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A bar with five different cocktails in different classes.
Nine Bar is nice.
Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago

The 28 Essential Bars in Chicago

Chicago’s bar scene has it all

by Ashok Selvam Updated
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Nine Bar is nice.
| Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago
by Ashok Selvam Updated

What makes a bar essential will always remain in the eyes of the beholder. With this difficult mission, below is Eater Chicago’s list of the most essential bars in the city. While Chicagoans cherish their local bars, these are bars worth venturing to outside one’s comfort zone. It’s more than OK to visit someone else’s neighborhood pub for a night.

Note: Brewery taprooms and wine bars aren’t a part of this list.

Is your favorite not on the list? Email chicago@eater.com or leave a comment and state your case.

For updated information on coronavirus cases, please visit the city of Chicago’s COVID-19 dashboard. Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may still pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here.

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Nobody's Darling

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In short notice, Nobody’s Darling has carved itself a space in Chicago’s nightlife. The tavern itself lacks modern bells and whistles, but it’s the welcoming atmosphere, one that embraces the LGBTQ community and its allies, that makes the bar special. The narrow space is often boisterous on weekends with patrons ordering enjoying cocktails and beer. The bar was a finalist for the 2022 James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program.

1744 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 654-3345
(773) 654-3345
A rainbow flag hangs over the glass door of a narrow bar
Nobody’s Darling in a winner.
Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Hopleaf Bar

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Hopleaf has made Andersonville a destination with good Belgian-style pub food and great beer — and no TVs. Owner Michael Roper offers a craft beer selection great enough to satisfy any beer nerd, but the interiors are comfortable enough to make any patron happy.

5148 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 334-9851
(773) 334-9851
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

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Famous for being Al Capone's former stomping grounds — complete with legendary subterranean pathways where the infamous mob boss used to run booze — the Green Mill in Uptown is a classic tavern for music and a stiff drink. They don’t make bars like this anymore with a rich interior that echoes the venue’s past. The bar has opened up its window, allowing patrons to sit on the sidewalk for outdoor seating.

4802 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 878-5552
(773) 878-5552

Also featured in:

Carol's Pub

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After a two-year slumber, Carol’s Pub, returned to Uptown with a new owner, fresh interiors, and a bonafide food menu. The refresh proved controversial for the bar that continues to host live music. The bar still retains much of its charm, minus some of the smoke damage from years and years of cigarettes. Customers still dance the night away until 5 a.m. on Saturdays as live country bands provide the soundtrack.

4659 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 754-8000
(773) 754-8000
Carol’s Pub
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Long Room Chicago

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The Long Room doesn’t have the most creative name — it’s literally a long, narrow room along Irving Park. But owner Jason Burrell and his team have creative that type of tavern where the good times are never in short supply. It wasn’t possible for this unique space to operate during COVID-19, the bar was too small. But with management plotting to reopen soon, look for a great beer list, classic cocktails, and warm service.

1612 W Irving Park Rd #1, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 665-4500
(773) 665-4500

Also featured in:

Nisei Lounge

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Wrigleyville can be daunting during the summer with tourists and baseball fans crowding Clark Street making parking an impossible mission. Locals take the Red Line and stay away from the main drag, looking for shelter at bar like Nisei Lounge, which has spent nearly seven decades in the shadow of Wrigley. They were the first dive bar to be on Tock, the reservation system used by fine dining restaurants. Don’t let that association fool you — the bartenders service up shots, beers, and this might be the best place to enjoy malört. There are pool tables, friendly faces, and a mix of people who care about baseball and those who couldn’t care less.

3439 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 525-0557
(773) 525-0557

Also featured in:

Delilah's

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Delilah’s knows what it is — a two-level bar with a big whisky selection, a strong tap list (for both local and international brews)‚ and a deceptively crushable wine list. While even the pickiest will find something to drink here, it’s the atmosphere and music that caters to the misfits — the punks, goths, and metalheads — that’s built Delilah’s die-hard fanbase. And speaking of die-hards, it’s a Buffalo Bills bar. So, even if you don’t own a choker collar, wear those khakis — you’ll be fine.

2771 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 472-2771
(773) 472-2771

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Logan Arcade

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Arguably the best of the city's arcade bars stands in Logan Square at the corner of Western and Fullerton. The converted hardware store sports an eclectic craft beer selection. The gaming aspect isn't an afterthought. There's an excellent mix of vintage cabinets, as well as newer games like Killer Queen.

