# Cool bars in River North > You want a bar that feels like it has a distinct point of view rather than just another generic taproom. Source: https://www.atly.com/united-states/illinois/chicago/river-north/best-bar-cool ## Places (26) ### 1. Lulu's Speakeasy Small, meticulously designed space captures a Prohibition-era speakeasy feel with dim red lighting and a clubby atmosphere. Energy shifts from intimate and relaxed when quiet to lively and crowded with a diverse crowd and live music upstairs. The vibe balances cozy comfort with a cool, exclusive edge. - Address: 712 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Lulu's-Speakeasy ### 2. Zombie Taco Taco restaurant inside a hotel lobby offers a funky atmosphere with old arcade games and live DJs on weekends. The space includes a bar area where check-in happens, creating a lively vibe. Seating areas feature board games and kiosks for ordering, blending casual dining with entertainment. - Address: 530 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/ZombieTaco1 ### 3. Bar Moxy Huge space filled with board games and foosball competitions creates a lively yet laid-back vibe. Comfortable seating and a DJ spinning tunes keep energy relaxed without overwhelming. Drinks come with a professional yet cool atmosphere suited for groups or dates. - Address: 152 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/BarMoxy3 ### 4. Stardust Two floors offer distinct atmospheres with dueling piano performances upstairs and a DJ-driven speakeasy downstairs. The space combines futuristic and astrology-themed decor with energetic, authentic Chicago vibes. Music ranges from jazz and blues to R&B, creating a lively and friendly environment. - Address: 710 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Stardust1 ### 5. No Vacancy Dark academia decor creates a classy yet casual vibe with comfortable bar seating and large screen TVs for watching games. The atmosphere stays fun and welcoming, featuring DJs on weekends and a solid beer tap system. Food and drinks include amazing birria egg rolls and craft cocktails, making it a popular spot for game days. - Address: 509 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/NoVacancy ### 6. The Green Door Tavern Cozy dive bar with historic wooden interiors and a hidden speakeasy downstairs creates a unique old-school vibe. Social and friendly atmosphere fills the space with nostalgic memorabilia and warm energy. Regulars enjoy spinning a shot wheel and relaxing with good music and sports on TV. - Address: 678 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TheGreenDoorTavern ### 7. Arbella Large space divides into distinct atmospheres with comfortable booths and a lively club room. Music features a DJ-driven sound system playing chill, high-energy tunes that shape a fun, unpretentious vibe. Patrons include stylish young crowds, but the atmosphere welcomes all ages for drinks and conversation. - Address: 112 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Arbella ### 8. Shamrock Club Old-school bar extends deep inside with a pool table, jukebox, and popcorn machine adding to the casual vibe. Loud, fun crowd creates a welcoming, neighborhood atmosphere where people relax and socialize. Outdoor patio offers a perfect spot for warm days, enhancing the laid-back energy. - Address: 210 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/ShamrockClub ### 9. The 101 Bar, Grill & Rooftop Mediterranean restaurant with a rooftop bar offering spectacular city views and multiple seating options including fire pits and private couches. Live music creates a lively atmosphere that balances well with conversation. Cocktails and food receive strong praise, contributing to an overall vibrant and welcoming vibe. - Address: 101 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/The-101-Bar-Grill-Rooftop ### 10. Electric Shuffle Chicago Shuffleboard with high-tech tracking and immersive visuals defines the space, blending classic gameplay with modern tech. Vibrant social energy fills the stylish, throwback-decorated bar, enhanced by live DJ music and a fun, competitive vibe. Cocktails and food complement the atmosphere, making it lively yet not overcrowded. - Address: Illinois & Wells, Chicago, IL 60654, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/ElectricShuffleChicago ### 11. Rossi's 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. - Address: 412 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Rossi's ### 12. Crushed By Giants Brewing Company Brewpub occupies a spacious second-floor spot with modern decor and fantastic artwork. Atmosphere stays chill and cozy with good music playing at a comfortable volume. Seating includes wide, cushioned bar stools that add to the relaxed vibe. - Address: 600 N Michigan Ave 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60611, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/CrushedByGiantsBrewingCompany ### 13. SPIN Chicago Large space with plenty of ping pong tables creates an active, lively vibe. Music and a DJ on weekends add energy, while semi-private rooms offer quieter spots for groups. The venue suits both group parties and casual drinks, balancing fun and relaxation without feeling crowded. - Address: 344 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/SPINChicago ### 14. Ghost Donkey Upstairs space offers a hidden, cozy lounge with stunning decor and couch tables. Music is loud and upbeat, often featuring a DJ and dance elements like salsa lessons and bubble machines. The vibe suits date nights and lively