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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Illinois

Cheap hangouts

A cool atmosphere that doesn't come with an inflated price tag.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
THE OCKY WAY SMOKE SHOP image 1
THE OCKY WAY SMOKE SHOP image 2
THE OCKY WAY SMOKE SHOP image 3
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Smoke shop offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with a clean, comfortable environment. It features a wide variety of products including fresh cigars, prerolls, and exotic treats at affordable prices. The vibe is chill and feels like home.

Prices stay consistently cheap here. The shop offers affordable options across its products.

Cool temperature inside creates a chill vibe. People there are cool and the shop offers cool stuff to check out.

People are saying

"The spot was cool and a great place to chill."

"I found the prices to be cheap and offered good deals."

Good to know

1

The shop offers a wide variety of products including wraps, drinks, and snacks.

2

Prices are affordable and often considered cheap compared to other shops.

3

They have a selection of exotic candy and treats.

02
Liarโ€™s Club image 1

Classic dive bar with dark, gritty atmosphere and punk rock decor sets a raw, authentic tone. Loud, powerful live music energizes the space, attracting fans of punk and rock scenes. Tight layout offers room to dance without feeling cramped, creating a vibrant, underground vibe.

Cheap drinks include beer and shots. Prices stay low throughout the menu.

Dark vibes set a cool atmosphere throughout the venue. The space looks super cool and works well as a bar and music spot.

People are saying

"I found the live music here to be great and the vibes were rad."

"This bar's punk vibe is dark, gritty, and loud."

"This place has such cool dark vibes."

Good to know

1

Liarโ€™s Club is cash only, so bring cash for drinks.

2

Street parking is the only option available near Liarโ€™s Club.

3

They host Kiss karaoke around Halloween every year.

03
Cole's Bar image 1

Narrow space combines dive bar vibes with a small concert venue featuring live jam bands and eclectic shows. Walls display local art, and wooden bench booths add to the creative, relaxed atmosphere. Crowd is diverse, lively, and drawn by affordable drinks and authentic counterculture energy.

Cheap drinks stand out here, especially the house lager which is both tasty and affordable compared to typical American beers.

A cool Chicago dive feel sets the vibe with a bar up front and a stage area in the back. The spot stays cool even on Sunday evenings.

People are saying

"It's a chill, friendly dive bar with pool tables and live music."

"I had a blast at the super funny comedy show."

"It's a cool little spot with a chill vibe."

Good to know

1

There is a $10 minimum for card payments, equivalent to two drinks.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere with frequent live events like comedy and music.

3

Open mic nights happen regularly, showcasing local talent.

04
Brando's Lincoln Park image 1

Bar offers an upscale karaoke setup with an easy queue system and live music on Sundays. Decor combines cozy lounge-like and beautiful aesthetic elements, creating a classy and fun atmosphere. DJs and karaoke hosts maintain a lively vibe with great music and song availability.

Drinks come at a cheap price and taste great. Prices stand out as reasonable compared to most spots in the city.

Good vibes fill the space with cool decorations setting the tone. DJs spin tracks that keep the energy lively and fresh.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are phenomenal, especially during karaoke."

"The drinks here are cheap and taste great."

"I found it pretty cool."

Good to know

1

Karaoke is free, but tips for the DJ are appreciated.

2

Happy hour runs daily from 5 to 7 PM with discounted drinks.

3

There is no cover charge to enter the bar.

05
Rainbo Club image 1

Classic dive bar with vintage interior and eclectic art on the walls creates a laid-back, authentic vibe. Lighting suits reading or laptop work, and a film photo booth adds a unique touch. Crowd tends to be chill and quiet, with cash-only transactions and inexpensive drinks.

Drinks come at cheap prices here, especially the beer. The place offers a solid selection of affordable drinks.

Cash-only dive bar vibe feels retro and super cool. Film-based photo booth adds a unique, cool experience.

People are saying

"It's a classic, authentic dive bar with an old school vibe."

"The drinks here are cheap and ice cold."

