218 bars across 11 neighbourhoods, organised by occasion.
Grant Achatz's cocktail bar where drinks arrive as edible science experiments. Reserve the Office tasting experience if you want to see the full performance. It is the most ambitious cocktail experience in the city.
Al Capone drank here. Ninety years later it still pours the best gin and tonic in the Midwest while a jazz quartet works through the standards. Arrive early for a table near the stage.
Behind an unmarked door in Wicker Park, the Violet Hour has been making perfectly constructed cocktails since 2007. The bar that shaped Chicago's craft cocktail scene and still sets the standard.
Chicago's most ambitious culinary neighbourhood has expanded into cutting-edge cocktail culture. The Aviary and its sister establishments have elevated the entire area, making West Loop the destination for serious drinks seekers. Industrial warehouses now house world-class bars and restaurants that attract design-conscious professionals. For summer-season picks, see our roundup of rooftop bars in Chicago.
The birthplace of Chicago's craft cocktail movement remains its creative heart. Hidden gem speakeasies and inventive bars line Milwaukee Avenue and beyond. Artists and established cocktail professionals live side by side here, creating a neighbourhood where bartending is an art form. The energy is young but the drinks are serious.
Chicago's flashiest neighbourhood attracts visitors and business travellers seeking high-energy bar scenes and elevated cocktails. Known for rooftop bars with Chicago River views and sophisticated cocktail lounges. The crowd is polished and the prices reflect the premium location. Perfect for special occasions and impressive client dinners.
The neighbourhood has evolved from hipster haven to sophisticated social hub without losing its creative edge. Logan Square bars balance craft cocktails with casual accessibility. The lively community supports excellent bartending alongside indie bookstores and galleries. Always buzzing with local energy and emerging talent.
Chicago's historic jazz district remains the city's live music epicentre. Green Mill Tavern anchors a neighbourhood where music and drinks go together naturally. The scene is vintage-feeling but far from dated. Long-standing institutions mix with newer venues, all united by a commitment to authentic live entertainment and classic cocktails. If music-bar culture is your primary criteria, Nashville's Lower Broadway and New Orleans' Frenchmen Street round out the top three US live music bar scenes.
The financial and cultural core of Chicago has developed a sophisticated after-work bar scene. Historic speakeasies sit beneath Chicago's architectural landmarks. From rooftop bars overlooking Lake Michigan to intimate cocktail lounges in century-old buildings, The Loop celebrates Chicago's heritage while embracing modern mixology.
One email, every Friday. Our editors’ top bar picks across 60+ cities — places worth the detour.
Chicago's cocktail renaissance arrived later than other cities but made an indelible mark. We examine how local bartenders have created a distinct style that balances classical technique with Midwestern practicality. From Wicker Park speakeasies to West Loop innovation, discover what makes Chicago drinks unmistakably Chicago.
Uptown's jazz legacy continues to define Chicago's live music bars. We explore how historic venues maintain authentic performance traditions while welcoming new audiences. From legendary names like Green Mill to emerging stages, Chicago's commitment to live jazz remains unmatched among American cities.
Chicago's hidden gem bars thrive on exclusivity and word-of-mouth. We've uncovered the speakeasies, the basement operations, and the second-floor lounges that define Chicago's bar culture. These aren't bars that seek attention. They're designed for those who know where to find them and appreciate what lies behind the unmarked door.
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A complete editorial list. Cocktail bars, rooftops, live music, craft beer, hidden gems and the spots locals actually keep on rotation.
