Drunk Food

by Fred Schlatter - Citysearch Contributor - 311 Reviews - 33 Lists

Updated: December 05, 2007

A funny thing happens somewhere between drink number six and your pillow. You get to thinking that fried things are in order. And cheese sounds good, too. Well it's high time you tune in to what your body is saying and chow down. Here's where to get it done--places that won't judge you for your bleary eyes and carefully measured speech.

Drunk Food

  1. 1 3 Star Rating: Average Downtown Gyros & Cafeteria
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    800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607 (map)

    Excellent gyros are hard to come by, especially at three in the morning. Thankfully, this West Loop spot slings one of the city?s finest, laden with garlicky tzatziki and meat, 24 hours come Thursday-Sunday. You can also get burgers and dogs, but as far as drunk food goes, they don?t measure up to the namesake.

  2. 2 4 Star Rating: Recommended Golden Nugget Pancake House
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    2720 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)

    This divey diner's greatest appeal is that lurid yellow sign that beckons like a siren. The food is neither bad nor good--diner staples are bolstered by decent pancakes and waffles--but man is it depressing in here. Serves you right for staying out so late. Now eat your eggs and go home. 24 hours.

  3. 3 Taco Burrito Palace #2
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    2441 N Halsted, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)

    When DePaul kids get drunk, and get drunk they do, a line forms outside this questionable Mexican joint. Burritos stuffed with beans, rice, meat, cheese, scant vegetables and plenty of sour cream do for hangovers what toupes do for bald men; in theory they solve the problem, but at what expense? 4am/5am every night.

  4. 4 3.5 Star Rating: Average Tempo Cafe
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    6 E Chestnut St, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)

    Waiting 45 minutes for a table at 4am is not uncommon at this classed-up Gold Coast diner. This place literally causes traffic jams. Amazingly, the kitchen keeps up with the all-night barrage, delivering impossibly big omelets crammed with cheese, meat and veg. Just watch out for dudes and gals on the prowl--strangely, picking up a date here isn't all that uncommon either. 24 hours.

  5. 5 4 Star Rating: Recommended Taco Cafe
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    1608 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)

    Here's the weird thing about this Bucktown spot: You go expecting a greasy Tex-Mex sort of thing, but what you get are darn tasty burritos, tacos and quesadillas. Note: tostadas--deep-fried rolled tacos--are possibly the greatest drunk food invented. They are greasy enough and require zero hand-eye coordination to eat. Open until 3am.

  6. 6 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Bijan's Bistro
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    663 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

    If you're a high roller, and drunk, this River North restaurant is a good place to head. The A-team kitchen cranks it out until 4am every night, and we're not talking junk food. Crispy calamari, creamy penne with sausage and gourmet burgers satisfy even the most discerning case of the munchies. It's not that fancy, but it sure beats the drive through at the Rock n' Roll McDonald's.

  7. 7 4 Star Rating: Recommended Dublin Bar & Grill
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    1050 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

    Here's the problem with heading to this Gold Coast staple to sop up the evening's excesses: You will want to have a few drinks with your food. It's just that sort of place. Resist, and instead chow down on great burgers, filling salads, kabobs, steaks and pasta. Serves until 4am/5am.

  8. 8 4 Star Rating: Recommended Wiener Circle
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    2622 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)

    Here's a fun game to play. Take an out-of-towner to this institution one busy weekend night after the bars let out. Be a gentleman and allow him/her to order first. Point and laugh as he/she gets cut to ribbons by the cruel, cruel staff. Makes those cheese fries taste extra good, doesn't it? Open until 4am/5am.