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.
Dark, gritty dive bar with a punk rock vibe and heavy music sets the tone. Walls show weird art and Kiss posters, creating a loud, authentic atmosphere for live music fans.
Cheap drinks include beer and shots. Prices stay low throughout the menu.
"I found the live music here to be great and the vibes were rad."
"This bar's punk vibe is dark, gritty, and loud."
"The drinks here are cheap, especially the beer and shots."
Good to know
Liar’s Club is cash only, so bring cash for drinks.
Street parking is the only option available near Liar’s Club.
They host Kiss karaoke around Halloween every year.
Dive bar with punk rock charm and nostalgic memorabilia offers a cozy, community-oriented vibe with live local music and pinball machines. The space feels warm despite a rough acoustic setting, attracting a supportive, queer-friendly crowd. Cash-only policy and cheap drinks add to its authentic neighborhood feel.
Divey, punk rocky vibe with cheap drinks and a cash-only policy sets the tone. Fun events, karaoke, and pinball machines add to the local, community feel.
Divey, punk rocky bar with a cash-only policy offers cheap beer and shot specials. Prices for beers like Hamm's and handshake combos stay unbeatable.
Good to know
Karaoke nights are on Saturdays and Tuesdays, starting at 8pm.
Reed's Local is a cash-only bar; an ATM is available on-site.
Prices for drinks are welcoming, with beers starting around $4.
Indoor-only dive bar with dog-friendly policy and cozy neighborhood vibe offers a relaxed atmosphere and a fun local crowd. Free popcorn and games like darts and trivia create a casual, welcoming space. Cheap drinks and simple snacks add to the laid-back experience.
Cozy neighborhood dive bar with a really relaxed vibe and dog-friendly indoor space. Offers cheap drinks and has awesome service creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Cheap drinks include affordable beer and tall boys. The bar welcomes dogs.
Good to know
The bar is dog friendly and encourages pets.
Expect a lively atmosphere, great for meeting new people.
The bar is an indoor-only establishment.
Small, family-run dive bar with intimate atmosphere and live jazz music. Friendly, laid-back vibe attracts local regulars and colorful community characters. Cash-only setup with limited liquor selection and no food service.
Dive bar vibe with cheap drinks and a family-run neighborhood feel. Offers live music, bingo, and open mic nights, plus a good spot for watching sports without getting too crowded.
Offers very cheap drinks with a no frills local bar vibe.
Good to know
Bernice's Tavern is cash only; bring cash for drinks and games.
Bingo night, called 'Stingo', happens every Wednesday with fun prizes.
Live music performances occur regularly, enhancing the bar's lively atmosphere.
Neighborhood dive bar with affordable drinks, dog-friendly patio, and LGBTQ+ welcoming vibe. Music plays from a jukebox and sound system, creating a lively but relaxed atmosphere. Regulars chat easily, making it a friendly local hangout.
A dive bar with a friendly neighborhood vibe and affordable drinks. It offers a large beer selection, a full bar, a patio, TVs, and TouchTunes, welcoming all with a chill atmosphere.
Drinks come at a cheap price here. The spot keeps a dive bar feel with affordable options.
Good to know
Max's Place is LGBTQ+ friendly and owned.
The bar has the cheapest drink prices around town.
Credit cards are accepted, making payment easy.
Dive bar with old school vibe and chill atmosphere offers best jukebox in the city and darts. Seating is decent, and patrons can bring their own food. The bar operates on a cash-only basis without craft beer or cocktails.
Quintessential dive bar with a local vibe and a decent amount of seating. Focuses on simple drinks without craft beer or cocktails.
Strong drinks come at a cheap price here. The beer selection also stays affordable throughout.
Good to know
Sovereign Liquors does not serve food but allows customers to bring their own.
Sovereign Liquors is a cash-only bar.
There isn't a way to lock the bathroom door at Sovereign Liquors.
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.