"It's a super cool retro dive bar with a great vibe."

Good to know

1

Rainbo Club only accepts cash payments.

2

Rainbo Club does not serve food, but they have chips if asked.

3

The crowd at Rainbo Club is mostly artists and locals.

06
Skylark image 1

Dive bar with authentic Chicago vibe and no TVs creates a loud, energetic atmosphere. Walls display historic memorabilia and the space features live local music and a pinball machine. Cash-only policy and eclectic decor add to the straightforward, no-frills experience.

Strong drinks come at a cheap price here. The spot offers a good variety of affordable options.

A laid-back spot with a retro vibe creates a super cool atmosphere. Friendly people add to the overall chill feel.

People are saying

"It's a cool, laid-back spot with a retro vibe."

"This dive bar is cash only, but there's an ATM inside."

"The drinks here are strong and cheap."

Good to know

1

Skylark is a cash-only establishment, so bring cash or use the ATM inside.

2

They now offer a really good brunch with hosted pop-ups on weekends.

3

Expect a fun atmosphere with events like 'Roll the Tire Tuesdays with Dano.'

07
Jimmy's Gyros & Grill image 1
Fast food restaurant

Tiny fast food spot blends Greek and American road culture with an open kitchen where staff prepare food in plain view. The atmosphere stays lively and welcoming, with chill music adding to the inviting vibe. Limited seating means most eat standing or take food to go.

Prices stay cheap here, making it easy to grab greasy fast food without spending much. Food comes out quick and satisfies cravings on a budget.

Really cool service and hospitality create a welcoming vibe. The spot has a lot of history that adds to its cool character.

People are saying

"I found the Greek food, especially the gyros, to be excellent."

"It's a really cool spot with lots of history."

"I thought the food here was cheap and yummy."

Good to know

1

Jimmy's Gyros & Grill offers a late night special.

2

The restaurant closes at 3am, making it a late-night option.

3

There is no bathroom available at the restaurant.

08
Blue Chicago image 1
Live music bar

Small, vintage blues bar with an intimate, no-frills setup focused on live music. Atmosphere feels authentic and cozy, with close proximity to local talent performing on a narrow stage at the back. Venue stays lively until late, attracting an enthusiastic crowd and offering cash-only service with room to dance.

Drinks cost between $6 and $10, making them notably cheap. Both beers and other drinks stay within this affordable range.

Classic jazz and blues music create a cool atmosphere with old school Chicago style vibes. Live bands and singers keep the energy authentic and lively.

People are saying

"The live music here is phenomenal and top-notch."

"The drinks here are cheap."

"I found the atmosphere really cool during the blues concert."

Good to know

1

Blue Chicago is a cash-only bar, so bring cash for drinks.

2

There is a $15 cover charge to enter Blue Chicago.

3

Live performances start at 9pm, with doors opening at 8pm.

09
Rossi's image 1

Dark dive bar with a half-circle bar, limited seating, and country flags hanging from the ceiling creates a true neighborhood vibe. Customers grab beers from refrigerators and bring them to the bar for opening, adding to the casual, self-serve feel. The atmosphere is lively and authentic, with good music and a jukebox enhancing the experience.

Drinks come at a cheap price here. The spot feels comfy and welcoming without being a dirty dive bar.

Strong drinks come at half the price of other bars in this old school spot. Picking your own beer adds a cool touch, while the friendly staff keeps the vibe welcoming and laid-back.

People are saying

"I thought it was the best and most authentic dive bar."

"It's a cool dive bar with cheap drinks."

"The drinks here are cheap and appropriately priced."

Good to know

1

Rossi's is a cash-only bar that opens at 7am.

2

Rossi's has a full crowd during Riot Fest season.

3

Expect limited seating during peak hours.

10
Fast Eddie's Bon Air image 1

Bar offers live music with a large outdoor patio featuring a retractable roof and misting fans. Atmosphere mixes dated decor with a fun, lively vibe that suits celebrations and casual gatherings. Beers come ice cold in frosted glasses, enhancing the relaxed energy.

