Billy Sunday 3143 W. Logan Blvd. Logan Square Cocktail bar 773-661-2485 Website High-concept cocktail spots litter the city’s West Side, but this one from mixologist Alex Bachman and Yusho chef Matthias Merges stands out. Bachman charts new territory with his exotically sweet creations, which include such ingredients as quince, grenadine, and ambergris-laced palm sugar—and … Read more
“Archie’s Iowa Rockwell Tavern [2600 W. Iowa St.] is a fave because it allows dogs. No one minds my little ugly pug running around like a maniac.” Will Duncan, Dusek’s and Punch House “The Charleston [2076 N. Hoyne Ave.]. I started going there years ago, when it was open during the day and there was … Read more
Thousands of you weighed in on a recent poll at Chicagomag.com. The winners in 12 bar-dense areas.
Think you know your Chicago Bars? Take the quiz to find out.
Spring Geek Bar Dweebs, nerds, and dorks, meet your future home: a sanctuary opening its arms to all types of drinkers and eaters (with a menu including vegan and soy-free options), enforced by an anti-harassment policy so everyone is comfortable. 1960 N. Clybourn Ave., geekbarchicago.com Spring Lagunitas Brewery and Taproom The California-based … Read more
At least 65 drinking establishments have opened in Chicago
in the past year: hotel bars, cocktail bars, gay bars, bars in
restaurants, even bars in distilleries. Here’s where to drink in 2014.
Replay 3439 N. Halsted St. Boystown Gay bar 773-975-9244 Website To the delight of the too-old-for-twerking crowd, the arcade bar trend made its way to Boystown last summer. The beer-and-bourbon hot spot in the former Bucks Saloon space offers nearly two dozen free classic arcade games (The Simpsons, Mortal Kombat) and complimentary popcorn. The … Read more
DryHop Brewers 3155 N. Broadway Lake View Brewpub 773-857-3155 Website East Lake View was a craft beer flyover zone until this brewpub hit the scene last June with a juicy wheat ale flagship, Shark Meets Hipster, that is as tasty as it is clever. Word to the wise: Despite promising beer-geek attributes— growler-to-go service, … Read more
Fame 2015 W. Division St. Ukranian Village Cocktail bar 773-227-1110 Website If Intelligentsia ever got a liquor license, the result would look a lot like this: coffeehouse seating, original artwork, and a youngish, low-key crowd. The five-month-old lounge/gallery delights in specialty cocktails and infusions, from vanilla bean vodka to sage-grapefuit gin. Hungry? Order so-called … Read more
Horse Thief Hollow 10426 S. Western Ave. Beverly Brewpub 773-779- 2739 Website This homey and refreshingly unpretentious spot taps five housemade beers each night and serves hearty, locally sourced fare, including an extra-tasty grass-fed burger. With a smattering of TVs and laid-back bartenders clad in hoodies and jeans, it’s just what this South Side … Read more