2532 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 235-5030
(773) 235-5030

Map Room

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There was a time when Guinness was the only option for a craft beer option in a town with draft handles dominated by big beer companies. The Map Room, when it opened in 1992, was a refreshing change. With a “traveler theme” — the shelves are full of travel magazines like National Geographic, the beer list includes selections from all over the world. As American breweries gained traction, management weaved local options in as well. 

1949 N Hoyne Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 252-9351
(773) 252-9351

Scofflaw

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Originally known for its gin focus, Scofflaw was at the forefront of the current Logan Square bar boom for a variety of reasons: fantastic cocktails at affordable prices, standout upscale bar food, and great crowds. Don’t forget about those late-night cookies.

3201 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 252-9700
(773) 252-9700
Marc Much/Eater Chicago

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Old Town Ale House

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This late-night den was a favorite of the late Anthony Bourdain who filmed several TV segments here as it’s the antithesis of many of the yuppie Old Town bars around the corner on Wells. The dive sports inappropriate paintings of Chicago history, including depictions of incarcerated ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich and is a destination for many, drawing a diverse group of patrons from all walks of life. Keep the drink orders simple.

219 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 944-7020
(312) 944-7020
A character leaning on a light pole in front of a bar.
Old Town Ale House’s Bruce Elliot in front of his bar.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

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The Violet Hour

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This hidden drinking destination is widely credited with kicking off the mixology renaissance in Chicago and is a must-visit for Windy City newbies. It thrives on quiet sophistication (do read the house rules), a fantastic ever-changing menu, and is a breeding ground for local talent. Look for a massive mural outside — there's no sign — as well as a line on the sidewalk.

1520 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 252-1500
(773) 252-1500
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Sportsman's Club

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Sportsman's Club is a template for a new wave of reborn neighborhood dive bars with cocktails and beer selections that rival some of the country's best. Do take a shot from the in-house amaro machine while chatting up the chef and industry crowd, or play a game of chess on the boards built into the tables, or relax on the expansive backyard patio.

948 Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(872) 206-8054
(872) 206-8054
Marc Much/Eater Chicago

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Three Dots and a Dash

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Before Lost Lake became the apple of Chicago’s eye, bartender Paul McGee worked with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises on this basement tiki bar where patrons enter through a River North alley. Tropical vibes are prevalent, even in the middle of a frigid winter day. The bar is a popular after-work stop in Downtown Chicago, and there’s also a bar within the bar for a more intimate experience. Unlike Lost Lake, LEYE hasn’t addressed tiki’s complicated past, as it’s still known as a “speakeasy tiki bar.”

435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 610-4220
(312) 610-4220
Marc Much/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Rossi's

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River North has mutated over the years, angled at tourists rather than locals. There are a few exceptions, and Rossi’s, the charming hole in the wall near House of Blues, has endured. The bartenders are friendly. The customers aren’t snobby. The coolers are full of local beer, and not just the big names, there’s variety. When you’re finished pretending Hubbard Street is the Vegas Strip, hang out with the grownups at Rossi’s.

412 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 644-5775
(312) 644-5775
A dive bar’s exterior.
Rossi’s endures.
Ashok Selvam/Eater Chicago

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The Aviary

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From the owners of Alinea, the Aviary takes chef Grant Achatz’s approach to molecular gastronomy and applies it to beverages. That might be off putting to dive bar lovers, but the result is a bar with vintage spirits, unique cocktails, and prices that make the well-to-do feel like they’re spending their money on something worthy. For pure cocktail fans, the presentation, glassware, and whimsical approach to beverages is worth scoring a reservation. There’s also a more exclusive space, the Office, located downstairs.

955 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 226-0868
(312) 226-0868
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

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Kumiko

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From a national perspective, Chicago sometimes gets ignored for its innovative side. There’s plenty of talented people creating culinary cool, and Julia Momose and her team at Kumiko are the forefront. A sibling to Oriole, a two-Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant, Kumiko takes inspiration Japan (Momose is Japanese American), with a deep whisky list. But the highlights are the cocktails, carefully prepared and with top-notch ingredients. When the bar reboots for indoor service, Momose will once again offer her drink flights where bartenders create custom cocktails for customers. It’s like watching a story unfold, and something drinkers can’t find anywhere else in the country.

