Hidden Cove, with its beckoning palm tree sign, was a late-night oasis. The glowing lights and strong drinks could warm even the coldest Chicago nights. Plus, karaoke sounds extra good around 4 or 5 a.m.
Sadly, last night was the last call for Hidden Cove. After 60 years, the Bowmanville dive is slated to become mixed-use condos. I’ll miss the sloppy singing. I’ll miss the 5 a.m. closing time even more.
What 5 a.m. bars are still left in Chicago?
In 2002, over 200 businesses held a Late Hour Liquor License, meaning they could stay open till 4 a.m. most nights and 5 a.m. on Saturdays. Today, that number is 117. Nearly all are on the North Side.
Here are some favorites.
If you still want to sing:
- Sidekick’s in Irving Park is great for birthdays — you can really take the place over and belt your heart out. They also have decent mozzarella sticks.
- Alice’s Lounge in Avondale gets extra crowded in the wee hours, so put your song in early.
- Uptown Lounge has all-night karaoke on Sundays. (They also just added daytime coffee shop hours for you morning people.)
If you want to dance:
- Late Bar, down the road from Alice’s, is a solid choice to escape the non-stop covers of “Teenage Dirtbag.” They don’t have karaoke, but they do have retro dance parties.
- Similarly, The Hangge-Uppe on the Near North Side has a vintage disco feel.
If you want to play pool:
- Mark II in West Ridge is packed with tables.
- Oasis in Rogers Park, an OG dive.
- The Continental’s pool table is the epicenter of the action.
If you want to hang with the homies:
- Remedy is solid for chatting if you can snag a table — or a battered box of Connect Four.
- Oakwood 83 is old school. (The last time I went, we danced to Sinatra on the jukebox.) It’s also full of tables and booths to post up with your friends.
If you’re hungry:
- The kitchen at Estelle’s in Wicker Park is open till close, and the menu is packed with hearty bar food. (It’s looking extra good now that Dimo’s moved.)
- Fireside — on the other side of Bowmanville from Hidden Cove — serves food till 1:45 a.m. on Saturday nights. Get the Blackened Salad 🤤
If you’re desperate:
- The Owl is the final stop your friend — occasionally me — drags you on. It’s where dates go to seal the deal. It’s where people without dates go to scope things out. Venture to the back dance floor and watch chaos unfold.
Hidden Cove, it’s been real. (Emmi Mack / Hey Chicago)
