50 Best Dive Bars in Chicago

“Edging Amazing show had a blast tonight“

“One of my favorite Chicago Venues to play. I live in the burbs so it’s a little hard to go out for other shows as much as I would like. But when I do, it’s always home. ❤️“

“Great place to get some admin work done for work on your laptop and stuff they have wall outlets you can plug your charger into

Also shout out to the bartender for the screenplay idea and thanks to everyone that was there to help work on the first few pages of a thing I’m writing large credit to them for most of the ideas on paper so to say. Nice lighting for reading things next to the laptop in case you have to take notes for schoolwork or something. They don’t really offer any food but there’s like pizza up the street so whatever and the bartender seems to know his drinks and mixology from the way he handled the in and out busy but quiet service in a fast paced unmannered world of having to do work and your power going out so you have to find a place that can take a laptop charger and a laptop to get work done for work and also help you with side projects about things you’re working or writing about on a friday evening

Also if you leave your card they will hold it for you and let you pick it up later or ID so idk what that says about their security but that’s all I have to really say about this place from my first visit“

“Go for the lowkey vibe and experience. Love the art and the back story.“

“Its an uassuming, shady dark bar that is cool with smoking. Did I say that SMOKING is allowed here? A solid rotational collection of Chicago folks, rotating.
Staff are PROFESSIONAL. Opens early and closes late. This joint is SOLID. You might smoke at the bar and feel like Bukowski, without all that Poems and Shortstories stuff. Some may remeber smoking and drinking in a Bar. MANY have never seen it.“

“Cool little place in the middle of a nieghborhood . Great food. My husband and I love to go there.“

“Bernice's is the best of Real Chicago! Love this place in Bridgeport!“

“Liar’s Club has some of my favorite bands on the regular, so I find myself there a lot. My band has played there too, and it’s a great experience - the room sounds good, with a solid PA system. Gary and the rest of the staff are awesome - the polar opposite of the snooty, hipper-than-thou attitude you get at some rock & roll joints. Drink prices are cheap, and parking is always pretty easy. The clientele is consistently asshole-free. Can’t think of anything bad to say about Liar’s.“

“Total local joint. Love stopping in when I’m in town“

“I came across Archies a few years back while out walking my dog.

Stopped out front to tie my shoe, my dog decided she'd walk in without me which is how I found out the bars dog friendly.

The staff is great, prices aren't bad. Its your typical small neighborhood bar which i why I love it.

Cheese balls too!“

“if there was ever a better Watering Hole In chicago. This Is It, hands down. Chris and his staff are superior at every aspect of being a classy drinking establishment. I recommend it highly, and Shop local all you lovely Neighbors.“

“Sky Ride Tap is a classic no-frills Chicago dive bar in the best way possible. Stopped in for a couple of beers and a shot, spent about $20 total, which is a steal for the Loop. The bartender was old-school and friendly, pouring drinks with a heavy hand. The vibe is laid-back, unpretentious, and full of regulars who’ve probably been coming here for decades. If you’re looking for fancy cocktails, this ain’t your spot—but if you want a cold beer, cheap drinks, and a real Chicago bar experience, this is it. Definitely coming back next time I’m in the area!“

“I can't recommend this pub enough for any locals or tourists. It has a cozy vibe with a hint of dive and a great outdoor space that compliments what makes Chicago great. Not to mention the patio is dog friendly z you are sure to have a blast and make new friends!“

“Such a great place! Had so much fun. Highly recommend.“

“Great food, drinks, and staff.“

“It's a relatively decent place to have a cold beer or a cocktail.
I'd say the best thing about this place is they're awesome patio. Some nights their DJs are great some are just okay. If you can get a booth, hold onto it during busy hours because this place gets packed fast. If you're in Logan, it's worth stopping in for a pint or two.“

“Nice bar & open late! Had a bad day with a missed connecting flight. Hotel bars charge out the wazoo so went here instead. Felt welcome and cared for by the bar tender (Emily?) great deal and good ambiance. Would return if I’m ever back!“

“Cynthia is such a vibe!! This is definitely a fun place to come if you enjoy dive bars. Even the patrons are awesome! 10/10 reccommend!“

“Don't go looking for frills because they ain't there! Cash only, excellent neighborhood bar!! Cheap beer, great service, and friendly people. Get a parking pass to boot then walk up to the game! I've been going for 20 years and it never fails to disappoint me.!! LOVE IT!!!!!“

“At Jefferson Inn the lights are low,
A cozy dive where locals go.
The bar is small, the stories deep,
A place where laughter doesn’t sleep.

The jukebox hums, the neon glows,
A friendly face in every row.
No need for frills, no need to prep,
It feels like home—cheers, Imhotep.“

“We had a great time at Tin Lizzie’s Turtle Racing over the weekend. The bar was super festive, all decked out for Christmas! We tried some of their Christmas cocktails. I highly recommend the Yule Mule, so good! We ordered the mozzarella sticks and onion rings for apps, both were amazing. They have a wristband deal for 3 hours of unlimited drinks which included a pizza with chips and salsa. Highly recommend the wristband deal, totally worth it for only $40! Turtle races started at 7:45 pm but we got there early at 6 pm to enjoy the full package deal. The turtle races are such a fun time, cheering on for your favorite turtle which are named after the Ninja Turtles! Winners get a free shot! After the turtle races were done, the party did not stop! Shots were being poured out all night and the vibes kept going strong. We had a great time and the staff was very welcoming and kind. Highly recommend for a fun night out with your friends!“