A genuine dive bar with a friendly vibe and reasonably priced drinks. Live jam bands, comedy shows, and a small concert venue keep the atmosphere lively and fun.
Cheap drinks stand out here, especially the house lager which is both tasty and affordable compared to typical American beers.
Good to know
There is a $10 minimum for card payments, equivalent to two drinks.
Expect a lively atmosphere with frequent live events like comedy and music.
Open mic nights happen regularly, showcasing local talent.
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.
Fun setup and great drinks create a lively atmosphere. The karaoke experience stands out as a key feature, making it a popular spot for singing and socializing.
Drinks come at a cheap price and taste great. Prices stand out as reasonable compared to most spots in the city.
Good to know
Karaoke is free, but tips for the DJ are appreciated.
Happy hour runs daily from 5 to 7 PM with discounted drinks.
There is no cover charge to enter the bar.
Long bar with a semicircle indent and wood panel walls creates a classic dive bar setting with old-school Chicago vibes. Neon signs, Blackhawks paraphernalia, and an internet jukebox add to the cozy yet lively atmosphere under elevated train tracks. Cash-only policy and reasonable prices support a no-frills, neighborhood bar experience.
Classic dive bar vibe shines with a curved bar under the L tracks and an old-school atmosphere. Cash-only policy keeps it simple for lunch beers and after work drinks.
Drinks come at a cheap price here, including both bottles and beer. The place offers great value for money on its beverages.
Good to know
Sky Ride Tap accepts only cash, so come prepared.
There is no food menu; only chips and pretzels are available.
Beers can be purchased for to-go consumption.
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.
Dive bar vibe stands out with authentic old school ambiance and cash-only, local bar prices. The atmosphere is dark, no frills, and unpretentious, with good music and friendly bar staff.
Drinks come at cheap prices here, especially the beer. The place offers a solid selection of affordable drinks.
Good to know
Rainbo Club only accepts cash payments.
Rainbo Club does not serve food, but they have chips if asked.
The crowd at Rainbo Club is mostly artists and locals.
Neighborhood bar with an old school Chicago feel and cash-only policy offers a chill atmosphere and dog-friendly environment. Small space fills with a laid-back crowd enjoying pool, darts, and a jukebox. Beer selection stands out alongside affordable drinks and simple hospitality.
A dive bar with cheap beer and a dog-friendly vibe. It offers a friendly neighborhood feel with great service and an old school Chicago atmosphere.
Cheap drinks stand out here with cheap beer and stiff drinks priced lower than many other bars. The bar keeps prices decent while maintaining a good vibe.
Good to know
Farraguts on Clark accepts only cash, but they have ATMs available.
On Friday and Saturday nights, it gets packed, and many people end up just standing around with their drinks.
Dogs are welcome at Farraguts on Clark.
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.
A cash-only dive bar opens early at 7am and offers an awesome selection of beers. The service is outstanding, with a bartender named Frank who stands out for his skill and friendliness.
Drinks come at a cheap price here. The spot feels comfy and welcoming without being a dirty dive bar.
Good to know
Rossi's is a cash-only bar that opens at 7am.
Rossi's has a full crowd during Riot Fest season.
Expect limited seating during peak hours.
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.
An old school dive bar with a historic neighborhood vibe and friendly, experienced bartenders. It hosts pop-up food events and captures the feel of a classic Chicago tavern.
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.
Good to know
Lunch is served from 11 AM to 2 PM on weekdays.
They host a Monday Night Foodball pop-up event.
Expect a rotating selection of local cooks at food pop-ups.
Old-school dive bar with 1950s decor and neon beer signs creates a nostalgic, smoky atmosphere. Classic jukebox and vintage arcade machines add to the authentic Chicago tavern vibe. Cash-only policy and space to dance complete the experience.
Offers an authentic old Chicago bar experience with a smoky dive bar vibe. Features cheap bottled beer, a great jukebox, cash-only payment, and a faded, 1950s-style decor that feels warm and intimate.
