Chicago bar reviews

Katie Renshaw, 2019 U.S. Bartender of the Year, opened her debut bar concept, Bar Bambi, in West Town in early 2026. The ethereal space, designed by Gensler, is a whimsical haven where the drinks are as dreamy as the space itself. The Chicago Avenue bar is a clear reflection of Renshaw's inventive style and playful edge. The vibe: The 50-seat bar, which is anchored by a glass-block bar and a massive, squiggly neon light fixture above, is a dream-like space accented by floating orbs of light, vintage furnishings and cheeky art. The food: Chef Nicklus Byrns, who spent time at Elske, offers playful takes on elevated bar bites like the popular tempura halibut sandwich, flavorful salmon crudo and crave-worthy chicken nuggets with Alabama white sauce and carrot caramel sauce.  The drinks: Renshaw's mixology chops shine through on the cocktail menu, which features sips like the sweet Miss Scarlet (gin, Apóls Ease, lavender, cola spices, lemon, tonka bean and Campari-raspberry sorbet), the balanced Nightshirt (St.-Germain, Seedlip Garden, chamomile, lime, Perrier and clarified coconut yogurt, and the mellow Sanzaru (Rey Campeto, Espadin mezcal, bianco vermouth, mango, amazake and lime).  Time Out tip: Come hungry. While the drinks are the stars of the show here, the food is too good not to try.

Al Capone and other gangsters used to hang here in the 1920s, but these days it’s all about the music. Owner Dave Jemilo, who returned the club to its original luster in the 1980s, books smart bebop and free jazz with a discriminating ear. Local favorites Alfonso Ponticelli and Chris Foreman both maintain residencies throughout the year. Come early, as it’s usually understandably busy.

Drama Club, from the team behind Scofflaw, brings a little glamour to Humboldt Park without taking itself too seriously. The agave-focused cocktail bar pairs a deep tequila and mezcal selection with approachable prices and a lively energy. The vibe: Orange velvet, curved banquettes, glass chandeliers and tropical greenery give the room a polished feel, but the atmosphere stays relaxed instead of formal. It’s comfortable enough for a casual drink and stylish enough to be a destination visit. The drinks: Tequila and mezcal anchor the menu, with cocktails that go beyond the usual margarita (although that’s available, too). The Offline Crush is a refreshing mezcal sour with salted cucumber juice, lime, green cardamom and mint, while For Funsies takes inspiration from the espresso martini and carajillo, combining tequila and rum with coffee-forward flavors. Better yet, most cocktails are around $12, so you can try several without running up the tab. The food: There’s no food menu—grab a bite beforehand or plan to head elsewhere for dinner. Time Out tip: Come on the weekend, when live DJs spin late into the night.

Charis Listening Bar is an intimate Bridgeport hideaway where thoughtfully selected vinyl and inventive cocktails share equal billing. With only 35 seats, it’s a cozy spot for date nights or anyone who takes music seriously. The vibe: Warm lighting, vintage touches and a basement-like setting make Charis an inviting place to settle in. The music is never just background noise—you’ll hear everything from jazz and soul to hip hop through a high-fidelity sound system.  The drinks: The cocktail program is as carefully curated as the music. The boozy False Ironsides combines duck-fat-infused Malört with other bold flavors, while the refreshing Midway Broach offers a lighter option. There’s also a secret menu hidden inside a cassette case and a selection of freezer door tinis, including miniature versions. Many cocktails can be made nonalcoholic as well. A few wine and beer options round out the menu.  The food: There’s no kitchen, but you’re welcome to bring in food from nearby spots like Antique Taco and Kimski. Time Out tip: Charis doesn’t take reservations so arrive early if you want a seat, especially on weekends.

