Chicago is a city that knows how to enjoy a good drink, and its bar scene is no exception. From dive bars to craft cocktail lounges, there’s something for everyone in the Windy City. Whether you’re a local looking for a new spot to grab a drink or a visitor wanting to experience the city’s nightlife, we’ve got you covered. In this blog article, we’ll highlight some of the best bars in Chicago, each with its own unique atmosphere and drink selection. So grab a friend, put on your favorite outfit, and let’s explore the best bars in Chicago.
Fadó Irish Pub
Address: 100 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: +1 (312) 836-0066
Details: $$, Irish pub
Fadó Irish Pub is a lively and welcoming establishment located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The pub’s atmosphere is inviting and friendly, with attentive and pleasant staff who know how to make customers feel at home. The pub is known for its excellent Guinness pour, which is as good as any in Ireland. The menu features a range of Gaelic delights, including fish and chips, Irish breakfast, Reuben sandwich, and jumbo wings. The fish and chips are particularly noteworthy, with generous portions of fish in a crisp and light batter, and the fries are perfectly cooked.
Fadó Irish Pub is a popular spot for watching English Premier League soccer and rugby, with doors opening early for matches. The pub has been a gathering place for Chicagoans for 25 years, with a goal of bringing the best of Dublin’s Irish pubs to the United States. The pub features a bar partially made with a 100-year-old piece reclaimed from a Dublin pub, and the menu includes Bavarian pretzels, smoked salmon bites, and fish tacos, among other delights. The pub also offers a nice selection of beers and cocktails, including an authentic Irish coffee.
Overall, Fadó Irish Pub is a cozy and friendly spot with warm and welcoming staff, great food, and a lively atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for a pint of Guinness, a hearty Irish breakfast, or a plate of jumbo wings while watching a soccer match, Fadó Irish Pub is the place to be.
Burger Bar Chicago
Address: 1150 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: +1 (312) 988-0162
Details: $$, Hamburger restaurant
Burger Bar Chicago is a popular restaurant located in the South Loop of Chicago, serving build-your-own gourmet burgers, craft beers, house-made fried pickles, and hand-made milkshakes. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, and the staff is attentive and quick to serve customers. The restaurant is acknowledged as the first Prime burger restaurant in the United States, and it has been wooing customers since 2010. Burger Bar Chicago is a great place to have a burger and enjoy a great selection of beers.
The food at Burger Bar Chicago is amazing, with a great selection of toppings, cheeses, and sauces to choose from. The build-your-own burger menu is a great idea, and customers can choose from a variety of meats, toppings, and condiments. The sweet potato fries are a must-try, as well as the house-made fried pickles and deviled eggs with smoked shrimp, candied bacon, and paprika cream. The milkshakes are also a hit, with a chocolate three-way shake and a strawberry shortcake shake.
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The service at Burger Bar Chicago is fantastic, with the staff going above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. The restaurant is busy, but the front of house and kitchen are well-organized, resulting in minimal wait times for food. The customers around are also friendly, making the experience even more enjoyable. Burger Bar Chicago is open from 11:30 am to 10 pm Monday through Thursday, 11 am to 11 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 11 am to 9 pm on Sunday. Customers looking for a great burger and a welcoming atmosphere should definitely check out Burger Bar Chicago.
LH Rooftop
Address: 85 E Wacker Dr 22nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: +1 (312) 357-1200
Details: $$$, Restaurant
LH Rooftop is a stunning rooftop bar located on the 22nd floor of the LondonHouse Hotel in Chicago, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and the Chicago River. The atmosphere is buzzing, and the staff is outstanding, providing top-notch service to ensure guests have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Customers have raved about the attentive and kind hospitality of their server, Shab, who goes above and beyond to make visitors feel special.
The food and drinks at LH Rooftop are unique and delicious, with a fun variety of appetizers and specialty cocktails to choose from. Customers have recommended the Chilla Killas, Jamaican jerk scallops, shrimp cocktail, and Filipino skewers as must-tries. The bar also offers tiki drinks like the Snowbird, which are a hit with customers. The indoor bar on the 21st floor is also a cool space to check out.
The views from LH Rooftop are breathtaking, with the Chicago River and city skyline visible in both directions. Although the rooftop can get crowded, it is definitely worth the visit for the spectacular vantage point. Reservations are required, and visitors are encouraged to call in advance. LH Rooftop is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a nice rooftop experience in Chicago, with attentive service, delicious food and drinks, and stunning views of the city.