630 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 285-2912
(312) 285-2912
A highball glass filled with a cocktail.
Kumiko has creative drinks.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

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Chicago Athletic Association

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This reborn hotel on Michigan Avenue is already one of the biggest draws in Chicago thanks to a gorgeous restoration and multiple acclaimed spots to eat and drink: perhaps Chicago's best rooftop bar (Cindy's); a rec room with bocce courts, other table games, pitchers of beer and good, quick cocktails (Game Room); a historic full restaurant and large bar (Cherry Circle Room); and one of the most unique and creative drinking spots in town, the tasting menu-esque Milk Room.

12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 940-3552
(312) 940-3552
Marc Much/Eater Chicago

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Miller's Pub

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There’s something just comforting about seeing Miller’s Pub’s red neon sign, right underneath the El in the Loop. Miller’s is a full-service restaurant filled with photos and other trinkets that give the space a welcoming old Chicago feel. The waits are long at night, and this is a wonderful spot for happy hour. The feeling of escaping inside on a cold winter day while sipping a classic cocktail at the bar is a luxury Chicagoans are lucky to have. Oh, and there’s food. While “true” barbecue fans obsessed with smoke (we’re looking at you, Texans) may scoff, the Chicago-style broiler ribs are underrated. 

134 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 263-4988
(312) 263-4988

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Buddy Guy's Legends

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Legendary musician Buddy Guy opened this club in 1989 in the South Loop and it’s become one of the most venerable places to hear blues and jazz in the country. It serves Cajun and soul food, and a beer named after Guy: Buddy’s Brew. Celebrities are known to show up to jam or even quietly take in a show.

700 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 427-1190
(312) 427-1190
Darrell/Flickr

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M Lounge

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South Loop is a neighborhood that has yet to hit its stride when it comes to carving out a unique identity. But M Lounge, which has been around since 2006, has stood out with martinis, live music, and a come-as-you-are vibe. 

1520 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 447-0201
(312) 447-0201

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Thalia Hall

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Thalia Hall is a historic music venue, a massive building along 18th Street in Pilsen, that’s owned by 16” on Center, a company that runs venues like Promontory Hall in Hyde Park and Empty Bottle in Ukrainian Village. The building also houses Punch House, a lower-level ‘70s chic bar where patrons by drinks by the punch bowl. Then there’s Tack Room, a piano bar that dabbles in things like punk rock karaoke. Main restaurant Dusek’s with its craft beer list rounds out the total drinking experience.

1807 S Allport St, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 526-3851
(312) 526-3851

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Nine Bar

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Across America’s Chinatowns, tiki found a niche with Westerners conflating Asians and preferring the tropical flavors paired with Cantonese food. In Chicago, that led to the popularity of late-night karaoke lounges. However, there wasn’t a specialized tavern serving cocktails in Chinatown until Nine Bar made a splash in early 2022. Located behind Moon Palace Express and from the same family, this narrow bar is welcoming with fun drinks that honor the past and also new classics that use ingredients like Thai coconut milk, umami bitters, Japanese barley, and Chinese five spice. While the drinks are impressive, the food menu is already an all-time great. Even the fries, inspired by mapu tofu — topped with saucy pork, scallions, and more (a vegan option is also available) — are top notch.

216 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-4081
(312) 225-4081
A dim bar with a neon blue and white sign.
Nine Bar is doing smashing.
Kim Kovacik/Eater Chicago

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Osito's Tap

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Osito’s Tap is an outgrowth of Moreno’s Liquors, a family-owned store in Little Village. The bar offers a deep beer list with plenty of rare releases to satisfy craft fans, and the cocktails push the envelope using techniques and ingredients that prove that mixologists at upscale downtown bars aren’t the only ones who can’t enjoy a fancy drinks.

2553 S Ridgeway Ave, Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 277-8117
(773) 277-8117
A lavish drink with ancho and blood orange.
Osito’s Tap features ancho and blood orange in drinks.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

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Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar

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Maria’s has served Bridgeport well in various capacities. It’s a small liquor stores with a mighty beer selection. Walk by the cashier and pass through two bars with old-school charm. Find a deep beer selection, classic cocktails, and even beer from the owners’ brewery, Marz. Food comes from Kimski, the Ko-Po fusion spot the meshes Korean and Polish, and Pizza Fried Chicken Ice Cream.

