Best Party Hostels
in Chicago

Freehand Chicago Hostel

Chicago’s nightlife doesn’t just happen: it spills out of dive bars, rooftop terraces, and basement clubs across the city. Freehand Chicago Hostel is in Wrigleyville, which puts it at the start of that circuit. The Lodge Tavern on 3335 N Clark St, Wrigleyville. A Wrigleyville staple with a beer garden that fits 200 people. Smart Bar on 3730 N Clark St, Wrigleyville is the fallback option if the first place is packed. At €16 a night and rated 8.4. Rated 8.4, which is adequate. Not the city's best, but not the worst either.

HI Chicago Hostel

Chicago’s nightlife doesn’t just happen: it spills out of dive bars, rooftop terraces, and basement clubs across the city. HI Chicago Hostel is in Wrigleyville, which puts it at the start of that circuit. The Lodge Tavern on 3335 N Clark St, Wrigleyville. A Wrigleyville staple with a beer garden that fits 200 people. At €22 a night and rated 9.2. At 9.2, it's near the top of Chicago's hostel field without being the standout leader.

Wrigley Hostel Chicago

Wrigley is a perfect hostel for all party maniacs. Highly recommended for concert goers and travellers looking to meet new people Well-located right in the centre of a famous party area Wrigleyville. The hostel offers fun social activities, like pub crawls, BBQ events, walk tours and much more. Free tasty breakfast included.

Wrigleyville

The epicentre of Chicago’s party hostel scene. Clark Street is lined with dive bars, sports pubs, and late-night taco stands. The L train stops at Addison, putting you two stops from downtown. Wrigley Field looms over the neighbourhood, and the energy spikes on game days: expect £6 beers and impromptu street parties.

River North

Chicago’s club district, packed with rooftop bars and high-end lounges. The streets around Franklin and State are pedestrian-only on weekends, and the crowd is older: think 25-35. Cover charges add up fast, but the people-watching is top-tier. Walkable from the Loop, but Ubers back to Wrigleyville cost £10-12 after midnight.

Logan Square

The hipster alternative to Wrigleyville. Milwaukee Avenue is dotted with cocktail bars, vinyl shops, and 24-hour diners. The crowd is younger and more local, and the drinks are cheaper: £7 cocktails and £4 PBRs. The Blue Line L train runs straight to the Loop in 20 minutes.

A Wrigleyville staple with a beer garden that fits 200 people. The crowd is a mix of backpackers and locals, and the jukebox leans towards rock and alt-country. Pint of Old Style is £3.50 during happy hour. Gets packed after Cubs games: arrive by 9pm to grab a picnic table.

Chicago’s best underground club, tucked below the Metro concert venue. Techno and house dominate the decks, and the sound system rattles your ribs. Cover is £10-15, but it’s worth it for the late-night sets that run until 5am on Saturdays. Dress in black: this isn’t a sneakers-and-jeans crowd.

A dive bar that’s been serving cheap drinks since 1958. The walls are covered in political cartoons, and the regulars will chat with anyone. Whiskey shots are £4, and the Bloody Marys come with a beer chaser. Cash only: there’s an ATM in the back, but it charges £3 per withdrawal.

A speakeasy hidden behind an unmarked door in Wicker Park. Cocktails cost £12-14, but they’re worth it: expect smoked ice and house-made bitters. Reservations are essential after 8pm. The crowd is older, but backpackers slip in early for the £8 happy hour drinks.

A River North club with a rooftop terrace and a strict door policy. House and techno rule the main room, while the upstairs lounge plays hip-hop. Cover is £15 on weekends, but it’s waived if you arrive before midnight. Dress sharp: no trainers or hoodies.

A Logan Square bar with live jazz and experimental DJ sets. No cover, and cocktails are £9-11. The crowd is artsy but friendly, and the back room has a pool table. Happy hour runs 5-7pm with £6 well drinks. Cash preferred, but cards are accepted.