late-night menu is more limited but still offers tasty bites.
Planning Your Late-Night Old Town Culinary Adventure
This list offers a diverse range of cuisines and atmospheres to suit any preference. Remember to check the restaurants' websites for specific hours of operation as these may vary seasonally. Enjoy your late-night culinary exploration of Old Town Chicago!
Disclaimer: Restaurant hours and menus are subject to change. It's always best to call ahead to confirm availability before heading out.
