Raising the Bar: 30 Best Bars in Chicago

Raising the Bar: 30 Best Bars in Chicago

The largest city in the United States is Chicago, which is located in Illinois on Lake Michigan. Famous for its avant-garde design, it has a skyline accented by skyscrapers like the landmark John Hancock Center, the 1,451-foot Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), and the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower. The city is well-known for its museums, which include the Art Institute of Chicago, which is home to notable Impressionist and Post-Impressionist pieces.

Surprisingly, this city has a reputation for having vibrant nightlife with many pubs. The concerts in Chicago begin late at night and end as the sun rises in the east. Partygoers from all walks of life enjoy themselves while dancing to the best music as they sip their favorite drinks in different spots.

Going to a Chicago bar adds a lot of culture and pleasure to your day, whether you’re relaxing after a long day of work or after sightseeing. The greatest bars in Chicago serve as gathering spots, places to go on dates, and places to celebrate in a city where dingy Old Style signs hang outside of popular dive bars and lines snake around the block at sophisticated cocktail clubs.

If you are traveling, clubbing in Chicago is a good time and well worth the effort. The management and personnel, who are constantly at your disposal and go above and beyond the call of duty, take care of this. We’ve put together a list of some of the top bars where you can unwind with a drink while enjoying some music or karaoke and a lively atmosphere. whenever you are nearby, check them out!

1. Osito’s Tap

Chigaco is a peaceful city to explore. After doing so, stop by Osito’s tap bar. One of the best bars in the town is this one. From the welcoming staff to the excellent drinks, the bar will provide the ultimate experience. The bar injects a contemporary Latinx flair into a vintage Chicago era. This elegant speakeasy leans upon its surroundings.

The bar’s location, Little Village, originally had a sizable Czech immigrant population in the early 1900s. Since the bar opened in 2019, it has infused the history of this immigrant community into its design, cuisine, and drink menu. The bar will offer an extensive list of agave-focused cocktails. These drinks are laced with Jamaica and ancho chile. You will also find an impressive draft beer selection list and craft spirits at this upscale speakeasy.

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Practical information

location; 2553 S Ridgeway Ave Chicago

Phone: +1 773-277-8117

Hours; Monday &Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday & Thursday 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM

Friday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Saturday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Sunday:11:00 AM – 12:00 AM

2. Nobody’s Darling

This excellent, laid-back pub is one to check out while in Chicago and is owned by two lovely women named Angela and Renauda. It’s a terrific choice for a night out because of how clean the facility is, how pleasant and knowledgeable the staff is, and how generally welcome the atmosphere is.

This pub offers and premium beverage selection. You can choose from a variety of inventive takes on traditional drinks, such as the fiery Kahlo Margarita (made with Jon Basil Reposado tequila, passionfruit liqueur, triple sec, lime, agave, and spicy bitters), or you can treat yourself to a drink from the bar’s Lavish Darlings menu, which features premium spirits and botanical ingredients.

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Practical Information

Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · No delivery

Address: 1744 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, United States

Hours; closed on Monday & Tuesday,

Wednesday and Thursday 5 to 11 pm, Friday 4 pm to 12 am, Saturday 2 pm to 12 am; Sunday 2 pm to 11 pm.

3. The Beer Temple 

Chris and Margaret Quinn established The Beer Temple as a craft beer retailer in 2013. To provide a special assortment of draft beers from all over the world and share the love with customers, they established a taproom extension in 2017.

You will have the best experience in this bar as Chris Quinn, the owner, is prompt with a good recommendations, intriguing anecdotes about specific brewing techniques, exhaustive knowledge of the past of many brews, and samples of new beers in his doorway.

Practical information

Address: 3173 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, United States

Phone: +1 773-754-0907

open; Monday to Wednesday 11am to 12 am; Friday & Saturday 11am to 1 am; Sunday  11am to 10 pm

4. The Green Mill

Another pub in Chicago where you may enjoy your most fabulous drinks is this one. You have the opportunity to learn about the bar’s exciting past.  Renowned for being Al Capone’s previous haunts, complete with fabled underground passageways where the famed crime boss used to smuggle alcohol, but these days it’s all about the music and the satisfyingly stiff, old-school cocktails.

On particular nights, there are specific bands. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, for instance, they’ll have bands who play dance music, letting you get up and move around for a while.

