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United States

This list of the best bars in Chicago blends classics that define the city's drinks scene with everything new and hot right now.

Photo by Carolina Rodreiguez

Chicago has come a long way since its Prohibition days, when Al Capone and his band of merry mobsters used to patrol speakeasies. Nowadays, those discreet speakeasies have been replaced with <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/chicago/best-chicago-speakeasies">well-documented speakeasies</a>, and the city’s booze scene is anything but dry. Chicago boasts a dizzying array of bars across the city, and despite the sheer number of watering holes that have accumulated since Prohibition's repeal, no two are the same. Sure, they may share some common traits—the bartenders, the music, the liquor—but it’s a matter of how these elements are employed that make each bar singular. 
 
From endearingly dingy dives and fancy cheffy hot spots to lauded brewpubs, twee wine bars, and queer enclaves, Chicago’s bar scene has never been so distinct, so varied, and so exciting. Not to mention the speakeasies have improved dramatically since Capone’s era. Whatever your tipple of choice, be it a chic shōchū cocktail, a tiki drink, or a pint of Belgian beer, here are the 20 best bars to grab a drink from right now.

Chicago has come a long way since its Prohibition days, when Al Capone and his band of merry mobsters used to patrol speakeasies. Nowadays, those discreet speakeasies have been replaced with <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/chicago/best-chicago-speakeasies">well-documented speakeasies</a>, and the city’s booze scene is anything but dry. Chicago boasts a dizzying array of bars across the city, and despite the sheer number of watering holes that have accumulated since Prohibition's repeal, no two are the same. Sure, they may share some common traits—the bartenders, the music, the liquor—but it’s a matter of how these elements are employed that make each bar singular.

From endearingly dingy dives and fancy cheffy hot spots to lauded brewpubs, twee wine bars, and queer enclaves, Chicago’s bar scene has never been so distinct, so varied, and so exciting. Not to mention the speakeasies have improved dramatically since Capone’s era. Whatever your tipple of choice, be it a chic shōchū cocktail, a tiki drink, or a pint of Belgian beer, here are the 20 best bars to grab a drink from right now.

Chicago has come a long way since its Prohibition days, when Al Capone and his band of merry mobsters used to patrol speakeasies. Nowadays, those discreet speakeasies have been replaced with <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/chicago/best-chicago-speakeasies">well-documented speakeasies</a>, and the city’s booze scene is anything but dry. Chicago boasts a dizzying array of bars across the city, and despite the sheer number of watering holes that have accumulated since Prohibition's repeal, no two are the same. Sure, they may share some common traits—the bartenders, the music, the liquor—but it’s a matter of how these elements are employed that make each bar singular.From endearingly dingy dives and fancy cheffy hot spots to lauded brewpubs, twee wine bars, and queer enclaves, Chicago’s bar scene has never been so distinct, so varied, and so exciting. Not to mention the speakeasies have improved dramatically since Capone’s era. Whatever your tipple of choice, be it a chic shōchū cocktail, a tiki drink, or a pint of Belgian beer, here are the 20 best bars to grab a drink from right now.

If <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/new-york/copenhagen-restaurant-noma-announces-nyc-dinner">René Redzepi</a> were to go bar-hopping in Chicago, he’d feel right at home at this Nordic-accented brewpub. Nestled within the Kimball Arts Center in Humboldt Park, this airy and lofty oasis appeals at once to hifalutin tastes, beer connoisseurs, and neighborhood regulars alike. Its Scandinavian-inspired emphasis on minimalism, opting for quality over quantity, pours through in its plant-filled and sun-soaked taproom, where seasonal rotating beers like gooseberry wheat and a figgy rye ale are among the most exciting in town. To eat, the food follows a similar Nordic ethos, offering smørrebrød like wild boar meatloaf and battered whitefish. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Photo by Ross Floyd

Ørkenoy

You needn’t travel to Sonoma to visit a winery. As <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/nation/best-urban-wineries-in-the-us">urban wineries continue to sweep the country</a>, the latest game-changer is Chicago Winery, a sprawling downtown venture—complete with on-site restaurant, <a href="https://chiwinery.com/chicago-restaurant" target="_blank">Liva</a>—from the same oenophiles behind Brooklyn Winery in New York. Open since fall of 2022, this place is like the Eataly of wine, complete with tasting bar, roof deck, behind-the-scenes tours, and true to its name, an enormous wine-making facility and barrel-aging room. While the grapes are sourced from across the country, rest assured the fruits are crushed, fermented, barreled, and bottled on-site, with the current roster of vino including Malbec, Merlot, Riesling, and Pinot Noir made using grapes from California’s underrated Suisun Valley. How to book: Reserve via <a href="https://chiwinery.com/" target="_blank">OpenTable</a>.

