50 Best Dive Bars in Chicago

“Edging Amazing show had a blast tonight“

“Excellent venue with outstanding patio“

“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“

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

“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!“

“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.“

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

“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.“

“Bring cash. This is a throwback to when I was in my early twenties, but with modern innovations. There's a multi arcade machine, a fruity, banging tunes on the jukebox and people enjoying themselves on a night out together in a good solid funky human way. It was the end point of a big Chicago night and boy oh boy did I have a great mash up.“

“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!“

“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!“

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

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

“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!“

“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!“

“Me and my coworker went here after a long trip coming to Chicago. Bartender found out we were from out of town and introduced us to all the regulars. Drinks were amazing. The regulars made us feel very welcome. Will definitely have to stop by again the next time I come to Chicago.“

“I stopped by The Tin Lizzie and it instantly felt like a true neighborhood bar — relaxed, unpretentious, and full of character. The vibe is casual and welcoming, with a solid mix of locals grabbing drinks and people settling in for comfort food.

I ordered a burger with fries, and it hit exactly the way you want it to: juicy, flavorful, and satisfying without trying too hard. The portions were generous, and everything tasted fresh and well-prepared. It’s simple food done right.

The drink selection is strong too, especially if you’re just looking for a cold beer or an easy cocktail to wind down. Overall, The Tin Lizzie feels dependable and laid-back — the kind of place you can return to again and again when you just want good food and an easygoing atmosphere.“

“Found this gem by accident while waiting around, and I’m so glad I did. The hospitality was incredible. It’s the ultimate local spot with a welcoming atmosphere. Thanks to the kind bartender and all the guests who made me feel at home.
​P.S. Sorry again to Aneta, the bartender!“

“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!!!!!“

“Great food, drinks, and staff.“

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

“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.“

“Music atmosphere people and drinks!“

“Was a couple houses down visiting Chicago from San Diego. While I waited for my other friends to arrive after visiting the Loop, I decided to come around and visit this spot, which was worth the look. Fun bartenders all around the clock, reasonable prices, and even got my friends to do the Chicago rite of passage and take a delicious shot of Malort“

“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“

“Sunday Funday watching NFL“

“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!“

“One of Chicago’s best, and I do not say that lightly. Where else are they infusing Malört with such reckless passion, or fully covering the pool table every time they suspect the crowd may get a bit too drunk to show it the respect it deserves? Certainly the coolest bar in Wrigleyville and maybe also top 10 in The World.“

“What a fun little bar! It's decorated with massive amounts of concert posters and artwork prints all over the walls, with the back rooms feeling like you've stumbled into someone's living room and you have a cocktail in your hand.

There are wines at various tiers, cocktails with tons of customization options, straight-up beer (Hamm's is $5 for a can at time of writing and is served with a fun twist to make it extra cold) and even specialty larger-format beer bottles.

You can sit at the bar or at the various seats and couches in the back. The music was at a super comfortable volume for conversation.“

“At the last moment I decided to check out this live music event at Os Tap Tavern and it was the best decision I made all weekend!
It was a great spot to watch Michigan State defeat Illinois U and I discovered a great new band Going Down South
What a gem
Keep up the good work Chicago 🍻“

“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! ?“

“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.“

“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.“

“Always a good time with fun bartenders. Whether you go in during the day or at night the music is playing and the beer is pouring.“

“Awesome people and cool bartenders“

“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“

“Lovely place! Great bar service too.“

“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!“

“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)“

“the Food was excellent and the onwers Jim and Rosie were great host's“

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

“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!“

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

“Best bar in the neighborhood.“

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

“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 :)“

“matt..the bartender was awesome per usual. fun regulars“

“service here has been very good and it's a very very comfortable vibe. the atmosphere is like a low key sports bar - not quite dive like described in some reviews. the taps have a decent selection at good prices. probably wouldn't show up with a cocktail dinner but would love to see a cocktail on draft - could probably get my cocktail people in there if they added that. backdoor pseudo patio - but I've only been there January - April so maybe they add furniture? all else, will definitely return.“

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