DineSpin

Best Late Night in Chicago

Find the best late night restaurants in Chicago, IL. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

Chicago's late-night scene isn't about cutesy gastropubs or Instagram moments—it's about the places that actually deliver when the rest of the city closes. You've got genuinely great pizza (plural), tacos that justify the drive, and a couple of spots where the food quality holds even when service gets ragged during the rush. Some of these are worth planning around; others are exactly what you grab at 1 AM when you need to eat something real.

Recommended:

Best Late Night in Chicago

1.

Rosati's Pizza

92/100

Late-night pizza that people actually celebrate without hedging: fresh ingredients, proper crust, and a staff member named Sammy who apparently single-handedly elevates the entire operation through sheer competence. The place is clean, it's available when you need it, and the pizza tastes like someone cares. Two bad experiences buried in 48 good ones suggest rare operational slip-ups, not a pattern.

Pro tip: Delivery and online coupon systems occasionally confuse things—call ahead or order in person to avoid surprises.

🍽️Food95

Pizza is well-regarded for its excellent taste, perfect crust, and fresh ingredients, with many calling it the best they've had.

Fresh ingredients, perfect crust, and incredible flavor

👋Service90

Service is frequently highlighted as friendly, fast, efficient, and attentive, with specific recognition for an employee named Sammy.

Sammy is the best worker here

Vibe75

The atmosphere is generally positive, noted as a good late-night spot, though specific details about decor or ambiance are sparse.

Great spot for late night slice

💰Value85

While not explicitly detailed, the quality of the pizza and service suggests good value for the price.

📍 1518 W Chicago Ave #1, Chicago, IL 60642, United States
4.8$$ChicagoPizza
Ideal for
Late-night pizza cravingsDiners seeking high-quality pizzaThose who appreciate friendly service
2.

The Slice Shop

92/100

A Lakeview pizzeria doing grandma-style square slices so consistently good that it's scored strong marks with barely a complaint—which should already tell you something. The crust is crispy outside, genuinely fluffy inside, and the fact that they throw free hot honey and pecorino at every slice without charging feels almost wrong. The owner visibly gives a shit, the kitchen is actually clean, and at five or six dollars a slice this is what value looks like when executed properly.

Pro tip: Takeout errors happen occasionally—double-check your order before leaving. Weekend phone orders sometimes take 50 minutes despite promises of 15, so call ahead or walk in.

🍽️Food95

The pizza is well-regarded for its delicious taste, high-quality and fresh ingredients, and unique flavor combinations, particularly the "everything on it" option with hot honey and garlic oil. The crust is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, described as fluffy, crispy, and perfectly cooked.

Best pizza I’ve ever had

👋Service90

Staff are frequently described as friendly, welcoming, and helpful, with some diners noting personalized interactions and a genuine passion for their craft.

People are amazing!

Vibe80

The atmosphere is generally perceived as casual and friendly, with some noting "great late night vibes" and a "cozy" feel.

Great late night vibes!

💰Value85

Customers find the pizza to be affordably priced, especially considering the quality and generous portion sizes of the slices.

Great value

📍 928 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
4.8$$ChicagoPizza
Ideal for
Quick and delicious pizza slicesLate-night cravingsPizza enthusiasts seeking unique toppings
3.

New Best Sub

92/100

New Best Sub is a highly-regarded Chicago establishment celebrated for its remarkably fresh and flavorful food, particularly its Italian beef and chicken wings. The restaurant also stands out for its outstanding customer service and great value, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors.

Pro tip: The food is well-regarded for its freshness, quality, and generous portions, with Italian beef, chicken wings, and various sandwiches frequently highlighted as excellent.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its freshness, quality, and generous portions, with Italian beef, chicken wings, and various sandwiches frequently highlighted as outstanding.

Delicious fresh food

👋Service95

Customer service is frequently described as outstanding, friendly, and welcoming, with staff often going above and beyond by offering samples.

Amazing CUSTOMER SERVICE

Vibe70

The atmosphere is generally described as casual and functional, with some noting it's a to-go only establishment and the decor is basic.

It's to-go only

💰Value90

Diners consistently find the prices to be very good, especially considering the generous portion sizes and high quality of the food.

Good price

📍 3334 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60651, United States
4.9$$ChicagoAmerican
Ideal for
Quick and delicious takeout mealsDiners seeking generous portionsLate-night food cravings
4.