Photo courtesy of Chicago Winery

Chicago Winery

When the owners of one of Chicago’s most beloved neighborhood restaurants open a cocktail bar, throw in some botanicals, and pair it all with Chinese-American food, magic happens. Such is the allure of Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar, a dimly lit and hip haunt from Jason Vincent and Josh Perlman, aka the duo behind Giant. At their sophomore effort, they’ve turned their attention to vibrant cocktails, like Lemongrass Gimlets and mezcal-coconut Coladas, emphasizing drinks that are “fun, fresh, and easy to enjoy,” per their website. They’re best enjoyed within the bar’s dark, cool confines, along with heaping platters of Kung Pao Tofu, Dry Chili Chicken, and Eggplant with Spicy Lamb Sausage. How to book: Reserve via <a href="https://resy.com/cities/chi/chefs-special-cocktail-bar?date=2023-02-28&amp;seats=2" target="_blank">Resy</a>.

Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar

You can thank/blame the folks behind Scofflaw for your enduring Logan Square hangover, as the boozy group continues its vice grip on the neighborhood’s bar scene with this darling wine bar. Exhibiting a penchant for dexterity, Outside Voices is a twee, pastel-hued nook that stands in stark contrast to its sister spots like moody cocktail bar Scofflaw, dance club Slippery Slope, and family-friendly sports bar, <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/chicago/best-sports-bars-in-chicago">The Moonlighter</a>. Here, an art-filled space houses an array of ever-changing natural and low-intervention wines, including fruit ales and an impressive selection of orange wines. Pair it all with a curated food menu that includes charcuterie boards, vegan cheese boards, a chicken sandwich, and beer cheese pretzel. When the weather cooperates, a quaint patio is ready to embrace you with patio furniture and an outdoor bar. How to book: Reserve via <a href="https://resy.com/cities/chi/outside-voices?date=2023-02-28&amp;seats=2" target="_blank">Resy</a>.

Outside Voices

It’s not too often that queer bars, rainbow-clad oases typified by sugary Cosmopolitans and cheekily named cocktails, get <a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/drink/ct-food-nobodys-darling-queer-cocktail-bar-chicago-beard-awards-20220610-wnatqvzhsrbzrc5ohh7fdc34ae-story.html" target="_blank">longlisted for a James Beard Award</a>, but then again, Nobody’s Darling isn’t your typical queer bar. Owned by two queer Black women, and nestled on a tree-lined stretch of Andersonville, this shimmering disco-lit nook is not only <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/chicago/best-gay-bars-chicago">one of Chicago’s best gay bars</a>, but one of its best bars in general. In addition to drag shows, hip hip dance parties, and happy hours, the sexy bar slings cocktails that go above and beyond the call of gay bar duty—think well-balanced Lychee Martinis, Mezcal Old Fashioneds, and the creamy Chai Town, as well as zero-proof drinks and top-shelf spirits. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Photo courtesy of Nobody's Darling

Nobody’s Darling

When Michelin-starred chefs open cocktail bars, whimsical things happen (case in point: The Aviary). Now, one of Chicago’s most coveted and dazzling new bars comes courtesy of none other than chef Curtis Duffy, whose fine dining venture Ever reigns as one of the hottest meal tickets in the nation. Next door, the aptly dubbed After is designed as an after-dinner lounge for decadent cocktails, snazzy mixology, and the fanciest Margaritas and Old Fashioneds you’ve ever sipped. Swanky and dark, and presided over by dapper barkeeps, it’s all about the fine details here, like the elegant glassware, ice, and garnishes used to execute pistachio-infused Japanese Cocktails, black truffle Espresso Martinis, and brown butter bourbon digestifs with amaro and strawberry. To snack, look for Caviar Flights, Lamb Ribs, and Wagyu Skewers. How to book: Reserve via <a href="https://www.exploretock.com/after-lounge-chicago" target="_blank">Tock</a>.

