This Andersonville queer bar has continued to keep bustling through the fall. With a focus on community building and inclusivity, the bar mixes old-school Chicago tavern charm with modern comfort. “The Pink Kitty” (Hendrick’s Gin, aperol, grapefruit, sparkling wine) is an example of the drink menu’s “classic cocktails, elevated” creed.

In case Chicago missed it, Lost Lake is back, but the popular Logan Square cocktail bar has returned without its signature tiki drinks. Management has opted to ditch the lavish glassware and move the menu toward “tropical,” which is more forgiving, especially given the concerning history of tiki. The changes have triggered mostly positive responses, though also been ample fragility from folks who prefer to cling to the status quo. Lost Lake’s bartenders still know how to make a mixed drink with fun and boozy concoctions that can catch up quickly with drinkers who aren’t paying attention.

Pilot Project in Logan Square fills a niche for both bargoers and the beer industry. The massive patio and well-lit indoor space attracted crowds with a comfy spot to drink the fresh beer, coffee, and kombucha made on the premises. It also gives newish brewers an opportunity for more visibility, as the unique set up is a low-cost way for beer makers to pursue their craft. There are five brewers, including Azadi and Brewer’s Kitchen, on tap currently.

Kumiko is back, as the West Loop’s Japanese-inspired cocktail bar has reopened for indoor service. The tavern is known for one of the most thoughtful drink menus in the city; each concoction incorporates a carefully balanced mix of spirits, including a deep bench of Japanese whiskies. Those who don’t imbibe alcohol have plenty of options, as the menu offers a variety of booze-free drinks, many of which use top-flight teas.

Osito’s, which opened in 2019, is prepared for the rain and cold with tent and heaters for outdoor service. Find an array of fancy liquors like mezcal and tequila, and a great selection of beer. Osito’s also sells food, including tacos. Reservations via OpenTable. They also offer to-go cocktails and growlers.

Enter off Clark Street to venture into the bar side of this fine dining operations from a former chef at Next Restaurant. Esme’s bartenders mix bespoke cocktails and have a variety of spirits to pick from — just strike up a conversation with a bartender. Customers can also find top-notch eats, including a giant Cheeto that is pretty much the ultimate in bar food.

While Billy Dec may be spending more time in Nashville these days, he injected some life into this iconic River North bar earlier this summer with a full makeover. Rather than the traditional bottle service that Hubbard Street bros enjoyed for years, Underground is trying to grow up by offering rare spirits that come out with oversized ice blocks. There’s also plenty of live music to keep the party going. 

The Four Seasons Chicago continues its major renovations with the unveiling of Social Lounge, its reservations-only bar inside the Gold Coast hotel. There’s live music inside a sleek space with plenty of bubbly drinks and fancy cocktails.

Testaccio, a Roman-inspired Italian restaurant from the owner of Osteria Langhe, has a new basement bar devoted to wine. Owner Aldo Zaninotto is a wine buyer, and he uses Soif to showcase his expertise. Instead of leaning into Italian selections, Soif focuses on vintages from France. This underground wine bar is dark and intimate, a great date spot before or after dinner.

Nights & Weekends is a fun-time bar, the type of space nightlife lovers were afraid would become instinct during the pandemic. The cocktails won’t weigh drinkers down if they elect to dance a little. Find spiked Topo Chicos and more.

Smylie Brothers has opened a Lakeview brewpub with Texas barbecue and rotating beer list. Order flights of ales, lagers, and bocks. It’s a great place to spend a winter Friday.

This Lincoln Park bar, off the Elston Industrial Corridor, was designed by an architecture firm with an office next door; its workers wanted a more convenient place for happy hour. The space is bright and breezy and serves up classic drinks with a relaxed vibe.

This Dallas import has made a mark in Chicago and reservations for its main dining room are fully booked. But owner Kevin Kelley is urging those interested in visiting the Black-owned venue to walk in and enjoy their bar space. Find over-the-top drinks with lavish presentations and Instagram-friendly spots to pose with said libations.