50 Best Dive Bars near Skokie

“Stopped in to meet up with a young friend that I've known for many years it was a nice place to have a visit. Local bar. It was 9am on Saturday so it wasn't very busy. Would recommend. The bartender was attentive and interacting with all the customers.“

“Edging Amazing show had a blast tonight“

“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.“

“Hell yeah. This place has it all. Loved the steak and lobster rolls“

“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!“

“A little small on the inside but a very nice atmosphere. The service was very good considering crowded the bar was. We saw a live band on Friday night and they were excellent. Lots of beers and a good variety of cocktails and prices were in line with the area.“

“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.“

“Visiting for work a couple days and had some down time to kill. 1st day, met Frank.. super friendly and made me feel welcomed. Played darts with some people from Belgium. Touch tunes and drinks are priced right. Met Jeff and regular and Mark the 2nd day I came. Great dive bar!!“

“I'm so glad G's is back open! The whole vibe of the place has changed. Make sure you stop by to see Esther on Wed or Fri. She makes the whole experience better! From having a expert knowledge of drinks to her warm and welcoming personality, she makes your night! It's a lively and colrful feel and the patio is out of this world!“

“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 !“

“Best dive bar in Chicago!“

“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 food, drinks, and staff.“

“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!“

“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.“

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

“Was there at the beginning of June with my bro & 2 buddies. Great little spot with friendly staff and good prices. Mckenna the bartender was the highlight (sorry I didn’t make it back with gummies, never made it to the store. And thanks for recommending Pequod’s!!)“

“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!“

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

“Lovely place! Great bar service too.“

“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 💖“

“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!“

“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! ?“

“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“

“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 look forward to coming to Grace and Leavitt! This place is sitting on your back porch at home, mixed with gorgeous and clean marble bar top, fun tunes and more than anything, the sweetest most personable bartenders. Neil remembered our drinks, checked in on us and made us feel taken care of. Kalica made us smile, gave us amazing recommendations and made sure we had everything we need. And neither of them forgot to treat my dog Dottie with the same quality of service - with a fresh pup cup and water as soon as she wanted it! All in all, I’ll continue being a regular as often as possible! (Can you be open 24/7?!?!)“

“This is my neighborhood dive bar with the big Old Style sign. It might not be your neighborhood dive bar with the big Old Style sign, but it's a damn good one and we're plenty okay with that. There's a payphone, artificial grass patio, cold beer only in cans, but you know taps are always suspicious at dive bars it's nice to just cut that step out. Diverse clientele and regulars, but not the point where it's an old man's club or anything.“

“friendly service and atmosphere“

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

“Great neighborhood bar. Friendly bartenders. Dogs allowed !!“

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

“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.“

“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!!“

“Cash bar. Local dive bar with occasional live music. No food is served here but they allow you to have it delivered there. Laid back place with very friendly bartenders. There's usually always someone playing instruments or live performances. You'll probably fine me here at least once a week.“

“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.“

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

“Very good food and such a friendly atmosphere for all! Patio and pool table are a great bonus 🙌“

“Music atmosphere people and drinks!“

“Awesome people and cool bartenders“

“Great staff! Awesome atmosphere! And they have NFL ticket, so we could watch our Bengals game!!! Close food delivered! Great bar! Bonus that there’s a basketball game!!!“

“excellent ambiance super attendence 🍻🍻“

“Food ok. Lots of beer options. We got the bait and switch on Sunday. We can in and asked where we could see the Giants game. They said anywhere. AFTER we ordered drinks and food they can over and said they don’t have Sunday ticket. That’s terrible. Will never come back“

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

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

“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“

“awesome service awesome atmosphere. felt at home. love it“

“This is the best LGBTQ etc bar in town y'all! We all need to flood this bar with our rainbow happiness and give BIG GAY JOHN, the owner, a great big kiss on the nose for opening such a wonderful establishment just for our community. We are welcome to be completely open, free, and in your face and I love it. Big John is the cutest bear I have ever seen. Go tell the Boyz it's time to play?️‍??‍❤️‍??️‍??️‍?“

“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.“