Tucked behind Lincoln Park restaurant Muhājir, Bobo is a cocktail bar inspired by the late-night spirit of Filipino street markets. Named after Zubair Mohajir's grandfather, the bar draws on Filipino family traditions and flavors, bringing a playful sense of nostalgia to its drinks and food. The vibe: Bobo packs plenty of personality into its tiny, neon-lit space. The colorful surroundings, lively soundtrack and energetic atmosphere make it suited for a night out with a few friends.  The drinks: The cocktail menu puts Filipino ingredients front and center, weaving in calamansi, pandan, coconut, banana and other South Asian flavors. Polishing Your Halo blends rum, coconut, pandan, paw paw and lime for a tropical sip, while the Shibuya Meltdown takes Japanese whisky and sake in an unexpected direction with toasted rice and roasted banana syrup. Several cocktails can be made nonalcoholic, too. The food: The bar snacks give you plenty of reason to stick around. Sizzling duck sisig arrives over crispy rice with smoked aioli, yuzu kosho and chili crisp, and the mushroom chicharron and lugaw arancini are fun Filipino twists on familiar bites. The compact menu is designed for sharing. Time Out tip: Bobo is walk-in only and seating is limited, so arrive early. Or, drop in for a nightcap after dinner at Muhājir.

Michelin-starred chef Curtis Duffy’s cocktail concept After opened in 2022 right next door to his ultra-luxe restaurant, Ever. At this West Loop spot, an extensive selection of cocktails pairs with Michelin-level fare that makes for an extravagant experience. The vibe: Although the space is high-end and futuristic-looking, After has a “come as you are” policy. As they say, there’s no dress code, no VIPs and no judgement.   The food: Elevated bar bites include gochujang-glazed Elysian Fields lamb rib with shiso and sesame, hamachi crudo with coconut, melon and lime leaf; and puffed pasta crisps served with housemade dip. The drinks: After’s seasonally inspired beverage program offers expertly crafted sips like the chilled Pantone 110609 (fennel, crisp apple and anise), the “weird and delicious” Dirty Martinez (gin and blueberry atom) and the After Handshake (Jack Daniel’s Triple Mash, cassia and mango tepache). Time Out tip: Those looking for a more intimate experience can book After’s eight-seat, music-inspired space, The B-side, which is stocked with more than 200 vinyl records.

For serious beer drinkers, the Beer Temple is the kind of place where a quick stop can turn into an hours-long affair. The Avondale taproom and bottle shop boasts an impressive selection of craft beers, featuring rare cans and bottles alongside a rotating draft list. Whether you’re looking to grab a pint or for something to take home, there’s plenty to keep you coming back. The vibe: Laid-back, with a neighborhood feel that makes it easy to settle in for a few drinks. The welcoming space stretches across multiple rooms and also has Wi-Fi, making it a good spot to get some work done. The drinks: Beer is, unsurprisingly, the main attraction. There’s a curated collection of craft brews available on draft and in bottles and cans. The lineup spans a wide range of styles, from easy-drinking lagers to hop-forward IPAs and rich stouts. The bar also serves cocktails and nonalcoholic beverages. The food: Detroit-style pizzas from Middle Brow complement the beers. The crispy-edged squares come with toppings like sausage, mushrooms and jerk chicken. Time Out tip: If you don’t want a whole pizza, slices are offered during lunchtime. 

Hospitality group Orbit Group (Segnatore) revived The California Clipper, founded in 1937, after a brief closure during the pandemic. These days, the signature red leather booths, vintage decor and live music make this post-prohibition-inspired spot one of the city’s best bars. The vibe: A dim red glow invites you into this iconic Humboldt Park cocktail lounge. Most nights, you can catch live music performances, from DJ sets to funk, blues and jazz jams.  The food: Food isn’t served here, so plan on eating before or after your visit. If you’re in the mood for Italian, Orbit Group's other spot, Segnatore, is directly across the street. The drinks: Despite the bar’s deliberate “classic Chicago tavern vibe,” the cocktail menu offers much more than a Chicago Handshake—though they do offer that for $8. The seasonally rotating menu features interesting takes on familiar favorites like the Mezcal Soda Highball, Yuzu Spritz (yuzu sake, sparkling wine, soda and rosemary) and the Basil Gimlet (Condessa gin, basil, lime and mole bitters). Time Out tip: If you’re craving a change of pace, venture to the Clipper’s back room (which previously housed coffee shop C.C. Ferns) for DJ sets and late-night dancing meant to channel the spirit of Danny’s, the iconic Bucktown spot that shuttered in 2020. 