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practical information

location;4802 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60640

phone;(773) 878-5552

open; Monday to Friday;4pm to 1:11am;Saturday 1pm to 1PM;1.11AM ; SUNDAY 2PM to 1:11am

5. Spybar

Down beneath the River North neighborhood’s streets, Spybar is a hidden treasure. This club was started in 1995. This is one of the best bars in Chicago that you can not miss. Your ultimate evening experience in Chicago is what Spybar will provide. Both fascinating and airy describe their contemporary design.

As you sip your best drink, You may enjoy the dancing floor, the chill lounge, and the overall industrial style of Spybar. Their skilled DJs spin hip-hop, house, and techno. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

ADDRESS: 646 N FRANKLIN ST, CHICAGO, IL 60654, USA

WEBSITE: WWW.SPYBARCHICAGO.COM

6. Progress Bar

Progress Bar, which is well situated in Boystown, is more than a typical pub. The best experience is provided by contemporary designs and handcrafted artwork. The room is ideal for a lovely night out, dancing with your friends over a drink, and soaking in the welcoming, warm, and genuine atmosphere thanks to the broad windows and enormously spacious floor plan.

If you’re hoping for a jolting encounter, they have amazing DJs both resident and visiting offering unique performances to lift your spirits all night long! The drinks are excellent. All you need to do is ask the bartender for some beer on tap or one of the enticing cocktails.  Contact them if you want to host an event because they also host special occasions for clients.

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 3359 N. HALSTED CHICAGO IL 60605

CALL: 773 697 9268

OPEN: MONDAY-FRIDAY 5 PM TO 2 AM

            SATURDAY 3 PM TO 3 AM

            SUNDAY 1 PM TO 2 AM

WEBSITE

7. Hopleaf

The dining and drink selections at Hopleaf appear to be those of a standard bar, yet they have a decidedly Belgian taste. The 68 beers on tap and in bottles can be enjoyed with their renowned mussels and fries, however, the menu does change seasonally. You might even come across some fresh home brews made in Illinois distilleries. For those who yearn for the welcoming, pleasant, and open Belgian ambiance, Hopleaf is also open every day and accepts reservations.

practical information

5148 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: 773-334-9851

open; Monday to Thursday & Sunday; 12 to 11pm

         Friday & Saturday; 12 pm to 12 am

Visit Website

8. Sound Bar

When Sound Bar first opened in 2004, it was already a top-rated nightclub. The club’s stunning European aesthetic coupled with cutting-edge technology is unmatched. There are nine bars, four lounges, and a sizable dancefloor in this two-leveled club, so you’ll never go thirsty. A number of the most well-known traveling DJs reside at the club as well.

The fact that Sound Bar has many spaces for various musical styles stands out. The music is all played simultaneously. Because of this, it is the top club for Techno Beats. The color scheme in each of the club’s rooms varies. Also, if you’re hosting a party or simply want some privacy with your friends and family, you can hire a room.

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

ADDRESS: 226 W ONTARIO ST, CHICAGO, IL 60654

WEBSITE: HTTPS://SOUND-BAR.COM

9. Second Story Bar

A charmingly hidden tiny neighborhood tavern in the Streeterville neighborhood, Second Story Bar is situated downtown. It invites you to spend a relaxing evening with some cocktails. This is the mellow place to go on the weekends if you just want to grab a few stiff drinks and enjoy some chill music.

The bartenders will be happy to serve you with a grin, and the beverages are reasonably priced for a downtown establishment. They only accept cash, however, there is an ATM downstairs, so no concerns there.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 157 E OHIO ST FL 2 CHICAGO, IL 60611

CALL: 312 923 9536

OPEN: MONDAY –SUNDAY 2 PM TO 11 PM

10. Nine Bar

When in Chicago, stop by this unique bar for the finest time. This joint is tucked away in the rear of Moon Palace Express. Interestingly, it is Chinatown’s original cocktail bar. The comfortable, gloomy environment with neon lighting gives you the impression that you have warped into the Tron universe

Nine bar serves superb drinks with Asian influences and mouthwatering bar cuisine. A smokey rye cocktail with Chinese five spice and the crispy mapo hot fries are just two of the highlights of the bar’s limited but tasty food and drink offerings. On a chill weeknight, hanging out here at the bar or relaxing on one of their plush couches is excellent. Yet, if you’re searching for a more lively setting, stop by and create those beautiful memories.

