50 Best Beer Bars in Chicago

“What can I say about this place that hasn't already been said or known to be true. Little bad wolf has the best Mac and cheese I've ever had in my life. I don't know what they do but it's liquid crack in those noodles and I just can't get enough of it.The burgers there are also top five in Chicago. Definitely try the bao buns and the tacos as well as they have tons of flavor and they never disappoint. One of my favorite appetizers is the elotes which is absolutely amazing.I love this place I just wish it was closer to me and they took reservations but I'll keep coming back as long as they got the liquid cheddar crack.“

“First off, the vibes here are immaculate. The restaurant is located on the second floor of Soho House, and the ambiance is very intimate--perfect for a smaller party. The menu is pretty straightforward. There aren't a lot of options to choose from, but each item is very unique. What we ordered: Caliente en los Trópicos: pretty yummy! Supposed to be spicy, but the spice is not overbearing at all. An interesting cocktail. Ceviche: a great way to start the dinner. Very shareable; love the balance of sour and savory flavors. Tuna Tostada: my favorite! I've never had a tuna tostada before, and it's nothing like what I expected. Mussels: you cannot go wrong with the mussels. The bread goes so well with this. Considering the dishes seem so original and the quick service, I'd definitely recommend this spot to my friends.“

“I've been having beers here for a couple of weeks now.This place is outstanding for their food, beer selection, and amazing service.The staff is highly knowledgeable and kind.Please stop by and have a lovely time here!P.S. Their Grilled Cesar Chicken sandwich is AMAZING! ?I'd say my favorite beer is the Reissdorf Kölsch :)“

“We loved our experience at Giant! We’ve been wanting to eat here for a while and thought what better time than to go out for my birthday. My wife and I can’t say enough great things about the food, our server Bailey and the whole experience. Bailey was the best server ever! We love her and will definitely be back.“

“I love this American restaurant, the food is delicious, satisfying and enjoyable. I especially love the burgers and fries, they are freshly made and very authentic. In addition, the environment here is also very comfortable and spacious, which makes people feel very relaxed and happy. The waiters are also very friendly and welcoming, they always greet guests with a smile and provide many useful tips and recommendations. All in all, this is a very good American restaurant and I will come here often to enjoy the food and time.“

“I loved this place, very good food, everyone who served me was so kind. I ate an impossible burger that was delicious accompanied by very crispy potatoes, they have a wide variety of coffees and drinks, and they have different promotions every day.“

“I always love coming to this place when I am I the West Loop. The line is usually long, but it is well worth the wait. The menu is kind of limited but everything on it is amazing. I love the ambiance inside as it looks like the inside of meat packing plant with a hipster twist. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.“

“Nice cozy atmosphere with great service. The wine selection is HUGE and there's something for everyone's liking. Wait time was long for a Friday night but it was totally worth the experience. Waitstaff is excellent - friendly, and professional. The fried almonds were so good and can be a great pairing for the wine.“

“My first time trying this place was for lunch today and it was such a good experience! The host was very welcoming and kind, and so was my server. I tried a blueberry bourbon drink that was amazing, and had a bowl of the chili mac that was even better. I had a lovely time and can’t wait to come back!“

“We needed a place to stay close to the Concord music hall, and found the Leavitt St. Inn and Tavern. Every element of our stay was thoroughly enjoyable. The menu at the inn was a purposefully short, curated list of bar food, and everything we tried was incredible. The tavern had a great neighborhood feel, and the room we stayed in was well-appointed, and just right for my wife and me. We met the owners within a few moments of arriving, and immediately felt welcomed. I highly recommend the Leavitt St. Inn and Tavern to anyone looking for a hidden gem of a place to stay while visiting Chicago. We can't wait until we travel north again, because we know where we are staying! 5 stars! A++++“

“Great beer, board games available and atmosphere. However if you would please turn the heat on it would be most appreciated. It's odd to still be in jacket and scarf while indoors and still chilled. Great place in the summer but maybe their heats broken Jan 15,2024.“