Located below the iconic Green Door Tavern in River North, The Drifter is a cozy, `20s-era watering hole that serves excellent cocktails. The self-proclaimed "last real speakeasy" in Chicago actually was one during Prohibition, which makes visiting here feel like you're stepping back in time. The vibe: A sultry speakeasy with burlesque performances, magic acts and musical performances, plus drinks with a tarot twist. The food: A limited snack menu features bites like fried cheese curds, pork belly sliders with kimchi, sloppy joe sliders and a fried Nutella sandwich served with ice cream. The drinks: The cocktail menu changes based on the tarot cards pulled from a deck of more than 100 each night. Cocktail options include Sip Happens (apple, earl grey syrup, lemon and soda), Sangaree for Thee (cranberry, orange, spiced syrup and soda) and Schorched Blossom (M&R Floreal, jalapeno, lime, ginger beer and Tajin). There's also a fixed menu of beer and wine.  Time Out tip: Stop by between 7pm and midnight to catch a live show.

Sister restaurant to three Michelin-starred Smyth upstairs, The Loyalist is John Shields and Karen Urie Shield's headline-making bar and restaurant in the West Loop. Consistently named one of the best restaurants in Chicago, the buzzing basement has become a staple of the city's culinary scene. The vibe: The subterranean space is dimly lit with singles, couples and happy hour-goers filling the intimate space with hushed chatter. The food: The star of the show here is The Loyalist OG Cheeseburger, a mouthwatering, onion-forward dish topped with pickled and charred onion between a delicate sesame seed bun. It's served with a side of onion aioli, which is great for dunking fries in. Many consider this one of the best burgers in the city—and we don't disagree. Another menu standout is the pillowy squash gnudi, doused in brown butter, Parmesan Reggiano and an optional caviar upgrade. The drinks: Inventive drinks with cheeky names like Chai Me A River (Fortaleza blanco, green chartreuse, cacao, chai, pineapple and lime) and House Of 1,000 Carrots (pecan rum, cachaça, carrot, ginger, tropical spices and cream cheese) offer plenty of inventive options to choose from. We love the Cruel & Un-Yuzual, a flowery, vibrant purple cocktail crafted with Oka vodka, housemade yuzucello, Snow Maiden sake, chamomile, lavender and lemon. Time Out tip: The Loyalist always saves a few seats for walk-ins, making it an ideal spot for post-work drinks with your team. If you arrive between 5 and 6pm...

Katie Renshaw, 2019 U.S. Bartender of the Year, opened her debut bar concept, Bar Bambi, in West Town in early 2026. The ethereal space, designed by Gensler, is a whimsical haven where the drinks are as dreamy as the space itself. The Chicago Avenue bar is a clear reflection of Renshaw's inventive style and playful edge. The vibe: The 50-seat bar, which is anchored by a glass-block bar and a massive, squiggly neon light fixture above, is a dream-like space accented by floating orbs of light, vintage furnishings and cheeky art. The food: Chef Nicklus Byrns, who spent time at Elske, offers playful takes on elevated bar bites like the popular tempura halibut sandwich, flavorful salmon crudo and crave-worthy chicken nuggets with Alabama white sauce and carrot caramel sauce.  The drinks: Renshaw's mixology chops shine through on the cocktail menu, which features sips like the sweet Miss Scarlet (gin, Apóls Ease, lavender, cola spices, lemon, tonka bean and Campari-raspberry sorbet), the balanced Nightshirt (St.-Germain, Seedlip Garden, chamomile, lime, Perrier and clarified coconut yogurt, and the mellow Sanzaru (Rey Campeto, Espadin mezcal, bianco vermouth, mango, amazake and lime).  Time Out tip: Come hungry. While the drinks are the stars of the show here, the food is too good not to try.

