Best Bars in Chicago

Chicago has a lively mix of Bars, from tiki-inspired spots like Three Dots and a Dash to themed places such as Frosty's Christmas Bar Chicago and Nightmare On Clark Street- Urban Pumpkin Patch. Lazy Bird adds a dimly lit, intimate option for drinks and a night out. Vermillion and The Dining Room at Kendall College round out the city’s cocktail-focused offerings with a more polished feel.

Ranked venues

Three Dots and a Dash
View Venue
$$$ExoticLivelyTropicalIntricate cocktailsPolynesian decorShareable plates
About the venue
Three Dots and a Dash in Chicago is a renowned tiki bar known for its intricate cocktails and Polynesian-inspired decor. Since 2015, the bar has created a fun escape with its dim lighting and vibrant tropical decorations. Signature cocktails include the 'Scorpion' served in ceramic mugs, and the bar offers a rotating selection of shareable appetizers. This spot draws in a lively crowd seeking an exotic atmosphere for a night out.
What the videos show
The video showcases a close-up of a cocktail named 'Penthouse Tropical Itch' served in a spherical glass with a spiky exterior. The drink is garnished with a flower and a yellow straw, surrounded by seashells, driftwood, and a fern-like plant. The background is dark, emphasizing the drink's vibrant colors.
435 N Clark St
@itsalalalife
@ymoo
The Dining Room at Kendall College
View Venue
RefinedEducativeUpscaleStudent chefsSeasonal menuLocally-sourced
About the venue
The Dining Room at Kendall College, located on South Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, offers a fine dining experience showcasing culinary talent from culinary students and graduates. The restaurant features a seasonal menu that emphasizes locally-sourced ingredients and global flavors. It has a refined atmosphere but remains accessible, making it a popular choice for guests seeking an upscale dining experience in a creative setting.
What the videos show
The video showcases various cocktail-making scenes across different bars and restaurants, highlighting unique techniques such as flaming and dry ice. It features vibrant settings and creative drink presentations.
18 S Michigan Ave
@Atmosfy
@Duke
Frosty's Christmas Bar Chicago
View Venue
FestiveWhimsicalCasualHoliday-themed drinksThemed eventsCozy atmosphere
About the venue
Frosty's Christmas Bar in Chicago offers a unique holiday-themed experience year-round with festive decorations and seasonal cocktails. Established in a cozy, winter-wonderland ambiance, the bar attracts patrons looking to celebrate the holiday spirit regardless of the season. With a menu featuring holiday-inspired drinks and food, Frosty's creates a fun, whimsical atmosphere perfect for gatherings. Events and themed nights keep it fresh and engaging for repeat visitors.
What the videos show
The video begins with a close-up of a television screen displaying 'Frosty's Christmas Bar' and a backdrop of colorful lights. The camera then pans upwards, revealing numerous hanging Christmas ornaments and vibrant string lights, culminating in a full view of a nutcracker statue at the bottom right corner.
809 W Evergreen Ave.
@foodsprung
Nightmare On Clark Street- Urban Pumpkin Patch
View Venue
FestiveFamily-friendlyUniquePumpkin patchHayridesSeasonal activities
About the venue
Nightmare On Clark Street, a unique urban pumpkin patch in Chicago, transforms the city block into a fall-themed destination every October. Open to the public, the patch features a wide selection of pumpkins alongside seasonal activities like hayrides, corn mazes, and family-friendly attractions. Local vendors set up stalls offering snacks, drinks, and crafts, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The event draws families and friends looking to celebrate the autumn season in a fun and lively environment.
What the videos show
The video showcases Halloween-themed drinks and bars, featuring people in costumes toasting, a bar with hanging dolls, and various themed beverages.
3458 N Clark St
@Atmosfy
@Duke
Vermillion
View Venue
EclecticStylishVibrantFusion cuisineCreative cocktailsArtistic decor
About the venue
Vermillion is a contemporary restaurant located in Uptown, Illinois, known for its unique blend of Indian and Latin cuisine. Since opening in 2005, the restaurant has garnered attention for its vibrant flavors and creative cocktails. The menu features items like tikka masala quesadillas and was awarded 'Best New Restaurant' in its debut year. The stylish decor includes colorful artwork and modern furnishings that enhance the dining experience.
What the videos show
A bartender prepares and pours a yellow-orange cocktail into two glasses filled with ice, garnishing each with a slice of mango.
@foodsprung
Tin Lizzie
View Venue
$$CasualSportyVintageCraft beersBrunch menuOutdoor patio
About the venue
Tin Lizzie is a neighborhood pub in Chicago that opened in 2015, known for its craft beers and casual dining menu. Situated on North Clark Street, this venue combines a vintage aesthetic with modern offerings, including a full brunch menu on weekends. With a spacious outdoor patio and numerous TVs, it draws a mix of locals and sports fans. Highlights include their house-made burgers and a rotating selection of local brews.
What the videos show
The video showcases a lively bar scene decorated with Christmas lights and ornaments, featuring a young woman and people dressed as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It captures the ambiance of the bar, including colorful fairy lights, a DJ booth, and a turtle racing event outside. The video transitions smoothly between different areas within the bar and outside, highlighting the festive atmosphere and the unique event.
