Chicago
The UK beers and more than 80 bottles of single-malt scotch are nearly overwhelming at this cozy, laid-back pub. After enough of them, try the fish and…
Must-see nightlife in Chicago
Chicago
With threadbare couches and broken-in board games, this Logan Square fave has the homey charm of your uncle’s '70s rumpus room – if your uncle had loads…
Chicago
One of the few lesbian-centric bars in Chicago, the Closet changes mood and tempo at 2am, when the crowd becomes more mixed (male and female), the music…
Chicago
Modern, sunny coffee-slinger Dollop fires up a mean espresso among its caffeinated arsenal. Local baked treats such as Hoosier Mama pies provide the sugar…
Chicago
This triangular bar sets itself apart by functioning as a cafe by day – with pastries and locally roasted coffee – and a Latin American–inspired lounge by…
Chicago
Named after a city in northeastern Poland, this divey, off-the-beaten-path neighborhood pub is marked by a sign featuring two frothy beer mugs. A long,…
Wicker Park, Bucktown & Ukrainian Village
Aptly for this gallery-rich street, Standing Passengers displays rotating exhibits from local artists on the walls of its airy, minimalist space. Browse…
Chicago
Goose Island’s popular beers are served in bars and restaurants around Chicago, and much of it is brewed right here. The large, brick-walled pub pours the…
Chicago
Weeds has the tenacity of its namesake flora, sticking to its beatnik-meets-bohemia roots for years while the neighborhood gentrified around it. If the…
Wicker Park, Bucktown & Ukrainian Village
A timeless dive, where flinty locals and aging wise guys openly flaunt no-smoking laws. With its tall, humming refrigerated coolers for to-go orders and a…
Chicago
This enormous nightspot rises above the city’s other megaclubs by way of big-name touring trance and house DJs, as well as a sturdy lineup of resident DJs…
Chicago
Spyners is a full-on dive bar beloved by lesbians and karaoke fans. The latter flock in Thursday, Friday and Saturday to belt out tunes in a welcoming…
Chicago
While Weathermark is one of the least obnoxious of the neighborhood's upscale pubs, it does get in your face with its nautical theme and rum-based 'sailor…
Wicker Park, Bucktown & Ukrainian Village
It’s one of the city’s classic – not ironic – dive bars, where the wood paneling, kitschy knickknacks and ‘shot-ana-beer’ orders impart authentic Chicago…
Chicago
The jukebox is stuffed with hundreds of live (hence the name) concert recordings by Springsteen, Pink Floyd, the Pixies, Led Zeppelin, Muddy Waters,…
Chicago
If you want lively people-watching in the thick of it all, hit the Plaza. Set in Millennium Park between the Bean sculpture and Michigan Ave, the summer…
Wicker Park, Bucktown & Ukrainian Village
It’s mostly a younger, hipster crowd dancing their asses off at Debonair to '80s new wave, hip-hop, house, trap, drum and bass, and new electro. The main…
Chicago
A wild night on the Boystown club circuit requires a visit to this frenzied spot, which boasts an open-air feel (thanks to retractable windows) and a…
Wicker Park, Bucktown & Ukrainian Village
This small triangle-shaped shop (with a matching three-sided common table) offers beans from its own local roaster in a light-filled corner position near…
Chicago
A friendly neighborhood pub that draws a mix of artsy students from the nearby universities, local condo dwellers and sports fans, all of whom belly up at…
Chicago
A distinct neighborhood hot spot, Simone's packs in the young and beautiful from around Pilsen. Recycled and found materials comprise the cool decor…
Chicago
Johnny's is an ice rink, which explains why you can practically see your breath in the upstairs bar. The wood-paneled, neon-lit room is prime for watching…
Wicker Park, Bucktown & Ukrainian Village
This classic ‘slashie’ – the term for a combination bar/liquor store – has hours catering to third-shift locals and the most indomitable night owls. Order…
Chicago
Order a brewski at this bar named after the Cubs' famed announcer and then sip while perusing the photos and memorabilia of local sports heroes that are…
Chicago
This Irish stalwart is a fine example of the corner saloons that once dotted the city. The ample selection of reasonably priced draft beer is served to…
Chicago
The dimly lit L&L is an unapologetic dive bar, complete with curt, seen-it-all staff. It's a great place to duck the Wrigleyville madness. Relax with…
Chicago
The good-looking boys have a lot of action to choose from at the self-proclaimed 'upscale dive' @mosphere (not least the super-hot go-go dancers who…
Chicago
If you're dying for an alfresco drink while on Navy Pier, the beer garden pours them. Rock cover bands add to the quasi-cheesy vibe.