One of the preeminent dives in the city, Simon’s Tavern is a beer-and-a-shot kind of place but gets into the Andersonville spirit with glogg (warm mulled wine). There’s also a classic jukebox that features an impressive collection of tunes, plus occasional live music.

At the corner of Southport and Cornelia, Lange’s Lounge sits like a time capsule surrounded by newer restaurants and bars along the family-friendly Southport Corridor. Inside, regulars surround the old-school bar, a refreshing escape from nearby Wrigleyville. There’s an impressive selection of dad beer in cans. There’s nothing that supremely sticks out here, except that while everything on the outside changes, Lange’s remains the same, and that’s worth celebrating. 

Yes, one of Chicago's best dive bars is just steps from Wrigley Field. Although fans can watch Cubs games at the self-proclaimed "oldest bar in Wrigleyville," Nisei Lounge is known for its delightfully no-frills atmosphere, cheap Old Style cans, free darts and board games, and plentiful malort.

Avondale faces the same predicament as Logan Square did a few years ago as Chicagoans “discover” this hip area where restaurants like Kuma’s Corner, Honey Butter Fried Chicken, and Parachute have called home for years. Crews from those restaurants descend on Reed’s Local (the name comes from the owner’s support of unions), the spiritual successor to Club Foot, the beloved dive bar full of pop culture trinkets that closed in Ukrainian Village years ago. Customers will find trinkets like the Tetris machine from Club Foot and other familiar items. This is a place fo a cheap beer and some fun chatter, as Reed’s took an old bar space and rehabbed it, but not to the point where character is lost. 

Alice’s is a 4 a.m. bar known for late-night karaoke in Avondale. While belting out “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” on the bar top is not encouraged, it happens.

Logan Square has no shortage of dive bars, but few offer the charm of Whirlaway. Longtime co-owner Maria James, who is affectionately referred to as "The Sweetest Woman on the Planet," will happily pour customers a beer or a shot of whiskey. The bar also has quite a Blackhawk fan following.

Around since 1984 in Logan Square, Rosa’s Lounge is one of the more special bars in Chicago thanks to the live blues music performed daily. It’s a dimly lit space with a customer mix of those visiting to see bands and locals just wanting a cold drink. Drinks are cheap, and people are friendly.

The Old Town Ale House is a slice of Chicago history, because they don’t make them like this anymore. A staple in Old Town, the dive features artwork of old-school regulars hanging on the walls and a lending library for bookworms.

Archie’s, a longtime charming neighborhood dive, lies on the Humboldt Park/West Town border. This is an industry favorite which really ramps up for holidays. The bottled beer selection in the cooler is deep and is not the typical dive bar beer list.

If pool tables could talk, this one would have more than a few stories to tell. The Chipp Inn is a favorite for after-hours industry folks in West Town because of its cheap beer and popular — although its smaller than regulation size — pool table. The place dates back to 1897 and not many improvements have been made since then, as evident by the wood bar, ornate tin ceiling and mismatched folding furniture.

Rossi’s is really the only true dive left in River North. It’s an incredibly friendly and tiny space in the shadow of the House of Blues and other tall buildings. The coolers in the back stock a nice selection of craft beer. Feel free to grab one and walk over to the bartender who will open the bottle up. This is the bar to take transplants and picky people who don’t think they like dive bars. Teach them a valuable lesson. 

Bernice’s, a hidden secret in Bridgeport, is small, dark, and cozy. Tunes ring out from the jukebox and Mike the bartender will make sure you’re well taken care of. The place is crawling with locals but don’t worry, staff will still buzz (yes, buzz) customers in through the doors even if they’re not from the neighborhood.

Shinnick’s Pub carries a storied history, as the family-owned drinking hole spans four generations in Bridgeport. It’s a favorite of White Sox faithful due to the proximity to Sox Park and a time capsule of old-school Chicago drinking culture when bars were considered community beacons. This is a warm beer and shot kind of place.

No longer known as Jimmy’s Woodlawn Tap (founder Jimmy Wilson died in 1999), this bar — which dates back to 1948 — is a classic Chicago tavern. Friendly bartenders, live music, and a location near the University of Chicago bring in a cool cast of customers. Despite Wilson’s absence, most customers still call the bar “Jimmy’s.” Prolific author Kurt Vonnegut was once a regular.

This two-level bar draws lovers of punk, goth, and metal music to an unlikely counter culture center in normally basic Lincoln Park. The bar’s selection including the usual suspect of canned domestics, but there’s a real deep selection of whiskies, and owner Mike Miller also raves about his wines by the glass. 

In West Town, the Matchbox has stood the test of time as the self-proclaimed tiniest bar in town. This isn’t a good group for groups, but quirky craft beer selection and classic cocktail list make the bar a friendly spot to catch up with friends. But understand: space is at a premium. There may not be a place to hang bulky winter coats. Respect that.

Turtles has every White Sox fan’s game day needs covered. But the bar is about more than baseball with craft beer and affordable pub grub. The bar is simple and friendly, everything a dive bar fan would want.

A gayborhood staple since 1983, North End is part sports bar with a pool table, darts, plenty of TVs, and a friendly atmosphere. A modest beer selection allows this bar to function as a true dive without pandering to hop heads or other beer nuts.