Chicago might be best known for it’s striking skyscrapers, gangster history, a giant silver bean sculpture and deep dish pizza, but you’d be missing out if you didn’t dive into some of the best bars in Chicago. The city’s dynamic and creative bar scene means that Chicago bartenders no longer flee to San Francisco and New York to make it in the hospitality world. The best bars in Chicago include Scofflaw, Three Dots & A Dash, The Heavy Feather for cocktail bars, and taprooms and breweries like Goose Island, District Brew Yards and Forbidden Root. There are also lots of large, outdoor patio bars which are a must-try in the warmer weather, like Park + Field, Paradise Park and Parsons Chicken & Fish.

I’ve rounded up the best best bars in Chicago that I’ve visited, from cocktail bars, to fun, outdoor casual bars to brewpubs and tap rooms that the city has become well known for.

The Best Areas in Chicago for Bars

The best areas for bar hopping are Fulton Street & Randolph Street in West Loop, Division Street in Wicker Park, around River North and in Logan Square, and a majority of the bars listed below fall into one of these neighbourhoods.

Three Dots & A Dash

Three Dots and A Dash is a glam, award-winning tiki bar tucked away underground in Chicago’s River North neighbourhood. The moody basement bar is Polynesian tiki style meets 1920s Hollywood and the bartenders seriously know their stuff. I wish I’d been visiting with a group, because their large format cocktails for groups sound like so much fun!

The Heavy Feather

The 70s have never looked so good. From the team behind Chicago’s beloved Scofflaw, The Heavy Feather is a sophisticated addition to Logan Square’s bar scene. There’s no food at this fern bar, but the cocktails manage to wink at the 70s while staying firmly in the present.

Scofflaw

Scofflaw was named the best bar in Chicago after opening, and remains one of the most popular bars in the city. The gin-focused cocktail bar in Logan Square is from the same team behind Heavy Feather and Moonlighter, but feels distinctly different with a feminine, baroque interior, an extensive gin cocktail list and elegant bar snacks.

Beatnik on the River

Beatnik on the River is one of Chicago’s best bars for dinner with friends, with river views as a bonus. Half the fun of visiting Beatnik is just gawking at the opulent decor, which is different in every room. I loved the creative, Mediterranean-inspired share plates like Smoked Burrata with Apricot & Black Lime Mostarda, and Wild Mushrooms with Tahini & Chive Labneh & Truffle Egg Yolk Jam. Book in advance to score a coveted table on the river deck.

Offshore Rooftop

Offshore is the biggest rooftop bar in the world and is one of the best bars in Chicago for Lake Michigan views. You’ll have to schlep to the end of Navy Pier to get there, but it’s worth it for the views on a beautiful day.

Parsons Chicken + Fish

Parsons Chicken + Fish. is one of the best patio bars in Chicago, and a great example of Chicago’s relaxed beer gardens. Inspired by the south, there’s plenty of fried food but the menu has an equally large “fresh” section with lots of fresh and tasty options, as well as a raw bar. The large beer garden has a ping pong table and feels like the perfect place to while away an afternoon with a group of friends.

Paradise Park

Paradise Park is one of the bests casual bars in Chicago, loosely inspired by a caravan park and decked out in every neon light imaginable. There’s a huge outdoor seating area, a woodfire pizza oven and some covered spaces for when the weather turns.

Park + Field

Park + Field is one of the best bars in Logan Square. It’s a huge space, with a sprawling beer garden, complete with bocce court and fire pits, as well as an indoor bar that’s been styled like a vintage sports club.

District Brew Yards

District Brew Yards is one of the best bars in Chicago for a unique beer hall experience. Located in West Loop, you can pour your own beers at one of several rotating tap banks. Each tap bank is taken over by a different local craft brewery, which changes frequently. Beers are charged by the ounce. There’s a food station around the back, and plenty of seating. Screens above each tap provide everything you need to know about each beer.

Machine: Engineered Dining & Drink

From the name, you’d never guess that Wicker Park’s Machine: Engineered Dining & Drink is one of the most glamorous bars in Chicago. Machine serves an upscale American brunch, lunch and dinner and a host of creative cocktails, including four that come with a hammer – for smashing the delicate brulee-like spun sugar “cages”. If you’re with a group, don’t miss their Shot Fountain, which serves 6 red wine- or white wine-based low alcohol shots from a fun, ornate silver fountain device. The bar also houses a florist, and a roaming florist cart will help you assemble your perfect bouquet while you knock back cocktails.

Goose Island Brewery

Goose Island is one of the best craft breweries in Chicago. They’ve got a few locations in Chicago now, but the brewery & bar on Goose Island itself is the best spot to check out if you’re a beer aficionado. I’m not a beer drinker (I was here out of professional interest), but I was impressed by their menu and their seasonal harvest beer, which uses produce from the local greenmarket.

The Moonlighter

From the team behind Scofflaw and the Heavy Feather,  The Moonlighter in Logan Square skews towards craft beer but has a broad appeal. There are fireplaces outside and inside the bar is very cosy.

Corridor

Corridor is a cute craft beer bar, with a tasty food menu and a decent wine list. It’s a great option for lunch or a drink if you’re in West Lakeview.

Forbidden Root Craft Brewery

Forbidden Root is one of the best bars in Chicago for a unique craft beer tasting, because their beers are all botanical brews made using all natural ingredients. The flight pictured below comes with housemade botanical tonics, which can be mixed with each beer to produce different flavours. Part brewery, part lab!

Revolution Brewing

A classic beer hall and craft brewery, Revolution is regarded as one of the best craft breweries in Chicago. The free popcorn is delicious, the staff are chatty and knowledgeable and you can tour the onsite brewery.

Punchbowl Social

Punchbowl Social is an enormous, multi-bar venue in Fulton Market. On every floor, there are heaps of different games, from bocce to bowling alleys, as well as standard pub favourites like pool and darts. The food & beverage menu is huge, and the food is delicious – a definite upgrade from standard bowling alley fare!