Pubs in Chicago worth going out for.

These 97 activities are worth leaving the house for.
Ask me what you're after.

Make time for these

Shinnicks Pub

Shinnicks Pub

Bridgeport • $

A Bridgeport institution since 1938, Shinnick's pours drinks behind a bar built in the late 1880s. It's the kind of no-frills Irish pub where Sox fans gather and the owners treat you like family.

Kasey's Tavern

Kasey's Tavern

Kasey's Tavern · Chicago Loop • $

The dive bar you were looking for: 130+ beers, a Belgian focus, and zero pretension in a historic 1889 space. Expect dark wood, friendly bartenders, and an unhurried atmosphere that turns strangers into regulars.

Le Midi Wine

Le Midi Wine

West Town • $$

A laid-back neighborhood wine bar with a beautifully curated selection and snacky small plates to amuse your bouche. Grab a glass, book a tasting, or take a bottle to go.

The Choir Of Man

The Choir Of Man

Sheffield & DePaul

Nine talented guys belt out pop anthems and tap dance on a working pub stage where you can grab a pint before the show. Expect singalongs, flying coasters, and 90 minutes of pure feel-good energy.

The Glunz Tavern

The Glunz Tavern

Near North Side • $$

Step back to 1888 at this Old Town tavern attached to one of Chicago's oldest wine merchants. Expect European fare, rare wines, and a cozy old-world vibe perfect for gathering with friends.

Timber Lanes Bowling Alley

Timber Lanes Bowling Alley

North Center

Hand-scored lanes, cheap drinks, and a cast of regulars who treat newcomers like old friends. This no-frills neighborhood spot feels less like a bowling alley and more like Chicago's most welcoming living room.

See these on a map

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

Open the map

Explore more in Chicago

97 activities · Page 1 / 2

All activities

Sun, Nov 8 · 11:00 AM

Happy Hour & Daily Specials

Tin Roof · Lake View East

$$

Wed, Nov 11 · 7:00 PM

Trivia Night

Hillgrove Tap · Tinley Park

$$

Fri, Nov 13 · 8:00 PM

Karaoke Night

Cuzin's Tavern, Gaming & Pizza Tinley Park · Tinley Park

$$

Fri, Dec 4 · 3:00 PM

FITZGERALDS TEACHER HAPPY HOUR 12/4

Fitzgerald's Sidebar · Berwyn

$$

Fri, Jan 8 · 3:00 PM

FITZGERALDS TEACHER HAPPY HOUR

Fitzgerald's Sidebar · Berwyn

Free

Fri, Feb 5 · 3:00 PM

FITZGERALDS TEACHER HAPPY HOUR 2/5

Fitzgerald's Sidebar · Berwyn

Free

Fri, Mar 5 · 3:00 PM

FITZGERALDS TEACHER HAPPY HOUR 3/5

FitzGerald's · Berwyn

Free

Fri, Apr 2 · 3:00 PM

FITZGERALDS TEACHER HAPPY HOUR 4/2

FitzGerald's · Berwyn

Free

Fri, May 7 · 3:00 PM

FITZGERALDS TEACHER HAPPY HOUR 5/7

Fitzgerald's Sidebar · Berwyn

Free

CPD 18th District Lincoln Park Hospitality Meeting

Mary Jo McGuire's · Lincoln Park

$$

FITZGERALDS TEACHER HAPPY HOUR 11/6

FitzGerald's · Berwyn

FITZGERALDS TEACHER HAPPY HOUR 11/6

Fitzgerald's Sidebar · Berwyn

Free

Live Irish Music at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro

Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro · North Center

$$

Fatpour

Fatpour Wicker Park: Ultimate Chicago Sports Bar · West Town

$$

Sat, Nov 7 · 2:00 PM

Spilt Milk

Logan Square

$

Tin Roof

Lake View East

$$

The Hideout

West Town

$$

Maplewood Brewery & Distillery

Maplewood Brewery & Distillery · Logan Square

Robert's Westside

Forest Park

The Leavitt Street Inn & Tavern

The Leavitt Street Inn & Tavern · Bucktown

Guthries Tavern

Wrigleyville

$

Publican Tavern

O'Hare

$$

Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro

North Center

$$

O's Tap

Logan Square

$

Monk's Pub

Monk's Pub · Chicago Loop

$$

Rosa's Lounge

Logan Square

Chicago Eagle

Uptown

Lottie's Pub

Bucktown

$$

Fox Bar

Fulton Market District

$

Kincade's Wrigley

Lake View East

$$

Small Bar

Avondale

$

Montrose Saloon

Irving Park

$

Four Moon Tavern

Roscoe Village

$

The Little Owl Social Pub

Brookfield

$$

O'Shaughnessy's Public House

Ravenswood

$$

River Shannon

Lincoln Park

$$

Mary Jo McGuire's

Lincoln Park

$$

James Joyce Irish Pub

Berwyn

$

Easy Bar

West Town

$

The Red Lion Pub

Sheffield & DePaul

$$

The Cabin at Old Irving

Old Irving Park

$

Richard's Bar

West Town

$$

Cole's Bar

Logan Square

$

Meeting House Tavern

Meeting House Tavern · Uptown

$

Firewater Saloon - Edison Park

Edison Park

$$

Jackhammer

Rogers Park

$$

The Kehrein Center For The Arts

Austin

American Legion

Evanston

Moody's Pub

Magnolia Glen

Simone's

Lower West Side

$$

The Dandy Crown

West Town

$$

Goose Island Taproom

Near West Side

Pleasant House Pub

East Pilsen

$$

George Street Pub

Lake View East

$$

Pub in other cities

Frequently asked questions

Where do I start with Chicago’s live-performance scene?

Check what’s playing at Steppenwolf Theatre Company for theatre, or Sleeping Village for live music. Read about the actual production or listen to the artist before choosing. You don’t need to recognise a name for it to be your kind of evening.

How do I turn a Chicago event into a whole evening?

Choose the show first, then make plans nearby. Leave enough room between dinner and curtain time to enjoy both. Tell me where you’re staying and whether you’re taking transit, and I can help narrow the search to an evening that fits together.

How can Outgoing help me find something I’ll actually want to do?

Tell me when you’re free, where you’ll be, and what sounds appealing. “Live music near me, somewhere I can sit, under $30” gives me more to work with than “something fun.” You can keep narrowing it down with me.

Do I need an account to use Outgoing?

You can browse these pages without an account. Sign in to save activities and help me learn your taste, so future suggestions have a better starting point.

Is Outgoing free?

Outgoing is free to use. Events have their own admission prices, including some that are free. Check the listing for prices and booking details before making plans.

Explore on the map