Small bar with vintage decor and a tiny stage hosts live music most nights, featuring a wide variety of musicians. Atmosphere feels cozy and lively, with a great sound system balancing vocals and instruments well. Crowd spans all ages, creating a chill yet fun vibe.
Live music plays most days in a bar with a fun dive bar atmosphere and unjudgmental energy. Service and extra touches lift it slightly above a typical dive bar.
Live music plays almost every night in a cozy bar with a pool table. The venue hosts shows for all ages and keeps a chill atmosphere.
"It's a fun spot with a great mix of live music."
"It's a great place to grab an ice cold beer."
"It's a great dive bar with live music most nights."
Good to know
The open jam session on Mondays runs from 11 pm until close around 1:30 am.
Most shows have no cover charge but require a two-drink minimum.
Local bands perform on certain nights, adding variety to the music scene.
Bar blends classic dive style with Chicago sports decor and arcade games like pinball and shuffleboard. Atmosphere stays relaxed and warm, inviting guests to enjoy drinks and food while watching big screens. Regulars come for authentic Chicago hot dogs and a lively yet refined vibe.
Three rooms offer a classic dive bar vibe without feeling seedy. Drinks include craft cocktails and local beers with a creative twist. The atmosphere stays relaxed and warm, more refined than typical dives.
Live band karaoke on Wednesdays changes the whole karaoke vibe. It mixes music with social fun, making it more than just singing.
Good to know
Happy hour runs daily from 2pm to 8pm with great drink specials.
Live band karaoke happens every Wednesday night.
Drag Bingo is hosted every Thursday evening.
Small, cozy bar with dim lighting and a vintage ambiance creates an old-school charm. Live jazz music plays several nights a week, offering a mellow, friendly vibe that feels like stepping back in time. Regulars enjoy a civil, welcoming atmosphere with strict no-cursing rules and cash-only payments.
Smash burgers sit out front, adding a casual food option. The spot feels like a neighborhood hangout with a relaxed vibe. It blends some dive bar elements but leans toward a more polished feel.
Smooth live jazz performances happen on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday nights. Swing and jazz bands play a few nights a week, creating a solid lineup of great live music without a cover charge.
Good to know
Cash payments only; there is an ATM inside for convenience.
The bar hosts live jazz performances on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Live music typically starts at 8 p.m. on performance nights.
Dark basement with pirate-themed décor creates a nostalgic dive bar vibe filled with live rock and punk music. Cramped space buzzes with energy, featuring a smoking patio and loud atmosphere. Regulars enjoy unique shows and a quirky, original setting.
Authentic dive bar vibes mix with a Pirates of the Caribbean feel. It offers a diverse lineup of bands and dive bar prices with surprisingly good food.
A wildly eclectic mix of live bands plays regularly, creating a lively atmosphere with cozy lights and big brown seating. The venue supports small local bands and keeps the music exciting every night.
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.
Live music events occur regularly, especially on Mondays and weekends.
There is a $10 entry fee for live music nights.
Dive bar with intimate live music and 1970s decor offers a vibrant, unpredictable atmosphere blending old and new styles. The venue hosts local talent on a tiny stage with high-quality sound, creating a lively and character-filled experience.
A solid dive bar with a dive-iest vibe in an unexpected spot. It features live music most nights and keeps a classic, unpretentious atmosphere.
An intimate spot with live music most nights, especially strong on Tuesday after 9:30pm. The vibe is casual, sometimes mixing in Seinfeld episodes during performances.
Good to know
Live music happens every Tuesday night after 9:30pm at The Kibitz Room.
The Kibitz Room is attached to a 24-hour deli, offering food options anytime.
Parking is available but fills up quickly in the busy neighborhood.
Tiny, crowded bar with hard rock vibe and 80s hair metal paraphernalia creates an old school, dive bar atmosphere. Live music plays loudly almost every night, making it lively but sometimes hard to hear. Separate back area offers green space and quieter seating away from the stage and pool table.
Old school, 80s hair metal paraphernalia decorate the walls. Small space includes a pool table and a stage for live acts.
Loud, rocking live music plays almost every night with bands performing in a really tiny, crowded space. The venue hosts local musicians and offers a great atmosphere for live shows.
