It's Closing Time! Where Should We Go Now?

Its 2:00 in the morning and for some reason you aren’t ready to put down your drinking glass for the night. So where to go? If you’re in Chicago, you still have a few options. Although most bars in the city close at 2:00 a.m., there are a few spots in Chicago where last call is bellowed out a couple hours later. This guide will offer up some of the late night gems I particularly love. First up, Nick's Beergarden. Located in Wicker Park, Nick's is an all-time favorite of mine. As the name suggests, there is an awesome beergarden in the back equipped with its own bar. This space comes in especially handy as the crowd swells with those who spill in from neighboring bars and clubs that close at 2 a.m. The pool table placed between the main bar and beergarden is always in constant play. A non-pretentious, hipster vibe and decently-priced drinks makes Nick's a great place to cap off a night of festivities. Franks is the spot for those who live in Lincoln Park and are desperately trying to evade the DePaul University college crowd that overtakes some bars in the neighborhood. As a result, the bar can get quite crowded on a Thursday or weekend night, but even at those times its still a very doable sardine can. The small, but friendly bar has waitresses to help out during those busy times too, which means you don’t have to fight to get to the bar each time you need a drink. The prices are awesome and the crowd of mid-20s and thirtysomethings is pretty laid-back and cool; making Franks a fine choice for late night revelry. For those who want to end the night in a dive bar, L & L Tavern in Lakeview is just the spot. The tiny, dirtball of a bar plays rockin' music and features cheap drinks and even cheaper PBR. The tatted up and pierced staff serve up the beer and drinks in a no-nonsense, BS-free manner. L & L can get busy on weekends, I've even experienced a few standing room only nights, but with such cheap drinks and cool people, you won't mind standing.