The best Halloween bars and parties in Chicago

What is it? A sprawling country bar in Wrigleyville, complete with a mechanical bull and live music.

Why we love it: Stolen Saddle’s rooftop gets a Halloween makeover for Nightmare on Clark Street, where you’ll find themed rooms, spooky photo ops and plenty of eerie surprises. General admission includes one drink, with options like the Monster Mash (rum, Midori, pineapple, Sprite, eyeball and worm candies) and Dracula’s Blood (vodka, vanilla liqueur, Sprite, grenadine syringe).

Time Out tip: Upgrade to VIP for two drinks, a Jell-O shot and a souvenir cup.

Address: 3505 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657

Halloween hours: (From Oct 10 to Nov 1) Thu-Sun, hours vary

What is it? A swanky French-influenced steakhouse from Michelin-starred chef Jenner Tomaska.

Why we love it: Dress as your favorite artist and bring the star power to The Alston’s Halloween party. You’ll enjoy an open bar, delicious bites, games, a photobooth and more throughout the evening, and a portion of ticket sales will benefit Chicago Academy for the Arts.

Time Out tip: Costumes are mandatory, so don’t show up without your best look!

Address: 750 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

Halloween hours: Oct 31, 8pm

What is it? A polished cocktail lounge featuring ingredient-focused drinks and small plates by Curtis Duffy.

Why we love it: Step into an '80s horror nightmare at After. Attendees will follow the signal through flickering TVs, red-lit rooms and a sprawling maze, all setting the stage for an evening of scares. Duffy, the chef behind two-Michelin-starred Ever, pairs the experience with tasty bites.

Time Out tip: Come hungry and thirsty. With food from Duffy and cocktails from After, this is one Halloween party where the culinary offerings are a major part of the draw.

Address: 1338 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60607

Halloween hours: Oct 31, 8pm

What is it? Lettuce Entertain You’s subterranean tropical oasis.

Why we love it: For one night only, Three Dots and a Dash takes over Salon 61 for Terror in the Tropics: Midnight in Mexico, bringing six acclaimed bars from Mexico to Chicago. Sip signature cocktails from Aruba Day Drinking Bar, Licorería Limantour, Café De Nadie, Chow Chow House, Less is More and Fifty Mils while a DJ keeps the party going with beats.

Time Out tip: Costumes are encouraged, so dress to impress.

Address: 61 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

Halloween hours: Oct 31, 9pm-1am

What is it? A laid-back, art-filled cocktail bar with a spacious all-seasons patio in River West.

Why we love it: The Dandy Crown gets into the Halloween spirit with Never Trust the Living, a spooky pop-up that transforms the bar into a haunted hideaway. Grab a seasonal cocktail and huddle around the cozy firepits as the sun goes down. Horror films will also be screened on the patio every Sunday night throughout the month.

Time Out tip: Stop by for weekday happy hour from 4 to 6pm, when classic cocktails are $10, wine is $8 and beers are $5.

Address: 694 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Halloween hours: (Through Nov 1) Mon-Thu 3pm-midnight; Fri 3pm-2am; Sat noon-3am; Sun noon-midnight

What is it? An English pub and cocktail lounge.

Why we love it: Spooky season will get a bit boozier this year thanks to horror-themed cocktail pop-up Black Lagoon at The Albion Manor, where Halloween lovers can sip expertly mixed cocktails amid metal music and goth decor. Drinks are imbued with playful touches and include choices like Abyssa’s Obsession made with pumpkin-infused rums, and the tequila-based Bone Temple.

Time Out tip: Want to recreate the creepy vibe at home? Several of the drinks are served in Halloween glassware that’s available for purchase onsite.

Address: 1480 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Halloween hours: (From Oct 1-31) Mon-Thu 11am-midnight; Fri 11am-2am; Sat 10am-3am; Sun 10am-midnight

What is it? A sprawling 14,500-square-foot outdoor patio and event space.

Why we love it: Recess and City Hall will play host to Death by Disco, a Halloween blowout with two stages, 20-plus DJs, live performers, a giant adult-sized ball pit, a silent disco mini club, a confessional booth and much more. Expect over-the-top production and Halloween surprises around every corner.

Time Out tip: Get a complimentary fortune reading and tattoo to commemorate the night, starting at 9:30pm on the second floor.