Drama Club, from the team behind Scofflaw, brings a little glamour to Humboldt Park without taking itself too seriously. The agave-focused cocktail bar pairs a deep tequila and mezcal selection with approachable prices and a lively energy. The vibe: Orange velvet, curved banquettes, glass chandeliers and tropical greenery give the room a polished feel, but the atmosphere stays relaxed instead of formal. It’s comfortable enough for a casual drink and stylish enough to be a destination visit. The drinks: Tequila and mezcal anchor the menu, with cocktails that go beyond the usual margarita (although that’s available, too). The Offline Crush is a refreshing mezcal sour with salted cucumber juice, lime, green cardamom and mint, while For Funsies takes inspiration from the espresso martini and carajillo, combining tequila and rum with coffee-forward flavors. Better yet, most cocktails are around $12, so you can try several without running up the tab. The food: There’s no food menu—grab a bite beforehand or plan to head elsewhere for dinner. Time Out tip: Come on the weekend, when live DJs spin late into the night.

Al Capone and other gangsters used to hang here in the 1920s, but these days it’s all about the music. Owner Dave Jemilo, who returned the club to its original luster in the 1980s, books smart bebop and free jazz with a discriminating ear. Local favorites Alfonso Ponticelli and Chris Foreman both maintain residencies throughout the year. Come early, as it’s usually understandably busy.

Charis Listening Bar is an intimate Bridgeport hideaway where thoughtfully selected vinyl and inventive cocktails share equal billing. With only 35 seats, it’s a cozy spot for date nights or anyone who takes music seriously. The vibe: Warm lighting, vintage touches and a basement-like setting make Charis an inviting place to settle in. The music is never just background noise—you’ll hear everything from jazz and soul to hip hop through a high-fidelity sound system.  The drinks: The cocktail program is as carefully curated as the music. The boozy False Ironsides combines duck-fat-infused Malört with other bold flavors, while the refreshing Midway Broach offers a lighter option. There’s also a secret menu hidden inside a cassette case and a selection of freezer door tinis, including miniature versions. Many cocktails can be made nonalcoholic as well. A few wine and beer options round out the menu.  The food: There’s no kitchen, but you’re welcome to bring in food from nearby spots like Antique Taco and Kimski. Time Out tip: Charis doesn’t take reservations so arrive early if you want a seat, especially on weekends.

Tucked behind Lincoln Park restaurant Muhājir, Bobo is a cocktail bar inspired by the late-night spirit of Filipino street markets. Named after Zubair Mohajir's grandfather, the bar draws on Filipino family traditions and flavors, bringing a playful sense of nostalgia to its drinks and food. The vibe: Bobo packs plenty of personality into its tiny, neon-lit space. The colorful surroundings, lively soundtrack and energetic atmosphere make it suited for a night out with a few friends.  The drinks: The cocktail menu puts Filipino ingredients front and center, weaving in calamansi, pandan, coconut, banana and other South Asian flavors. Polishing Your Halo blends rum, coconut, pandan, paw paw and lime for a tropical sip, while the Shibuya Meltdown takes Japanese whisky and sake in an unexpected direction with toasted rice and roasted banana syrup. Several cocktails can be made nonalcoholic, too. The food: The bar snacks give you plenty of reason to stick around. Sizzling duck sisig arrives over crispy rice with smoked aioli, yuzu kosho and chili crisp, and the mushroom chicharron and lugaw arancini are fun Filipino twists on familiar bites. The compact menu is designed for sharing. Time Out tip: Bobo is walk-in only and seating is limited, so arrive early. Or, drop in for a nightcap after dinner at Muhājir.