“I gave Ranalli's West Loop a 5 out of 5 star recently, but per the owner's request via Google, I am going to explain what made our experience(s) great. I didn't originally say why because I am quite the wordsmith, but here I go. *Cracks Knuckles*Ranalli's West Loop is an establishment within the West Loop of Chicago that has gone from the normal neighborhood bar to a cornerstone within the community. With the assistance of the great management such as Raf and Joel over the years, they have managed to keep staff that have been vital to the experience. With a great wait staff, friendly smile, phenomenal atmosphere, delicious food, and amazing prices, Ranalli's West Loop can't be overlooked.Ranalli's West Loop literally entertains every gender, race, and age. This is an inclusive environment that has managed to not only entertain our friends, family, and colleagues in the legal profession, but it has managed to create lasting memories. From our son coming here since he has been a few months old to aging matriarchal figures getting amped up for a Madonna concert, this venue has built memories and happiness.This is the place you go when you're open to seeing friendly familiar faces from the neighborhood like the ones from the daycare your kid goes to and even your actual neighbors. It's not just about food here. It's about the overall sensation you feel as soon as you walk in.One of the interesting aspects about this bar isn't just that it is an amazing bar, but there is a significant perk if you are going to an event at the United Center. The fact that you can get on a West Loop Ranalli's trolley and go straight to your event is a major benefit.I also highly suggest that if you see a special being offered, try it. I don't normally believe that specials are the best route to go at most venues because they seem so gimmicky, but the specials at Ranalli's West Loop are phenomenal and have the customer in mind.Let's talk about the actual favorites of this fine establishment that you can't ignore: 1. Toasted Raviolli - (Mix the Marinara with the White sauce they give you. You won't regret it.) 2. Bruschetta 3. Chicken Parmesan Sandwich 4. Garlic KnotsThe one thing I didn't include in this list is the pizza. The reason I didn't include the pizza in the list is because it is the best pizza in town and the pizza being a top priority should go without saying. It's a no brainer. Order the pizza.For kids, Dino Nuggets and fruit are perfect or go for a slice of pizza. The hot honey can be a bit spicy for a little one so we suggest to take off the spice if your little one is too young for a lot of spice.Events - Great for a business lunch, great for a parents night with the kids, great for a date night, perfect for a bite before a game or an event.Even if you are looking for something quick in the area to grab a bite, come here and order or even order it on UberEats. You will save quite a bit by picking it up in person, but this place has been a life saver for my family and I on multiple occasions.I hope this has been insightful. Keep cultivating great staff. Great job, 4C.Parking: Paid parking in a garage across the street or on the street paid parking is an option.“

“Bartender was very professional and kind. Seating very comfortable. There’s a good din in here, comfortable noise level where seats will be filled but you can hear conversations around your table clear as a bell. Very clean. Cozy. Great canned seltzer.“

“Super fun joint. A lot of good vibes and reasons to hang around. The food, overall, was tasty, but the pizza left some to be desired. You can tell they put great care and detail into every decision. The pizza just didn't do it for me. Could've been the bold claim of "best cheese pizza in Chicago." I appreciate the bravado, but unfortunately, it came with little fanfare.“

“Our server Santana was great, we were there for brunch and we were looking forward to some hot coffee (which they do not serve), but Santana made us some hot coffee even though it was not on the menu to welcome us. He was great in making sure that we had everything! Would go back just to have him as a server again, the food was delicious, maybe they could include hot coffee on their menu in the future.“

“Great beer selection. Really good service. OK food. Cesar salad had way too much dressing and the grilled chicken was bone dry. Kale salad was uninspiring. Pretzel nugget appetizer was great. Maybe if stick to barfood and would have had s better experience.“

“A Chicago institution. If you don't like Maria's then you probably don't like Chicago. That's fine, but why u here? Maria's is a great place to chill with a cold one. They don't have a huge tap list,but they do have a nicely curated mix of local brews. They also have old standbys like Old Style and PBR. Even on a Sunday afternoon they had good music playing. Maria's feels like home. Thats Chicago.“

“Sleeping Village is a wonderfully funky little music venue in Avondale. The acts tend to be a bit obscure, but you may catch a star in the making. They offer a fine selection of beers and ciders. This is not a restaurant, so I'm not sure why food review would apply.“

