Best of 11 late night restaurants in South Chicago
South Chicago comes alive at night with a variety of late-night dining options for food lovers. These late night restaurants in South Chicago serve delicious meals and provide a cozy atmosphere, making them perfect for a late-night snack or a full meal. Whether you're in the mood for classic diner food, international cuisine, or a unique late-night dining experience, South Chicago has something for everyone. So if you're in the area and looking for a place to eat late at night, be sure to check out the offerings at these popular late night restaurants in South Chicago.
1. Cocula Restaurant Commercial in South Chicago
Family-owned restaurant serving authentic Mexican cuisine

This location is a great option for satisfying late-night cravings, with a particular standout being their steak tacos. It's important to note that service may be slower during busy periods, but the food's quality makes up for the wait.
During a late-night visit, one can expect to be pleased by the quality of the food served at this establishment. The chicken burrito was a delicious choice, and the staff was noted for their friendliness, contributing to an enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
2. Maxwell Street Grill
Authentic Chicago-style barbecue, friendly service, cozy atmosphere

Maxwell Street Grill is well-known for its variety of dishes, such as its Italian Beef with hot peppers and nacho cheese, which are flavorful and tender. The restaurant also offers chicken tenders and fries, steak burritos, and tacos. While some customers have had excellent experiences with the food, others have reported inconsistencies in quality, such as greasy steak and spoiled chicken in the tacos. Despite this, Maxwell Street Grill receives praise for its cleanliness, customer service, and reasonable prices.
Maxwell Street Grill is a beloved Chicago establishment that is open late into the night, making it a popular spot for a post-night out meal. The restaurant only accepts cash, but customers feel that it is worth it for the delicious food and welcoming atmosphere. Maxwell Street Grill has become an iconic part of Chicago's food scene, and its late-night hours, affordable prices, and satisfying dishes keep locals and visitors coming back time and time again.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
3. CRAB ISLAND SEAFOOD MARKET in South Chicago
Fresh seafood flown in daily, lively atmosphere

The individual recently visited a restaurant and enjoyed a meal of steamed shrimp and Red Velvet cake. The shrimp was well-prepared, with excellent seasoning that enhanced its flavor. Similarly, the Red Velvet cake was a standout dessert option. The service at the restaurant was also commendable, with friendly staff and minimal waiting time.
In summary, the food at this establishment is delicious and highly recommended. The shrimp was steamed to perfection, and the cake was a delightful ending to the meal. Furthermore, the service was excellent, with a friendly and efficient staff. Overall, this restaurant is a great dining option for those seeking delicious food and quality service.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
4. Loncar Chico
rotating craft beers on tap, friendly service, locally sourced ingredients

Loncar Chico is a well-loved restaurant that provides a fantastic atmosphere, making it an ideal location for celebrating special events. The fried chicken is a must-try, with numerous customers praising its exceptional taste. In addition to the fried chicken, the restaurant also offers delicious fries, spicy hot sauce, and distinctive deep-fried tacos.
Many customers have complimented the waitstaff for serving perfectly cooked fried chicken. This establishment is known for its excellent beer selection. The high reviews of this restaurant can be attributed to its innovative team. The cool and friendly service is often mentioned in customer feedback.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Dinner
- Late Night
5. ON THE ROCKS
Features a cozy and relaxed atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating

ON THE ROCKS is known for its friendly service and good food, particularly later in the evening. The sweet potato fries are a standout menu item that should not be missed. The atmosphere is pleasant, with a nice selection of music and occasional outdoor seating options for customers.
In summary, ON THE ROCKS offers a decent dining experience with a focus on tasty food, notably the sweet potato fries. The music contributes to the restaurant's positive ambiance, making it an enjoyable place to spend time, especially in the evening.
TOPICS
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
6. Margarita's Pizzeria
Open until 3 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options

This establishment is a popular choice for satisfying late-night cravings. While the service can be inconsistent, the food makes up for it. One of the recommended dishes is their pizza, which is delicious and satisfying for those midnight snacks.
The restaurant is open until midnight on weekdays and 1 AM on weekends, making it an ideal spot for those late-night munchies. The pizza is a must-try and is sure to leave customers satisfied and full. Despite the occasional hit-or-miss service, this place is still a great option for a late-night meal.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Social Gatherings
7. Joji Gyros
Family-owned restaurant serving authentic Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine

Joji Gyros is known for its efficient service, with customers praising the speed and attentiveness of the staff. The food served is of good quality, consistently hot, and generously portioned, providing value for the average prices charged. It is a popular choice for those looking for a late-night meal, as it stays open late into the evening.
However, despite the positive aspects of the service and food, Joji Gyros has received negative reviews from some customers due to the uncomfortable atmosphere. This has been identified as a key area for improvement, as a negative atmosphere can detract from the overall dining experience and leave a lasting negative impression on customers. It is important for Joji Gyros to address this issue in order to maintain and improve customer satisfaction.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch
8. Attock Submarine
Family-owned and operated with a classic diner atmosphere

Attock Submarine is a popular wings restaurant located in the South Chicago neighborhood of Chicago. It is well-rated and known for using high-quality ingredients in its food. The restaurant is affordably priced and attracts many customers during late-night hours. However, there is one staff member, a black woman who works in the afternoons and evenings, who has received negative reviews from some customers.
This staff member has been described as always being on the phone, rude, and never knowing anything about the food or orders. There have been instances where customers have had arguments with her about the ownership of their food. Despite this, it is important to note that these are isolated incidents and do not necessarily reflect the overall service quality of the restaurant. Attock Submarine continues to be a popular spot for those looking for delicious wings in the Chicago area.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
9. Subway
Easy online ordering and quick service

This establishment is an excellent choice for satisfying late-night cravings, known for its friendly staff and fresh sandwiches. Open 24 hours a day, it provides a convenient option for those seeking a midnight snack. However, during peak hours, the service may be slower than usual, but the food consistently maintains its high quality.
Ideal for a late-night snack, this place offers delicious, fresh sandwiches and has a friendly staff. Being open 24 hours makes it a perfect spot for those experiencing sudden hunger pangs during late hours. However, during busy hours, the service might be delayed, but the food quality remains consistently good.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
10. Subway
Family-owned business since 1975, Subway's famous subs with fresh ingredients

One of the few places open late in the area, this convenience store is a reliable option for a quick bite after a long day. Its location and late hours make it a popular spot for those seeking a late-night snack or meal. However, the service can be slow at times, but customers are generally willing to overlook this due to the good food quality.
Open 24 hours a day, this convenience store is an ideal destination for those experiencing late-night cravings. It offers a variety of food options, including snacks, sandwiches, and hot meals. Despite the occasional slow service, customers appreciate the food quality and late-night availability, making it a popular choice for those looking for a bite to eat after regular business hours.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
11. McDonald's
PlayPlace for kids, free Wi-Fi, and self-order kiosks

Late-night restaurant visits can be unpredictable. The staff's attitude and service quality can vary greatly depending on the time and day of your visit. However, there are exceptions where the staff remains friendly and efficient even during late hours.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Social Gatherings