50 Best Dive Bars in Chicago

“Edging Amazing show had a blast tonight“

“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!“

“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? 😅“

“Best bar I’ve been to EVER! Feels like a flashback to the past! Crooner’s music the whole night, old school bartenders, (cigs inside). Bartender even gave me a random free drink! This is officially my new favorite spot! I’d recommend this place to all old souls.“

“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.“

“Excellent venue with outstanding patio“

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

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

“Sovereign Liquors is a reliable neighborhood go-to that consistently offers a great selection of products and a shopping experience that is both convenient and well-managed. Whether I am stopping in for something specific or just browsing, the inventory is always impressive, well-stocked, and easy to navigate. I place an incredibly high premium on the cleanliness and organization of retail spaces, and I am consistently impressed by how tidy, well-lit, and professionally maintained this location is; it is clear the team here takes great pride in keeping the environment sanitary, orderly, and welcoming for all their customers. The staff is consistently friendly, efficient, and does a wonderful job of ensuring that service is prompt and that everyone feels assisted. If you are looking for a trustworthy, high-quality spot that prioritizes both a strong selection and professional cleanliness standards, I highly recommend this location“

“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.“

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

“Great food, drinks, and staff.“

“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 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.“

“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!!!!!“

“Popped in here randomly for a pit stop while cruising around town. A really unique center-squared bar with the bartender in the middle. A solid neighborhood dive, with some outdoor seating and good local vibes.

Bonus points... the tamale guy showed up!“

“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.“

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

“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!“

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

“Music atmosphere people and drinks!“

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

“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 staff & burgers are great! Good drinks with variety- cocktails to old faithful whisky shots.“

“Double Bubble is a fantastic, welcoming neighborhood spot that consistently delivers a great atmosphere and top-tier service. It is a reliable go-to for a refreshing drink or a quick snack, and the experience is always dependable and enjoyable. I place an incredibly high premium on the cleanliness of service and seating areas, and I am consistently impressed by how tidy, well-organized, and professionally maintained this location is; it is clear the team here takes great pride in keeping the environment sanitary, orderly, and comfortable for all their guests. The staff is consistently friendly, efficient, and does a wonderful job of ensuring that service is prompt and that everyone feels welcome, even during the busiest parts of the day. If you are looking for a trustworthy, high-quality spot that prioritizes both a great vibe and professional cleanliness standards, I highly recommend checking out Double Bubble!“

“Ed & Jean’s is truly a hidden gem- step inside and you will be transported to a homey, cozy, artistic and eclectic cocktail lounge that features a huge and unique selection of spirits and outstanding cocktails. Great service, awesome vibes, highly recommended!“

“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 tall one ..whats her name ... She is a lovely chap , her father's son ..Told myself and my Aunt Barb their pronouns were they them he her

Very old bar allows smoking inside and sells native reserve smokes . The boy who clears the tables the regulars refer to him as sandwich boy , he just giggles when they call him that like he should .

Bar is old and rustic . Old bar top as well“

“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!“

“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)“

“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.“

“Lovely place! Great bar service too.“

“One of Chicago's best kept secrets. I moved to the neighborhood on 2023, and have walked past this place before, thinking it was an old bar from decades past/converted residence. Then I checked it out on maps and appears to still be running. Was walking down the street after West Fest with my neighbor and it was open! Boy, was I blown away when I walked in. I don't know why, but it was giving me Old San Juan vibes. The building is definitely over 100 years old, and it shows in the atmosphere. Old school bar, cash only. Simple, but good, cozy spot. There's a pool table, nice spots for lounging, I hear there's a chihuahua there sometimes...pretty sure it's family ran. The gentleman bartender was cool, and the music was great! Excellent vibes all around.“

“I’ve been coming here for years, and honestly, I’m still newer compared to some of the regulars who’ve been calling this place home for decades. This is the kind of dive bar that gets everything right—people from all walks of life walk through the door and everyone’s welcome. I am generally in a button shirt and sport coat…

From the bartenders and door managers to the regulars (and of course, “Internet Dad”), there’s a genuine sense of community that makes you feel like you belong the moment you walk in. The drinks are reasonably priced, it’s dog-friendly, and you can bring your own food.

Some bars serve drinks. This one serves comfort & friendship. Anyway, I kinda like this place.“

“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.“

“Me and my friends felt so safe thanks to Megg.
We had an issue with some dudes at the bar, and Megg helped us out and those guys got kicked out immediately after reporting.
The best deal is getting the pass for the turtle races. they do start about an hour after listed time for the race, but you can drink before the scheduled time. it is $40/person for unlimited drinks.
The bartender who kept the turtles was so nice and let us take pictures with the turtles.
Best part about my trip to chicago!“

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

“nice lay back place to watch game“

“Stopped here for a one and done after seeing an old friend's online post about the place. The atmosphere was loud, lively and we arrived in time to see the White Sox lose a post season game. The server was extra charming. We also had a chance to meet the owner who was very friendly and informative. The large fishtank in the back of the place was quite unique for a local bar. Our visit was brief, but left a good impression. I would definitely recommend and revisit.“

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

“This was a way-station during CUFF so I stopped here between movies. I spent a really peaceful 30 or so minutes here. I love the station where you can order Cholies. I had two slices that I dipped in mild sauce and an RC. Felt very satisfied especially for $10 and without the pressure to drink alcohol. Happy environment. Watched the Packers lose.“

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

“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“

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

“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! ?“

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

“Keenan O'Reilly's is described as "a classic example of a Chicago dive bar." So what is a dive bar? According to one definition, it typically is a small, unglamorous, eclectic, old-style bar with inexpensive drinks and may feature dim lighting, shabby or dated decor, neon beer signs, packaged beer sales, cash only service and a local clientele. By that definition, I suppose Keenan O'Reilly's fits the description. Located at 3916 North Ashland Avenue, south of Irving Park Road, at Byron, in the Lakeview neighborhood, this pub opened in 2007 in a space formerly occupied by a Polish bar and is noted for its bright white and green Special Export sign above the door. It features a good-sized room with hardwood floors, a white drop ceiling and a worn wooden bar that arcs well out into the room. It also is noted for cheap beers, relaxed atmosphere and lack of crowds. Come for drinks and friendly conversation, not food. There is no kitchen. Open from 5:30 to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 to 1 a.m. on Sunday, O'Reilly's has a large beer list and manages to keep patrons entertained with pool, darts, ping-pong, electronic shuffleboard and other board games. There's also a couple of flatscreen TVs and a jukebox. There are beers on draft. Also craft brews, imports, ciders and domestics. And Trivia Night is a popular attraction every Monday. What's a dive bar? Now you know.“

“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.“

“Edelweiss is a pure gem and is THE best bar in Chicago. Laid back, friendly and a timeless classic former shift bar that now hosts a good mix of lively people. I’ve met one of my best friends in the city at this bar, spent birthdays, happy and sad moments here and the staff is just phenomenal. Olga is my favorite bartender in Chicago who has an incredible heart and makes you feel at home. Alex, who handles the karaoke machine is the best to sing your heart out with. I always bring out of town visitors, friends and loved ones here all the time, and is my space in the city. Businesses like this are the real soul of this city and in hard times and good times alike, they keep the city going…Have a Lvivske blonde and a Zubrowka in the front where you can mingle and sing, play billiards in the back, and have your intimate conversations in the really nice patio ;)“