50 Best Dive Bars near Niles

“what more can y ask for in a dive bare?“

“Edging Amazing show had a blast tonight“

“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? 😅“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

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

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

“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.“

“Excellent venue with outstanding patio“

“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!“

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

“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“

“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“

“Lovely place! Great bar service too.“

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

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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“

“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 🍻“

“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!“

“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! ?“

“Okay, I’ll admit it wasn't terrible. The drinks were reasonably priced for what you get, which was a welcome surprise on a weekday. We expected to pay more. It felt like a typical neighborhood joint, nothing too fancy, but we got our money's worth.“

“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.“

“great staff and outstanding event to raise funds for fighting Cancer.“

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

“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!“

“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!“

“Great, friendly local spot. It's clean with throwback decor. My fave is the Seagram's lamp. Cheap prices for drinks. They also serve pizza & Polish food. Nice place to watch the game or play pool on your choice of 2 pool tables. Come and get out of the cold.“

“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.“

“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)“

“Bartenders William & Kevin were excellent. The taste classic cocktails are the job, but their service was gravy.
Glad G&L kept the popcorn machine as it was deliciously salty. It was my first time here for a birthday (sorry for being that loud group a few times, it's the last time I'm being friends with them in public) and I enjoyed the interior design a lot: the tin ceilings, light fixtures, exposed bricks, fake plants along the wooden shelf and on table toppers. There was a small collection of board games but our friends-no-more were happily playing their own game.
Excited to be back.“

“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 ;)“

“excellent ambiance super attendence 🍻🍻“

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

“This dive bar is a breath of fresh air in a world of overpriced, trendy spots. Here, the beer is cold, the conversation flows easily, and the atmosphere is pure, unadulterated dive bar. No fancy cocktails to be found, just a solid selection of beers, including the newly added Yuengling on tap, and a welcoming vibe that makes you want to stay all night. They also offer a few liquors for basic mixed drinks or for those who like to drink their liquor neat.“

“this bar has been in the same Greek family for two generations. it is a local spot with dedicated regulars and friendly service. a clean, well maintained, safe place with dive bar prices. late night spot with touch tunes. have a shot and carry out liquor in the same establishment. dog friendly. there is always a $2 shot special. what's not to love?“

“buena actitud no y bien cervicio“

“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.“

“It's certainly a room. Loud enough that you can have a private conversation without anyone overhearing, thanks to the weekend crowd. Service was prompt given the number of people. Worth a stop if you're looking for something active.“

“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.“

“Our band played at Whiskey River on a Friday and we had dinner and drinks there beforehand. Food was excellent, staff was awesome and very welcoming. Really cool crowd with a noticeably wide age range, everyone had a good time.“

“Try their chili! It is the best. Great atmosphere.“

“My band just played there. Great place for music food and drinks. Super friendly staff. 💯 recommended, add it to your list of watering holes 🍻“

“Get the burger. Never had a bad one.“

“Awesome people and cool bartenders“