Photo by Michael Muser

After

Last year, Mother’s Ruin, a New York cocktail bar, opened its Chicago location in Avondale, and the vibe is consistently fun and the perfect place to chill out with some friends slurping down a round or two of spiked slushies. The drink menu is spot on offering beer, wine, and rotating seasonal cocktails to keep you on your toes. And don’t skip the food menu which has hearty bar bites like Thai Brussel Sprouts, French Onion Grilled CHZ, and an <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/best-burgers-in-america">epicly good burger</a> that comes with Old Bay Waffle Fries with a spicy ketchup onion dip. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Mother's Ruin Chicago

Mother's Ruin

Julia Momosé’s highly celebrated Japanese dining bar was ranked No. 5 on <a href="https://www.worlds50bestbars.com/northamerica/the-list/kumiko.html" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">the best bars in North America list</a>, and for good reason. The atmosphere is elegant, warm, and pleasantly minimalist, while the food and drink menu is beautifully curated and refined. Their cocktails are creative and dynamic like the Cloud Hopper, a mezcal and shōchū loaded drink with other ingredients like green cardamom and oat milk. You can’t go wrong with anything from the “Snacks” and “Savory'' menu, but standouts include the Karaage, a Japanese fried Chicken dish with charred pickled shishitō and kanzuri mayo, and the Japanese Potato Salad with smoked ham and pickled carrots. Whether you bring a date or a group of friends, come hungry and thirsty.

Kumiko

If you were recently wandering around the far northwest side, scratching your chin and dwelling on the fact that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/lifestyle/chicago/chicago-moving-guide-which-chicago-neighborhood-should-i-move-to" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">this stretch of Windy City real estate</a> somehow still lacked a plant-themed drinking den, your prayers have been answered in the form of this moody Portage Park debut. Housed in the former Hops and Barley space, industry vets Zach Rivera, Marvin Boeving, and Christina Chae joined forces to bring this verdant saloon to life—quite literally. Blooming, thriving fauna dots nearly every surface, sharing space with classic cocktails (Negronis, Espresso Martinis), original concoctions (Arm Candy, a puckery blend of sour grape, Soju, Cachaca, and vermouth), and a concise menu of quirky bites like Tostones Latkes and Kimchi-brined Chicken Schnitzel Sandwiches. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Moonflower

Cloaked in ‘70s-era flair—wood-paneling, disco balls, pressed velvet wallpaper, an enticing array of plump burgundy-hued sectional couches and vintage lounge furniture—this queer-owned and -operated speakeasy beneath West Town fried chicken palace <a href="https://www.splitrailchicago.com/" target="_blank">Split-Rail</a> is full steam ahead after two years of COVID-fueled delays. And while the lounge might <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/chicago/best-gay-bars-chicago">lean LGBTQ+</a>—“a friend of Dorothy” was a covert identifier for closeted gay folks in the mid-20th century—this joint’s subterranean doors are open to bar-goers of any background, dubbing themselves queer-friendly rather than exclusively gay. Check your preconceptions at the door, grab a skillfully made throwback cocktail, and get into the groove Thursday through Monday evenings starting at 6 pm. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

This beloved Humboldt Park haunt made its triumphant return to California Avenue in 2022 after a sudden and heartbreaking closure two years earlier. And you better believe the old-school jazzy vibes are still alive and well inside the red lit space. The new owners have painstakingly maintained the 1930s-era refuge’s ancient long wooden bar and cozy vinyl booths, keeping the ambiance simple and sultry while subtly ushering the sound system into the 21st century with a noteworthy upgrade. To pair with the sound boost, the team also converted the old C.C. Ferns space into a backroom listening lounge for sipping audiophiles. In terms of drinks, the broad list of standards that once hung above the vintage back bar has been swapped for a slightly smaller selection (though still just as tasty) plus clever house cocktails, beers by the bucket, and a coveted Suntory Toki highball machine, while the bartenders are just as talented and personable as ever. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

