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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to LWS, Chicago

Food and cocktails

A long day deserves to end with a stiff drink and a plate of food.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated April 2026
01
Oso & The Bull image 1
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Sports bar

Sports bar offers a relaxed vibe with a friendly atmosphere and great music. It draws people who enjoy watching games with fewer TVs than typical sports bars. Known for top-quality casual eats, especially standout nachos and burgers, it balances chill energy with solid food and drink options.

Food here is consistently delicious and of high quality. The menu pairs well with a chill vibe and warm service, making it a solid spot for both quick bites and relaxed meals.

Unique cocktails like Jungle Bird, Welcome Home, and Cucumber Cooler stand out here. The South Side cocktail also gets attention, with options to customize drinks by adding tequila.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazingly cooked and delicious."

"The steak was cooked perfectly and full of flavor."

"I really liked their cocktail drinks."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Outdoor dining is available for guests looking to enjoy the fresh air.

3

The venue is a popular spot for watching sports events, especially football games.

02
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Event venue

Event venue offers a visually stunning and elegant ambiance with thoughtful design and flexible space. Atmosphere feels lively yet comfortable, encouraging connection and celebration with top-notch cocktails and community-driven events. Space supports diverse gatherings with amenities like AV equipment, green room, and inclusive features.

Events feature food pop-ups that serve super yummy dishes. The atmosphere encourages laughter and enjoyment of food and beverages together.

Creative and delicious specialty cocktails stand out here, with the Goldfashion being a notable old fashioned. A custom-built cocktail bar highlights the focus on craftsmanship and hospitality.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative and delicious."

"The staff's professionalism and warmth made our Private Room event a success."

"The food and drinks here were incredible."

Good to know

1

Hoste supports and uplifts the queer and BIPOC community through its events.

2

The venue is suitable for weddings, corporate events, and private parties.

3

Parking is plentiful and easily accessible for guests.

03
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Mexican restaurant

Dark, narrow speakeasy with a long bar and intimate, cozy atmosphere filled with cultural art and decor. Vibe blends laid-back warmth with moments of loud energy, making it suitable for romantic dinners or fun nights out. Frequented by those seeking unique cocktails and authentic Mexican flavors in a hidden gem setting.

Food here is full of flavor and beautifully presented. Dishes like pozole and branzino stand out for their taste and quality.

Creative and artfully crafted cocktails define the drink menu. The program stands out with homemade ingredients like their unique squirt, delivering consistently fantastic flavors.

People are saying

"The potato tacos were very tasty with a homemade flavor."

"The cocktails here are artfully created and delicious."

"The food here is thoughtfully prepared and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect a wait of about 30 minutes for walk-ins during peak hours.

3

Dinner for two typically costs around $220, including drinks.

04
Alulu Brewery and Pub image 1

Small brewery offers a creative, relaxed vibe with a perfect bar atmosphere and excellent beers like Czech pilsner and dark lager. Outdoor patio provides abundant seating and a charming, comfy space ideal for conversation. Neighborhood feel blends with on-point music and a casual, inviting energy.

Food comes with great beer and delicious flavors. The menu offers legit good dishes that pair well with the drinks.

Crafted cocktails stand out with unique flavors and beautiful presentation. The selection pairs well with a variety of beers, offering a great mix for different tastes.

People are saying

"I found the beer selection to be great and excellent."

"The food here is amazing and really good."

"The cocktails here are yummy and unique."

Good to know

1

The brewery is open until 11:00 p.m. during the week.

2

Parking can be challenging on a Saturday; be prepared to walk a block or two.

3

Their menu has many specials, including 50% off wings every Tuesday.

05
La Mejikana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Urban Latino spot with a hidden patio and chic dive bar vibe offers live DJ sets mixing old jams and Spanish music. Indoor space feels dark and loud, especially when music peaks, while patio seating provides a quieter atmosphere for conversation. The place fills up with people enjoying singing and dancing, creating a lively energy.

Food features amazing queso birria tacos and consistently delicious dishes. Drinks and service match the incredible quality of the meals.

Cocktails here are incredibly tasty and beautifully presented with perfect garnishes. The Mejikรฃna cocktail stands out, though some find it a bit sweet until balanced with a lime wedge.

People are saying

"The Mexican food's grilled octopus is tender with a flavorful sauce."

"The cocktails are fresh, not too sweet, and made with care."

"The food here is really tasty and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect a wait during busy hours.

2

Parking is available on the street next to Ashland, and paid parking is in front.

3

It can get busy after 5 PM, so be prepared for a wait.