“Amazing! The food, drinks and happy hour prices are a 10/10. The decor, music and wall art gave the place overall great vibes. My boyfriend and I spent a couple of hours here just drinking and eating, it was great. The only thing I would add is, the place was busy when we got there, so service was slow. I think our waitress was taking care of the whole place. I understand completely so will not be deducting a star. Overall amazing experience, will be returning!“

“Food was wonderful! Had the lamb chop and it was awesome! Got medium spice which was plenty! Nice vibe here. Music was cool. Highly recommend making a reservation as the only seat at the bar area was only open for 30 minutes. I will definitely come back here! Don't recommend sitting at last seat by bar as I got bumped in to a few times. Excellent menu!!“

“Beer spot with around 20 beers on draft. They don't sell food, only a few snacks but You can bring your own food, play some games or to go there for trivia. Very cosy place with a good selection of can beers ( around 200). Cool place to hang out with some friends on afternoon or evening . Highly recommend “

“Such a great experience at Broken English Old Town! The taco Thursday deals are the best. $3 per taco, and they’re so delicious. I tried the Ay Papisito and the Al Pastor. I had a couple of rounds of those? Our server Britt B. was so great. I was uncertain of what drink to get and she suggested the frozen horchata and it did not disappoint! i may become a thursday regular!“

“So good! Served up food for 5 people to go in about 20 minutes and every person was super happy with their food! Our favorite place in the neighborhood. Update: still the best place in the neighborhood. Update 2: still our fave, Burger of the week this week (2/8/24) was SO GOOD!“

“I never believed my life will change in such a manner. I saw a review on Facebook about Mrs Craig Vanessa trading skills and before then I have never risk money doing anything online with anybody because I think I was so wise and never want to be cheated but when I contacted Mrs. Craig Vanessa, she explained everything to me concerning trading and the profit I can make within a week I was convinced to give a trial and risked to invest $1,000 and I made a withdrawal profit of $9,000 within a week. I am so happy that I trusted her and she didn't fail me. You can reach her through WhatsApp via her Facebook: Mrs Craig Vanessa“

“I've been knows the number of times and I've always liked it. They've done a lot building out the rear space and that's nice to have expanded area because it was a little bit tight before. They have a stage in the main area which allows them to have entertainment.“

“This pizza pie is so very delicious. Imagine good dough rolled out thin topped by tangy sauce and thin coating of cheese with flavorful Italian sausage in hand formed balls. I haven’t been excited by a pizzeria near me for quite some time. Did I mention chewy crust. I also tried their deep fried cauliflower with garlic Ali oil. Golden crisp heads of cauliflower served with your choice of sauce. My next adventure I will try the Cesar salad and another flavor of pizza ... can’t wait. Love me some Logan Square pizza..“

“I'm so glad G's is back open! The whole vibe of the place has changed. Make sure you stop by to see Esther on Wed or Fri. She makes the whole experience better! From having a expert knowledge of drinks to her warm and welcoming personality, she makes your night! It's a lively and colrful feel and the patio is out of this world!“

“Visited Sojourn Restaurant for brunch in Chicago, IL, and it was a delightful experience! The smash burger I ordered was not only delicious but also beautifully presented. They let me add a poached egg, too! The live music added a fantastic ambiance, creating a perfect Sunday morning vibe. The staff was attentive and friendly, enhancing the overall positive atmosphere. Can't wait to return for another memorable meal at Sojourn!“

“They have great outdoor seating and a large menu for both food and drink. The service was a little slow as it seemed they only had one waitress who was waiting on the entire outdoor section, but that isn’t enough to make me not come back to this neighborhood spot.“

