About to give up on summer? Preserve the easy, breezy lifestyle for a little while longer by memorizing a handful of 4 a.m. bars for that post-2 a.m. hour when you’re not into clubbing and your liquor stash at home is down to a flat bottle of tonic water and some dry vermouth. The venues included keep the midnight oil burning until 4 a.m. daily, with a 5 a.m. bonus on Saturdays. Calling it quits has never been so hard.
Betty's Blue Star Lounge
Betty's Blue Star Lounge is a neighborhood bar that oozes low-key charm. Like many bars in the neighborhood, Betty's vacillates between a laidback hangout (weekdays) and a crowded, hipster watering hole (Thursday and weekend nights, thanks in part to some solid house and hip-hop DJs). But even when it's packed, Betty's still seeps cool. Betty's offers the typical melange of drinks, but keeps things old school with $2 Old Style on tap. The decor is dark curtains and brick, a little bit rock and a little bit Addams Family. But it works.
Clark's on Clark
Clark's on Clark is another quiet neighborhood joint, and a gay bar that just as quietly makes itself known among the roster of more showy joints a bit south. Anything but seedy (contrary to what one might think based on its neighborhood company), expect lots of beers on tap and a mean mixed drink. Usually quiet on weeknights and weekends before two, it sometimes pumps the dance music later in the evenings, which is strange given there's no dance floor. The last time we were there we heard a techno mix of Boys of Summer, I kid you not. The bartenders are really nice and the place is usually deserted or (later in the evening) spottily populated by guys who seemed to not be able to find a date at any of the other area bars.
Estelle's
It's a nice break from the sometimes crazed area pubs. Before 2 a.m., you'll have your pick of leaning space in this bar’s quiet and calm. However, like all late-night taverns, Estelle's has a habit of getting jam-packed after two when the other bars in the area close (although half the local bargoers do spill into nearby Nick's, which helps). The music is good, a mix of rock, and some food is available (mostly fried, but quick to be served even late at night and tasty). During the week, it's more neighborhoody. Drinks are standard: mixed, martinis and (what seems to be the people's choice) beer.
Marie's Riptide Lounge
Part night owl, part chameleon, at Marie’s you can choose your own venue depending on the hour of the day. The scene changes from a neighborhood bar crew to a packed and slightly more hip than Ol’-Man-Joe-from-down-the-block crowd after 1 a.m. Marie herself takes the floor as prima barmaid, much like she has done since the tavern’s 1961 opening. You’ll find the diner-like bar stocked with bottled beer and a solid stash of liquor, though you might have to search behind over-the-top holiday decorations to actually see what’s on the shelves. Crash in a comfy booth if you’re looking for a nightcap, or sing along to the Petula Clark- and Elvis-filled jukebox if you’re in the mood for a rowdy final destination.
Underbar
Is it possible to redefine “comfortable?” The folks at Underbar seem to think so. Located under the Western Avenue bridge, this old cop bar now has the makings of a garden apartment. But unlike dingy, dungeon-like garden apartments that may come to mind (sorry, recent college grads), Underbar is outfitted with impeccable furniture, warm-hued walls, indie rock and jazz filtering through the stereo, and inviting candlelight on the handful of tables and counter space along the walls. In other words, a home away from home, with a lot more alcohol than your fridge could hope to hold. However, the atmosphere remains relaxed to the point of almost brainy, with nary a too-drunk-and-rowdy type in sight.
Ravens
Ravens is quieter than you'd think from its dark, exotic name; it's really a neighborhood bar with some locals on bar stools and some late-nighters taking to the tall chairs and tables. The wood decor makes you feel like it's somebody's parents basement bar (early on, it's about as lively). After hours, the kids come to play, however, so be forewarned, it can get busy. There's some bar food (burgers and pizza) and darts-esque bar playtime games, but this bar is sleepy for most of its open hours (though you can pretty much rock out after all the bars close).
Top Hat Lounge
The Top Hat, designated by, you guessed it, a signature black and white sign, is one of Rogers Park's many 4 a.m. bars. You’ll find pool, a jukebox that boasts an above-average selection of R&B and soul, and tons of comfortable seating (in case you happen to be having trouble standing up). The prices are not exorbitant, the diverse crowd is very friendly and fun-loving, and the ‘60s lounge decor alone makes it worth the trip.
Frank's
Located on a strip of Clark that's comprised mostly of stores (you'd never think a bar was there), anticipate lines waiting to get in this long, dark, narrow and very often packed spot. But the line is often lively, filled with tipsy or downright drunk 20-somethings and sometimes offers a magician to entertain the waiting. It's tiny, true, but the drinks are decent (standard fare) and there's even a tiny pool table tucked in the back (not much elbow room to shoot, though).
The Lodge
This tavern is pushing 50, but far from a stodgy middle-ager, it lets its patrons push the late-night envelope. Classic is the name of the game, though Golden Tee does make itself know alongside the vintage Wurlitzer jukebox whose oldies are preserved on 45s. A good choice for anyone who wants to cultivate his reputation as a barfly, the free peanuts sweeten an already sweet deal.
Burton Place
Billing itself as a "sports cafe," Burton Place serves breakfast on Saturday and Sunday and the kitchen remains open until 3 a.m. Patronized mostly by locals, Burton Place is what sports bars used to be like, before the Hi-Tops-ization of the world. The bar features three levels (though the top two are often booked for private parties) and a bar-in-the-round. A very non-assuming place, the clientele nonetheless includes comedians from the nearby Second City.
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