Food comes at cheap prices with cold beer and a full bar offering frozen drinks. The menu features good, affordable food that draws people looking for a lively, budget-friendly spot.

Vintage bar with a cool atmosphere and a very cool stage. Offers a consistently fun, cool experience.

People are saying

"The food here is really good and inexpensive."

"I found the food to be good and cheap."

"I found the bar to be a really cool place with a great atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Bring cash as they only take cash.

2

Fast Eddie's Bon Air is for patrons aged 21 and up only.

3

Live music events occur regularly, featuring country and hip hop genres.

11
Friar Tuck image 1

Cozy dive bar with a neighborhood-style vibe and historic charm featuring 1950s cash registers. Atmosphere stays chill and welcoming, attracting an easygoing crowd that fills up by late evening. Offers free popcorn and a jukebox, creating a casual spot for hanging out or bar crawls.

Drinks come at cheap prices with daily specials and monthly beer deals. Bar staff stay friendly throughout.

A dive bar with a vibe that feels like The Shire. The cool door stands out right away, setting a unique tone.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are amazing and remember your name."

"I found the drinks here to be cheap."

"It's a cool little dive bar that looked like The Shire."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night is every Tuesday, attracting a younger crowd.

2

Trivia happens on Wednesdays at 8pm with a lively host.

3

Seating fills up quickly on weekends, so arrive early.

12
NYC HALAL EATS NILES image 1
Halal restaurant

Small halal restaurant with a clean, cool interior and large TV creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The vibe suits families and groups, with reasonable prices and generous portions. Frequent patrons benefit from a rewards system.

Food comes in super cheap portions that are both fast and tasty. Prices stay very low and fair throughout.

Cool graphics cover the walls, setting a chillax atmosphere throughout the spacious area. Various seating styles add to the cool vibe of the place.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and filling."

"The food here is dangerously good and smells amazing."

"The food here is so delicious and cheap."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers generous portions at reasonable prices.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere during lunch and dinner hours.

3

The menu has a variety of options for quick meals or late-night snacks.

13
Frank and Mary's Tavern image 1

Classic dive bar with a fishing theme and historic charm updated through thoughtful renovations. Atmosphere stays relaxed and cozy, attracting an older crowd who share stories in a lively yet low-key setting. Features include outdoor seating, multiple TVs, and a jukebox system, with music leaning toward pop country and hip-hop rather than punk or metal.

Cheap drinks and cheap beers make this spot a go-to for locals. The bar keeps things simple with good service and a sunlit patio in warmer months.

A dive bar feel shapes the atmosphere, making it a cool spot to chill with friends. The vibe targets a specific demographic while keeping the original name.

People are saying

"It's a great old neighborhood bar with a cool dive feel."

"I loved drinking cheap beers with my friends here."

"It's got that cool dive bar feel."

Good to know

1

Lunch is served from 11 AM to 2 PM on weekdays.

2

They host a Monday Night Foodball pop-up event.

3

Expect a rotating selection of local cooks at food pop-ups.

14
Green Eye Lounge image 1

Neighborhood bar with art-filled dive bar style and nostalgic decor offers a lively front room and quieter back room. Atmosphere stays cozy and friendly with classic rock music at a sensible volume, making conversation easy. Pinball and board games add to the casual, unpretentious vibe.

Cheap PBRs and beer stand out here. Small tables fit groups well, but drinks overall are not cheap.

A classic transition bar with really nice, cool vibes. It works well as a pregame or cool-down spot.

People are saying

"It's a cozy neighborhood bar with a classic Chicago dive vibe."

"It's a cool, lived-in place that doesn't ask anything of you."

"The booze here is cheap, perfect for groups."

Good to know

1

Cash is preferred, and a 10% discount is given for not using cards.

2

There is no food available, but patrons can bring or order in food.

3

Happy hour runs on weekdays, offering a nice atmosphere for casual drinks.

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