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In Chicago, there’s something to do at nearly any hour and it’s important to know where one can eat. Some people work late, but perhaps more importantly, many people play late. Though the COVID-19 pandemic has forced a number of former all-day spots to scale back their hours, there’s still a variety of options for cheap and delicious late-night bites. So whenever those cravings for omelets, tacos, fried seafood, or Polish sausages hit, stumble into one of the following places for some much-needed sustenance. 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 still 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. Read MoreNote: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.
The finest bagels in Chicagoland are made in a Lincolnwood strip-mall shop and best of all, they’re available 24/7. Located right off I-94, New York Bagel & Bialy sells an assortment of breads and Jewish delights. Folks can order bagel sandwiches loaded with breakfast fillings, corned beef, pastrami, lox, and more.
Legendary greasy spoon Diner Grill was decimated by a fire in 2016 but reopened its doors two years later after a massive rebuild. Customers will find all of the typical diner staples here as well as the signature Slinger — hash browns topped with two burger patties, cheese, grilled onions, over easy eggs, and chili. Finishing the whole thing in one sitting may induce a food coma.
The Golden Apple’s bright neon sign above Lincoln Avenue invites passersby to stop in for sizzling skillets, waffles, blintzes, club sandwiches, burgers, and much more. The family-run diner has been a neighborhood mainstay for decades and was even featured on NPR’s “This American Life” in an episode titled “24 Hours at the Golden Apple.”
Golden Nugget Pancake House
The Golden Nugget’s iconic yellow signage has been overlooking the streets of Chicago since 1966. Along with standard breakfast fare, the menu features a variety of sandwiches and hearty plates like chicken fried steak and meatloaf. It’s a classic spot to hit up after a late-night bar crawl or concert. Although there are several outposts, only the Avondale location is currently open 24 hours.
Open 24 hours Wednesday through Sunday, Griddle 24 is a modern River North diner that whips up a wide array of breakfast items, burgers, pastas, salads, and sandwiches. The boozy milkshakes are a fun way to end the night or start the morning.
This cozy West Town spot offers some of the best late-night Mexican food around. In addition to tacos, quesadillas, and burritos, the menu also has sections dedicated to all-day breakfast, seafood, and vegetarian options. The Chava’s Special (chilaquiles, two eggs, skirt steak) is a satisfying plate to enjoy as the sun is rising.
Chicagoans from all walks of life have been gathering at this South Loop diner since 1939. What do they all have in common? A shared love of reliable omelets, skillets, pancakes, waffles, French toasts, and more at all hours.
Fried fish and shrimp whenever one wants is a luxury. Chicagoans can experience this and more at Lawrence’s. Get popcorn shrimp thrown in a sandwich or tossed onto a bed of fries late into the night. And don’t forget to dunk the fried pleasures in the mild or hot sauce. Only the Chinatown location is 24 hours.
Residing in Pilsen and six other locations around Chicagoland, Steak ‘N Egger is pretty much what one would expect from a truck-stop-style diner that's obviously known for its namesake dish. Service is speedy because most customers are on the run. Whether it’s a nightcap or just a pit stop, comforting breakfast, lunch, and dinner fare will be waiting here.
Planning on staying extra innings at a Sox game? No worries, Maxwell Street Depot will be open when fans leave the park. Classic Polish sausages, pork chop sandwiches, hot dogs, and burgers make up the all-star lineup.
It’s called Hamburger Heaven but this popular Canaryville late-night haunt serves many types of foods at all hours of the day. Craving pancakes and omelets at 10 p.m., or jerk chicken tacos and a T-bone steak at 6 a.m.? Whatever folks want, the kitchen can make it happen.
One of the city’s most iconic creations is the Gym Shoe (or Jim Shoe) sandwich. It combines roast beef, gyro meat, and corned beef on a sub roll and is dressed with lettuce, sliced tomato, melted cheese, hot and sweet peppers, onions, mayo, and gyro sauce. At Stony Sub, Chicagoans can devour the flavor-packed South Side original for both breakfast or a late-night bite. © 2022 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Link copied to the clipboard.
The finest bagels in Chicagoland are made in a Lincolnwood strip-mall shop and best of all, they’re available 24/7. Located right off I-94, New York Bagel & Bialy sells an assortment of breads and Jewish delights. Folks can order bagel sandwiches loaded with breakfast fillings, corned beef, pastrami, lox, and more.
Legendary greasy spoon Diner Grill was decimated by a fire in 2016 but reopened its doors two years later after a massive rebuild. Customers will find all of the typical diner staples here as well as the signature Slinger — hash browns topped with two burger patties, cheese, grilled onions, over easy eggs, and chili. Finishing the whole thing in one sitting may induce a food coma.
The Golden Apple’s bright neon sign above Lincoln Avenue invites passersby to stop in for sizzling skillets, waffles, blintzes, club sandwiches, burgers, and much more. The family-run diner has been a neighborhood mainstay for decades and was even featured on NPR’s “This American Life” in an episode titled “24 Hours at the Golden Apple.”
The Golden Nugget’s iconic yellow signage has been overlooking the streets of Chicago since 1966. Along with standard breakfast fare, the menu features a variety of sandwiches and hearty plates like chicken fried steak and meatloaf. It’s a classic spot to hit up after a late-night bar crawl or concert. Although there are several outposts, only the Avondale location is currently open 24 hours.
Open 24 hours Wednesday through Sunday, Griddle 24 is a modern River North diner that whips up a wide array of breakfast items, burgers, pastas, salads, and sandwiches. The boozy milkshakes are a fun way to end the night or start the morning.
This cozy West Town spot offers some of the best late-night Mexican food around. In addition to tacos, quesadillas, and burritos, the menu also has sections dedicated to all-day breakfast, seafood, and vegetarian options. The Chava’s Special (chilaquiles, two eggs, skirt steak) is a satisfying plate to enjoy as the sun is rising.
Chicagoans from all walks of life have been gathering at this South Loop diner since 1939. What do they all have in common? A shared love of reliable omelets, skillets, pancakes, waffles, French toasts, and more at all hours.
Fried fish and shrimp whenever one wants is a luxury. Chicagoans can experience this and more at Lawrence’s. Get popcorn shrimp thrown in a sandwich or tossed onto a bed of fries late into the night. And don’t forget to dunk the fried pleasures in the mild or hot sauce. Only the Chinatown location is 24 hours.
Residing in Pilsen and six other locations around Chicagoland, Steak ‘N Egger is pretty much what one would expect from a truck-stop-style diner that's obviously known for its namesake dish. Service is speedy because most customers are on the run. Whether it’s a nightcap or just a pit stop, comforting breakfast, lunch, and dinner fare will be waiting here.
Planning on staying extra innings at a Sox game? No worries, Maxwell Street Depot will be open when fans leave the park. Classic Polish sausages, pork chop sandwiches, hot dogs, and burgers make up the all-star lineup.
It’s called Hamburger Heaven but this popular Canaryville late-night haunt serves many types of foods at all hours of the day. Craving pancakes and omelets at 10 p.m., or jerk chicken tacos and a T-bone steak at 6 a.m.? Whatever folks want, the kitchen can make it happen.
One of the city’s most iconic creations is the Gym Shoe (or Jim Shoe) sandwich. It combines roast beef, gyro meat, and corned beef on a sub roll and is dressed with lettuce, sliced tomato, melted cheese, hot and sweet peppers, onions, mayo, and gyro sauce. At Stony Sub, Chicagoans can devour the flavor-packed South Side original for both breakfast or a late-night bite. |