Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Nighthawk Chicago

    4.5 (133 reviews)
    ModerateCoffee & Tea, Bars
    Closed 12:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    Nighthawk Chicago Photos

    Business Info

    NIGHTHAWK CHICAGO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Nighthawk Chicago

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Goatsucker
    Steve A.

    Great place to hang out in Albany Park, cool ass bar. It doesn't look like anything special, but it's more about hanging with the crowd. Nighthawk is located just across the street from the Kimball Brown Line station. Makes it easy to not worry about driving drunk. The drinks are pretty cheap and interesting. All this has is alcohol. It does have Hot Dog Station next to it. This place seems like a dingy dive but there's a lot more going on. Claustrophobic feeling people can sit outside at the patio, which is cool. What I like about the inside is that it's almost like hanging out with drunk and high friends in a basement or a garage. Cool drinks. They have a few crazy ones. Get a Goatsucker. It's $5 for a shot each of whiskey and pickle juice. The pickle juice helps soothe the burn of whiskey. Rest of drinks are cheap. They also have coffee, and open in morning. Fun place to slam a few shots, both alcohol and pickle juice. It's open both in the mornings and late. There's no food here, but this is next to Hot Dog Station.

    Blood & Snow
    Aishah P.

    This little bar is cute and cozy, had a blood and snow which was so good! (Just the right amount of sweetness to it) Staff was very friendly!

    Girls' Afternoon Out!
    Audra M.

    I've been here late afternoon on my visits, and every time, the staff has been top-notch. They have a great drink selection, and on my most recent visit, I met a gal pal for some deserved libations and awesome conversation. We tried some of the beers, and my friend started with the adorable (and tasty) Irish coffee. The close proximity to the Brown Line means that it is easily accessible for those relying on public transportation, with free parking on nearby streets for drivers (we successfully dodged students on our quest to park, as classes were just letting out). Since the quaint Nighthawk is near my home, I plan to be back many times in the future.

    Keelin B.

    Nighthawk is an excellent neighborhood bar with a large patio right next to the Kimball Brown Line station. This bar and Surge are my two favorite spots in the Albany Park area. They have a creative and regularly update drink menu with a diverse and eclectic crowd. In the winter, Nighthawk is extremely cozy (date worthy!), but they also have a wonderful outdoor patio with plentiful and spacious seating. I feel that the patio is a bit of a hidden gem. They also have a Bob Ross painting night which is incredibly entertaining.

    Cocktail menu
    Sarah K.

    We missed our bus and wanted it to look intentional, so we popped in here for a drink. It's right across from the end of the Brown Line and next to a Huddle House and hot dog place. It was quiet for a Sunday night, but the bartender was attentive and nice. And the cocktails were creative and tasty. They also have coffee, tea, beer, etc. It definitely has hidden gem vibes.

    a red cocktail in a martini glass
    Erica R.

    Monthly drum and bass day times! Yes!!! Pop up food service was excellent! Indoor and outdoor plus!

    I prefer midmorningeagle
    Fox E.

    Not to be confused with Nighthonk (morons that blare their horns at 2am), Nightheckle (when I get insulted during a 10pm music performance), or Nighthunk (my name in the gay community) (and straight community really). It's hard not to love this little neighbourhood coffee shop with so much local flavour and so much character and such great people inside, in terms of the customers and the clientele and the employees as well. So we love it. Possibly the best aspect of all is that it's open until the small hours of the morning, and Chicago is a pretty late night City in general, but it's still great to have a coffee shop that's open until 2 in the morning because that's exactly when I usually need it. The coffee I mean. But that too.

    The rat poison my dog brought up to me. Thankfully he didn't eat it in secret or he'd be dead right now and I'd have no idea why.
    Ali C.

    My on-leash dog got into easily accessible rat poison on the bar patio, so this bar is decidedly NOT dog friendly. Despite bringing friends, dates, and family to this spot for years, always tipping 20% for sub-par service, and being a loyal Albany Park resident, I was treated with a complete lack of compassion and care from the bartender. He wouldn't give me the owner's information so I could find out what kind of rat poison it was to help the Emergency Vet save my dog's life, but luckily I'm pretty decent at google. If you're looking for a bar to spend your money at, I'd suggest taking Nighthawk off your list. Good cocktails, if that matters to you.

    Narek M.

    Nighthawk is wonderful. It's the cozy coffee shop around the corner and its the perfect little place to work out of, read, or just hangout. It's both a bar and a coffee shop (dangerously good). They serve la Colombe and make a great latte. The inside of the place is my favorite, it makes you feel like you're in a diner, but it's also charming and comfortable. The music is good and the service is great! Definitely a nice neighborhood fixture in Albany park.

    a long bar with black stools
    Anna D.

