Best Of 21 Bars In Wicker Park Chicago

3 min read 22-12-2024

Wicker Park, Chicago, boasts a vibrant nightlife scene, and choosing the right bar can be overwhelming. This guide highlights 21 of the best bars in the area, categorized for easier navigation, ensuring you find the perfect spot for your evening out.

Dive Bars: Classic Charm & Neighborhood Vibes

These establishments offer a relaxed atmosphere, affordable drinks, and a genuine neighborhood feel. Perfect for a casual night out or a meeting with friends.

The Violet Hour: While technically a cocktail bar, its intimate setting and slightly-divey feel earns it a spot here. Expect expertly crafted drinks in a sophisticated-yet-unpretentious space.
The Bards: A Wicker Park institution, The Bards offers a cozy setting, a great selection of beers, and a lively atmosphere. It's a true neighborhood favorite.
Double Door: This iconic venue is more than just a bar; it's a legendary music venue with a great bar to complement the shows.

Upscale Cocktail Bars: Sophistication & Style

For a more refined experience, these bars offer expertly crafted cocktails, stylish ambiance, and top-notch service.

Scofflaw: This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its innovative and delicious drinks, creative menu, and impeccable service.
Estereo: This stylish bar boasts a sophisticated atmosphere, a great selection of cocktails, and a lively atmosphere, perfect for a celebratory night out.
The Whistler: While also featuring live music, The Whistler's cocktail program is impressive, offering a well-curated list of classic and creative drinks.

Craft Beer Havens: A Celebration of Hops

Craft beer enthusiasts will find a haven in these bars, offering an impressive selection of local and international brews.

Piece Brewery & Pizzeria: This popular spot combines delicious pizza with a wide selection of craft beers brewed on-site.
Maplewood Brewery & Distillery: This brewery offers a range of its own handcrafted beers, as well as a menu of pub fare.
Revolution Brewing Taproom: This large-scale taproom features a vast selection of Revolution Brewing's beers, perfect for beer lovers exploring different styles.

Sports Bars: Games, Good Times, and Great Drinks

For sports fans, these bars provide a lively atmosphere to watch the game with friends, enjoying great drinks and food.

Big Star: Known for its tacos and its energetic atmosphere, Big Star is a popular spot to catch a game and enjoy some casual fare.
Schubas Tavern: This venue hosts live music but also serves as a great spot to catch a game on the many screens around the bar.

Unique & Quirky Bars: Beyond the Ordinary

These bars offer something different, with unique concepts and atmospheres that set them apart.

Lost Lake: This tiki-themed bar offers expertly crafted tropical cocktails and a fun, escapist atmosphere.
Simon's Tavern: A cozy neighborhood tavern known for its wide selection of whiskeys.
Handlebar: This bar is known for its diverse events, from trivia nights to dance parties, keeping the atmosphere lively and engaging.
Kingston Mines: A blues club with a great bar, Kingston Mines offers a vibrant and energetic atmosphere perfect for music lovers.

Wine Bars: A Sip of Elegance

For wine enthusiasts, these bars offer carefully selected wine lists and a relaxed atmosphere.

Wine Riot: This wine bar offers a large selection of wines, often featuring local and international options.

Hidden Gems: Discover the Unexpected

These bars may be lesser-known but offer unique experiences and a welcoming atmosphere.

Longman & Eagle: This gastropub offers a sophisticated menu paired with a carefully curated selection of drinks.
Punch House: This Punch House focuses on the art of punch-making and offers unique and delicious creations.

Rooftop Bars: City Views & Cocktails

For breathtaking city views, these bars offer a stylish setting to enjoy cocktails and the cityscape.

Cindy's Rooftop: Located atop the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Cindy's offers stunning panoramic views of Millennium Park and the lakefront. (Note: This is technically slightly outside Wicker Park, but close enough to merit inclusion.)

Bonus: Bars with Live Music

Beyond those already mentioned, these venues regularly feature live music:

Empty Bottle: A long-standing venue featuring diverse musical acts.
Subterranean: A well-established venue hosting both national and local bands.

This guide provides a starting point for exploring the diverse and exciting bar scene in Wicker Park, Chicago. Remember to check opening hours and make reservations when necessary, especially for popular spots. Cheers to a memorable night out!