50 Best Dive Bars in Chicago

“We went on a Saturday night around 930pm. Not many people in there yet but the crowd that was there was diverse. Different ages and walks of life. Bar tender was friendly enough and took care of business. Poured a stiff drink for a fair price. It is a legit authentic "dive bar" for starters. The real deal. No frills. Not some wanna be staged pretend dive bar with over priced drinks and pretention. It is old, dark and dirty. We wanted to love this place. We loved everything about it except for one thing...And it is a deal breaker for us. Um. The smell. It smells horrible!!! Like an old stale ashtray with a half put out cigarette still going in it and up in your face. It was really really bad. I don't know if someone was actually smoking in there while we were there, but there is definitely still smoking happening inside that place. It burned my eyes and my nostrils. Gave me a headache. Unfortunately, we were one and done (and had a pretty good buzz from our one drink I must say). But sorry, we can't do the cigarette smoke.“

“2nd time in. I love everything about this place and I really don't like many things. If I got specific, it would be philosophic and embarrassing. Just come get energized, refreshed, and regain your trust in humanity. Love you guys down 💖“

“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.“

“Old school awesome ?? this place is just like that last bar everyone loves in their city. People very polite and kind.

Be warned, i used to smoke so i liked it but it's smoky AF. Can't ding it for that, but know before you go!“

“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.“

“Indoors only - dog friendly tavern that encourages patrons to try the infamous Malort.
Jeopardy was on at 4 pm and everyone participated! Bordering Ukrainian village this gemstone is to be sought after! It is a neighborhood tavern not a fancy place and the bartender is versatile !“

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

“Edging Amazing show had a blast tonight“

“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.“

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

“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!“

“always a great time nice beer garden“

“Best dive bar in Chicago!“

“Sunday Funday watching NFL“

“Great food, drinks, and staff.“

“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!“

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

“As a tourist the night shift was good. Went during the day got a huge hold in my card for 1 drink. Ordered a second, stepped outside to smoke someone picked up my drink and snaked right after I went outside and the bartender acted like this was a normal thing. Embarrassing! (Edit) The bartender did make an effort to go out of her way to make sure I felt accommodated after the incident and took what I had to say to heart. Preemptive review, exactly that. Not too shabby. Check it out.“

“I stopped into Lilly’s on a recommendation from a friend, and I was not disappointed! I had the pleasure of meeting Lilly herself who is an absolute joy to be around! When you come in take a peek up to the biggest disco ball (in a bar I’d ever seen), grab a Long Island from the bar (cash only!), and then explore the upstairs/bar, or grab a seat and enjoy some music! This cozy bar is eclectic with wall to wall of wonderful art, antiques, vinyls. This bar is a gem just like Lilly herself! If you’re in the area at least stop in for a drink.“

“Alex is a great karaoke host! Olga is the best inviting and the sweetest bartender! ? this is a great place with great atmosphere. My boyfriend recommended this place when we started dating and now we are regulars and friends with the staff. They have a little back porch area for smoking or just getting some fresh air if it's too packed inside! I love this place!“

“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!“

“It’s the Vibe. Great place to chill and Have a great time.“

“I hope this Polish dive bar stays around for many more years. Cash Only. Pool Table available - $1 a game (coins) the jukebox is holding on by a thread but it's only a $1 for 3 songs which is great. The day I was there we had the entire bar to ourselves the whole night.“

“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!!!!!“

“Place for SHOTS !!!
Ask your Bartender for specials!!!
Bartender is always RIGHT ???
Close to Midway Airport
You can meet here anytime anyone from Al over the world
Save place
Have a drink
Have fun
Have a good time ?“

“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“

“We stopped here to celebrate finishing our beach volleyball summer league! It's a super relaxed bar! Easy to order drinks... even for those of us who don't drink! We arrived with a dog and a bike. As long as we were wearing masks, everything was allowed in. If you are looking for the most perfect neighborhood hidden gem, consider this place your CHEERS. Thank you!!“

“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!“

“This is a 100 year old bar that recently was robbed 9.17.2023.

Thieves aimed guns at bartender and customer's head. About 10 people were robbed inside.

No one is in custody.

Shame it happened to a bar that was opened during Prohibition, 1923.

Love to pay visit.“

“Came in here around 11 or so on a Thursday night and had a great time. I tried the peppermint Malört shot they made which was the best shot of Malört I've ever had but still terrible, which I think is the idea. Being able to play darts was a lot of fun and the general atmosphere in the bar was friendly and open.“

“Best bar in the neighborhood.“

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

“I love all the people here! ?????? I came here to celebrate ? Cinco De Mayo. And they all were so sweet. If you do decide to go just make sure you take cash....they don't accept credit/ debit cards. They're drinks are reasonable and cozy vibes. (Updated 2024: AND STILL GOOD VIBES)“

“Great new spot in Bucktown!! We are so excited to have this around the corner. Customer service is excellent. Cocktails are 10/10. Atmosphere feels unique and artistic while also feeling warm and welcoming. Looking forward to more stops here!“

“We love it and we highly recommend it and the family there is the best. Enjoy ever min there😀😍🤩🥰“

“Great Chicago Tavern. Old Style on tap. Malort behind the counter(ant your own risk, lol). Owner is awesome. Went here because growing up as a kid in Chicago I’ve been to taverns with the old man but never been to one as an adult. Would definitely go back here again.“

“WATCH OUT N KOREA MOB. tuff gucci, stuff hotdog cheddar“

“I really love this place. Mike, the owner, is such a great guy and honestly feels like he is less than an owner of a bar but more of a host of a party. The energy in here is always great. Ayda, zita(sp?), Katie, victor, Andy, grace, Al, Katelyn, and anyone else who works here are all fantastic bartenders. This place is so welcoming and I always have a great time when I’m here. And it’s great if you want to buy some booze to take home too before the legal hours of course! They have snacks, movie nights, and sometimes Mike barbecues outside and it is really such a treat. It’s hard to stay away from this place!!!!“

“Agnes makes this bar a 5 stars bar she's an awesome bartender“

“I miss this place. It was my regular spot in 2007 & 2008 before I moved back to California. Very diverse crowd of regulars from different walks of life, but everyone knew each other. Jim is awesome. If I could still give him my money for alcohol, I would.“

“This place has soooo many dart boards for all of your friends to play or compete on! I randomly stopped here for some birthday celebrations and all the regulars were soon welcoming us to have a good time together. I'd reccomend taking a big group for dart games and drinks.“

“I only swing by like a bi-annual comet, glad to see new people but still the same crowd sorta. U-C tech providing to go drinks in sort of container that looks remarkably like a Saleen drip bag. Also like the mural of #44, he's Sept and I'm Jan. Oh well I'm still the eldest geez in the joint.“

“Great place to chill with friends. Free darts and pool can't beat that. Bartenders are super friendly and attentive. They also have a parking lot in back. They have some snacks and frozen pizzas(surprisingly delicious)

Parking: Back of the building. About 12 spots.“

“Good location, good service. It has a mini-supermarket and liquor store next door where you can find a wide variety of items, wines, liquors, etc. 100% recommended and has a ramp for wheelchairs. And in the bar you can see different sports presented on the screens.“

“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. ❤️“

“Good spot to watch a game or ufc fight“

“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.“

“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.“

“I visited as a solo traveller from Scotland on a Friday for the legendary Turtle Racing. I paid for the drinks package which included drafts and well drinks. It was worth the price and the experience was great. I will return in 2025 when I visit again!“