Whether you’re watching your figure, want to stay dry or have simply suffered one hangover too many, there are those nights where you want some good, clean, sober fun. Fortunately, we live in a city where bars aren’t your only option for year-round, late-night entertainment. Here are some great options for having fun in Chicago without getting blotto.
Cosmic Bowl
When can you bowl without beer? When it’s cosmic bowling. More dance party than it is sport, you can knock down pins while you get your groove on to loud music, fog machines and blacklights. Montclare Lanes is a good option, which features a live DJ on Friday Nights.
Montclare Lanes
2957 N. Harlem Ave.
773-237-5500
Hours: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. or midnight daily
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Sure, grabbing ice cream instead of a cocktail may seem relatively tame at first. But not at Margie’s Candies. Open since 1921, if it was cool enough for the Beatles, who stopped by after a concert in 1964, it’s definitely cool enough for you. Decorated in a homey fashion and accented by a slightly disturbing doll collection, the sundaes are unlike anything you’ve ever had, created with homemade ice cream.
1960 N. Western Ave.
773-384-1035
Hours: 9 a.m.-1 a.m. daily
Hot Dog Drive-In
Eating is always a great late-night activity, but at Superdawg Drive-In, it’s an experience. Possibly the best combination of style and substance in the city, actual carhops bring actual trays of actual juicy, delicious Vienna Beef hot dogs to your car. Enjoy your meal beneath the benevolent, blinking statues of Superdawg and his best gal, and maybe, just maybe you’ll be able to share a Superdawg thick milkshake with two straws with your date.
6363 N. Milwaukee Ave.
773-736-0660
Hours: 11-1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday
Low-Key Karaoke
Sure, it might take some guts to belt out a tune when you’re sober, but you’re still guaranteed fun at the Secret Cove, even if you’re not imbibing, which offers lots of entertainment. Play darts or trivia or sing anytime: it’s a karaoke bar full-time, so you don’t have to wait for a particular night to croon. Plus, as its somewhat locationally challenged, it’s rarely crowded so you won’t have to wait long to perform.
5336 N. Lincoln Ave.
773-275-6711
Hours: 11 a.m.-4 a.m. Sunday through Friday: 11 a.m.-5 a.m. Saturday
Catch a Rising Star
Stop by the cozy, comfortable WNEP theater on a Friday or Saturday night and find late night theatrical entertainment, with shows at 10:30 and 11:45. The “Around Midnight” series consists of ‘four unusual late night’ series for the bargain price of $5 a ticket with shows with names like “The Gong Show: The Freak Parade” and “The Sickest F***ing Stories I Ever Heard.” You may laugh, you may be disturbed, but WNEP always serves up shows fresh and cool. Check www.wneptheater.org for show times and details.
3209 N. Halsted.
(773) 755-1693
Subscribe in your favorite reader using the links below. To learn more about feeds and RSS, click here.