Good to know
Karaoke starts at 10pm on Thursdays with a two-drink minimum.
Expect a $10 cover charge to support the acts during performances.
There is a $0.50 karaoke fee per drink ordered.
Cocktail bar with old school atmosphere and cabaret-style room offers live music and karaoke almost every night. The vibe stays chill and welcoming, with a cozy back room featuring comfortable seating away from the stage. Free popcorn adds a casual touch to the experience.
A hole-in-the-wall spot with a wicked dive bar vibe. Music is the main focus here, with little else to distract.
Live bands perform in a spacious back room with great sound and a lively atmosphere. Shows happen almost every day, including music and stand-up.
Good to know
Comedy shows are held live on Tuesdays at 7:30 PM.
Sunday night karaoke starts at 8 PM with no cover charge.
Parking is limited and can be difficult to find, especially on weekends.
Small bar with a strong sense of community and a Texas vibe offers pool tables, live music, and karaoke. Atmosphere stays chill and relaxed with friendly, welcoming crowds. Layout includes comfy couches, booths, TVs, and an outdoor patio for different group settings.
Classic dive bar vibe with a casual atmosphere and a welcoming feel. Offers a simple, unpretentious setting typical of dive bars.
Live music happens regularly with live bands and DJs performing. Bi-weekly karaoke adds to the music scene alongside pool tables.
Good to know
Karaoke happens every Wednesday at 9 PM and Sunday at 9 PM.
There is plenty of free parking available in the back.
Free snacks are usually offered during events.
Small, dimly lit dive bar with cozy booths and eclectic art creates a seductive, inviting atmosphere filled with live jazz and punk music. Back patio offers space for smoking and darts, adding to the laid-back vibe. Regulars mix with live bands, making it a raw, unpretentious spot with character.
An iconic dive bar dating back to 1946, it strikes a balance between a local joint and a clean, inviting hideout. The spot works well for casual drinks and relaxed conversations after nearby events.
Live music happens most nights with live bands and solo performers like Nealy starting around 9 pm. Events include karaoke, DJs, and trivia, keeping the vibe active even on weekdays.
Good to know
Happy hour runs daily from 4 to 7 PM with discounted drinks.
Karaoke takes place every Thursday night with a two-drink minimum.
Trivia Thursdays start at 8 PM, offering a fun challenge for teams.
Old school dive bar with live music and a dance floor creates a friendly atmosphere popular among locals. The venue features a rocking sound system and hosts events like Chicken Shit BINGO. It serves well-made drinks including a notable Long Island tea and craft beers.
Offers a solid dive bar vibe with a straightforward atmosphere. Drinks lean toward the pricier side, around $17, which stands out for this type of spot.
One of the last old timey bars with live bands and a good crowd. The venue offers great live music regularly.
Good to know
On weekends, there's a cover charge with security.
There is street parking available, or a parking lot a few blocks north.
Karaoke happens on Thursday nights with a vibrant atmosphere.
Divey nightclub bar with an alt rock style and live DJ sets creates a super chill vibe and a diverse crowd that feels like a block party. A huge smoking patio with ample seating and an old-school photo booth add to the relaxed atmosphere. Music ranges from System of a Down to No Doubt, encouraging sing-alongs and lively moments.
A rad little dive bar with a wack vibe and DJs spinning 80s music.
Live music features alt rock style bands with a strong focus on energetic performances. The venue offers a great atmosphere for enjoying drinks alongside the music.
Good to know
The Offbeat does not sell food, so plan accordingly.
Expect a $15 cover charge on Sunday nights.
Drinks are pricey; budget at least $50 for a night out.
Dive bar with live music, karaoke nights, and a large outdoor patio creates a lively, friendly atmosphere. Regulars and creatives mingle in a cozy, energetic setting where music and dancing are common. Pool table and outdoor games add to the casual, social vibe.
Small size and a hidden outdoor patio shape the vibe here. Staff serve drinks in a typical dive bar setting with a local feel.
Live music happens regularly with bands playing on some nights. A Grateful Dead band performs every Tuesday, creating a lively atmosphere.
Good to know
Karaoke happens every Wednesday night, creating a lively atmosphere.
Open mic night is on Tuesdays, showcasing local talent.
Live music on Mondays features Grateful Dead cover bands.