Whether you’re looking for a casual spot to grab a pint with friends or a sleek and sophisticated place to indulge in some craft cocktails, Chicago has something to offer for everyone. From iconic dive bars to trendy rooftop terraces, the city is home to some of the best bars in the country. In this guide, we will showcase the five best bars in Chicago that are sure to impress. From the decor, drinks, service, and atmosphere, these bars stand out as the best spots to unwind and socialize with friends and family.
5 Best Bars in Chicago
Gilt Bar:
The first up on the list is the Gilt Bar. It is a welcoming bar and restaurant located in the River North neighborhood that serves both traditional artisan drinks and modern American fare. The menu is intended to be shared and includes items such as fresh salads, house-made pasta, seafood, and wood-fired dinners. Some of the more notable dishes on the menu are the trademark Tenderloin Steak Tartare, Truffle Pasta, and Grilled Farm Chicken. The bar menu is focused on cocktails and features a wide selection of bar staples including Negronis, Mules, Manhattans, Martinis, and Old Fashioneds. The sophisticated and enticing area is illuminated by candlelight and boasts black leather seats, a gilded bar, and a single-burning chandelier.
Delilah’s:
Since it first opened in 1993, Delilah’s has been open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to our regularly scheduled programming, we also host a number of special events, including DJs playing Rock & Roll, Punk Rock, Metal, Ska & Reggae, Soul, Maximum R&B, Hard Country, Garage, & Rockabilly. There are over one thousand different kinds of beer and spirits, and we hold art openings, film screenings, and beer tastings on a regular basis.
The Violet Hour:
In the middle of Wicker Park, you’ll find the bar known for its handmade drinks, the Violet Hour. The James Beard Award–winning bar program contains a cocktail list that changes with the seasons, as well as a wide range of approachable and sought–after spirits. These libations are inspired by the sort of drinks that were available before the prohibition. In the same seasonal rhythm as the main courses, Chef de Cuisine Jeremy Nelson prepares a variety of small nibbles. The outer façade of The Violet Hour has an ever-changing painting with a discrete single door. On the other hand, the three interior salons sparkle under clusters of candlelight tables and a huge marble bar, making it an iconic destination for anyone who is interested in cocktail culture.
Lost Lake:
Located at Chicago’s Logan Square, Land and Sea Dept., Paul McGee, and Shelby Allison’s Lost Lake serve tropical cocktails. Lost Lake reflects both the luxurious tropical fantasy of 1930s Hollywood and the rough nautical, island style of the original Don’s Beachcomber Cafe, which was the world’s first tiki bar. It is a fashionable tropical oasis-meets-flotsam-strewn-island-hut. The bar is decorated with a lauhala roof and walls covered in iconic banana leaf-print wallpaper. Lost Lake’s amazing crew of courteous and experienced beverage specialists is ready to take you on a mini-vacation by means of a wildly garnished tiki cocktail. They are dressed in tropical garb and are well-versed in rum.
Cindy’s:
The last on the list is The Cindy’s. Although it appears to have been conjured out of thin air, the airy mood provides a contrast to the Association’s past as a men’s club, while at the same time giving the impression of always having been here. This Chicago restaurant actually serves some of the greatest cuisines while maintaining the laid-back environment of a Great Lakes beach house with a view. Seasonal freshness is represented in both the food and the drink served here, and this restaurant also features a view of the lake. The award-winning Executive Chef Christian Ragano provides family-style classic comfort meals, biodynamic wines, and award-winning cocktails with big format apothecaries.
Overall, Chicago’s nightlife is rich and varied. There is a place for everyone, from low-key dive pubs to hip rooftop terraces and everything in between. The five bars that we choose to highlight in this guide stand out due to the great quality of their interior design, cocktails, customer service, and overall ambiance. They are the best places to go to relax and catch up with family and friends while also having a good time.