Chicago is brimming with fun bars to enjoy an afternoon beer, grab a unique cocktail, or dance until 3am. as a resident of Chicago for 3.5 years, I’ve explored much of Chicago’s bar scene, so consider the below as a comprehensive list of the best bars in Chicago. if you’re looking for a list of Chicago’s best restaurants, check out my list here!
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Day Drinking
day-drinking in Chicago is very much a thing. all of these bars below are even better with a big group! plus, these all double as fun nighttime bars as well.
Happy camper – old town / wrigleyville
The Old Town location is an all time favorite for starting out a fun Saturday afternoon in the city. the wrigleyville location could not be more perfect for pre-gaming a Cubs game. ordering a round of Umbrella drinks upon arrival is required in my books! I recommend making a reservation, especially with a bigger group.
Parlor Pizza – River north / West Loop
Similar sort of vibe to Happy Camper, just a little more tame. good pizzas and drinks in a lively atmosphere!
Declan’s – Old Town
a casual irish bar just across the street from Happy Camper on Wells street. a great second stop post-happy camper.
Slugger’s – Wrigleyville
often teeming with a very young crowd, but this bar really is a fun time pre or post cubs game. make sure you go upstairs to check out their batting cages (yes, real batting cages) and arcade games!
Old Crow – Wrigleyville
country-themed bar that’s always packed on cubs gamedays, and always a good time.
The Country Club – Wrigleyville
this bar is a lot of fun, but the real star of the show is their popcorn chicken. it’s served in a popcorn bucket and is literal perfection.
Federales – Fulton Market
an iconic Chicago bar! this mexican-themed bar has amazing margaritas and is famous for their bell that you can throw ice shots at.
Texan Taco Bar – West Loop
this two-story mexican-themed bar is massive and nearly always crowded. a bit of a younger crowd, but they play good music and it’s always a good time.
bandit – west loop
such a good spot with great drinks and food. uniquely decorated. Their upstairs turns into more of a club late night, too.
The rabbit Hole – Old Town
This is almost always a stop on an afternoon of bar hopping. it’s never super crowded, but always a fun atmosphere. and most importantly, they have touch tunes.
Bub City – River North
such a cool country bar in the heart of river north. they often have live music too! and their food is actually incredible as well.
Barstool River north – River North
a good sports bar with a lot of tvs!
Rooftop bars
what’s better than a cocktail with a view? try to make a reservation in advance at these bars if you can!
Londonhouse – the loop
not only is the londonhouse a lovely hotel, but they have an incredible rooftop bar with sprawling city and river views. the bar looks north over the river and the river north area, as well as west down the river. it’s definitely a bit pricier, but the views are worth it.
cindy’s – lakeshore east
Cindy’s is always on my list of recommended bars in Chicago. It’s located in the iconic Chicago Athletic association hotel and offers amazing views of the lake and millenium park (yes, where the bean is)! they have an incredible cocktail list as well.
bar avec – river north
love the atmosphere and location of bar avec. their drinks and snacks are great, and the city views are next level.
roof on the wit – the loop
such a fun rooftop bar with good music in the loop. part of the bar is indoor, so make sure you request outdoor when reserving if that’s what you’re looking for! also, it’s worth noting that their fries are to die for.
The J. Parker – Lincoln Park
located on the top floor of the Lincoln Hotel, this bar offers great drinks in a charming atmosphere with skyline views.
Utopian Tailgate – Old Town
This unique bar concept is exactly what the name implies – here you’ll find a bar that’s designed to mimic a tailgate, but with bright colors and fun seating arrangements (e.g., swings and hanging chairs). it’s located in old town with a view looking south towards downtown, giving you amazing skyline views.
Avli on the park – lakeshore east
a gorgeous rooftop bar in the lakeshore east area. they also have phenomenal food!
Cocktail bars
from cozy speakeasies to lively japanese bars – Chicago has it all.
Blind Barber – Fulton Market
This Speakeasy is hidden inside of a barber shop in Fulton Market. it’s very lively with fun music, dancing, and good drinks.
Lazy Bird – Fulton Market
another speakeasy, but Lazy Bird is much more relaxed and cozy. Perfect for a date night.
MoneyGun – West Loop
Moneygun is the place to go if you’re looking for top-notch drinks in a dark and moody, but lively atmosphere.
Three dots and a dash – river north
a speakeasy tiki-themed bar tucked away down an alley in River North! This bar is always a hit.
Kumiko – West Loop
This japanese restaurant has the coolest cocktail bar area. love this place as a first stop on date night. Try their karaage chicken too.
Izakaya – Fulton Market
The izakaya is Momotaro’s bar, located just underneath the restaurant. This basement Japanese bar is cozy and inviting, but modern and well decorated. get the Monk’s journey cocktail! they also have a great food menu.
The Green Door Tavern – River North
a very casual, laid-back, vintage bar. they sometimes have shows downstairs!
Pizzeria Portofino – river north
This restaurant/bar is right on the river and has amazing views and cocktails. best on a warm day!
Late night bars
looking for a fun night out of dancing, socializing, or a mix of both? the list below will keep you busy until at least 5am!
Celeste – River North
this four story bar is a completely different atmosphere on each level. The first floor is a whiskey bar, the second floor is a “supper club” / cocktail bar, the third floor is a disco (with a colorful lit-up tiled floor and disco ball), and the fourth floor is a garden that is almost always playing tropical house. I love celeste, especially the third and fourth floors. it’s super unique and I love how different each of the floors are. they’re open until 4am from Wednesday-Friday, and until 5am on Saturdays!
The vig – Old Town
a classic young adult chicago bar. This is a typical spot for post-grads, but for a good reason. The music is always a perfect mix of new songs and throwbacks and it’s always packed.
Fireplace Inn – Old Town
still in old town, but a bit of an older crowd. We went here after our wedding with all of our guests, so safe to say it’s great for a big group!
Hopsmith – Gold Coast
a frontrunner for my favorite bar in Chicago, but it is 100% my husband’s favorite bar in the city. This bar has sports bar vibes (it’s a michigan state bar) and is always lively. They’re open until 4am everyday except for Saturday’s, when they’re open until 5am!
Boss Bar – River North
definitely more of a locals spot. very laid-back, classic bar vibes!
Good night John boy – West Loop
a very fun late night spot in the west loop. they describe themselves as “Studio 54 meets your grandparent’s funky 1970’s basement”, which is honestly a great description. complete with a colorful lit-up tiled dance floor and a disco ball, you’re guaranteed a good time.
Benchmark – Old Town
a late night, old town classic. fun music and usually a good crowd!
Questions, comments, or thoughts?
let me know below!
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