Most Chicago kitchens shut down by midnight, leaving bar crowds with pizza or disappointment – No Vacancy serves quality food until 2am weekdays and 3am on Saturdays.
The birria egg rolls have become legendary because wrapping slow-cooked Mexican beef in crispy Asian egg roll wrappers shouldn’t work this well but somehow does.
At 509 N Wells Street in River North, this restaurant operates with no reservations policy, “back to basics with elevated ingredients” philosophy, and late-night hours that prove bar food doesn’t have to sacrifice quality after midnight.
What Makes No Vacancy Special
The birria egg rolls bridge Mexican slow-cooked beef and Asian crispy wrappers in a combination that’s become the signature dish.
No Vacancy fills the gap between dinner service and late-night drunk food with quality that doesn’t drop off when the clock hits 1am.
The pretzel crusted chicken demonstrates how elevated bar food works – familiar formats executed with ingredients that justify the upgrade.
The Story Behind the Restaurant
No Vacancy launched at 509 N Wells Street in River North with a mission to serve elevated bar food without pretension or reservations requirements.
The late-night hours until 2am weekdays and 3am Saturdays positioned them perfectly for Chicago’s bar scene where quality food options disappear after midnight.
The “back to basics with elevated ingredients” philosophy meant taking chicken tenders, sliders, and wraps seriously rather than treating them as afterthoughts to the drink menu.
Food Highlights
- Birria Egg Rolls: These fusion appetizers bridge Mexican slow-cooked beef and Asian crispy wrappers in a combination that’s become signature. The creative preparation demonstrates how elevated bar food can surprise. 🌯
- Chicken Tenders: These aren’t throwaway bar food – the elevated approach means quality chicken executed with proper technique. Sometimes basics done right matter most at 1am. 🍗
- Pretzel Crusted Chicken: This dish showcases the elevated ingredients philosophy through textured crust while maintaining comfort food appeal. The pretzel coating adds crunch without overcomplicating. 🥨
- Steak Sliders: Small-format burgers deliver quality beef in shareable portions that work for late-night group dining. The slider format accommodates multiple orders without overwhelming. 🍔
- Pigs in a Blanket: Even this classic bar food gets the quality ingredient treatment that defines the menu approach. Elevated execution applies to simple appetizers too. 🌭
- NV Burger: The house burger represents their approach to familiar formats with better execution through quality beef and proper technique. Standard bar burgers elevated through ingredient choice. 🍔
Atmosphere
No Vacancy sits at 509 N Wells Street in River North, where moderate noise levels and late-night hours create energy without overwhelming conversation.
The restaurant welcomes dogs in certain areas while outdoor seating accommodates groups during warmer months.
Happy hour specials make elevated bar food accessible, while operating until 2am weekdays and 3am Saturdays fills the late-night dining gap.
Bottom Line
Visit No Vacancy because serving quality food until 2am on weeknights and 3am on Saturdays means they’ve solved late-night dining beyond typical bar food standards.
The birria egg rolls and pretzel crusted chicken showcase “back to basics with elevated ingredients” through creative preparations that maintain quality when most kitchens have closed.
The no reservations policy, River North location with late-night hours, and commitment to quality ingredients prove this Wells Street spot has earned its place serving Chicago’s bar scene at hours when options disappear.
Address: No Vacancy 509 N Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60654
📞 (312) 500-6666
🕐 Mon-Fri: 4:30 PM – 2:00 AM | Sat: 1:00 PM – 3:00 AM | Sun: 1:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Late-night until 2-3am | No reservations | Happy hour specials | Private events | Dogs allowed | Outdoor seating