Centennial Crafted Beer & Eatery
Address: 733 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: +1 (312) 284-5353
Details: $$, Gastropub
Centennial Crafted Beer & Eatery is a charming pub-style restaurant located in Chicago, offering a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The staff are friendly and accommodating, providing exceptional service to ensure guests have an enjoyable experience. Customers have praised the staff’s friendliness and helpfulness, with some even noting specific servers who went above and beyond to make their visit special.
The menu at Centennial Crafted Beer & Eatery is compact but delicious, with a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, and wraps to choose from. Customers have recommended the Mac and cheese sharable, Irish nachos, short rib turnover, and the smoked meats sandwich. The beer selection is extensive, with over 50 different draft beers available, including many styles from local craft breweries.
The ambiance of Centennial Crafted Beer & Eatery is fantastic, with a cozy atmosphere and a variety of seating options, including outdoor seating in a makeshift hut. The decor is charming, with welcoming bar furnishings, high top tables, and HD TVs tuned to sports. Customers have also praised the bar seating and extensive beer list, noting the high quality of the offerings. Overall, Centennial Crafted Beer & Eatery is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a cozy and welcoming pub-style restaurant with delicious food, an extensive beer selection, and exceptional service.
Billy Goat Tavern
Address: 60 E Lake St, Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: +1 (312) 346-5620
Details: $, Bar & grill
Billy Goat Tavern is a classic burger joint located in Chicago’s Loop area, offering a unique and informal atmosphere that provides a nice change of pace from more formal meetings. The staff is friendly and accommodating, providing simple and friendly service that adds to the overall experience. Customers have praised the staff’s friendliness, with some even noting the entertaining bartender who can shoot bottle caps backward into a garbage can.
The menu at Billy Goat Tavern is compact but delicious, with their signature greasy and melty cheeseburgers being a must-try item. Customers have also recommended the ribeye steak sandwich, Italian beef sandwich with peppers, and the cheesy fries. The beer selection is also noteworthy, with the restaurant brewing its own Billy Goat IPA draft beer.
The ambiance of Billy Goat Tavern is a classic feel, transporting customers back in time to the 70s when the original SNL skit was aired. The old-style dining area, 80’s music playing, and TV’s showing the Cubs game add to the overall experience. The decor and furnishings have been maintained, adding to the restaurant’s landmark status in Chicago. Overall, Billy Goat Tavern is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a classic burger joint with basic good food, draft beer, and a unique and informal atmosphere.
Bar Allegro
Address: 171 W Randolph St #101, Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: +1 (312) 325-7120
Details: $$$, Bar
Bar Allegro is a hotel bar located in Chicago, offering an old-school charm and romance that is perfect for a date or professional occasion with a quiet and elegant vibe. The staff is incredible, with bartenders who are friendly, efficient, and accommodating, always going above and beyond to ensure guests have a great experience. Customers have praised the bartenders’ knowledge of drinks, ability to make anything, and entertaining show when making each drink.
The menu at Bar Allegro offers a good variety that is not overwhelming, with outstanding options such as steaks that are tender, tasteful, and melt in your mouth. Salads are fresh, light, and a great start to your meal. The bar features a variety of drink options, with great drinks and food, a lively crowd, and attentive bar staff. The happy hour special every day is a great way to grab a drink and avoid the cold weather.
The atmosphere of Bar Allegro is casual and friendly, with excellent seating for singles, couples, and large groups. The bar has several small gathering spaces to have a quiet conversation, and the lounge area features fancy mirrors and nice TVs inside. Overall, Bar Allegro is a great spot to grab a drink, have a meal, and enjoy a great experience in Chicago with wonderful ambassadors such as Rafa, Omar, and Sandy Gallagher (Prosecco Princess).
Weather Mark Tavern
Address: 1503 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: +1 (312) 588-0230
Details: $$, Restaurant
Weather Mark Tavern is a local tavern located in Chicago, offering an amazing atmosphere with a sailing theme that makes customers feel right at home. The staff is friendly, easy-going, and attentive, making sure that customers have a great experience. Customers have praised the owner, Mark, for stopping by their table to make sure everything is okay and giving the grandkids helium balloons if they eat all their food.
The menu at Weather Mark Tavern offers great food that is excellent, particularly for ‘pub grub’. The burgers and steak fries are cooked to customers’ specifications, and the sausages are very tender. The bar features a variety of drink options, including a sailing themed cocktail list, excellent fine rum selection, and many craft beers on tap. Customers have also praised the bottomless mimosas for brunch and the great Bloody Mary for only $6.00.