“This is, by far, the BEST German restaurant in Chicago! Hands down!Erin, the owner, has created a spectacularly genuine restaurant that is warm, cozy and welcoming. It harkens back to those gloriously rich, cultured German dining spots of old while celebrating classic rustic fare that needs no introduction.The appetizer selection is grand and elegant and includes perfectly prepared hackepeter, a robust jumbo Bavarian pretzel, delectable potato pancakes and expertly breaded fried smelt.The lunch menu will satisfy ever taste with terrific savory sandwiches such as the Laschet's Reuben, chicken schnitzel, smoked pork butt and bratwurst. Mouthwatering roasted potatoes, spaetzel, sauerkraut and warm German potato salad are majestic accompaniments to choose from.Their dinners are all "Must Try!" and feature incomparable sauerbraten, Wiener schnitzel, rouladen, goulash and many, many other dinner highlights that truly stand out as superb.Much love, care and attention go into every meal that it's virtually impossible to pick an absolute favorite. They are all spectacular.Outstanding desserts include decadent German chocolate cake, delicious apple strudel and a "too-good-to-be-true!" apple crisp that really sets the bar really, really high.Of course, we can't forget beer! A full, traditionally beautiful bar showcases the finest, freshest selections of German and Austrian beers available to balance and compliment everything on the menu.The staff is just ideal! Friendly, professional, warm and attentive, the staff always goes above and beyond to make ones dining experience memorable. Bravo to them!!!After a great meal and a beer, it's easy to just sit back and feel relaxed, content and throughly happy. Perhaps sit at the bar when done in the comfortable dining room. You're amongst friends. Family. That's how this place make one feel.True, there are quite a few German restaurants in Chicago, but Laschet's Inn far exceeds the usual fare by building the flavor components to an eye-opening level and turns dining into thoroughly enjoyable moments not to be missed.Laschet's Inn is Chicago's iconic German restaurant, and it truly provides a 5-Star dining occasion to be relished.By all means, do become a regular!!!“

“I already love Spilt Milk for their moody atmosphere, unique cocktails, and knowledgeable bartenders so I was pleased to be able to have them as a venue for my 30th birthday party. Anthony the owner and Charles of Umamicue were professional and communicative throughout the planning process, and during the event the entire staff were fun, interactive, and incredibly attentive and helpful. They helped make an unforgettable birthday for myself and my guests. Would highly recommend reaching out to them for your next event :)“

“Awesome neighborhood bar in Roscoe! My wife and daughter wanted to visit a bookstore, so my son and I visited here just two doors down. It was pretty busy for 3 pm, but we got a hi top table and placed our orders right away. We had a couple of Old Styles, and I tried the Krombacher pilsner. It was the beer of the month and very good. My wife and daughter joined us about an hour later and had a couple of drinks. This seemed to be a less expensive bar than most we visited in Chicago. That's always a good thing! Service was outstanding! I can't get over these beautiful Chicago bars. Long and narrow. Awesome architecture. Perfect setup here at Village Tap! Will definitely try and make it back here on our next visit to Chicago.“

“This is our favorite bar in Chicago - and I'm not joking!! Great neighborhood feel, friendly and awesome bartenders, cheap drinks and always a good mix of people. We stop by all the time while running errands and sometimes when we're not even running errands!“

“We ate here with a large group (9 adults, 1 child). At first they told us it’d be a bit of a wait due to reservations but they sat us within five minutes. The hosts seemed kind of “in the weeds” and annoyed but it wasn’t that busy. Our server took a while to get to us but he was okay. The food portions are large. I recommend the nachos as an appetizer and the chicken wrap as an entree - it’s really big and I only finished half. My friend didn’t like the fish tacos as there was a lot of breading but burgers and hot dogs were okay. Nothing fancy.“

“This place is great just make sure you know what you're getting. The vibe is awesome like supremely awesome, but the cocktails are just bad but like at least you know there's a lot of liquor in them. I endured my single cocktail and then stuck to beer after but of course this bar is not cheap being near Small Cheval.“

“This place is a hidden gem! My absolute favorite spot in the area for a late night hang if you want a dive vibe that's somewhat energetic as well. The bartenders are all great and make amazing cocktails - they make a hell of a dirty martini! - and the ambiance is cozy but not at all sleepy. I love spending and ending my nights at Star Bar.“

