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The 100 Best Bars in Chicago

From gritty holes in the wall to cutting-edge cocktail lounges, Chicago is a drinker’s dream. But what of the 1,200-plus spots are most worth a visit? Chicago magazine’s 11-reporter team tossed back beverages in every corner of the city, sizing up each bar on drink quality and selection, service, and atmosphere.

By Carly Boers and Emmet Sullivan
January 11, 2013, 5:55 pm
Danny Shapiro of Scofflaw, the best bar in Chicago Anna Knott
 
The Best of the Best
The Top 10
 
The 8 Best
Hotel Lounges

 

The 12 Best
Cocktail Spots

 

The 5 Best
Bars For Music

 

The 6 Best
Wine Bars

 

The 10 Best
Dives

The 5 Best
Game Day Bars

 

The 10 Best
Bars For Grub

 

The 6 Best
Craft Beer Havens

 

The 5 Best
LGBT Bars

 

The 18 Best
Neighborhood Spots

 

 

The 5 Best
Drink-Time Diversions

 

The Best Cocktail Programs in Chicago Restaurants

 

The 5 Bars We’re Most Excited For This Year (So Far)

 

A Map of All 100 Bars

 

The Bar Exam
How Many Have You Been To?

Tags: Bars & Drinking, Best of Chicago, Cover Story, Dining & Drinking

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