The California Clipper

The Clipper

This chill hang just north of the Kedzie Brown Line stop in the slowly but steadily increasingly cool Albany Park neighborhood may not be the craziest bar in the city, but that’s kind of the point. Brick walls and a minimalist vibe cultivate an air of relaxed sophistication as you dive into standout cocktails with which you might not be overly familiar, such as a smoked Boulevardier with orange spice dust, or the rum-based Turkish Delight with Turkish coffee, saffron liqueur, and fig jam. Cocktail flights, DJs, and rotating art shows round out the imbibing experience alongside eclectic late-night small plates such as Smoked Trout Dip, Cubanos, and Mac and Cheese Salad. While you’re here (and looking to stay on your best behavior), try one of their actually quite decent <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/chicago/best-chicago-bars-serving-non-alcoholic-cocktails">mocktails</a> for good measure. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Bokeh

One of Chicago’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/chicago/best-cocktails-in-chicago" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">top cocktail bars</a>, this joint is as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/chicago/hipster-chicago-bars" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">hipster-friendly</a> as it is booze savvy, featuring live music paired with an ever-changing drinks menu made up of classics and Whistler originals. In case that wasn’t cool enough, the walls are adorned with monthly rotating art installations from local artists, which you can peruse while contemplatively stroking your scraggly pandemic beard with a cocktail in hand. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

The Whistler

Opened all the way back in 2019 (remember those days?), this hotshot<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/chicago/best-chicago-speakeasies"> speakeasy-inspired</a> hang brings modern Latinx flair and top-notch cocktailing to a neighborhood traditionally lacking in such mixological offerings. They’ve got DJs and brunch. They’ve got cocktails and micheladas. They’ve got tacos and Mexican snacks. More importantly, they’ve got a clear winner on their hands. How to book: Reserve via <a href="https://www.opentable.com/r/ositos-tap-chicago" target="_blank">OpenTable</a>.

Osito's Tap

Osito’s Tap

Long known as one of the<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/chicago/best-beer-bars-in-chicago" rel=" noopener" target="_blank"> best beer bars in Chicago</a>, this lively Andersonville mainstay has been going strong since 1992 and shows no signs of slowing down. Their famous Mussels and Fries is bucket-list worthy when it comes to Chicago cuisine, with additional options from the Belgian-inspired kitchen including a Brisket Reuben and Toasted Nueske Ham. With 68 taps and more than 400 beers in bottles, the draft list is heavy on Belgians while paying homage to several local brewers like Spiteful and Dovetail. They’re also slinging wines on tap along with anything else you could possibly feel like drinking. No TVs. No reservations. No BS. Just sit down and drink. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Hopleaf

Hopleaf Bar

It may be the<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/chicago/best-chicago-speakeasies" rel=" noopener" target="_blank"> least secret “secret bar” in Chicago</a>, but damn if it ain’t still one of the finest. This veteran Wicker Park institution has long been known as a pioneering cocktail bar and remains a must for any budding mixology enthusiast. The vibe is polite and not rowdy, which some have deemed pretentious, but don’t act like a jerk and you’ll be fine. They also host tastings, classes, and even offer<a href="http://www.theviolethour.com/events-classes" rel=" noopener" target="_blank"> private events and classes</a>, so you too can one day learn the ways of the master mixologist. Might want to throw on a vest for this one. How to book: Reserve via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.exploretock.com/theviolethour/experience/196754/the-violet-hour-standard-reservation-indoor-seating" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Tock</a>.

The Violet Hour

One of<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/chicago/oldest-bars-in-chicago" rel=" noopener" target="_blank"> Chicago’s oldest bars</a>, this 1907 original served as notorious gangster<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/chicago/8-chicago-bars-with-notorious-mob-connections" rel=" noopener" target="_blank"> Al Capone’s favorite Prohibition-era hangout</a>. These days, Green Mill remains one of the<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/chicago/the-best-bars-with-live-music-in-chicago" rel=" noopener" target="_blank"> top jazz clubs</a> in the country as well as a damn fine spot to grab a drink. The cinematic vibes of this<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/chicago/places-to-drink-in-chicago-bar-bucket-list" rel=" noopener" target="_blank"> bucket list-worthy bar</a> are impossible to miss (with several film scenes being shot here), especially when bands hit the old-timey stage. It’s also a top post-show spot after catching a concert at the nearby Riviera or Aragon. Drinks are nothing too fancy or gimmicky, just strong and delicious. Just don’t chat too loud while the bands are playing or you will be unceremoniously shushed. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