2483 N Clark St
@malortandmoet
@malortandmoet
Lazy Bird
View Venue
$$$IntimateEclecticCozyCreative cocktailsHouse-made bittersSmall plates
About the venue
Lazy Bird in Chicago is a cocktail bar located on Green Street, known for its eclectic drink menu and cozy ambiance since its opening in 2019. This intimate bar features a retro aesthetic with vintage furnishings, making it a popular spot for post-work relaxation. Known for its house-made bitters and creative cocktails, it attracts a diverse clientele of locals and industry professionals. Additionally, the bar offers small plates, perfect for sharing among friends as patrons unwind.
What the videos show
The video starts with a close-up of two drinks on a bar counter, then pans across a dimly lit bar with patrons seated at tables and the bar. The camera moves smoothly, capturing the ambiance of the bar.
200 N Green St
@arrive_eat_repeat
WHIM Chicago
View Venue
$$$StylishInnovativeSocialSeasonal menusCraft cocktailsPrivate events
About the venue
WHIM Chicago, located on Belmont Ave in Chicago, serves contemporary American cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The venue features a stylish interior with seasonal menus that change regularly. Known for its innovative dishes and craft cocktails, it attracts food enthusiasts and locals alike. The restaurant hosts events and private parties, enhancing its reputation as a destination for both dining and social gatherings.
What the videos show
The video showcases a Halloween-themed pop-up bar in Chicago, featuring a bartender igniting a cocktail, a man eating s'mores with chopsticks, a woman drinking a dark liquid and another with a green martini garnished with gummy worms, and a performance by a band. The bar is decorated with Halloween elements like paper bats, cobwebs, and fake spider webs. The video ends with a screen displaying the TikTok search interface for '@malortandmoet'.
1225 W Belmont Ave
@malortandmoet
@coachbridget
Easy Does It
View Venue
$$CasualLaid-backSocialCraft beersHappy hourLive music
About the venue
Easy Does It, located in Chicago, Illinois, is an unpretentious dive bar known for its relaxed vibe and large selection of craft beers. Opened in 2014, it draws a diverse crowd searching for a casual drinking experience without the pretension. The bar features games like darts and foosball, creating a friendly atmosphere for socializing. It’s particularly famous for its happy hour specials and live music on weekends.
What the videos show
The video captures a lively scene in a dimly lit room where people are energetically dancing to music. A disco ball adds to the vibrant atmosphere. The camera then shifts to a bar area where bartenders are busy serving drinks to patrons waiting at the bar.
2354 N Milwaukee Ave
@foodsprung
Piccolo Buco by Cooper’s Hawk
View Venue
$$ElegantCozyClassyWood-fired pizzasHandmade pastasWine tastings
About the venue
Piccolo Buco by Cooper’s Hawk in Oak Brook is a fine dining Italian restaurant, featuring a chic, rustic interior and an extensive wine list. The restaurant specializes in wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas, drawing in both locals and visitors since its establishment. Open for lunch and dinner, it combines elegant dining with a relaxed atmosphere. Regular events and wine tastings are also held, making it a popular culinary destination.
What the videos show
A bartender is opening a wine bottle and pouring red wine into a decanter. The setting appears to be a restaurant or bar with patrons seated in the background.
1818 Oakbrook Ctr
@Peroulastyle
Moonflower
View Venue
$$$WelcomingPlant-basedCreativeVegan macPlant-based burgersLush decor
About the venue
Moonflower is located at 4359 N Milwaukee Ave in Chicago, Illinois, and has been offering a plant-based menu with a creative twist since 2020. The interior features a warm and welcoming atmosphere decorated with lush greenery. Signature offerings include creative renditions of comfort food favorites, like vegan mac and cheese and plant-based burgers. The establishment attracts a diverse crowd of health-conscious diners and vegans seeking satisfying, flavorful dishes.
What the videos show
The video showcases two drinks being placed on a bar counter. It begins with a dark-colored drink, then transitions to a light orange and a darker brown drink, both garnished and placed on black napkins. The camera zooms out to reveal the bar's shelves filled with various bottles and plants, giving a comprehensive view of the bar setting.
4359 N Milwaukee Ave
@Duke
Maria's Packaged Goods and Community Bar
View Venue
$$Community-focusedCasualWelcomingCraft beersLocal marketplaceCommunity events
About the venue
Maria's Packaged Goods and Community Bar, located at 960 W 31st St in Chicago, is a unique neighborhood bar and restaurant that connects the community through food and drinks. This hybrid space offers a range of craft beers, wines, and snacks in a casual setting. Opened in 2014, the establishment also serves as a marketplace for local products, creating a community-driven atmosphere. Regular events and activities foster a sense of belonging among patrons.
What the videos show
The video captures a lively scene inside a dimly lit bar where a crowd of people is dancing energetically. The camera moves dynamically through the crowd, capturing various individuals enjoying themselves. The atmosphere appears vibrant and festive, with colorful lights flashing across the ceiling and walls, adding to the dynamic feel of the scene.
960 W 31st St
@foodsprung