Nestled in the heart of Lakeview, Chicago’s Belmont Theatre District stands as a cultural haven for both locals and tourists alike. This bustling district is particularly renowned for its eclectic mix of theaters, diverse dining options, and immersive experiences. Whether you are out for a laugh at a local comedy theater, looking for a new favorite artist, or seeking the spotlight at a karaoke bar Lakeview’s, Belmont Theater District is great for a late night out.
Transportation
Public Transportation: The “L”
When it comes to “L” service the Belmont stop offers Red Line, Brown Line, and Purple Line Express services.
Please note that the Brown Line does not run 24/7. Most days there are no trains from 2 am- 4 am. This of course depends on the direction you are traveling and the day. Please check the schedule before you go. Also, note that I have found the “L” to offer fewer trains at night. This means you might be waiting for up to 45 minutes or more instead of that every 15-30 minute schedule.
The Purple Line Express runs only during morning and evening rush hour(s.)
The Red Line runs 24/7. There may be fewer trains during night hours.
Buses
CTA Bus 22 and 36 service this area on Clark Street and will take you to the Loop. Bus 22 is an Owl/night bus, and runs 24/7. With that said, night buses do run less frequently.
Via Car
With most city parking, this area offers spaces for a fee. Here you can look for both street parking and garages. I always recommend securing a parking space ahead of time with Spot Hero or another parking app. Sometimes these apps give you deals, more importantly, they ensure you do not need to spend time looping around seeking spots.
Shopping in the Lakeview Belmont Theatre District
Kick it old school with records, CDs, and DVDs at Reckless Records. We were also able to find Wii games here!
Flip through comics at Graham Craker Comic Books. From your favorite superhero to villains, this mini-chain has got your comic book needs covered.
Belmont Army Vintage Lakeview is a shop featuring racks of vintage clothing and other unique finds.
If you are looking for a good read, check out The Gallery Book Store Ltd. This bookshop features slightly used books.
Activities
If you are looking for laughs, see an improv or sketch show at The Annoyance Theater. Make sure to go early to grab a drink at the bar before you head into the theater. Tickets start at $5. For ticket deals make sure to check out Hot Tix!
For upcoming artists and smaller indie shows, vibe to a concert at Schubas. Most tickets start at $15 at this intimate standing-room venue. You can usually get tickets at the door, but I recommend buying in advance in case they sell out, and pre-ordering usually saves you a few dollars!
The Vic Theater also offers concerts and other variety shows. Most tickets start at $40 or more.
Hang out with adoptable cats and kittens at The Catcade. For $17 an hour, you can socialize with the cats. Please note you do need to be 12 years or older to hang out with these pets. Reservations for this activity are highly recommended as time slots do sell out.
Dining, Treats & Drinks
The Slice Shop serves up Grandma Style Pizza near the Belmont station by the Annoyance Theater. The $4.99 slice flavors include offerings like Buffalo Chicken and a Vodka Sauce Pizza Slice.
Looking for a cute and unique place to grab coffee to go? Try Pedestrian Coffee. They have a convenient pedestrian order/pick-up window right by the “L.”
Sing a song during a great night of Karaoke at Trader Todds! Located near the Annoyance, they are open until at least 2 am! This means you can keep the party going almost all night long! They also serve cheese or pepperoni pizza slices for $4.25 when their kitchen is open and have deals on their Margaritas!
After enjoying Lakeview’s many bars’ head on over to Cheesie’s for some of the best drunk food in the city. They offer a wide selection of grilled cheese sandwiches, such as the Mac, The Popper, and The Caprese. They also offer pub drinks and have happy hours, which makes it a great place to go before catching a comedy show at the Annoyance. It is also close to the Belmont station.
Walkability In Lakeview Belmont Theater District
One of the standout features of the Belmont Theatre District is its exceptional walkability. The district’s well-maintained sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly crossings, and vibrant streetscapes make it a joy to explore on foot. Stroll through tree-lined avenues, take in the historic architecture, and discover charming pockets of greenery.
The compact layout of the district ensures that major attractions, theaters, and dining establishments are all within easy walking distance of each other. This walkable design not only enhances the overall visitor experience but also allows for serendipitous discoveries, such as street art, local markets, and impromptu performances.
Know Before You Go
If you are heading to the Belmont area for nightlife, I always suggest making sure you know how you are going to get home. Again the Brown Line does not run 24/7! Make sure you have an alternative plan if you will be out late. The 22 Clark Street bus does run late, and this is personally my backup plan. And yes, there is always Uber/Lyft! Also, note that bringing a car does not always solve this problem as street parking throughout the district is mostly permitted parking only at night. As always, make sure to be aware of parking spots/garage rules on when you need to be out by
Explore more of Lakeview
Explore dining and shopping in Southport.
Cheer on the Cubs or party the night away in Wrigleyville.
Back to Northside of Chicago
Oh here we go! Great article! Love hanging out in this area!