Cheap drinks include bottled beer, two-ingredient cocktails, and a dirty martini. Prices stay low with cash-only payment in a smoky, dive bar setting.
Good to know
Richard's Bar accepts only cash.
Smoking is allowed inside the bar.
The bar does not have a food menu, only potato chips.
Dive bar atmosphere with cash-only policy and turtle races creates a quirky, lively vibe. Crowd enjoys silly fun and local charm in a relaxed setting. Pizza offerings add a casual, tasty touch to the experience.
A family-owned dive bar with a cash-only policy offers turtle races and a friendly vibe where chatting at the bar feels natural.
Cheap pitchers and affordable beer stand out here. Drinks consistently come at a low price.
Good to know
Big Joe's is cash only; bring cash for drinks and food.
Turtle races happen every Friday night, offering a lively atmosphere.
Expect a fun and energetic vibe during the turtle races.
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.
Old school prices and a real old Chicago feel define this easy-going dive bar. It offers a no-bullshit vibe and stands out as a hidden jewel among local bars.
Strong drinks come at a cheap price here. The spot offers a good variety of affordable options.
Good to know
Skylark is a cash-only establishment, so bring cash or use the ATM inside.
They now offer a really good brunch with hosted pop-ups on weekends.
Expect a fun atmosphere with events like 'Roll the Tire Tuesdays with Dano.'
Neighborhood bar with pool tables, dartboards, and multiple TVs streaming sports creates a casual, relaxed vibe. Friendly crowd and a sense of rich history make it feel like a familiar gathering spot. Bold, spooky decorations add unique character to the space.
A classic dive bar with a rich history and friendly service. It offers good prices and a relaxed, casual vibe perfect for kid-free nights.
Side room rentals come at a very cheap rate for events. Service feels friendly and affordable.
Good to know
You can rent the side room for very cheap for events.
The Levee accepts cash only, but there is an ATM on site for convenience.
The Levee will have been a bar for 100 years in 2028.
Small, cozy bar with pool table and large screens for games creates a laid-back, friendly vibe. Locals gather for karaoke and cheap drinks in a relaxed, neighborhood setting. Atmosphere feels welcoming but can be quiet or awkward for newcomers.
A true neighborhood bar with a welcoming vibe shaped by Izzy's masterful bar running. It feels cute and inviting, creating more than just service but a whole atmosphere.
Cheap drinks stand out here, especially the Guinness which is priced very low. Karaoke adds to the value without raising costs.
Good to know
There is a 20-30 minute wait for a chance to sing karaoke.
There is a $15 minimum for credit card payments.
You can bring your own food to eat while enjoying drinks.
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.
Cozy vibe with friendly bartenders creates a welcoming atmosphere. Drinks come at reasonable prices, and outside food is allowed, adding to the relaxed feel of this historic dive bar.
Drinks come at cheap prices with daily specials and monthly beer deals. Bar staff stay friendly throughout.
Good to know
Karaoke night is every Tuesday, attracting a younger crowd.
Trivia happens on Wednesdays at 8pm with a lively host.
Seating fills up quickly on weekends, so arrive early.
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.
Offers a quintessential blues bar vibe with live music and cheap drinks.
Drinks cost between $6 and $10, making them notably cheap. Both beers and other drinks stay within this affordable range.
Good to know
Blue Chicago is a cash-only bar, so bring cash for drinks.
There is a $15 cover charge to enter Blue Chicago.
Live performances start at 9pm, with doors opening at 8pm.
Bar combines retro neighborhood vibe with a large hidden patio and video games. Atmosphere feels like a local pub with country and rock music, attracting a crowd mostly over 45 years old. Cocktails are creative and the setting mixes funky, nostalgic elements with consistent comfort.