Halaleez NY Chicken & Gyro Rice Bowls

88/100

Halaleez NY Chicken & Gyro Rice Bowls is well-regarded for its authentic and flavorful New York-style halal cart food, with many customers noting the freshness of ingredients and generous portions. Service is consistently described as friendly and fast, making it a popular spot for takeout.

Pro tip: Amazing food and best customer service, possibly the best halal and budget friendly to go food spot in chicago downtown.

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its authentic New York halal cart style, featuring well-seasoned meats, flavorful rice, and delicious homemade sauces. Many diners note the freshness and quality of ingredients.

The food is amazing

👋Service88

Service is frequently described as friendly, welcoming, and attentive, with staff often noted for their kindness and helpfulness. Some diners highlight fast service, even during busy periods.

Staff is friendly and attentive

Vibe65

The atmosphere is described as cozy and welcoming by some, but the restaurant is consistently noted as being small with limited dining space, often more suited for takeout than dine-in.

Not enough place to eat

💰Value78

Most diners find the value to be good, with generous portions for the price. However, a few diners consider the prices to be on the higher end, particularly for platters.

Portions are generous

📍 400 S Financial Pl a5, Chicago, IL 60605, United States
4.8$$ChicagoAmerican
Ideal for
Takeout and quick mealsLate-night cravingsAuthentic halal food seekers
5.

El Taco Encebollado

88/100

The al pastor has actual pineapple chunks in it, the cemita poblana is described by someone as the best torta they've ever had, and everything is seasoned correctly. This is authentic Mexican street food that tastes like it knows what it's doing. One complaint from a year ago (underseasonned meat) hasn't repeated in recent visits, which suggests they've corrected the issue. Service moves slowly and one person apparently always looks mad, but both are acceptable tradeoffs for the food.

Pro tip: Use the pager system to wait in your car—they'll notify you when the order's ready, so you don't spend 20 minutes in line knowing exactly how long it'll take anyway.

🍽️Food92

The food, particularly the tacos and cemitas, is well-regarded for its excellent seasoning, tender meat, and authentic flavors, with specific highlights including al pastor with pineapple and chicharrón prensado.

The food was amazing as well as the service.

👋Service85

Service is generally described as kind, amazing, and great, with staff providing a device to notify customers when their order is ready.

They provided amazing service.

Vibe75

As a food truck, the vibe is casual and focused on the food itself, with no specific ambiance details provided.

💰Value85

Diners find the portions well-served and the quality of the food to be worth the price, especially considering the deliciousness.

The tacos are very well served

📍 4500 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60632, United States
4.5$$ChicagoMexican
Ideal for
Late-night cravings — convenient location and hoursAuthentic Mexican street food — flavorful tacos and cemitasQuick, satisfying meals — efficient service and notification system
6.

Farmer's Fridge

88/100

Farmer's Fridge offers a highly convenient and healthy food option within Chicago O'Hare International Airport, primarily through its vending machines. Diners consistently celebrate the freshness and taste of the ingredients, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking alternatives to typical airport fare.

Pro tip: Fresh food & tasty options reasonably priced. Pesto chicken wrap & dark chocolate trail mix are delicious.

🍽️Food92

The food is well-regarded for its freshness, taste, and healthy ingredients, with many diners highlighting specific dishes like the pesto bowl and green goddess salad.

Fresh food & tasty options

👋Service65

Service is generally not applicable due to the vending machine format, but one instance of a price discrepancy and unhelpful staff interaction was noted.

She disregarded me and my concern

Vibe75

The vibe is functional and convenient, catering to travelers needing quick, healthy options, particularly during off-hours.

Clever and easy vending alternatives

💰Value80

While some find the prices reasonable for airport fare, a few diners noted that portions could be small or prices higher than advertised.

Prices are incredible

📍 O'Hare Airport Terminal 1 10000 West O'Hare Avenue Gate B20, 5600 Mannheim Road, Chicago, IL 60666, United States
4.5$$5600 Mannheim RoadAmerican
Ideal for
Travelers seeking quick, healthy mealsLate-night or early-morning airport diningVegetarians and vegans
7.

Lil Cesar’s Tacos Food Truck

88/100

Lil Cesar's Tacos is a Chicago food truck known for its excellent, fresh, and affordable tacos and quesadillas, particularly the steak and chicken options. While service is quick and polite, the truck's unpredictable operating hours and location are a consistent drawback.

