The Best Bars In Chicago

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If you have the fortune of visiting Chicago anytime soon, then it would be a sin to give away an opportunity to visit the famed bars over in Windy City! There are normally tons of things to do in Chicago and places to visit in and around the city, but going on a bar-hopping spree is by far one of the most enjoyable activity that you can do! From bars that specialise in crafted beer, exquisite wines and different kinds of cocktails to even some which boast of equally delightful food, Chicago has you covered in all areas!
 
So don’t dilly-dally any further, just read this list of some of the best bars in Chicago and get a great idea of what all you can do there to have the time of your life.

1. Lost Lake

Lost Lake - one pf the best bar in Chcago

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Renowned bartender Paul McGee brings his magical skills of cocktail making to the Lost Lake. The whole place has a relaxed, charming feel to it with the tropical furnishings, servers in Hawaiian clothing and a glorious menu full of lip-smacking delights! The Lost Lake takes special pride in their cocktail range, all of which are prepared so artistically, that you can taste heaven in each sip, and yep, they look awesome too!

Address: 3154 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
Specials: Pool Rules, Lima Lima Scorpion Bowl
 

2. Queen Mary Tavern

Queen Mary Tavern - Bar with a unique theme

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The first thing that you'll notice when you enter the Queen Mary Tavern is its unusual and rather striking theme. The whole décor matches to that of a seafarer's watering hole, but just more classy and elegant! Being a maritime themed bar, the drinks primarily used in their drinks too are apt gin, scotch and most importantly rum. The bartenders at Queen Mary Tavern come up with some wonderful concoctions, combining these liquors and several other flavours. 

Address: 2125 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
Specials: Stone's Throw, Albatross
 
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3. The Heavy Feather

The Heavy Feather - Fern bar in chicago

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If a good ol' sturdy cocktail is what you are looking for, then The Heavy Feather is where you should be heading to this evening. There is no loud music blaring from the stereos, no bright lighting to blind you and definitely no loud groups to disrupt the mood. It is one of those places where you can have a catch-up session with your old mates and sip on the perfectly balanced cocktails that are the Feather’s very specialty.

Address: 2nd Floor, 2357 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States
Specials: Manhattan, Polished Nail
 
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4. The Barrelhouse Flat

The Barrelhouse flat - A favorite Chicago cocktail bar

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Probably one of the best bars in Lincoln Park, the Barrelhouse Flat has an astounding assortment of cocktails, the taste of each more tantalizing than the last one! They have a healthy assortment of classic cocktails along with some modern, more fusion versions, none of which fail to impress the casual drinker. To add a cherry on the top, the bar serves awesome grub and finger food too, with the popcorn of the day being one of the house favourite! 

Address: 2624 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Specials: Jimmie Roosevelt, Knickerbocker

5. Bar Marta

Bar Marta - top bar in Chicago

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If you plan on an elegant night out, be it solo or with a buddy, consider visiting the Bar Marta. The whole bar is dimly lit which makes it look a lot private and exclusive, the bar menu consists of some delightful wine cocktails and for chow, try out the exciting list of different salads that Bar Marta is very proud of! If you are a fan of wines, then their list will certainly delight you to no ends and provide some of the most remarkable concoctions ever heard of. 

Address: 2700 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
Specials: Japanese cocktail, Absinthe Minded
 
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6. DiSotto Enoteca

DiSotto Enoteca - A unique bar

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DiSotto Enoteca is one of those unique bars in Chicago which successfully breaks the myth that bars which serve excellent drinks usually have very mediocre food options. DiSotti has more than 100 wine options and also several dining options in the form of bruschetta, tapas and other lip-smacking delights! As cheese goes perfectly with wine, there are tons of cheese dishes too, to give that yummy, balanced flavour. The ambience is also extremely cosy and perfect for couples out on a date night.

Address: 200 E Chestnut St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Specials: Red Wine, Prosciutto

7. Ampersand Wine Bar

Ampersand Wine Bar

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Quality, not quantity is what comes to the mind on seeing Ampersand Wine Bar’s menu. They have limited themselves to very few options, but have made sure that the ones they do serve are absolutely perfect for the patrons to devour! Everything from the booze, food to the ambience is brilliant and makes a visit totally special and a rejuvenating experience.

