50 Best Dive Bars in Chicago

“Edging Amazing show had a blast tonight“

“Excellent venue with outstanding patio“

“I love rainbo club but had a really icky experience there tonight. Bouncer with a “lex” tattoo was a real prick. Snatched my ID out of my hand and literally jabbed it in my face giving it back to me (fully legal age/ID) and was all around really frustrating to all of my friends in line. Maybe just be a tad bit kinder? Or don’t work late night if you get cranky? 😅“

“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!“

“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.“

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

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

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

“Tin Lizzie is one of those places that reminds you why neighborhood bars can be so much fun.

I visited for their famous turtle races, and it was definitely one of the most unique experiences I’ve had in Chicago. The races themselves are simple and only last about 20 to 30 seconds, but that’s part of the charm. Between races, there’s time to grab a drink, mingle, and enjoy the atmosphere.

The race nights have an option to include an open bar, which keeps the energy up, and the crowd was clearly having a great time. The staff did a nice job keeping things organized and making the event run smoothly.

What I appreciated most was that it felt like a genuine local tradition rather than a tourist attraction. It’s quirky, lighthearted, and a fun way to spend an evening with friends.

If you’re looking for something different from the typical Chicago bar experience, the turtle races at Tin Lizzie are definitely worth checking out at least once.“

“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 met up with some coworkers at Sky Ride Tap for drinks right after our shift today. The vibe inside is a classic, no-nonsense Loop dive bar and it is the perfect spot to unwind. I just ordered a couple of cold domestic bottles and a shot of whiskey while watching the game on their TV. The bartender was super friendly and definitely did not skim on the pour. Just make sure you bring cash.“

“Was in the area after checking in to my airbnb and the guys still had a couple of hours to land from California. I came in and was immediately met with some fun vibes within the squared circled bar with a divey feel. Lots of people and fun vibes. Reasonable prices. I'd definitely come by if you're a local and have a look, I definitely did as a visitor in my two occasions I came here. Had my shot of delicious malort here too.“

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

“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!“

“Great food, drinks, and staff.“

“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!!!!!“

“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.“

“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.“

“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“

“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.“

“Sunday Funday watching NFL“

“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“

“The vibe is so chill and laissez-faire, some people play chess, some cards, some people watch sports on the various TVs. The drinks are solid and the service is good.

It's a safe, warm environment! The food window is just what it is, lol. You can order from the full menu, tacos, pizza, fries, chicken and salads!“

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

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

“Incredible drinks with a very friendly and vibrant vibe. Highly recommended for cocktail aficionados or just someone who appreciates a good cocktail. The staff is incredibly attentive to details and they always have some Cheez-Its to nosh on in-between sips. Cucumber water to stay hydrated and great artwork all over the place. Nice happy hour specials and very interesting offerings. Motown Martini Mondays are fun too.“

“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! ?“

“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!“

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

“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.“

“nice lay back place to watch game“

“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.“

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

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

“Best bar in the neighborhood.“

“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.“

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

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

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

“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)“

“Driving home and stumbled upon this welcoming gem on a Sunday.... excellent service w an attentive and friendly bartender. They had great live music from James Gedda that touched the soul. I will definitely stop by again if in the area.Great place to drink and make new friends.“