Cozy Bars in Chicago worth going out for.

The neighbourhoods are the whole point, and I'd rather send you to Pilsen or Logan Square than anywhere downtown.

I keep track of cozy bars in Chicago and only keep the ones worth going to. Ask me what you're after.

See these on a map

Browse Chicago neighborhood by neighborhood, get ideas just for you, or ask me anything.

Open the map

Top picks

Catrina Tequila Bar

Catrina Tequila Bar

Riverside

Day of the dead cocktails

Friendly Tap

Friendly Tap

Berwyn • $

Coffee, music & community

Club X Speakeasy

Club X Speakeasy

Chicago Loop

upscale retro cocktail bar

The Angry Cactus Lounge

The Angry Cactus Lounge Newcomer

Bucktown

elevated cocktails, immersive mood

Timber Lanes Bowling Alley

Timber Lanes Bowling Alley

North Center

Hand-scored neighborhood hangout

The Drifter

The Drifter

River North • $$

underground speakeasy & cocktails

Gilda

Gilda

West Town • $$$$

Basque pintxos & wine

Muhājir

Muhājir Hot right now

Lincoln Park

Global tasting menu dinner party

Old Town Ale House

Old Town Ale House

Near North Side • $

Classic dive bar with political art

kibbitznest books, brews & blarney

kibbitznest books, brews & blarney

Lincoln Park • $

Unplugged bookbar & brews

Not everyone knows about these

The Glunz Tavern

The Glunz Tavern

Near North Side • $$

Historic wine tavern

Local Option

Local Option

Sheffield & DePaul • $$

Craft beer & creole-mexican fusion

Shinnicks Pub

Shinnicks Pub

Bridgeport • $

No-frills irish pub

Dimmi Dimmi Corner Italian

Dimmi Dimmi Corner Italian

Lincoln Park

Modern red sauce joint

Motel Bar

Motel Bar

Goose Island • $$

Mid-century supper club

TRUCE

TRUCE

Bucktown

Coffee by day, cocktails by night

Explore more in Chicago

Cozy in other cities

Frequently asked questions

How are these cozy bars in Chicago chosen?

I go through what's actually on nearby and keep only the ones worth the trip. Nobody pays to be on this list.

Is everything here still happening?

Yes. If it's on the list, it's still on — anything that's finished drops off by itself.

How do I find something that suits me?

Open the map and tell me what you're after — a good terrace, somewhere that works with kids, something on tonight. I'll answer and narrow it down with you.

Do I need an account?

No, everything here is browsable without one. An account is how I learn your taste, your people and your saves, so what I show you keeps getting closer to what you'd actually go to. You can also have ideas sent to you by email or message if you want them.

Is it free?

Yes, completely.

Explore on the map