Address: 216 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616, United States

Phone: +1 312-225-4081

open; Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday 5 pm to 1 am; Friday and Saturday 5 pm to 2 am

website

11. Delilah’s

You should go to Delilah’s since it is one of the city’s more unique bars and it shows in everything they do. The bar boasts a huge whiskey list with over 500 distinct varieties as well as more than 200 different beers. This dynamic as a whole gives Delilah a lot of personalities, which is particularly significant for a pub in Lincoln Park.

A variety of regional artists are shown on the walls. The bar will offer the best experience as the entire location have a rock and roll vibe. Moreover, any day of the week, DJs can be seen playing punk rock, metal, reggae, R&B, or even country music. 

practical information

Address: 2771 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, United States

open; Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday; 4 pm to 2 am; Saturday 4 pm to 3 am. 

12. Jeffery Pub

This is one of the neighborhood pubs that you should visit while in this tranquil city.  This is where the southside’s music, culture, and vibe thrive. This bar has been open for more than 70 years and is owned by African Americans.

It has created a haven for Chicago’s South Side’s Black and Brown Gay population. Yet, that doesn’t imply that everyone else is shut out. For anyone wishing to have a blast, Jeffery Pub offers fantastic dancing and karaoke nights, great, reasonably priced drinks, helpful service, and a welcoming staff.

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 7041 S JEFFERY BLVD CHICAGO, IL 60649

CALL: 773 363 8555

OPEN: TUESDAY-THURSDAY 12 PM TO 4 AM

            SATURDAY-SUNDAY 12 PM TO 4 AM

WEBSITE

13. Whirlaway Lounge

One of the best examples of a real Chicago neighborhood bar is Whirlaway. For more than 29 years, The Whirlaway lounge has offered Logan Square a cozy and welcoming place to drink.

You will create good memories while in this spot. The bartender in charge, Maria, is a key component of the atmosphere here. . She will certainly talk to you about baseball if the Cubs are playing, and when you mention that the Marlins are your favorite team, she will attract the attention of the Miami-based regular at the far end of the bar. Suddenly, you have a new drinking companion and an appreciation for what makes this place unique.

practical information

Address: 3224 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States

Phone: +1 773-276-6809

open; Monday to Sunday 5 pm to 2 am

visit their website

14. Big Chicks

Big Chicka is a bar that welcomes LGBTQ patrons, but this does not imply that anyone else is not welcome. The welcoming atmosphere, vibrant modern decor, and helpful personnel at Big Chick add to the fantastic bar experience. Everyone searching for a good time is welcome here.

The pub has affordable beer specials, a selection of delectable bar snacks, weekend DJs, and entertaining music events! Service is still fairly swift even though it is frequently packed, especially on weekends. Bring your wallet with cash in it because this place only accepts cash.

When going out for drinks later in the evening on the weekends, you can start the day with some egg benedict for breakfast. They feature excellent vegetarian selections in addition to their fantastic breakfast bites.

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 5024 N SHERIDAN RD, CHICAGO, IL 60640, UNITED STATES

CALL: 773 728 5511

OPEN: MONDAY-FRIDAY 4 PM TO 2 AM

            SATURDAY & SUNDAY 9 AM TO 2 AM

WEBSITE

15. Old Town Ale House

The Ale House has been around since 1958, giving it plenty of opportunity to become Chicago’s top dive bar. This is a spot that you should not miss while in this city.  Due to its proximity to Second City, Old Town Ale House is primarily a funky dive bar and historic hangout frequented by locals and comics. Its longtime owner also uses it as his art studio, decorating the walls with images of Kim Jong Un and Dennis Rodman, and Vladimir Putin as ballerinas. Old Town Ale House is the ideal getaway for a quiet couple of drinks.