Address: 4845 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, USA
Specials: White & Rose wines, Plus Minus

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8. Vera

Vera - the most famous wine bar in Chicago

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The popular wine bar Vera is a small but hearty place which offers some great wine options along with food that will win your hearts, and tummy too of course. The meatballs are an absolute yum and the several wines have distinct flavours to suit all kinds of taste buds. The wine servers are pretty knowledgeable and will provide you with good information of all the available wines in the cellar.

Address: 1023 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Specials: Sherry, Verdejo

9. The Broken Shaker

The Broken Shaker

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The Broken Shaker is one of the most trendy bars in Chicago and also one of the most popular thanks to its finely balanced cocktails and extensive food menu. The bartenders really know their stuff and are able to come up with some masterpieces, mixing and matching different kinds of liquors and flavours to create a unique, wonderful flavour. You can order quite a lot of dishes to accompany your drinks, and I am pretty sure each one will be equally delicious!

Address: Freehand Chicago, 19 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Specials: Cobbler, The Godmother
 

10. The Long Room

The Long Room Chicago

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The Long Room is one of the more homely bars in Chicago that focuses on serving several beer types. The area is not huge, usually full of people and the general mood and ambience is upbeat and cheery. Side dishes and main courses do complete justice to the drinks and there is also a coffee section at the back and an outdoor section. If you are looking for a somewhat happening yet not too crazy place to catch up with your buddies then the Long Room should be a perfect fit!

Address: 1612 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613, USA
Specials: Old Fashioned, Rotating Beer menu

11. The Green Lady

The Green Lady - Crafted beer

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Though at first glance, the Green Lady might just look like another plain watering hole, only when you actually sit inside, grab a beer and let the ambience take over you, do you realise that there is something very refreshing about the whole place. The whole bar has been furnished with wooden panels which gives it a more traditional look and special emphasis is put on the beer quality. Crafted beer is available in the Green Lady with the number reaching almost 30 different types! Though you might really want to, don’t try to taste them all at one go!

Address: 3328 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, USA
Specials: Bantam Wunderkind Cider, 3 Sheeps NitraBerry Nitro

12. Hopleaf

Hopleaf Chicago

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The Hopleaf bar is very special because apart from having an exciting range of craft beers they also serve up some great, mouth-watering food to provide company to your drinks. It is advised not to have beer on an empty stomach, and with the Hopleaf an empty stomach is something you don’t have to worry about! Another great thing about the bar is that as a number of people show up to have a taste of their splendid beer, you would expect the whole place to fill up. But they have provided an extra space just adjacent to the bar which avoids making the bar stuffy at all!

Address: 5148 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640, USA
Specials: Three Floyds, Ballast Point

13. GreenRiver

GreenRiver rooftop Bar

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Undoubtedly one of the best rooftop bars in Chicago, the GreenRiver is built and decorated like a classic Irish bar. It serves probably Chicago’s tastiest cocktails accompanied by food that will blow your mind away! The names of the cocktails are as creative as the taste. It doesn’t harm further, that the bar has an excellent view from the seating area also. If you like socializing then you’ll be glad to hear that the bar is full of cheerful folks, enjoying a drink and gorging on all the delicious delights!

Address: 259 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Specials: Gray Wolf, Governor of Illinois 
 

14. Scofflaw

Scofflaw for perfect cocktails

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The Scofflaw bar has made its priority to perfect all of their cocktail mixes, making it one of the best bars in Chicago if you are on the lookout for some dazzling drinks! The presentation and taste of the drink will leave you mesmerized and wanting for more. Be sure you have a cab or designated driver ready if you plan on visiting this wonderful place in Chicago! The establishment especially focuses on gin based cocktails, so if you are a gin-lover, then Scofflaw is the place of your dreams!

Address: 3201 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
Specials: Patio Geist, Close Talker 

15. Pub Royale

Pub Royale - the best of Chicago nightlife

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Offering some of the best nightlife in Chicago, the Pub Royale is more than a simple drinking place. It is reputed in the Windy City for serving some exquisite cuisine with the main focus on Anglo-Indian cuisine. So if you like some spicy food to go with your pint of beer, then Pub Royale has all that your taste buds crave for. The service is simply stellar, making your visit all the more comfortable, and their range of beer changes daily, so no two consecutive days can get boring! Just make sure you reach the place on time, as seats tend to fill up faster than the time you’ll take to finish this line!

Address: 2049 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
Specials: Royale Cups, Frozen Mango Lassi
 
Did you enjoy this list of some of the best bars in Chicago? Have any suggestions that we can add to this list? Do tell us by writing in the comments section below!
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