The 13 best bars in Pilsen

Round up a group before heading to Punch House, since the drinks are priced to benefit those who order the carafes or punch bowls. You won't have trouble finding people to commit to a night at this Pilsen basement bar, which offers both traditional punch recipes and contemporary versions—the ’70s dad's basement vibe (complete with an aquarium behind the bar) is cool and the drinks are excellent, like Space Juice for Jered, a sage and black pepper-laced tequila punch. We recommend the mezcal-based Cutlass Supreme with Jamaican rum and hibiscus.

This Pilsen institution lives on after employees banded together to purchase the bar. The speakeasy-esque space—a vacuous room lined with booths and sprinkled with tables and chairs—is a nightly respite for local artists. The tater tots and mac and cheese are greasy must-haves that pair perfectly with $3 Tecates. Don’t miss the photo booth tucked in the back corner.

Located just across the street from Thalia Hall, the Green Room offers a laid-back vibe for post-concert drinks or relaxing on the weekend. If you're looking for something affordable, try the “Please and Thank You,” a can of Montucky and a shot of agave or bourbon that will only set you back $7. And if a beer and a shot isn’t your speed, try one of their twelve cocktails, like the savory Green Room Michelada featuring a concoction of toasted chilis or something sweeter like their Faja Roja with mezcal and house chamoy.

Located in a corner of Thalia Hall that was formerly a carriage house where horses were kept, Tack Room is now a boozy piano saloon that's outfitted with equestrian-themed decor and wax-dripping candelabras. The menu offers a curated mix of well-priced craft cocktails that are the ideal fuel for tipsy sing-alongs. Coordinate your visit with a rotating schedule of piano players and singer-songwriters, who take a seat every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening. Have your requests ready and your falsetto in tune.

If you want to taste Alulu's small-batch craft brews, you'll have to head to their Pilsen outpost. You'll find everything from kettle sours to imperial stouts on the menu, with options shifting as the seasons progress. The beer-averse aren't left out—there are "hazy seltzers" made with fruit and a selection of draft cocktails. Plus, Alulu fills 64-, 32- and 16-ounce growlers so that you can take some beer home with you.

Live music is honored and celebrated at this neighborhood dive bar, alongside plenty of local and international beer available on draft. If you’re looking for something less carbonated, there are six featured cocktails, including the Maracuya Sour with gin, passionfruit liqueur and lime. You’ll find live music nearly every night, with a focus on DJs who spin records while revelers squeeze into a vintage photo booth or shoot pool.

If you’re looking for a quieter spot away from the DJs at Pilsen Yards, enter this swanky and intimate cocktail bar located within the space. Award-winning mixologist Lance Bowman serves as the beverage director at this innovative spot, serving “classic-ish” cocktails such as a Manhattan as well as signature shaken or stirred cocktails. Go big with the sophisticated Sichuan Panda, which features ingredients like yuzu sake, Sichuan peppercorn, sesame oil and Baijiu (a clear Chinese liquor). Be sure to make a reservation here on the weekends as this tiny speakeasy draws a crowd.

Though it’s best known for its hand pies, Pleasant House is a British-style pub where you can sit down and sip a pint, choosing from one of the 15 beers on draft. Sample international selections like the Belhaven Scottish Ale and Veltins Pilsener, or opt for something from the nearby Whiner Beer Company, which specializes in barrel-aged creations. If you’re sober (or sobering up) non-alcoholic options like herbal tea, caffeinated chai, Four Letter Word coffee and ginger beer should do the trick. You can also come here in the spring to watch Premier League games on the weekends if you’re a fan of British football.

If you can’t make it to Mexico, you can still take a journey through America's southern neighbor with La Mejikana’s tequila and mezcal flights, featuring three different spirits. There are also five different michelada options and nine margarita flavors to choose from. If making decisions is too challenging, go with a refreshing cocktail featuring mezcal, rum or vodka. La Mejikana also offers Mexican food to soak up those spirits while gazing at thought-provoking murals from local artists.

This environmentally friendly bar—complete with rooftop herb garden and solar panels—is the place to be if you're looking for live music, art or just a unique place to drink. In addition to the extensive booze menu and bar bites available in the main room, it has two additional spaces for DJs, art exhibits and salon-style discussions. The entire venue is made from repurposed materials, including the bar top built from a bowling alley lane and a DJ station built from old pinball machines.

It’s not uncommon to see the crowd at least four deep on a Friday night at the bar of this tiny, popular Pilsen taco joint. But the skillfully made tacos and flavorful bebidas make the oft-long wait times worthwhile. The margarita menu is plentiful, with varieties spanning mango and hibiscus to passion fruit and jalapeño. The classic mojito—which arrives packed with fresh mint and seasonal fruit—is an excellent match for the carne asada tacos.

Nestled just steps away from the Damen Pink Line stop, this cozy neighborhood spot serves a rotating list of cheap craft brews along with a few signature cocktail options. The focus is on local at The Barrel, with selections on tap from Chicago beer staples like Revolution, Off Color and Penrose.

Grab a bottle of High Life and a pork tenderloin sandwich at this classic corner bar. Martin's is a neighborhood spot that is perfect for watching the game, arguing about Chicago politics with colorful locals or belting out some karaoke while friendly bartenders quickly grab you another round. An abundant list of specials keeps your tab low, so go ahead and share an order of Martin's namesake poutine with the older gentleman at the end of the bar.