Chicago
Vice is a favorite gathering spot for neighborhood residents. The large, mod-industrial taproom is just right for a pint of black IPA or English-style…
Must-see nightlife in The Great Lakes
Northern Minnesota
Sample local Bemidji beers in the renovated warehouse space in the city's downtown. It normally has around 10 beers on tap, with a nice selection of…
Northern Minnesota
This craft-brewer, with a lively taproom and a small restaurant serving mainly pizzas and snacks, is a promising addition to the blossoming Lincoln Park…
Indianapolis
Quaff German and local brews at the outdoor beer garden's picnic tables in summer, or inside the deer-head-lined beer hall once winter strikes…
Minnesota
An impressive range of craft beers flow from the taps here and are best sipped on the fireplace-warmed outdoor patio. Also on offer is a full menu of well…
Indiana
You'll find most of your Third Wave coffeehouses around these parts in Louisville, but minimalist Quill's bounced across the river, giving New Albanians…
Minneapolis
Dangerous Man is one of many breweries sprouting in the Northeast neighborhood. It pours strong, European-style beers. You're welcome to bring in your own…
Chicago
The giant windows of this industrially fitted-out corner shop afford an excellent vantage for people-watching over an espresso or cold-brew coffee. It's…
Chicago
Its ace jukebox, affordable food menu and kindly staff make this unpretentious gem an easygoing place to spend an evening in the Avondale neighborhood…
Chicago
Climb the stairs that lead above Sayat Nova Armenian restaurant, and voilà, you've arrived at a friendly gay dive bar that most people don't even know is…
Indianapolis
Indy's first distillery since Prohibition, Hotel Tango, owned by service-disabled combat veterans, sits in all its mountain lodge-like glory in Fountain…
Minneapolis
The North Loop branch of a local coffee chain and roaster dazzles with playful, mid-century modern decor and excellent coffee. Good wi-fi, big tables and…
Wisconsin
Fun riverside hang, with lots of local and craft beers on tap and a festive vibe in good weather. There's an extensive food menu as well, with some…
Chicago
Popular deli minichain Pastoral has a wine bar at its Lake View shop. Half-glasses are available for $5, meaning you can sample widely. The deli's awesome…
Northern Minnesota
Vikre creates gin with Northwoods-foraged botanicals, as well as aquavit, a Scandinavian spirit infused with caraway and cardamom. The distillers are…
Chicago
Despite the name, both men and women (queer and otherwise) frequent Big Chicks, with its weekend DJs, fun dance floor, art displays and next-door organic…
Chicago
Massive Sidetrack thumps dance music for gay and straight crowds alike. Events take place throughout the week: drag-queen nights, movie-viewing parties,…
Chicago
This Monadnock Building branch of local coffee roaster Intelligentsia is styled to look like a traditional Italian espresso bar, with white marble and…
Chicago
SoFo is a normal neighborhood bar with a sweet dog-friendly patio. Then again, there are also raucous live game shows and rock and soul karaoke. And if…
Wicker Park, Bucktown & Ukrainian Village
A century-old vestige from the days when Division St was ‘Polish Broadway,’ the Gold Star remains a divey winner, drawing a posse of bike messengers and…
Wicker Park, Bucktown & Ukrainian Village
At this map- and globe-filled ‘travelers’ tavern – replete with flag-bedecked wallpaper – artsy types sip coffee by day and suds from the 200-strong beer…
Illinois
This atmospheric downtown Rock Island coffeehouse decked out diner-style with banquette seating is chock-full of historic photos, artifacts and propaganda…
Indiana
All steel, glass and tin-plated ceilings, Lucabe is a modern coffeehouse with a sense of place. But striking architecture aside, it's one of Indiana's…
Chicago
Practice your home-run swing at Sluggers, a cheesy but popular bar and grill across from Wrigley Field. Sidestep the schnockered Cubs fans and giant…
Wicker Park, Bucktown & Ukrainian Village
Gas up on the way at this renowned coffee roaster's Wicker Park branch, tucked conveniently right beneath the L station at Damen. There are four other…
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…
Indiana
Madison's first and so far only brewery whipped an abandoned feed mill space in the center of town into an inviting spot to sip on raspberry-milk stouts…
Wisconsin
The University of Wisconsin branch of the popular Milwaukee-based coffee chain is a hive of activity. Students wander in to grab a cup and something light…
Ohio
When you’re thirsty after a day of hiking or paddling, Brewery 33 has the cure, be it a mango sour ale, hazy wheat beer, double IPA or one of the other 15…
Michigan
This small, high-energy spot roasts its own beans and cranks up the music. Join the cool crowd sipping nitro cold brews and coconut milk mocha lattes…
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…
Detroit
Booze buffs throng the round bar for a tonic in the distillery's rustic-chic tasting room. Try the Jitterbug Perfume, with housemade gin and beet and…
Wisconsin
We challenge you to find a prettier tavern room than Puempel's in the heart of New Glarus. This atmospheric 'olde world' gem began life as a boarding…
Minnesota
Stop by simply to admire the beautiful historic taproom or, better yet, belly up to the bar yourself. In addition to a wide selection of beers and…
Wisconsin
Come to this hugely popular spot overlooking Lake Monona to indulge in some al fresco quaffing on warm summer evenings. Purchase some German-style brats…
Minneapolis
Grumpy's is the Northeast's classic dive, with cheap (but good local) beer and an outdoor patio. Check the website for special event nights, like trivia…
Indiana
Along the B-Line Trail south of downtown, this trendy speciality coffeehouse attracts caffeine aficionados for single-origin espresso ($2.75), drip and…
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…
Gold Coast
Locals like to hang out and sip the housemade suds in this comfy pub. IPAs, stouts and fruity seasonal specialties like the blueberry lemonade shandy fill…
Gold Coast
The distinct coffee-cup mosaic doorway beckons you in to this longstanding cafe that roasts its own beans and serves terrific breakfast wraps, made-from…