Practical information

ADDRESS;219 West North Avenue (at Wieland) Chicago, IL 60610
312-944-7020
Sun – Fri: 3:00 PM – 4:00 AM
Saturday: 3:00 PM – 5:00 AM

WEBSITE

16. Underground

In Chicago’s River North neighborhood, the club is ideally positioned. One of Chicago’s hottest clubs and one of the “sexiest spots in the world,” according to Cosmopolitan Magazine. A lover of cool music while sipping your best drink? then this is the best spot to experience all this. The finest DJs in Chicago will keep you entertained at Underground. A private table, a VIP experience, and bottle service are also options. The speakeasy-inspired room just above the underground club is where the cocktail club offers fancy mixed drinks.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

ADDRESS: 56 W ILLINOIS ST. CHICAGO 60654

WEBSITE

17. Scarlet Bar

The contemporary dance party atmosphere at scarlet Bar is well-known, and it also offers cocktails and a blast of upbeat music. With fun theme night lineups like Liquid brunch and Monster Rave, it is undoubtedly the ideal location to party the night away. On occasion on Friday nights, they play a no-skip album. Every night, something happens at Scarlet, and it’s always a ton of fun.

Everyone is welcome here for a good time because the establishment takes pleasure in the diversity of both its employees and its patrons. Among other accolades, it has won Best New Bar, Best LGBT Bar, and Best Dancing Bar in Chicago. So, it is true that Scarlet has left a lasting influence on Chicago’s nightlife culture. To enter, you must be at least 21 years old.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 3320 N HALSTED ST, CHICAGO IL, 60657, UNITED STATES

CALL: +1 773 348 1053

OPEN: THURSDAY-SATURDAY 8 PM TO 2 AM

            SUNDAY 2 PM TO 2 AM

WEBSITE

18. Estereo

One of the locals’ preferred spots in the city for a daytime beverage is Estereo. you will have the best experience in this bar as you interact with the locals. The panting dogs, the open garage door walls, and the vintage Latin vinyl on the record player all come together to make the ideal ambiance for sipping cool drinks made with spirits like pisco, singani, and cachaça. what about music in this spot? well, live DJ sets on the weekends, it’s even more of a party at night.

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27. PRYSM Chicago

This is  Chicago’s top-rated hybrid venue. It offers live musical performances, exclusive private parties, and nightclub shows to its clients. The 10,000 square foot PRYSM space, which has three separate areas—the Main Room, Mezzanine, and Champagne Lounge, or No. 9—is situated in the Lincoln Park neighborhood just minutes from downtown Chicago.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

ADDRESS: 1543 N KINGSBURY ST CHICAGO, IL 60642

WEBSITE: HTTPS://WWW.PRYSMCHICAGO.COM

28. Glenwood

You should go to Glenwood, a typical old-fashioned bar in Chicago. This cafe has a relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for catching up with friends over a game of pool and a refreshing beer.

With games like pool and draft, it has a sporty side. This cute small neighborhood pub offers gluten-free, sugar-free, and other mix options, and the drinks are extremely reasonably priced. Wednesday nights feature karaoke, and the staff is welcoming. Glenwood is your divey, sporty, mellow pub waiting for you to try it out, according to a ton of internet customer reviews.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 6962 N GLENWOOD AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60626, UNITED STATES

CALL:

OPEN: MONDAY-SATURDAY 3 PM TO 2 AM

            SUNDAY 11 AM TO 2 AM

29. Dorothy

The cocktail bar and lounge at Split-Rail, Dorothy, is a well-kept secret. When you enter, you are welcomed by the welcoming atmosphere and inviting décor that evoke a speakeasy from the 1920s.

The bar will make your experience the best. After placing your drink order, be ready to be entertained by the DJ’s music. Drinks are reasonably priced and they have an extensive list. There is a lot of soft seating in this retro lounge, and the vibe is pretty relaxed back. A 20% default gratuity is added to your bill, but if you’re feeling extra kind, you may always add more. Enjoy yourself with friends in a welcoming environment among a terrific group of cool people.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 2500 W CHICAGO, IL 60622, UNITED STATES

OPEN: THURSDAY & SUNDAY 6 PM TO 10 PM

            FRIDAY & SATURDAY 6 PM TO 12 AM

WEBSITE

30. The Dandy Crown

Experience the best by going to this pub. This jewel-toned River West hangout serves sophisticated but uncomplicated beverages with a generally pronounceable list of ingredients (like the Whisky Smash, made with single-malt scotch, spiced cordial, amaro, lemon, and mole for a bit of a kick). Throughout the summer, reserve a seat on the bar’s enormous patio, which is adorned with flowers, trees, and vibrant murals. On weekends, there is frequently live music playing there.

practical information

Address: 694 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642, United States

Phone: +1 312-846-6420

open; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday 3 pm to 12 am; Friday 3 pm to 2 am; Saturday 3 pm to 3 am

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