960 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 890-0588
(773) 890-0588
Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar [Official Photo]

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Bernice's Tavern

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Since the 1930s, this Bridgeport bar has been serving beer and shots to a customer base that fawns over this low-ceilinged space. Current ownership, the Badauskas family, took over the bar the 1950s. This charming corner bar even has an open mic for musicians.

3238 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 961-5516
(312) 961-5516

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Woodlawn Tap

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Locals still tell friends to meet them at “Jimmy’s” the name of the the bar’s former owner (Jimmy Wilson died in 1999). Regardless, this tried and true dive bar has provided a meeting point for generations of college students, professors, and Hyde Park residents. Pitchers of beer are popular here as are the burgers. An affordable spot that caters to the University of Chicago’s community.

1172 E 55th St, Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 643-5516
(773) 643-5516

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Jeffery Pub

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Chicago’s oldest LGBTQ bar resides on the South Shore. Since the 1960s, Jeffery Pub has serve patrons bright-colored cocktails while giving them the space to cut loose. Look for DJs and other entertainment at this venerable venue.

7041 S Jeffery Blvd, Chicago, IL 60649
(773) 363-8555
(773) 363-8555

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Nobody's Darling

1744 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

In short notice, Nobody’s Darling has carved itself a space in Chicago’s nightlife. The tavern itself lacks modern bells and whistles, but it’s the welcoming atmosphere, one that embraces the LGBTQ community and its allies, that makes the bar special. The narrow space is often boisterous on weekends with patrons ordering enjoying cocktails and beer. The bar was a finalist for the 2022 James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program.

1744 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 654-3345
(773) 654-3345
A rainbow flag hangs over the glass door of a narrow bar
Nobody’s Darling in a winner.
Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

Hopleaf Bar

5148 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

Hopleaf has made Andersonville a destination with good Belgian-style pub food and great beer — and no TVs. Owner Michael Roper offers a craft beer selection great enough to satisfy any beer nerd, but the interiors are comfortable enough to make any patron happy.

5148 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 334-9851
(773) 334-9851
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

4802 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60640

Famous for being Al Capone's former stomping grounds — complete with legendary subterranean pathways where the infamous mob boss used to run booze — the Green Mill in Uptown is a classic tavern for music and a stiff drink. They don’t make bars like this anymore with a rich interior that echoes the venue’s past. The bar has opened up its window, allowing patrons to sit on the sidewalk for outdoor seating.

4802 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 878-5552
(773) 878-5552

Carol's Pub

4659 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

After a two-year slumber, Carol’s Pub, returned to Uptown with a new owner, fresh interiors, and a bonafide food menu. The refresh proved controversial for the bar that continues to host live music. The bar still retains much of its charm, minus some of the smoke damage from years and years of cigarettes. Customers still dance the night away until 5 a.m. on Saturdays as live country bands provide the soundtrack.

4659 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 754-8000
(773) 754-8000
Carol’s Pub
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Long Room Chicago

1612 W Irving Park Rd #1, Chicago, IL 60613

The Long Room doesn’t have the most creative name — it’s literally a long, narrow room along Irving Park. But owner Jason Burrell and his team have creative that type of tavern where the good times are never in short supply. It wasn’t possible for this unique space to operate during COVID-19, the bar was too small. But with management plotting to reopen soon, look for a great beer list, classic cocktails, and warm service.

1612 W Irving Park Rd #1, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 665-4500
(773) 665-4500

Nisei Lounge

3439 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Wrigleyville can be daunting during the summer with tourists and baseball fans crowding Clark Street making parking an impossible mission. Locals take the Red Line and stay away from the main drag, looking for shelter at bar like Nisei Lounge, which has spent nearly seven decades in the shadow of Wrigley. They were the first dive bar to be on Tock, the reservation system used by fine dining restaurants. Don’t let that association fool you — the bartenders service up shots, beers, and this might be the best place to enjoy malört. There are pool tables, friendly faces, and a mix of people who care about baseball and those who couldn’t care less.

3439 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 525-0557
(773) 525-0557

Delilah's

2771 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Delilah’s knows what it is — a two-level bar with a big whisky selection, a strong tap list (for both local and international brews)‚ and a deceptively crushable wine list. While even the pickiest will find something to drink here, it’s the atmosphere and music that caters to the misfits — the punks, goths, and metalheads — that’s built Delilah’s die-hard fanbase. And speaking of die-hards, it’s a Buffalo Bills bar. So, even if you don’t own a choker collar, wear those khakis — you’ll be fine.