“First visit there tonight and it was a lot of fun. Everybody there was really chill, was having a good time, and the bartenders were absolutely amazing. Can't believe I didn't come here sooner but I'll definitely be here more often!“

“Great food, nice place I really enjoy the night“

“Great bar with cool atmosphere and drinks. Dark Shadows was playing on the tv. The Electric Funeral cocktail is very tropical but I can’t wait to have the drink in the viper snake glass. Not sure but I think you can buy the glass. Bridgeport favorite Old Style and Malort has its own electric sign. It’s small and gets very crowded on the weekends but Thursday night was very chill so this will be my go to after eating at the Ramova during the week.“

“Sovereign is the best type of Chicago dive. Cheap beer, good people, best jukebox you'll find. Much love to them for letting my band do a fundraiser for my buddy's medical bills. The crowd, the staff, and the regulars dug deep and we've covered medication costs for the next couple month“

“Love this place! Very cool local bar with great staff. They are also not just dog friendly, but dog enthusiastic. Good NA beer available (room for improvement on options) and they have Ruffles and a few other crisp options. Not a place to take the Queen on a date, but certainly a nice place to meet new people if you’re new to the area.“

“Unique neighborhood locale with its own distinct character. 2/5 for the price of the espresso martini — it’s a below-average serving portion and a lackluster flavor profile. Each room had its own vibe, decor, and ambiance. Attentive and great service from a gentleman bartender.“

“My hangout place in Hyde Park. Tanya, my dear friend from many years ago, pours drinks and manages the Falcon with an extra helping of great personality.
Plus, you can order great food through the window that looks onto the eatery next door. Great chicken wings and Lasagna!“

“Sunday Funday watching NFL“

“perfect place, friendly, easy on the pocket and the friendliest bartenders and customers. Makes a new customer feel at ease and welcomed.“

“Met a cool girl named Katie here. She kept saying slay. Hope she’s doing well. Nice place. Awesome pool table, so clean! Jukebox was lovely and esoteric. Maybe in the future think about getting some music like “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson or perhaps some Korn. Maybe even a entire selection of Nu Metal. Drinks so yum! I drank them all. Thanks!P.S.“

“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.“

“The hidden gem of all dive bars, full of history and character. Highly recommended. Cheap beer and great company.

It's okay to bring in your own food, pizza or other take out options. Come one and come all... Chipp Inn is your spot.“

“Great classic Chicago Tavern with a pool table, live music and a fun blues jam on Tuesday nights!“

“I love this place! You won’t be disappointed & Lily is an absolute QUEEN!! 🤍“

“Food ok. Lots of beer options. We got the bait and switch on Sunday. We can in and asked where we could see the Giants game. They said anywhere. AFTER we ordered drinks and food they can over and said they don’t have Sunday ticket. That’s terrible. Will never come back“

“Awesome people and cool bartenders“

“If I could rate this place a hundred stars, I would. The owners are incredible people and I feel so welcome everytime I walk in! They also allow dogs, so it is my dog's favorite place, especially since they keep dog treats behind the bar :)“

“Literally just had the best experience with one of the best bartenders I’ve ever met. ❤️ Extremely helpful, cheerful, fun, kind and attentive. Thank you so much Renee! So much!“

“Lovely place! Great bar service too.“

“walked by randomly on a Wednesday and went to the bar where I heard some music. the band was excellent, a really unique style, but brilliant. but the best part was meeting Thomas, the bar manager. as soon as I walked in he greeted me warmly and upon hearing it's my first time in Chicago, a shot was poured and I got the lowdown on local beers. I had a good chat with Thomas and could see how he was well liked by everyone there. would love to go back“

“This is the safest place to have a great time any day of the week. I highly recommend attending their Karaoke night on Saturday's. It’s always a blast and you can sing songs in any language (Spanish & English)“

“Great, friendly, neighborhood bar. Jimmy will make you feel like you've been friends forever. Not usually open on Sundays, but Jimmy will open specially for Bears games, and you might also get to sample his homemade chili, sloppy joes, or maybe even some Little Caesar's pizza! ?“

“White Sox Bar!!!!!!!!😂!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! N n n n n n“

“This is one of my favorite neighborhood bars. We love the atmosphere here; there’s always good music, good company, and popcorn! My husband and I love this place so much that we actually booked the bar for our wedding after party. Our guests absolutely loved the space and the service was fantastic! Special shoutout to Sean - he’s always a ray of sunshine and makes sure you’re taken care of.“

“Far and away the best bar in Wrigleyville. It Brimming with history while retaining its authentic and unpretentious dive atmosphere, it could easily rest on its laurels, but it doesn't; the service is friendly and the drinks are affordable. Perfect for a visit before or after a game, or any other time, honestly.“

“Best bar in the neighborhood.“

“Friendly bartenders that has always welcomed me and treated me with friendly demeanor that made me feel amongst friends. Always love being there and the atmosphere“

“Stumbled in here by chance and had a great time on a somewhat busy night. Cheap drinks, cold beer, and Nilda is an absolute angel. Her pup Frijolito is a lil cutie too. I hope Nilda is able to keep this place in business for years to come as they don’t make ‘em like this anymore!“

“Great Bar! Fun Owner is Friendly... Reminds me of Temple Bar in Dublin.. College Town“