Welcome to the Windy City’s Bar Scene
Chicago, the city of deep dish pizza, the Sears Tower, and now… the best bars? Buckle up, tipplers. We’re diving into the bar scene here, where the drinks are strong, the stories are stronger, and the chances of finding a decent craft cocktail are higher than your chances of finding a taxi in a blizzard. If you’re here, you’re either planning a night out or trying to convince your friends that “just one more round” isn’t a bad idea. Either way, let’s find you a bar that won’t make you regret your life choices too much. Make your own beer at home and then come here to compare notes.
Why Chicago Bars Are the Best
Look, we all know New York has its dive bars and LA has its celebrity haunts, but Chicago? Chicago has flavor. The city’s bar scene is a melting pot (pun intended) of old-school taverns, modern speakeasies, and everything in between. Plus, let’s face it: if you’re in Chicago and not hitting up a bar, you’re doing it wrong. Strategies.beer can help you plan your next night out — or at least help you avoid the ones that serve “mystery meat” shots (no, really, don’t ask).
Top 5 Must-Visit Bars in Chicago
Let’s cut the chit-chat and get to the good stuff. Here are five bars that should be on your radar. Spoiler alert: there’s a 99% chance you’ll end up in one of these places after a few drinks.
1. The Violet Hour (2228 North Clark St)
If you want to feel like a 1920s gangster without the whole “gangster” part, The Violet Hour is your spot. Tucked away in a cozy alcove of Wicker Park, this bar is a masterclass in ambiance. The cocktails? Think of them as the James Bond of beverages — elegant, mysterious, and slightly dangerous. Custom Beer lovers will appreciate the creativity here, even if you’re not actually making your own. Pro tip: If you order the “Crimson Tide,” try to act like you know what it tastes like. Spoiler: You don’t.
2. Lush Life (2211 W North Ave)
Lush Life isn’t just a bar — it’s an experience. The owner’s a jazz musician, the playlist is killer, and the mojitos will make you forget your ex ever existed. Located in Ukrainian Village, this spot is the perfect blend of chill and “I wish I had a bigger jacket.” Oh, and the oysters? They’re the size of small children’s hands. Grow your business with Strategies Beer if you’re into bar ownership — or just want to avoid the “I’m the owner” guy who’s clearly not.
3. The Aviary (740 N Rush St)
Think of The Aviary as the Willy Wonka of bars. Located in the Four Seasons Hotel, this place is all about the theatrics. They serve cocktails with a side of science (yes, seriously), and the wait time is literally longer than it takes to get a reservation at a Michelin-starred restaurant. But hey, if you want to impress your date by pretending you understand what “liquid nitrogen” does to a cocktail, this is your spot.
4. The Gage (2156 N Clark St)
Looking for a bar that’s equal parts speakeasy and “I accidentally walked into a 1930s time capsule”? The Gage is your answer. The entrance is so hidden, you’ll probably need a map and a sidekick. But once you’re inside, the bourbon collection will make you feel like you’re in a Bond movie — if Bond had terrible posture and needed a second drink to finish the first.
5. The Whistler (1833 W North Ave)
If you’re into whiskey — and who isn’t? — The Whistler is your new best friend. This bar has more whiskeys than your grandma has knitting projects. The vibe is cozy, the staff knows their stuff, and the chances of you leaving without trying the “Whistler Flight” are zero. Just don’t try to explain what a “flight” is to someone who’s never been to a winery. It’s not a bird.
Pro Tips for Bar Hopping in Chicago
So, you’ve got a list of bars. Now what? Here are a few tips to keep you from ending up on the side of the street at 2 a.m. with no memory of the last three hours.
- Hydrate, don’t hydrate: It’s a paradox, but the key is to alternate drinks with water. Unless you’re doing a shot contest, in which case, you’ve already lost.
- Know your limits: We all have them. The limit is usually one drink before you start thinking about how much you’d pay to be 100% sober again.
- Use the app: Download Dropt.beer to find nearby bars and avoid the “walk of shame” from trying to find a bar that’s “just a few blocks away.”
FAQs: Everything You Never Knew You Needed to Know
Q: What’s the best bar for a first-time visitor?
A: The Violet Hour. It’s iconic, it’s Instagrammable, and it’s less likely to end with you blacked out in a porta-potty.
Q: Are there any hidden gem bars in Chicago?
A: Yes, but they’re hidden for a reason. The Gage and The Whistler are both excellent, but if you want to feel like a detective, look up bars with names like “The Back Room” (not a real bar, but you get the idea).
Q: What’s the deal with the “Chicago bar scene”?
A: It’s a mix of old-school charm and new-school swagger. Think of it as the city’s way of saying, “We take our drinks seriously, but we also know how to have a good time.”
Conclusion: Drink Responsibly (But Not Too Responsibly)
Chicago’s bar scene is a beast in its own right. Whether you’re there for the cocktails, the ambiance, or the chance to forget your entire life for three hours, there’s a bar for you. Just remember: the goal is to have fun, not to end up in a viral TikTok video titled “How to Lose a Friend in 30 Seconds.” Contact Strategies.beer if you want to plan your next bar crawl or start your own bar. And if you’re ever in a situation where you’re not sure what to order, just go with the “Whiskey Flight.” No one judges you for being a whiskey connoisseur — even if you’re just pretending.