2771 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 472-2771
(773) 472-2771

Logan Arcade

2532 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Arguably the best of the city's arcade bars stands in Logan Square at the corner of Western and Fullerton. The converted hardware store sports an eclectic craft beer selection. The gaming aspect isn't an afterthought. There's an excellent mix of vintage cabinets, as well as newer games like Killer Queen.

2532 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 235-5030
(773) 235-5030

Map Room

1949 N Hoyne Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

There was a time when Guinness was the only option for a craft beer option in a town with draft handles dominated by big beer companies. The Map Room, when it opened in 1992, was a refreshing change. With a “traveler theme” — the shelves are full of travel magazines like National Geographic, the beer list includes selections from all over the world. As American breweries gained traction, management weaved local options in as well. 

1949 N Hoyne Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 252-9351
(773) 252-9351

Scofflaw

3201 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Originally known for its gin focus, Scofflaw was at the forefront of the current Logan Square bar boom for a variety of reasons: fantastic cocktails at affordable prices, standout upscale bar food, and great crowds. Don’t forget about those late-night cookies.

3201 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 252-9700
(773) 252-9700
Marc Much/Eater Chicago

Old Town Ale House

219 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60610

This late-night den was a favorite of the late Anthony Bourdain who filmed several TV segments here as it’s the antithesis of many of the yuppie Old Town bars around the corner on Wells. The dive sports inappropriate paintings of Chicago history, including depictions of incarcerated ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich and is a destination for many, drawing a diverse group of patrons from all walks of life. Keep the drink orders simple.

219 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 944-7020
(312) 944-7020
A character leaning on a light pole in front of a bar.
Old Town Ale House’s Bruce Elliot in front of his bar.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

The Violet Hour

1520 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

This hidden drinking destination is widely credited with kicking off the mixology renaissance in Chicago and is a must-visit for Windy City newbies. It thrives on quiet sophistication (do read the house rules), a fantastic ever-changing menu, and is a breeding ground for local talent. Look for a massive mural outside — there's no sign — as well as a line on the sidewalk.

1520 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 252-1500
(773) 252-1500
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Sportsman's Club

948 Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Sportsman's Club is a template for a new wave of reborn neighborhood dive bars with cocktails and beer selections that rival some of the country's best. Do take a shot from the in-house amaro machine while chatting up the chef and industry crowd, or play a game of chess on the boards built into the tables, or relax on the expansive backyard patio.

948 Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(872) 206-8054
(872) 206-8054
Marc Much/Eater Chicago

Three Dots and a Dash

435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Before Lost Lake became the apple of Chicago’s eye, bartender Paul McGee worked with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises on this basement tiki bar where patrons enter through a River North alley. Tropical vibes are prevalent, even in the middle of a frigid winter day. The bar is a popular after-work stop in Downtown Chicago, and there’s also a bar within the bar for a more intimate experience. Unlike Lost Lake, LEYE hasn’t addressed tiki’s complicated past, as it’s still known as a “speakeasy tiki bar.”

435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 610-4220
(312) 610-4220
Marc Much/Eater Chicago

Rossi's

412 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

River North has mutated over the years, angled at tourists rather than locals. There are a few exceptions, and Rossi’s, the charming hole in the wall near House of Blues, has endured. The bartenders are friendly. The customers aren’t snobby. The coolers are full of local beer, and not just the big names, there’s variety. When you’re finished pretending Hubbard Street is the Vegas Strip, hang out with the grownups at Rossi’s.

412 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 644-5775
(312) 644-5775
A dive bar’s exterior.
Rossi’s endures.
Ashok Selvam/Eater Chicago

Related Maps

The Aviary

955 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

From the owners of Alinea, the Aviary takes chef Grant Achatz’s approach to molecular gastronomy and applies it to beverages. That might be off putting to dive bar lovers, but the result is a bar with vintage spirits, unique cocktails, and prices that make the well-to-do feel like they’re spending their money on something worthy. For pure cocktail fans, the presentation, glassware, and whimsical approach to beverages is worth scoring a reservation. There’s also a more exclusive space, the Office, located downstairs.

955 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 226-0868
(312) 226-0868