Warm, friendly, and fun atmosphere creates a quintessential neighborhood bar feel. Offers incredible craft cocktails, great food, and a relaxed vibe with people unwinding nearby.
Drinks come at incredibly cheap prices, especially domestic draft beer. The menu offers a great variety, from cheap beer to high-end whiskey and proper cocktails.
Good to know
The bar can get quite crowded, especially on weekends.
Seating is first come, first serve, so arrive early.
Parking in the area may be a little difficult.
Bar and grill with indoor and outdoor seating, including a large patio with pool table and bean bag toss. Atmosphere is lively and fun, with loud music and a crowd that enjoys games and sports events. Offers affordable food and drinks with a focus on burgers, wings, and bar snacks.
Affordable burgers and fries stand out compared to other bar and grills. Bar side hot dogs arrive hot and crispy, made to order. The spot offers a great vibe with enjoyable bar games.
Prices stay low with cheap drinks and well-priced items. A cheap beer is easy to find, making it a budget-friendly spot.
Good to know
Trivia night happens every Wednesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.
Open mic events take place every Thursday starting at 7pm.
Social Junkie has a large parking lot available for guests.
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.
A lively front room and a quieter back room create a friendly drinking atmosphere without a sport's bar vibe. Bartenders deliver great service and the bar offers a good selection of cocktails and beer with plenty of seating at a long counter.
Cheap PBRs and beer stand out here. Small tables fit groups well, but drinks overall are not cheap.
Good to know
Cash is preferred, and a 10% discount is given for not using cards.
There is no food available, but patrons can bring or order in food.
Happy hour runs on weekdays, offering a nice atmosphere for casual drinks.
Neighborhood dive bar with a spacious interior and stylish mural offers a diverse jukebox instead of live music. Atmosphere feels cozy yet lively, filled mostly with regulars who know each other. Drinks are inexpensive and strong, making it a simple, easygoing spot without food service.
Feels like a real-life version of Cheers with an easygoing pub vibe and a neighborhood dive bar atmosphere. Offers super-boozy drinks like Old Fashioneds for around $10 and hosts events like karaoke nights.
Cheap drinks stand out here, especially the beer. The bar also features a mural that adds to the vibe while you enjoy affordable options.
Good to know
Karaoke happens every Thursday night, starting at 10pm.
Cove Lounge does not serve food, but you can bring your own.
The bar only accepts cash payments.
Pool hall offers 12 well-maintained tables including 9-foot tables in a laid back, friendly atmosphere with fantastic music. Space feels old school Chicago billiards with a no frills environment and a backyard smoking area. It gets crowded but maintains a hometown vibe with a mix of quiet and lively energy.
A full-service bar offers Prosecco for mimosas alongside a menu with quality pizza, burgers, and club sandwiches that stand out from typical bar food. The atmosphere stays laid back and friendly, with bartenders treating everyone kindly.
Food and beers come at a cheap price here. Drinks have a cheap alcohol taste and are not name brand.
Good to know
Pool tables cost $14 per hour for one person, $18 for two, and $21 for three or more.
Expect to wait for a table on busy nights, especially league nights.
Parking includes metered and free spaces, with about 20 spots available in front.
Dive bar with a wraparound bar, seven TVs, and an internet jukebox creates a lively, classic pub vibe. Front room buzzes with sports energy and regulars chatting, while back booths offer a cozier, relaxed setting. Atmosphere blends nostalgic charm with unpretentious laughter and casual dining.
A lively spot with classic dive-bar energy and friendly bartenders serving strong drinks at reasonable prices. The bar offers a laid-back atmosphere with a cozy back room and quick, easy service.
Offers cheap drinks like $3 mystery shots and cheap beers with generous pours. Food prices stay low, making it a solid spot for a quick, affordable meal in an expensive area.
Good to know
The drink prices at Snickers Bar & Grill are reasonable for downtown Chicago.
They accept both credit card and cash payments.
The parking lot is small and often full, making parking challenging.