The atmosphere of Weather Mark Tavern is a great hangout spot, with great trivia on Thursdays and a cute patio to people watch. The bar has a good amount of TVs for a game, and the decor is nautical and comfy. The tavern is a great local spot that is casual with a dive bar attitude in a much nicer setting. Overall, Weather Mark Tavern is a great place to grab a drink, have a meal, and enjoy a great experience in Chicago.
Links Taproom
Address: 1559 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: +1 (773) 360-7692
Details: $$, Bar
Links Taproom is a beer bar located in Chicago, offering a great selection of local and nationwide beers that are well-selected and continuously rotating. The electronic beer menu is great to pick out options, and the friendly and helpful staff lets customers try beers before buying. There are plenty of displays so customers can always see the information no matter where they are seated or standing.
The menu at Links Taproom has some solid offerings to keep customers’ bellies happy, with some great dips for the fries, sausages, cheese curds, and chicken tenders and fries that are highly recommended. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, taking their time explaining both the food and beer menus if customers have questions. The bar maintains clean lines, and every beer comes through with excellent dispense quality.
The atmosphere of Links Taproom is comfortable, calm, friendly, and easy-going, with great tunes and a wonderful location that makes it a must-visit for the area. The bar is a great place to go and try a variety of on-tap beers and sausages, with plenty of TVs to display the current selection, freshness, remaining quantity, and style of glass it is poured in, as well as the normal information like alcohol content. Overall, Links Taproom is a fantastic beer bar in every sense, with a great range of beers available on draft and in bottle, knowledgeable and helpful bar staff, and highly recommended food and atmosphere.
Franklin Tap
Address: 325 S Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: +1 (312) 212-3262
Details: $$, Bar & grill
Franklin Tap is a great spot for lunch, dinner, or a happy hour get-together in downtown Chicago. The menu has something for everyone, with delicious food options such as the blackened chicken sandwich, salmon BLT, steak sandwich, and great tater tots. The bar food is limited, but decent and priced appropriately. The beer selection is interesting, with a very nice selection of local and not so local beers, including gluten-free options.
The atmosphere of Franklin Tap is cool, with a nice vibe and lots of TVs for sports enthusiasts. The waitstaff is fantastic, attentive, and efficient, providing great service to customers during busy rushes. The seating is fairly spacious, with high-top tables spread out well, so there is no shortage of places to stand or sit with a drink. The space can get crowded, but the staff does a great job of accommodating everyone.
Franklin Tap is a great value for money spent, with prices very fair for downtown Chicago. The bar is a great stop for a quick drink or a full meal, and the staff is always friendly and attentive to servicing customers. The bar does not attempt to be something other than a casual gathering place, and they do the gathering place well. Overall, Franklin Tap is a high-class atmosphere with excellent food and drink options, attentive service, and a great location that makes it a must-visit for anyone in the area.
The Butcher’s Tap
Address: 3553 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: +1 (773) 325-0123
Details: $$, American restaurant
The Butcher’s Tap is a great spot to grab a burger and a beer in Chicago. The cheese curds are consistently a favorite among customers, with a light and crispy batter that is not at all greasy. The rest of the menu is solid, with delicious comfort food options such as the Chicago Cut burger, turkey pesto sandwich, and onion rings that are highly recommended. The bar also offers brunch and unlimited mimosas on the weekends, as long as the Cubs aren’t playing.
The atmosphere of The Butcher’s Tap is lively and fun, with TVs everywhere showing a variety of sports action. The service from the friendly staff is great, with attentive and efficient service even during busy periods. The bar is a great pre-game brunch/lunch spot before a Cubs game, as it is only three blocks from the ballpark. There is also a small patio out front and an upstairs seating area with a great view of Southport.
Overall, The Butcher’s Tap is a great value for money spent, with reasonable prices compared to most meals in the Chicago area. The tables are comfortable, and the noise level is lively but not deafening. The bar has a great selection of drinks and food, with several beers on tap and a nice variety. It is a great place to watch the world go by, with a very good atmosphere that makes it a must-visit for anyone in the area.
Rogers Park Social
Address: 6920 N Glenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60626
Phone: +1 (773) 791-1419
Details: $$, Bar
Rogers Park Social is a great neighborhood bar in Chicago that is easy to find via the L, driving, or Uber. The staff is always amazingly helpful, with a passionate bartender who is knowledgeable about his beverages. The bar has a great atmosphere, with a friendly crowd of all ages and live music on some nights. The place is immaculate and very inviting, making it a great spot to catch up with friends.