    Awesome local bar. Made me wish for a similar one close to my apartment!! They've got your standard drinks, but then have specialty drinks that change every so often. Their back patio is AWESOME and a great spot to hang out with friends. Grace and Mary were great and took great care of everyone!!

    Vy D.

    My friend and I came to this place on a whim and with some direction. I absolutely loved the atmosphere and was in awe of the graceful grunge of the place; the bar was pretty, the ceiling and lighting was beautiful. I would describe this place as vintage metal. The barista was very nice and helpful; she recommended a drink and even did her best to do some coffee art. It was very chill and quiet in the place. We didn't try any alcoholic drinks, but heard they were good! Prices weren't too bad, but a little on the higher end, but the craftsmanship and care, was worth it. Great place for a casual date, or just to hang out, or for a small get together.

    Good cocktail

    See all

    9 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Carlos C.
    256
    23
    1

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Leo B.
    0
    32
    0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Howard W.

    Howard W.

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kat L.
    37
    6
    0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ralph G.
    44
    19
    47

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jeff C.
    1
    137
    19

    10 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sol B.
    82
    20
    8

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Norman M.
    33
    199
    111

    7 years ago

    First time here. had a large cafe mocha. Great taste. Great atmosphere. I'll be back. Across from the brown line.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Itoji K.
    2
    101
    15

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dave S.
    97
    34
    1

    10 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Red N.
    5
    75
    17

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tom H.
    2
    31
    29

    10 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nick D.
    30
    13
    0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sarah G.
    31
    85
    194

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    I'm so glad that this bar has still been able to operate during Covid. I love their creative drinks and their service is excellent!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Denise S.
    359
    19
    0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jaime G.
    110
    10
    22

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 2 of 4

    Ask the Community - Nighthawk Chicago

    Is this a good place to get some late night studying done over a nice double bourbon / rocks? The noise, ( if any) isnt an issue ( lol but maybe studying with bourbon is ?)

    It's not normally loud, but it is dark. It may be louder on a weekend night. They do have wifi.

    View All 2 Questions

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Coffee & Tea 3,414 times last month within 5 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    City Skyline Chicago Coffee Lounge - Maple latte and iced gingerbread latte

    City Skyline Chicago Coffee Lounge

    4.5(39 reviews)
    1.3 miRavenswood, Lincoln Square

    While City Skyline makes a respectable cup of coffee, latte in my case, it's the vibe that will…read morehave me coming back. City skyline has a ton of aviation-related memorabilia, including bona-fide airplane seats and a bulkhead, complete with overhead compartments. I was even temped to buckle my seatbelt for the completeness of the experience, but felt that if there was 'turbulence' this was perhaps the only case where I *wouldn't* want my seatbelt fastened. Together with the aforementioned, the vibe is comfy, and not a bad spot to spend an hour or two. The latte I ordered was good. It wasn't overly sweet, and had great flavor. A latte lover would likely get more enjoyment out of it, compared to someone like me, who like their coffee industrial strength with the bitterness to go with it. The prices are fair - not the cheapest ever, but without the gut punch of competitors. The service is great. It is polite and fast. Point also for being mindful of a person experiencing a mental health condition outside, and locking the door that they do not create a severe disruption. Final verdict: The coffee is very good, but the cozy, aviation vibe is the real selling point! Would recommend?: Yes, especially to av-geeks. Would return?: Yes, especially when I get the itch to simulate flying somewhere, only without delays, TSA, or any of the discombobulation related to airports and flying.

    This coffee shop has an airplane theme. The backroom had a cool wall art display with paper planes…read more I tried the horchata latte because that was the drink they were promoting that day. It was way too sweet. They added syrup even though the horchata is already supposed to be sweet. Unfortunately I couldn't finish my latte because it was too sweet and I ended up throwing it out.

    Photos
    City Skyline Chicago Coffee Lounge - Interior

    Interior

    City Skyline Chicago Coffee Lounge
    City Skyline Chicago Coffee Lounge - Airplane photos

    See all

    Airplane photos

    Cafe Utjeha - Kinder Bueno Chocolate Cake

    Cafe Utjeha

    4.1(32 reviews)
    1.3 miLincoln Square
    $

    Such a cute and cozy place, where they are kind and quick. Cappuccino is amazing. They have 3…read moredifferent sections for whatever you're in the mood for, an inside area, a covered porch area, and an outside terrace!

