Chicago's Best Late Night Eats

Description:

This is a neighborhood favorite, as demonstrated by the constant flow of people. The burritos are succulent, and the soft tacos, bought in pairs, are just as good. Some other of the homemade favorites include parilladas and chiles rellenos. The place is absolutely no-nonsense, which is nice if you are in a hurry and on a budget. There is plenty of booth seating or stake out a counter seat to wait for your order.

Description:

Where else can you buy a hot dog, walk over to an adjacent bar and get a cold beer to wash it down? This is a dank, dingy hot dog and burger joint with an attached bar that is right out of a Bukowski story. Somehow, Clark Street Dog has escaped the gentrification of the neighborhood and remains a testament to the area's seedier past. And you know what? People love it. It also happens that the hot dogs, and especially the signature Philly steaks, are really good. It may look scary from the outside, but do not be afraid.

Description:

If you are looking for atmosphere, forget it. This eatery is about as bare bones as they come, a far contrast to the nearby ultra elegant Pops for Champagne. However, Chicago's makes an excellent version of Chicago-style pizza with exceptionally fresh ingredients, and makes it until 5a. So if you're leaving the Vic Theater up the street, or perhaps Berlin, and you are craving one of Chicago's best-loved treats, head on over and gorge.

Our Local Expert Says:

The red hots are some of the best in the city (always look for the Vienna Beef logo at hot dog stands- this means it's good), and the servers put on quite a show at night.

Description:

The Wiener's Circle serves up what many locals agree to be the City's best hot dogs at all hours of the day and night. For the uninitiated, a Chicago style hot dog is made up of the following: char dog, onions, tomatoes, mustard, celery salt, and neon-green relish. Warning: this establishment is not family-friendly after 10 pm on weekends; that's when the bar crowd starts to come through, and insults unsuitable for children's ears are traded between the cooks and patrons. It's actually the main reason people flock here and love it so much.

Description:

This long-time neighborhood fixture is a cross between a typical American diner and a more upscale cafe. People flock here for this reason, and the place hops seven-days-a-week. It is especially crowded on the weekends when the restaurant bulges with people clamoring for standards like burgers or more elegant crepes. All the food is made fresh, and it is all very good, making this a great, inexpensive place to cap an evening out in Lakeview.

Our Local Expert Says:

Perfect place to recharge in crazy Wrigleyville

Description:

This is not your normal coffeehouse. This gem in busy Wrigleyville is lively, delicious, and will serve you all night long on the weekends. The decor is colorful and vibrant, supposedly giving the feel of being on the porch of a house, with plenty of booths and tables to accommodate groups late at night. The menu is full of munchie snacks, sandwiches, pizzas, salads, and fantastic desserts including, cakes, pies, and giant sundaes. Plus, don't think the late night drinking stops here, the menu also offers several choice beers to continue the fun. Sometimes live music is performed on the weekends.

Description:

The Scene
Discreet, partitioned booths create a sense of privacy perfect for lovers' rendezvous, but the crowd at this Ravenswood staple is equal parts family and couples on dates. Smoke floats over charcoal grills at each table, with the smell of kalbi permeating the air, despite the numerous, powerful vents. Or grab a seat at the sushi bar and avoid the smoke entirely.

The Food
Barbecue lovers be forewarned: Get ready for a parade of food. A stunning dozen or more sides--romaine lettuce, green onions, glass noodles, kimchee, beets, fish, bean sprouts, baby bok choy, rice and more--accompany marinated meats such as beef short rib, ribeye, pork, chicken and adventurous options like broiled octopus or squid. A sweet soy, ginger marinade flavors the meat, sizzling and tender right off the grill. Fried dumplings are standout appetizers, but with this much food plus miso soup, you might not need them. (Photo by Peter Behle)

Description:

In Short
Located in the back corner of a tiny mini-mall on busy Irving Park Road, this joint has a few booths for dining in, but most customers go for takeout. Tacos and burritos are the stars here; popular choices include carne asada (steak) and al pastor (pork), both grilled fresh for each order. Reasonably priced dinners feature enchiladas, chili rellenos and fajitas.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is a definite post-drinking destination. The pink and turquoise façade and 80s feel could leave a bleary eyed visitor feeling a bit disoriented, or be just the right end to their evening, depending on their evening.

Description:

During the day, this place is busy with lots of locals. But, at night, being caught in the cross-hairs of Wicker Park nightlife, it becomes a haven for party animals on their way home. The service is phenomenal. You will never experience so short a wait between ordering and receiving. The "2222" breakfast is one of the most popular, offering two eggs, two pieces of bacon, two sausage links and two buttermilk pancakes. However, do not let the cheap prices fool you. This is good, honest, stick-to-your-ribs food served up in a bright, friendly environment, which might hurt your eyes if you have had one too many at the nearby bars.

Our Local Expert Says:

Reminiscent of the Peach Pit from Beverly Hills, 90210, the décor here is turquoise and pink with neon lights, and there is a constant feed of 80s hits playing on the speakers. Perfect for the end of a night out and next morning hangovers.

Description:

We all crave diner food from time to time, and at Melrose you certainly get the full diner experience. Large portions, breakfast served 24 hrs. a day, and a wait staff of lovely, but odd characters makes this diner a pleasant and real neighborhood diner. However, do not just expect greasy food, Melrose offers plenty of fresh and healthy options as well. Expect to find plenty of neighborhood folks here throughout the day, certainly in the wee hours of the morning after a night of drinking, and especially during the summer to take advantage of the outdoor patio.