24/7 in Chicago: Rockin' Around the Clock

by Emilie Zanger - Citysearch Editor - 80 Reviews - 37 Lists

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Updated: September 18, 2009

Craving a midnight snack? How about a 4am bowling game or oil change? Our guide to Chicago's open-'round-the-clock restaurants and businesses covers all the bases, whether you're a die-hard night owl, have to pull an all-nighter or are simply unlucky enough to lock yourself out in the wee hours. Whoever said the darkest hour was just before the dawn obviously didn't live in Chicago.

On this page:24-Hour Shops and Services, 24-Hour Restaurants.

24-Hour Shops and Services

  1. 1 Autozone
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    2555 W Touhy Ave, Chicago, IL 60645 (map)

    This well-known chain offers basics like batteries and spark plugs, plus novelty items including wheel covers and racing seats. This location, in West Ridge, is open all day and all night, for the wannabe mechanic whose passion knows no schedule.

  2. 2 Fedex Office
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    444 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

    For die-hard procrastinators and those with rapid-response work deadlines, 24-hour access to copying, printing and binding has major ass-saving potential.

  3. 3 John Baethke & Son
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    3511 N Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60641 (map)

    Ever experienced a midnight toilet overflow or been stuck without air conditioning on the hottest night of the summer? Keep this third-generation, family-owned plumbing, heating and cooling company on speed dial. They'll bail you out at any hour.

  4. 4 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Locksmith Chicago
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    120 W. Madison St, Chicago, IL 60602 (map)

    Just one lock-out in the wee hours should be enough to convince anyone of the value of an around-the-clock locksmith. These guys even guarantee that you'll wait no longer than 22 minutes from the time of your call.

  5. 5 Walgreens
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    1200 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

    The need for a 24-hour pharmacy is self-explanatory. File this one under the heading "life saver," and be sure to thank that late-night pharmacist the next time you stop in.

  6. 6 4 Star Rating: Recommended Waveland Bowl
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    3700 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 (map)

    We couldn't really tell you why this North Center bowling alley stays open 24 hours a day, but for the obsessive bowler, tirelessly chasing that perfect 300, its glowing neon facade is like Mecca on Western Avenue.

  7. 7 4 Star Rating: Recommended X Sport Fitness
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    3240 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60657 (map)

    When the urge to pump iron hits at an ungodly hour, it's good to know that this 24-hour West Lakeview gym has more than 300 cardiovascular and strength training machines, and all the free weights your gym-rat heart could desire.

24-Hour Restaurants

  1. 8 3.5 Star Rating: Average Baba Palace
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    334 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

    Follow the taxi drivers to this unassuming spot in River North for unbelievably cheap Indian and Pakistani fare at any hour of the day or night. Pay attention to the special combos advertised in the window to get the most value for your late-night buck.

  2. 9 3.5 Star Rating: Average Deluxe Diner
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    6349 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60660 (map)

    Neighborhood regulars and students from nearby Loyola University head to this comfortable hangout to load up on huge omelets, burritos, pizza bread and burgers in the red and black, Formica-heavy environs. Junk food addicts can do no better than the mozzarella sticks. Here they're batter-dipped, fried to a crispy golden brown and roughly the size of a baby's arm.

  3. 10 4 Star Rating: Recommended El Presidente Restaurant
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    2558 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)

    This bright, cheery, family-owned spot attracts a diverse neighborhood clientele for basic, homestyle Mexican food at any hour. The wide selection and reasonable prices may have something to do with the appeal. Most entrees hover around the $7 mark, and a heaping platter of fajitas tops out at $12.50.

  4. 11 3.5 Star Rating: Average Huck Finn Restaurant
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    6650 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60629 (map)

    While this restaurant near Midway Airport does offer actual food (think standard sandwiches and pancakes), its real raison d'etre is donuts and ice cream accompanied by bottomless cups of coffee. Got a wicked sweet tooth after a long flight? The Donut Delight--a donut topped with a scoop of ice cream and a spiral of whipped cream--ought to do the trick.

  5. 12 4 Star Rating: Recommended Melrose Restaurant
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    3233 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60657 (map)

    Going several steps beyond greasy-spoon standards, this 24-hour Boys Town diner satisfies a late-night craving for just about anything: from a vegetarian croissant sandwich to classic veal parmesan and chicken pesto pasta to a legit breakfast burrito. The colorful neighborhood regulars make for intriguing people-watching.

  6. 13 Starbucks
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    210 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

    Chicago's only 24-hour Starbucks takes good care of the hordes of bleary-eyed students who set up shop in the perpetually packed seating area. There are worse ways to tick down that all-nighter than curled up on a comfy couch with a fireplace nearby and all the espresso you could want within stumbling distance.