    Going up Lincoln Avenue amongst a bunch of crummy looking buildings is a similar looking building…read morewhere you can get coffee, tea, and other hot drinks. It's also not good looking inside, so it's not the typical coffee shop to stay at a long time. Cafe Utjeha has been around quite a while yet many people don't know about it. Has pretty good products as far as coffee at affordable prices. The service was friendly at least from the barista, while the men are kind of just there it seems. A reason why many haven't known about this place is because of where it actually is. It's easy to miss it because there's not much going on. This is north of Lincoln Square, where there's a lot more hip stuff. Clean interior, at least as far as you can see because it's dimly lit. It's not that welcoming compared to a typical coffee shop. At least the female barista was friendly. The men who worked there didn't interact. As far as the coffee, it's good. It's about $3 for most things. Has some non dairy milks. There's some pastries like this flaky thing kind of like baklava, or you can get something healthier like an orange. Basic stuff in this small cafe. It's kind of like being in Turkey or some Eastern European type of place with music. There wasn't that much of a smoke smell as there had been previously.

    Photos
    Cafe Utjeha - Pistachio Baklava

    Pistachio Baklava

    Cafe Utjeha
    Cafe Utjeha - Cappuccino

    See all

    Cappuccino

    Java & Mug Cafe - Injeolmi Cream Croffle (L), Matcha Cream Croffle (R)

    Java & Mug Cafe

    4.5(267 reviews)
    1.0 miNorth Park
    $

    On a hot sunny day, we were craving some Korean shaved ice (bingsoo). We decided to stop by Java &…read moreMug cafe after a quick google search of their menu. I was shocked to see how empty the cafe was, especially on a hot day. The quality of the bingsoo was great and really hit the spot! We ordered the injeolmi and strawberry flavors and both were very tasty! I would recommend this cafe for those looking for authentic Korean shaved ice around Chicago.

    Went solely for their fruit and red bean shaved ice. The ice could've been finer (I had to chew on…read moresome larger shards of ice which wasn't pleasant), but otherwise we enjoyed it, and I was very happy to see that it had all the makings of an old school patbingsoo with both fruit and red bean, as well as mochi and ice cream, which is rare nowadays. It was pricey but enough for 2 people to share. Metered parking on a weekend evening was easy. My only complaint is that it had a strange, unpleasant smell inside (we were there in the evening during the weekend of April 25th). Also, when I came a few years ago, it had a really cozy, welcoming vibe packed with comfy couches. Now, it just looks like basic tables and plastic chairs, lacking comfort, character, and charm. I'm hoping to return to try the sweet potato latte and the other shaved ices, but I hope they do something about the smell and make the space feel more cozy and inviting.

    Photos
    Java & Mug Cafe - Bingsoo/bingsu

    Bingsoo/bingsu

    Java & Mug Cafe - Americano, latte, matcha croffle, black sesame croffle

    Americano, latte, matcha croffle, black sesame croffle

    Java & Mug Cafe - Black sesame snow bingsoo

    See all

    Black sesame snow bingsoo

    Oromo Cafe

    Oromo Cafe

    4.3(326 reviews)
    1.4 miRavenswood, Lincoln Square
    $

    I stopped by Oromo one afternoon for a quick pick-me-up. The woman working the register was so…read moresweet and welcoming. I asked her for some recommendations and she suggested one of the frozen drinks. I'm so glad she did because I have been craving it ever since! They have a few frozen drinks to choose from, but I went with the cold brew + hazelnut truffle. It's made with housemade hazelnut milk, cold brew, cacao, frozen bananas, housemade coconut caramel, maple syrup, vanilla, and seasalt. Trust me-- it is just as heavenly as it sounds! I forgot to get photos of it because I drank it so quickly--sorry! The space is so cute inside and it's in a fun area to wander around, right in the heart of Lincoln Square. Can't wait to come back!

    What a cute concept and I adore the fact that they have vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free…read moredesserts that taste so so good! That brownie I had was delicious and actually satisfying for a sweet tooth like me! The rose latte was enjoyable and once again, they had gluten-free bread to offer for the sandwiches/paninis. Not only that, they are actually a dollar less than the regular one because they say it's smaller. Less - you read that right. Anywhere else they up-charge for the gluten-free version, even if it's just frozen Udi's. It wasn't so here! Note: their savory stuffed pastries like the spinach ones and potato ones aren't gluten-free because they're brought in by another vendor.

    Photos
    Oromo Cafe - Seating area

    Seating area

    Oromo Cafe
    Oromo Cafe - Turkish Coffee

    See all

    Turkish Coffee

    Nighthawk Chicago - coffee - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...