06
Mariscos San Pedro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, seaside-style interior with thoughtful decor creates a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. Loud Mexican and Latin music fills the space, making conversation challenging amid the busy service environment. Tables often sit close to kitchen activity, adding to the lively, energetic vibe.

Food bursts with incredible flavor and shows atypical inventiveness. Every dish tastes uniformly delicious and leaves a strong impression.

Cocktails feature Tinto de Verano and a mezcal cocktail that stand out. Mondays offer half-priced bottles of wine.

People are saying

"The seafood here, especially the dorade and tostadas, is creative and delicious."

"The food here is so fresh and made with love."

"The cocktails here were great."

Good to know

1

Monday night deals offer great value for diners.

2

Expect delays if events start later than scheduled.

3

Reservations are recommended for busy nights to avoid long waits.

07
Simone's image 1
Bar & grill

Bar and grill with steampunk decor featuring recycled pinball machines and bowling alley parts creates a unique vibe. Atmosphere is energetic and fun, with salsa and bachata dancing and a DJ playing well-mixed tunes at night. Backroom offers an awesome party space, attracting a younger crowd looking to enjoy good music and drinks.

Food offers amazing flavor with a unique character and simple fare that feels fantastic. Prices lean a bit high but the quality stays excellent and affordable.

Cocktails feature fun and refreshing mixes with ingredients like mezcal, orange liqueur, passion fruit purรฉe, cucumber, and fresh lime. Drinks often come with unique touches such as a Tajรญn rim and cost around $12.00.

People are saying

"The bar's atmosphere felt alive, eclectic, and deeply rooted in culture."

"I found the food here to be good and unique."

"I felt alive and seen sipping cocktails in this eclectic atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Drag brunch happens every Sunday with a reservation recommended due to popularity.

2

Karaoke night is every Thursday starting at 10 PM with a two-drink minimum.

3

Live DJ performances occur every Friday and Saturday night from 9 PM.

08
Thalia Hall image 1
Live music venue

Historic opera house converted into a modern music venue offers intimate concerts with great acoustics and vintage architecture. Spacious layout includes a balcony and multiple bars, creating a cool atmosphere with excellent views from all angles.

Food comes at reasonable prices, with items like popcorn for $4 and hot dogs for $5. Drinks and food cost less than at many other venues, and the menu offers basic but good options that taste great.

Two bars upstairs serve cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits with reasonably priced draft cocktails that taste decent. The basement hosts a juice-based cocktail bar called The Punch Bowl and offers a variety of N/A specialty cocktails that are well balanced.

People are saying

"It's an intimate venue with awesome sound and good acoustics."

"The food here is great, especially the wings and oysters."

"The cocktails here are great and the sound quality is lovely."

Good to know

1

Parking in the area can be rough; add time for street parking.

2

The coat check costs $5.

3

Food is reasonably priced, with popcorn at $4 and hot dogs at $5.

09
El Taco Azteca - Pilsen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open-concept Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Offers an elaborate vegan menu alongside traditional dishes and excellent margaritas with diverse flavors. Small space includes TVs for games, creating a dynamic yet relaxed vibe.

Food comes out hot and fresh with authentic Mexican flavors that focus on taste over fancy presentation. Vegan options stand out as ridiculously delicious, and happy hour offers great food and drinks.

Cocktails come with an afternoon happy hour and generally taste good. Some mixed drinks lack alcohol despite their price, and staff may misrepresent liquor content when questioned.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was amazing and sophisticated."

"I thought the food was amazing and fresh."

"I found the cocktails here to be very good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2 to 7 pm with $5 margaritas.

2

Expect a 75-minute wait during peak hours.

3

The restaurant has a good selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

10
Punch House image 1

Basement bar with a speakeasy vibe and nautical theme features dim lighting and an aquarium behind the bar. DJs spin vinyl records playing classic yacht rock, jazz, and local hip hop, creating an intimate, low-key atmosphere. Seating is cushy and expansive, attracting a diverse crowd mingling, chatting, or dancing.

Food pairs well with mocktails and cocktails here. Late night options exist but are not the stand-out feature.

Cocktails here are well crafted but lean toward classic styles rather than fancy or perfect. The spot offers a cozy atmosphere with expansive seating and often features a live DJ on weekends.

People are saying

"It's a chill speakeasy with dim lighting and awesome hip hop music."

"I enjoyed the delicious cocktails here."

"The food and mocktails here are amazing."

Good to know

1

Drag shows occur every Wednesday night, starting at 8pm.

2

A DJ performs every Thursday night, creating a vibrant nightlife experience.

3

Happy hour runs from 5-7pm with discounted punch options.

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Lower West Side, Chicago

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