The drink list at Rogers Park Social is nice, with a great selection of mixers and garnishes for the Bloody Mary bar on Sundays. The cocktail menu is amazing and changes by the season, so it never gets old. The bartenders make good, interesting cocktails, and the minds behind these amazing drinks are obviously that of a mixology genius. The margaritas are not too sweet or bizarrely green, and the French 75’s and off-menu drinks are highly recommended.
Overall, Rogers Park Social is a great local bar with great cocktails and beers. The well-mixed drinks are creative and delicious, and the wine and beer selection is good without being overwhelming. The staff is very social and warm, making it a comfortable place to have a quiet drink and talk to the bartenders. It is a hot spot in the neighborhood, with a mouth-watering selection of mixers and garnishes that make it a must-visit for anyone looking for a great local bar experience in Chicago.
O’Donovan’s Bar
Address: 2100 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618
Phone: +1 (773) 478-2100
Details: $$, American restaurant
O’Donovan’s Restaurant and Bar is a classic Chicago bar with a relaxed environment, serving Italian/American fare and a large menu. The staff is very nice and attentive, with a single waitress who did an exceptional job serving a large group. The outdoor space in the summer is a great spot to enjoy the open air wonderland of the two walls of open garage type doors. The beer garden with the open windows is such a lovely area and a great place to watch a Cubs game.
The food at O’Donovan’s is simply delicious, with solid menu options and great deals throughout the week. The Reuben rolls, wings, burgers, and salmon special are all highly recommended, and the 3 B’s Burger with bacon, BBQ, and bleu cheese is a signature item that shouldn’t be missed. Appetizers like potstickers, nachos, and chicken fingers are perfect for sharing, while the chocolate chip cookie skillet is a decadent dessert that tops off any meal perfectly.
The atmosphere at O’Donovan’s is cozy and loud, with a beautiful mahogany bar, tall round cocktail tables, and giant mirrors behind the bar. The room also features red-painted walls, French posters, and track lighting. The front room is long and inviting, with stained glass doors and a Prohibition era Tommy-gun hanging over the entrance to the dining room. O’Donovan’s is a great neighborhood hangout with a nice beer selection, solid food, and service that makes you feel right at home.
Burke’s Public House
Address: 5401 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: +1 (773) 944-1109
Details: $$, Gastropub
Burke’s Public House is a cozy and welcoming local Chicago pub with a great atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxing on a Friday night. The staff is friendly and welcoming, making it a great place to hang out with friends. The patio is a great spot to enjoy drinks and dinner, and it’s easy to grab a table and settle in for the evening.
The food at Burke’s is consistently great, with a 4.5 out of 5 rating for the fish fry and excellent burgers that even picky eaters will love. The menu has lots of good specials and sandwiches, and the beer selection is also great and well priced. The waffle fries and cole slaw are tasty sides that complement the main dishes perfectly.
In addition to the great food and atmosphere, Burke’s also offers outstanding service that makes it a reliable and consistent choice for dining out. The wait and bartending staff are outstanding, and the catering service is also highly recommended. Overall, Burke’s Public House is a hidden gem that’s worth seeking out for anyone looking for a great neighborhood pub in Chicago.
Rizzo’s Bar and Inn
Address: 3658 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: +1 (773) 799-8161
Details: $$, Bar & grill
Rizzo’s Bar and Inn is a very cool bar and grill located in Chicago with an awesome solarium-like beer garden that provides a great atmosphere for enjoying drinks and food. The staff is very attentive and hardworking, making sure that service is always speedy, even on game days. The patio is the perfect spot to people-watch and see the crowds heading to Wrigley Field.
The food at Rizzo’s is delicious, with large portions that are perfect for sharing or taking home for leftovers. The southwest burger and the salad with pulled pork are highly recommended, and the nacho plate is stacked high with toppings. The bang bang shrimp wrap is also a great choice, and the chicken strips are a tasty appetizer that pairs well with the great drink and beer selections.
The music at Rizzo’s adds to the lively atmosphere, with a good mix of ’70s and other popular tunes. The bar features a cool retractable glass roof in the patio area, making it a great stop for a Saturday afternoon with live music. The service is very good, even on game days when the place is packed. Overall, Rizzo’s Bar and Inn is a great place to stop for a meal or drinks before a Cubs game, or just to enjoy a lively atmosphere with friends.
From classic speakeasies to rooftop lounges, Chicago’s bar scene is diverse and full of hidden gems. Whether you’re in the mood for a craft cocktail, a cold beer, or a glass of wine, there’s a bar in Chicago that will satisfy your craving. We hope this list of the best bars in Chicago has inspired you to explore the city’s nightlife and try something new. So next time you’re looking for a place to grab a drink, consider one of these top picks and experience the best that Chicago has to offer.