gatherings, blending traditional Mexican influences with a modern bar atmosphere. - Address: 415 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/GhostDonkey ### 15. Watershed Bar Speakeasy-style bar with an old school decor featuring CDs and vinyl records creates a cozy, dimly lit atmosphere. Comfortable seating and light music foster a chill, intimate vibe where patrons can request songs and enjoy a solid bourbon selection. - Address: 603 N State St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/WatershedBar ### 16. Clark Street Ale House Sumo wrestling-themed bar with neon signs and murals creates a unique setting. Low lighting and candle-like decorations set a chill, intimate atmosphere with sports on screens. Dogs are welcome, and free popcorn adds a casual, friendly touch. - Address: 742 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60610, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/ClarkStreetAleHouse ### 17. Marshall's Landing Space offers great river views and a wrap-around bar with comfortable seating. Atmosphere feels warm and versatile, suitable for quiet work or informal meetings, though music can be loud and varied. Private dining rooms overlook the river, supporting gatherings and events. - Address: 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza #613, Chicago, IL 60654, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Marshall's-Landing ### 18. Charlie Martin's Cozy space with Hollywood regency decor and mood lighting creates a speakeasy vibe. Bartenders craft exceptional cocktails, including standout Old Fashioneds and martinis. Atmosphere suits jazzy date nights and sophisticated dining with white tablecloths. - Address: 736 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Charlie-Martin's ### 19. LIA Tavern Space blends modern art and dining with Jackson Pollock-inspired decor and a gallery-like atmosphere. Music plays at a perfect volume to support conversation, creating a relaxed yet stylish vibe. Guests enjoy a cozy setting with tasteful rustic details that balance the artistic design. - Address: 11 W Illinois St Floor 4, Chicago, IL 60654, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/LIATavern ### 20. Blue Chicago 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. - Address: 536 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/BlueChicago ### 21. House of Blues Chicago Small venue with live blues music creates an authentic blues atmosphere filled with enthusiastic energy. Interior features beautiful woodwork and psychedelic decor with unique side rooms. Crowds enjoy music alongside strong cocktails in a warm, pleasant setting. - Address: 329 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/HouseOfBluesChicago ### 22. Mom's Place - A Chicago Gathering Spot Bar space divides into three distinct rooms featuring live jazz and funk music, karaoke, and a pool table area. Atmosphere shifts from vibrant and lively to cozy with nostalgic decor and multiple bars across two levels. Frequented by a diverse crowd, it offers specialty cocktails and TV screens throughout for entertainment. - Address: 650 N Dearborn Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60654, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Mom's-Place---A-Chicago-Gathering-Spot ### 23. Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - Chicago Elegant restaurant with stunning windows and Instagram-worthy décor creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with perfectly curated music. The vibe is lively and friendly, enhanced by attentive service and a beautiful city view. The space balances upscale soul food dining with a fun, electric energy. - Address: 339 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Kitchen-Kocktails-By-Kevin-Kelley---Chicago ### 24. Chicago Chop House Restored brownstone with early 1900s decor and photos of local celebrities creates a traditional steakhouse atmosphere. Live piano music plays softly, adding to the luxurious and old-fashioned vibe. Comfortable seating and personalized touches enhance a refined dining experience. - Address: 60 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/ChicagoChopHouse ### 25. The Alston Dining room offers spacious elegance with a unique interior design and tableside presentations like duck press. Atmosphere blends pre-Covid hospitality with a lively, upscale crowd. Bar serves impressive cocktails alongside expert wine pairings. - Address: 750 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TheAlston ### 26. Crying Tiger Restaurant offers an immersive Asian-inspired interior with a beautifully designed layout and a stylish bar area. Music features 90s hip-hop and R&B, creating a fun and cool vibe throughout the space. The atmosphere feels lively and memorable, blending great energy with a gorgeous setting. - Address: 51 W Hubbard St suite 200, Chicago, IL 60654, USA - Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/CryingTiger ## Get this data directly This page comes from the Atly Places API, which scores close to 2 million places against more than 1,400 intents — "nice view", "work friendly", "gluten free", "dog friendly" — from what real reviewers say, with the statements behind every score. - **MCP server:** `https://agentic-api.atly.com/mcp` — connect it in ChatGPT or Claude. Nothing to install. - **Guide for agents:** - **OpenAPI contract:** - **No key needed to start.** `POST https://agentic-api.atly.com/v0/keys` with an email raises the quota. Coverage is densest in the United States, with pockets in Mexico, Israel and Thailand.