“Had a great time here on a Tuesday night for a late dinner and a couple beers. Got in right as the kitchen was closing and the staff was super nice and let me order anyway. Outdoor patio is super sick with TVs everywhere. Covered with heaters as well. Great vibe. Was looking for a place to watch the Zags v Saint Mary's game late night so it was perfect (go zags). Had a great time chatting with Josh the GM as well. We talked hoops and football for like 30 minutes, he's a great guy. Made sure I was taken care of the whole time I was there Alright- the food Smoked Turkey Sandwich - 5/5 I kinda just wanted something simple with a good amount of protein since I was coming from the gym. This thing exceeded all expectations -see pictures. Very flavorful and generous amounts of all ingredients on the sandwich. It's on this like tomato focaccia type bread as well that is to die for. Was told afterwards by Josh that this is his favorite item on the menu so highly recommended! Mac n Cheese - 3/5 Nothing to write home about really here. Since I just moved to chicago I'll try to keep it local with the sports analogies but kind of like a Nikola Vucevic of Mac n cheeses. You're kinda forget you have it but it certainly does the job. Overall dope spot that's super close to my place. Gonna have to come back for trivia and brunch to see what that's all about!“

“The chicken sandwich is a favorite!! Mary is a great cook. Don't sleep on the food here. If Mary's cooking - get it! Also, she does some great game day specials - nachos, etc. Good snacks. Good beefs, good sausages, and the best chicken mozzarella bacon sandwich on a hoagie.“

“This place was great. Came.for take out, discovered it was happy hour which is always welcome. Wings are great, burger excellent and one of the best gyros in the city. Atmosphere was lovely and the service was great even though the place was packed (post cubs game). Definitely recommend“

“This place is within walking distance from my house, so I decided to check it out tonight. The menu is small but the food was good and it was quite busy when we left. I took my daughter, who is 16. It was fine for her, but I wouldn't recommend taking a younger child there.“

“I did not have a neighborhood bar before The Double, and I have not had one since. Henry is the man--lots of fun and good at making sure newbies and regular customers are taken care of. One of my all-time favorite memories at The Double was watching the Blackhawks win the Cup in 2013. More typically, my brother, friends and I would drink good beer and enjoy the atmosphere and head-nodding music.“

“Good but horrible service. The food and drink were amazing, but the service was so slow. It took over 25mins for us to get our beers after we ordered. We then had friends show up and they didn't get their order taken till 30 mins after they got in, and then they had to wait another 20mins for their drink. The place was busy, but still several tables open.“

“Navigator Taproom hosted our company holiday party and it was everything we could have asked for and more. Ben was the most accommodating, most friendly, most patient person and his staff was just as awesome. What a great space... tons of drinks (beer, wine, cocktails, N/A options) on tap, tons of board games, great music, great people. Big shoutout to Navigator for letting us crash and for making our holiday shindig epic! Cheers!“

“Chicago's hidden gem bar, that also has an amazing patio. This is the place that Billy Joey was thinking about when he wrote Piano Man, except that is always 9 o'clock on a Saturday here. Amazing bar, amazing atmosphere, amazing service. You can't go wrong here.“

“Great coffee, great daytime staff. But it seems like an afterthought to what is pretty much a loaded cocktail bar catered to business crowd when they clock out. Would love more food options for breakfast-goers, this is a very bustling and business-centric area and I feel like this can get overlooked with much more popular bars in the area.“

“One of my favorite Chicago bars. Fantastic beer options. The soft pretzels are a must. It's very dog friendly! Great place to come to on game days and non-game days. The staff is incredibly friendly and really makes the place special.Love this place with all my heart and you will too!“

“we spend alot of time at luries children's hospital with our son that is battling cancer and while out walking my husband and I came across this place. The atmosphere is amazing, the staff is amazing, the drinks are great and the food is so good. I love their wings the best.“

“This is a great place.. they need to update the sound system..they have TouchTunes..but there is like one speaker in the corner.. asked to turn it up.. didn’t make a difference..can’t hear the music.... if they can sort the music..would be awesome.. love the staff and service!“

“Can’t complain at all! Needed a quick bite before I hopped on my Amtrak, and the turkey wrap and fries were surprisingly filling! Tasted very good too. The staff was friendly and welcoming. Also was feeling a little fancy and tried the “smoke show” cocktail (which is normally not anything I’d ever order) and was pleasantly surprised at the unique flavor (it delivers what it promises). And the food came out VERY fast! It’s been hours now, I’m still on the train, and I’m still not hungry! So if you need something quick and sustainable, I’d say consider this one! For being a place we chose randomly, I’d say we struck it rich!“