Green Mill

This erstwhile Bridgeport establishment is well known as one of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/chicago/best-chicago-slashies-taprooms-packaged-good-stores-liquor-store-bars" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Chicago’s premier “slashies”</a> (half bar/half liquor store), but the vibe is slightly more upscale than the inimitable genre’s usual divey aesthetic. The hip, artsy space features beer bottle chandeliers and a mind-boggling selection of 500 to 700 craft beers between the bar and bottle shop (making it one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/chicago/best-beer-bars-in-chicago" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">best beer bars in the city</a> as well as a leading&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/travel/chicago/exploring-south-side-chicago" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">South Side institution</a>). Yet their cocktailing game is no slouch either, with offerings including the tropical Royal Wailuku. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar

Whether you’re looking for a secret bar, a beautiful bar, or a tropical bar, Three Dots and a Dash is the place for any occasion. Known for serving up some of the strongest drinks in the city alongside whimsical ventures like boozy slushies, much ink has been spilled in<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/recipe/three-dots-and-a-dash"> this fair publication</a> regarding this uber-popular River North tropical emporium in the past. But that’s because it’s still one of the flat-out best bars in the city, regardless of category, with 200+ rums, drinks like treasure chests packed with booze and dry ice, and tasty Polynesian bites like Coconut Shrimp and Thai Fried Chicken. For an extra special experience, snag a seat in the Bamboo Room, the intimate bar-within-a-bar where beverage director Kevin Beary unleashes his specialty rum prowess on thirsty diners. How to book: Reserve via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.exploretock.com/threedotsandadash/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Tock</a>.

Three Dots and a Dash

Expect the unexpected at this high-end cocktail laboratory from world-renowned chef&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/chicago/chicagos-best-celebrity-chef-restaurants-rick-bayless-stephanie-izard-grant-achatz-and-more" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Grant Achatz</a>, where the drinks are pieced together as meticulously as the dishes in a Michelin-starred restaurant. With bartenders trained as chefs and a state-of-the-art drinks kitchen, beverages here are designed as works of art with past incarnations spanning booze served in balloons, glass ships, and ice spheres. It’s not a cheap night out by any means, but it’s ideal for those evenings when you need to impress someone who isn’t easily impressed (i.e. expect to splurge). How to book: Reserve via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.exploretock.com/theaviary" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Tock</a>. &nbsp;

The Aviary

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/jay-gentile">Jay Gentile</a> is an award-winning freelance journalist specializing in travel, food &amp; drink, culture, events and entertainment stories. In addition to Thrillist, you can find his work in The Washington Post, The Guardian, CNN Travel, Chicago Tribune, Lonely Planet, VICE, Outside Magazine and more. Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/thejaygentile">@thejaygentile</a>.

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/meredith-heil">Meredith Heil</a> is a Senior Cities Editor at Thrillist. She's originally from St. Louis, now lives in Chicago, and in between has been to all 50 states (that's boots on the ground, no airport BS). She enjoys all things cocktails, crosswords, and women's soccer. Challenge her to a game of Hoop Shot at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instagram.com/mereditto" rel=" noopener" target="_blank" title="Instagram">@mereditto</a>.

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/elanor-bock">Elanor Bock </a>is a Chicago born, New York-based professional dancer, writer, and renaissance woman, excelling at philosophy, mathematics, outdoor adventuring, and balancing six martinis on a tray in a crowded bar. Like her dog Oli, she is highly motivated by treats. Follow her on instagram&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/rathernotthanks/?hl=en" target="_blank">@rathernotthanks</a>.

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/matt-kirouac" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Matt Kirouac</a>&nbsp;is a travel writer with a passion for national parks, Disney, and food. He's the co-founder and co-host of Hello Ranger, a national parks community blog, podcast, and app. Follow him on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/matt_kirouac/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.

Beverage Director

Beverage Director: Find the Best Bars to Drink at in Your City

Bars

The Best Bars in Chicago Right Now

Best Bars in Chicago to Drink at Right Now

These are the dives, cocktail emporiums, distilleries, and wine bars serving the best drinks in Chicago.


Chicago has come a long way since its Prohibition days, when Al Capone and his band of merry mobsters used to patrol speakeasies.

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