Pro tip: Best tacos I've had in quite a while. Everything is fresh and high quality.

🍽️Food92

Tacos and quesadillas are well-regarded for their flavor, quality ingredients, and juicy preparation, with steak and chicken options being highlights.

Best tacos I've had in quite a while.

👋Service85

Service is generally described as polite and quick, with positive mentions of friendliness and efficiency.

Very clean & very polite

Vibe60

As a food truck, the atmosphere is basic and not designed for lingering, with limited seating and a traveling setup.

Atmosphere is not the most inviting

💰Value90

The food is considered very affordable and offers good quality for the price.

Very affordable.

📍 11101 S Langley Ave, Chicago, IL 60628
4.6$ChicagoMexican
Ideal for
Late-night taco cravingsAffordable and quick mealsAuthentic Mexican street food
8.

Blazin’ Grill

88/100

Blazin' Grill is a popular spot known for its excellent burgers and wings, well-regarded for fresh ingredients and fair prices. Despite its location inside a gas station, many customers find the food quality to be outstanding and worth the potential wait.

Pro tip: Food was delicious!!! Amazing food and amazing customer service.

🍽️Food90

The food is frequently described as amazing, with particular recognition for the smash burgers, wings, and Philly cheesesteaks. Many diners note the freshness of ingredients and the quality of preparation.

Food was delicious!!!

👋Service85

Service is generally positive, with many customers highlighting friendly and helpful staff, though some instances of poor customer service and order issues have been noted.

Great food and service.

Vibe60

The atmosphere is often described as basic or unremarkable, largely due to its location inside a gas station and lack of dedicated dining space.

Inside of gas station.

💰Value85

Customers find the prices to be fair and reasonable, especially considering the quality and portion sizes of the food.

Nice prices for really good food.

📍 13603 W Chicago, Detroit, MI 48228, United States
4.6$$ChicagoAmerican
Ideal for
Late-night cravingsBurger enthusiastsQuick, quality takeout
9.

Dino's Carry-Outs

82/100

Dino's Carry-Outs is a long-standing Chicago fast-food establishment known for its delicious and fresh classic offerings like hot dogs, burgers, and gyros. While known for friendly and fast service, a growing number of diners find the prices to be on the higher side for the category.

Pro tip: Amazing hot dogs, burgers, fries and pretty much everything on the menu.

🍽️Food88

Dino's is known for its classic Chicago fast-food offerings, with hot dogs, burgers, gyros, and fries frequently highlighted as delicious and well-prepared.

Amazing hot dogs, burgers, fries

👋Service85

Service is generally described as friendly, fast, and efficient, with staff taking pride in their work.

Great service and great humble people

Vibe75

Dino's is seen as a typical, no-frills Chicago carry-out joint with a vintage feel, suitable for a quick, casual meal.

Nice vintage place

💰Value65

While many find the food good, a recurring theme is that prices have increased significantly, leading some to consider it overpriced.

It got to expensive

📍 4135 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60632, United States
4.4$$ChicagoAmerican
Ideal for
Quick Chicago-style fast foodLate-night cravingsCasual lunch or dinner
10.

Taqueria Los Flacos

78/100

Taqueria Los Flacos is a Chicago spot known for its authentic and flavorful tacos, particularly the al pastor and steak varieties. While many celebrate the food quality and friendly service, some diners have experienced inconsistent quality, rising prices, and less-than-ideal service interactions.

Pro tip: Amazing food, quick and nice service, but prices are rising and consistency can vary.

🍽️Food88

The food is well-regarded for its authentic flavors, particularly the al pastor and steak tacos, with many diners highlighting the quality of ingredients and preparation.

Amazing food. I loved the char

👋Service65

Service is a mixed bag, with many positive comments about friendly and welcoming staff, but also notable complaints about rudeness, inattentiveness, and difficulty communicating.

Quick and nice service

Vibe70

The atmosphere is generally described as clean and spacious, with some noting it's a good place to hang out, though one diner found it small and drafty.

Very spacious

💰Value68

While some find the prices reasonable, a significant number ofdiners mention price increases and express concern over the cost relative to portion sizes or perceived quality.

Price was high

📍 3818 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, United States
4.4$$ChicagoMexican
Ideal for
Taco enthusiasts seeking authentic flavorsLate-night cravingsDiners who appreciate a clean space

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