For serious beer drinkers, the Beer Temple is the kind of place where a quick stop can turn into an hours-long affair. The Avondale taproom and bottle shop boasts an impressive selection of craft beers, featuring rare cans and bottles alongside a rotating draft list. Whether you’re looking to grab a pint or for something to take home, there’s plenty to keep you coming back. The vibe: Laid-back, with a neighborhood feel that makes it easy to settle in for a few drinks. The welcoming space stretches across multiple rooms and also has Wi-Fi, making it a good spot to get some work done. The drinks: Beer is, unsurprisingly, the main attraction. There’s a curated collection of craft brews available on draft and in bottles and cans. The lineup spans a wide range of styles, from easy-drinking lagers to hop-forward IPAs and rich stouts. The bar also serves cocktails and nonalcoholic beverages. The food: Detroit-style pizzas from Middle Brow complement the beers. The crispy-edged squares come with toppings like sausage, mushrooms and jerk chicken. Time Out tip: If you don’t want a whole pizza, slices are offered during lunchtime. 

Located below the iconic Green Door Tavern in River North, The Drifter is a cozy, `20s-era watering hole that serves excellent cocktails. The self-proclaimed "last real speakeasy" in Chicago actually was one during Prohibition, which makes visiting here feel like you're stepping back in time. The vibe: A sultry speakeasy with burlesque performances, magic acts and musical performances, plus drinks with a tarot twist. The food: A limited snack menu features bites like fried cheese curds, pork belly sliders with kimchi, sloppy joe sliders and a fried Nutella sandwich served with ice cream. The drinks: The cocktail menu changes based on the tarot cards pulled from a deck of more than 100 each night. Cocktail options include Sip Happens (apple, earl grey syrup, lemon and soda), Sangaree for Thee (cranberry, orange, spiced syrup and soda) and Schorched Blossom (M&R Floreal, jalapeno, lime, ginger beer and Tajin). There's also a fixed menu of beer and wine.  Time Out tip: Stop by between 7pm and midnight to catch a live show.

Michelin-starred chef Curtis Duffy’s cocktail concept After opened in 2022 right next door to his ultra-luxe restaurant, Ever. At this West Loop spot, an extensive selection of cocktails pairs with Michelin-level fare that makes for an extravagant experience. The vibe: Although the space is high-end and futuristic-looking, After has a “come as you are” policy. As they say, there’s no dress code, no VIPs and no judgement.   The food: Elevated bar bites include gochujang-glazed Elysian Fields lamb rib with shiso and sesame, hamachi crudo with coconut, melon and lime leaf; and puffed pasta crisps served with housemade dip. The drinks: After’s seasonally inspired beverage program offers expertly crafted sips like the chilled Pantone 110609 (fennel, crisp apple and anise), the “weird and delicious” Dirty Martinez (gin and blueberry atom) and the After Handshake (Jack Daniel’s Triple Mash, cassia and mango tepache). Time Out tip: Those looking for a more intimate experience can book After’s eight-seat, music-inspired space, The B-side, which is stocked with more than 200 vinyl records.

Hospitality group Orbit Group (Segnatore) revived The California Clipper, founded in 1937, after a brief closure during the pandemic. These days, the signature red leather booths, vintage decor and live music make this post-prohibition-inspired spot one of the city’s best bars. The vibe: A dim red glow invites you into this iconic Humboldt Park cocktail lounge. Most nights, you can catch live music performances, from DJ sets to funk, blues and jazz jams.  The food: Food isn’t served here, so plan on eating before or after your visit. If you’re in the mood for Italian, Orbit Group's other spot, Segnatore, is directly across the street. The drinks: Despite the bar’s deliberate “classic Chicago tavern vibe,” the cocktail menu offers much more than a Chicago Handshake—though they do offer that for $8. The seasonally rotating menu features interesting takes on familiar favorites like the Mezcal Soda Highball, Yuzu Spritz (yuzu sake, sparkling wine, soda and rosemary) and the Basil Gimlet (Condessa gin, basil, lime and mole bitters). Time Out tip: If you’re craving a change of pace, venture to the Clipper’s back room (which previously housed coffee shop C.C. Ferns) for DJ sets and late-night dancing meant to channel the spirit of Danny’s, the iconic Bucktown spot that shuttered in 2020. 

Navy Pier's seasonal beer garden features a rotating slate of live performances from local musicians, trivia nights and a prime view of the fireworks on Wednesday and Sunday nights throughout the summer. The menu features a large selection of beers, cocktails and frozen drinks, as well as tasty pub grub.