Whether you're dining out at the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving or staying in, there will be loads of delicious food, but also fatigue from engaging in small talk with distant relatives. Fortunately, many Chicago bars aren’t taking the day off and will instead be offering an escape from family. You’ll find some of the best dives and sports bars included, as well as arcade bars like Headquarters Beercade and Replay Andersonville. If you’re a football fan, several places will show the day’s games on large screens with sound. So don’t suffer through awkward pleasantries any longer than necessary—check out our guide to the best bars open on Thanksgiving and be ready with an excuse to slip out once the big meal is over.
Updated November 14, 2025: Chicagoans love their bars, and that applies to Thanksgiving, too. Yes, you’ll find plenty of sports bars included on this list, with football being the name of the game on Thanksgiving—looking at you, Jake Melnick’s and Timothy O’Toole’s. But non-sports fans will find options too, with newcomers like swanky Beef & Liberty Bar located inside the River North’s British steakhouse and oh-so-French Le Bar at the Gold Coast’s Sofitel Chicago.
RECOMMENDED: Thanksgiving events in Chicago
What is it? This rock ‘n’ roll booze emporium features an insane whiskey selection and one of the best jukeboxes in town. There are also a well-loved pool table and a pinball machine. If the 1,000-plus options on the whiskey list are too intimidating, don't be afraid to ask the bartender for a recommendation.
Address: 2771 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Thanksgiving hours: 4pm–2am
What is it? This New York import is open year-round, so head over when you’ve had your fill of turkey to sip on a seasonal slushy, tequila pumpkin piña colada, or a classic bee’s knees in a low-key setting.
Address: 2943 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Thanksgiving hours: 5pm–2am
What is it? Located on the second floor of this British-themed steakhouse, the new London-inspired bar follows the same sophisticated attitude as its older sibling with lots of handsome design touches throughout. Its Sub-Zero Martini has already earned signature status, while its “Naughty Aughties” menu celebrates the golden cocktail age of our friends across the pond.
Address: 500 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60654
Thanksgiving hours: noon–9pm
What is it? Sidetrack, one of the best gay bars in the city, sports six big rooms and a gorgeous rooftop deck. On Thanksgiving, their signature boozy frozen cocktails are on special for $3. The inevitable brain freeze will be so worth it.
Address: 3349 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
Thanksgiving hours: 7pm–2am
What is it? The Humboldt Park cocktail bar has style to spare for both you and your pooch, taking the neighborhood watering hole concept and upping it in all the right ways. Thanksgiving specials will include $2 Hamm’s and a $10 specialty fall cocktail.
Address: 1110 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Thanksgiving hours: 4pm–2am
What is it? This handsome bar and lounge, located inside the equally charming Chicago Athletic Association, offers interactive games like billiards, checkers, foosball, and shuffleboard, along with terrific fall cocktails to quench your thirst.
Address: 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603 (inside Chicago Athletic Association hotel)
Thanksgiving hours: 11am–9pm
What is it? Between its stellar views of Millennium Park and the lake from its 13th-floor perch and historic confines, this all-season rooftop terrace is a favorite of tourists and locals alike. A stellar cocktail program adds to its charm.
Address: 12 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, 60603 (inside Chicago Athletic Association hotel)
Thanksgiving hours: 11am–8pm
What is it? In-the-know football fans have been coming to this River North sports bar for a long time, not only to watch the games on the big screens but also to enjoy its award-winning wings, on-draft beer selection, and chill vibe. Call foul on Thanksgiving with a turkey burger made in collaboration with Evanston’s Edzo’s Burger Shop.
Address: 41 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
Thanksgiving hours: 11am–10:30pm
What is it? Bring your four-legged best friend to dog-friendly Cody’s after dinner for football and drinks. The bar will be showing all the NFL action on 16 large televisions throughout the space. Drinks specials include $5 22-ounce Miller Lite Bears cup, $20 Miller High Life buckets, $30 Cruz Blanca buckets, $6 Proper 12 and Dobel Tequila shots, and $7 Bear Down Bombs.
Address: 1658 W Barry Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Thanksgiving hours: 11am–2am
What is it? This beloved Bucktown dive (and regular shoot location for Chicago Fire) offers thin-crust pizzas and a bevy of draft beers for those who haven't already consumed their weight in turkey with plenty of football on the bevy of TVs.
Address: 1925 W Cortland St, Chicago, IL 60622
Thanksgiving hours: 6pm-2am
What is it? Looking to get your groove on post-turkey? This Logan Square spot hosts a late-night dance party with drink specials like a $10 Modelo beer and El Jimador tequila combo, as well as seasonal cocktails for $14.
Address: 2521 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Thanksgiving hours: 10pm–4am
What is it? The party never stops at this charming, dog-friendly Ukrainian Village tavern, which has a dance floor for you to work off those holiday calories. Specials for the evening include $8 Hamm’s and a bourbon shot and $7 Chicago Handshake. Fitting its neighborly vibe, they will host a Thanksgiving potluck.
Address: 921 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Thanksgiving hours: 5pm–2am
What is it? Boasting dozens of arcade cabinets and pinball machines, this River North spot offers lots of ways for folks to entertain themselves.
Address: 213 W Institute Pl, Chicago, IL 60610
Thanksgiving hours: 4pm–2am
What is it? Football fanatics can make a day of it by posting up at Streeterville institution Timothy O'Toole's on Thanksgiving and watching football games for hours.
Address: 622 N Fairbanks, Chicago, IL 60611
Thanksgiving hours: 4pm–2am
What is it? End the holiday with a nightcap at Easy Bar. This chill Wicker Park spot will offer $6 Fernet Branca shots, $7 Tito's cocktails and $5.50 domestic bottles and cans.
Address: 1944 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
Thanksgiving hours: 8pm–2am
What is it? Lean into the fall season with new cocktails like the whiskey-based Momma’s Famous Fruitcake at this friendly Logan Square spot. Take advantage of its heated enclosed patio or work off some turkey day calories playing bumper pool.
Address: 2924 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Thanksgiving hours: 8pm-2am
What is it? The fam stressing you out? Knock back a couple of beers and take out your frustrations on Mortal Kombat or other free arcade games at this charming Andersonville sports bar. In addition to the regular menu—think specialty nachos, Wisconsin cheese curds, burgers, and salads—a selection of Thanksgiving-inspired specials will also be available.
Address: 5358 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
Thanksgiving hours: noon–5:45pm
What is it? Get away from the family for a few hours and hang out in this stylish, intimate bar located inside the Sofitel Chicago.
Address: 20 E Chestnut St, Chicago, IL (inside Sofitel Chicago)
Thanksgiving hours: 4pm–11pm
What is it? Three floors of debauchery, two dozen beers on tap and late-night hours have made Burton Place a popular watering hole in Old Town.
Address: 1447 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
Thanksgiving hours: 7pm–4am
What is it? If turkey and sweet potatoes aren’t your jam, slip away to Dublin’s for corned beef, fish and chips and other Irish specialties. Oh, there will be plenty of Guinness flowing too, of course.
Address: 1050 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610
Thanksgiving hours: 10am–4am
What is it? Tucked inside an Art Deco-inspired hotel steps from Michigan Avenue, this rooftop retreat provides up-close views of downtown buildings along with creative cocktails. Come earlier for breakfast, too.
Address: 521 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611 (inside The Gwen hotel)
Thanksgiving hours: 7am-11pm
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