Bars are roaring once again in Chicago, a city with rich tavern history where a patron sipping a can of Old Style on Friday can be seen sipping a complex cocktail with an infused spirit on Saturday. Tavern culture is one of many components that makes Chicago unique. Making friends while sipping on a beer or cocktail at a bar is a treasured practice, one that everyone was deprived of during the last year.
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 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.
As of June 11, Chicago restaurants have fully reopened and the city has lifted restrictions on capacity, masking, and social distancing. For updated information on coronavirus cases, please visit the city of Chicago’s COVID-19 dashboard. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following safety guidelines. The latest CDC guidance for vaccinated diners during the COVID-19 outbreak is available here; dining out still carries risks for unvaccinated diners and workers. Find a local vaccination site here.
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