Chicago’s 8 favorite bars
The best bar lies in the eye of the beholder. In Chicago, many are drawn to immaculate cocktails and the glamorous Gold Coast surroundings that often accompany them. Others chase after extensive beer lists or the latest now-you-see-it-now-you-don’t natural wine. It’s safe to say, though, that a few Windy City spots stand out from the crowd.
A longstanding pizzeria in Ravenswood reinvented itself as an acclaimed wine bar. Crowds come to a River North pub for its 56 beers on tap, from malty maibocks to fruity sours. A library-themed cocktail bar in a West Loop hotel is known for classic cocktails and sultry live jazz.
These Chicago spots, from high-end lounges to tried-and-true neighborhood faithfuls, deliver the most memorable drinking experiences. Read on for a guide to the city’s 8 favorite bars to book now.