Address: 838 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60642

Halloween hours: Oct 30 8pm-2am; Oct 31 8pm-1am

What is it? A whimsical River North bar known for its ever-changing pop-ups.

Why we love it: Tree House morphs into Salem House for a witchy Halloween takeover inspired by Hocus Pocus, featuring themed cocktails, haunted bites and immersive photo ops. So grab your coven for a spellbinding night out.

Time Out tip: Guests under 21 can join the fun until 8pm.

Address: 149 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654

Halloween hours: (From Oct 3 to Nov 8) Sat 4pm-2am; Sun 11am-midnight

What is it? The rooftop restaurant atop LondonHouse Chicago, offering picturesque views.

Why we love it: Lower Wacker Drive may be haunting, but Upper Wacker is where the real Halloween action is. LondonHouse Chicago embraces the Day of the Dead with a party that spans two floors. The evening will include live DJs, a premium open bar and an impressive backdrop. 

Time Out tip: Put on your best outfit—first place in the midnight costume contest wins an overnight stay and tickets to LondonHouse Chicago’s New Year’s Eve party.

Address: 85 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

Halloween hours: Oct 31, 9pm-1am

What is it? A lively, four-story restaurant and nightclub.

Why we love it: Embark on an epic journey through multiple levels at Celeste’s Odyssey-themed bash. Every floor will transport you to a different world from Greek mythology. Explore Circe’s enchanted palace, the cyclops’ cave, the island of the sirens and the Underworld, with DJs, immersive decor and specialty cocktails tailored to each realm.

Time Out tip: Ticket prices increase as Halloween approaches, so buy early for the best deal.

Address: 111 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

Halloween hours: Oct 30, 10pm-4am; Oct 31, 9pm-5am

What is it? TheWit Hotel’s sleek rooftop lounge.

Why we love it: ROOF on theWit gets a glamorous, mischievous twist with Circus After Dark. The two-night event will feature captivating entertainment, theatrical moments, premium cocktails and circus-inspired revelry, set beneath a retractable glass roof.

Time Out tip: Groups can reserve a couch, table or booth for the evening.

Address: 201 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601

Halloween hours: Oct 30-31, 9pm

What is it? The world’s largest rooftop bar and restaurant.

Why we love it: Celebrate Halloween on the Pier at Offshore with live DJs, themed cocktails and sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Throw on your best costume and hit the dance floor all night long.

Time Out tip: Make a night of your Navy Pier outing with dinner at Reunion before heading to the rooftop for the Halloween festivities.

Address: 1000 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Halloween hours: Oct 31, 8pm-midnight

What is it? The Godfrey Hotel Chicago’s rooftop bar.

Why we love it: Take a trip back to summer camp, with a sinister twist. I|O Godfrey is turning into Camp Godfrey for a slasher-inspired Halloween party. Guests will navigate the Lost Trail haunted maze before emerging into a dark world full of live horror performances, DJs, and themed cocktails and bites. Costumes are highly encouraged!

Time Out tip: Gather a group and reserve a small igloo or private booth for the night.

Address: 127 W Huron St, Chicago, IL 60654

Halloween hours: Oct 31, 8pm

What is it? A Halloween-themed cocktail pop-up at Puttery.

Why we love it: Step into Frankenstein’s laboratory for a 90-minute interactive cocktail experience where you’ll mix potions to concoct your own spooky drink. Along the way, there will be eerie photo ops and optional tarot readings from a mad scientist. The pop-up wraps up with the Monster Mash Halloween Party on October 31, which will include a costume contest.

Time Out tip: Book early for the best price.

Address: 932 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Halloween hours: (From Sept 30 to Oct 31) Wed-Sun 6-11pm 

What is it? A New Orleans-inspired Southern restaurant from Brian Jupiter.

Why we love it: Ina Mae becomes Voodoo Lounge this October, with nightly events including Haunted Hits Music Bingo on Wednesdays and Bewitched Brunch with live music on Saturdays. Enjoy spooky drinks and bites throughout the month, plus a Halloween costume brunch on October 31, when kids in costume eat free with an entree purchase.

Time Out tip: Find out what the cards have in store for you with free tarot readings every Thursday.

Address: 1415 N Wood St, Chicago, IL 60622

Halloween hours: (From Oct 2-31) Tue-Thu 11am-10:30pm; Fri, Sat 11am-midnight; Sun 11am-9:30pm