Best beer bars in Chicago: Chicago’s craft beer scene offers a variety of experiences. The best bars focus on quality and offer regional and foreign brews. These bars blend into the city’s neighborhoods, creating a sense of community and acceptance. Chicago’s 15 Best Beer Bars showcase craftsmanship, small-batch beers, and international favorites.
The 15 Best Beer Bars in Chicago to try are:
- Bangers and Lace, Wicker Park
- Emporium Arcade Bar, Wicker Park & Logan Square
- Fountainhead, North Center/Ravenswood
- Headquarters Beercade, Lakeview & River North
- Hopleaf, Uptown
- Howells & Hood, River North
- Kaiser Tiger, West Loop
- Links Taproom, Wicker Park
- Local Option, Lincoln Park
- Map Room, Bucktown
- Maria’s Packaged Goods and Community Bar, Bridgeport
- Old Town Pour House, Old Town
- Quenchers Saloon, Bucktown/Logan Square
- Sheffield’s, Lakeview/Wrigleyville
- Fischman Liquors, Jefferson Park
This article will give you an idea of what beer bars to visit whenever you visit Chicago so that you do not wander and can enjoy your time if you are a beer enthusiast or want to chill and relax.
Table of Contents
Bangers and Lace, Wicker Park
Bangers’ refers to sausage (People prefer the Chicago-style Vienna Beef over the fancier brat sandwiches) and ‘lace’ to ‘Brussels lace,’ which is beer foam on the rim of a glass, at this bar run by the same people who own Bar DeVille. The excellent assortment of drafts, two-ounce sample selections, and well-informed staff attract locals and beer enthusiasts.
- Address: 1670 W Division St., Chicago, IL 60622.
- Special Beer: “Three Floyds Zombie Dust” – A highly prized American Pale Ale is bursting with tropical and citrus notes.
See Also: Draft Vs. Bottle: Uncovering The Best Beer Experience
Emporium Arcade Bar, Wicker Park & Logan Square
Chicago’s Emporium Arcade Bar offers many games, including shuffle bowling, air hockey, foosball, and vintage arcade games. Some claim it features a fantastic DJ and an assortment of arcade games. Others claim it’s an arcade paradise with a variety of beers.
- Addresses: 1366 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (Wicker Park) and 2363 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 (Logan Square)
- Special Beer: “Revolution Anti-Hero IPA” – Savour the intense flavors of this beloved local Beer while playing vintage arcade games.
Fountainhead, North Center/Ravenswood
Aaron Zacharias owns Fountainhead, a Ravenswood neighborhood tavern, and a Bar on Buena. It is one of the best beer bars in Chicago. It provides a range of tavern experiences, such as Foodie’s Fantasia, Whisky Wonderland, and Beer Drinkers Babylon. Fountainhead is a European-inspired bar with a custom-built bar, a towering liquor display, low tables, and raised booths. The main dining area features a brick fireplace, while a small alcove offers additional tables and four barstools. The bar’s unique design and warm yellow light make it a must-visit destination.
Long regarded as one of the best drinking terraces in the city, the rooftop garden is excellent for pandemic power-sipping. At the same time, you can browse the extensive variety of whiskies, 40 canned beers, and ciders.
- Address: 60613, Chicago, IL, 1970 W. Montrose Ave.
- Special Beer: “Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout”. This barrel-aged treat is deep and complex. Enjoy it now.
Headquarters Beercade, Lakeview & River North
Headquarters Beercade, located in River North, is a high-energy, low-maintenance pub that serves various modern, fresh American dishes, distinctive cocktails, and free vintage arcade games. The retro game bar is open 365 days a year and serves a modest yet excellent menu.
The pub also has an extensive craft and draft beer selection, specialty beers, and a changing beer selection. Headquarters Beercade, one of Chicago’s earliest arcade bars, has over 70 vintage arcade games and pinball machines, including Donkey Kong, NBA Jam, Rampage, Frogger, Game of Thrones, and more. Join HQ for a gaming night, Beer, cocktails, pizza, and more.
- Addresses: 2833 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657 (Lakeview) and 213 W Institute Pl, Chicago, IL 60610 (River North)
- Special Beer: “Pipeworks Ninja vs. Unicorn.” Enjoy the robust flavors of Pipeworks Ninja vs. Unicorn Double IPA while challenging your friends to classic arcade games.
Hopleaf, Uptown
Hopleaf opened in 1992 and is located on the corner of Clark and Winona Streets, just south of Foster Avenue. It is a traditional Chicago neighborhood tavern with a dark interior decorated with wooden tables, vinyl-padded seats, and unique German art deco beer posters. The bar has a wood bar and a comprehensive, laminated beer menu.
The bartenders play a fair range of music, and the only entertainment comes from a library of reading materials, which includes encyclopedias and magazines. The bar is behind the jukebox and at the base of the stairway that leads to the backroom. It offers an excellent collection of Belgian food. Hopleaf is one of the favorite bars because of its laid-back atmosphere and appeal to beer enthusiasts.
- Address: 5148 N Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640.
- Special Beer: “La Chouffe” Well-known for its assortment of Belgian beers, Hopleaf excels with its famous La Chouffe, a potent golden lager.
Howells & Hood, River North
Howells & Hood on Chicago’s Mag Mile offers an incredible variety of craft beer. It is one of the best beer bars in Chicago. With 119 diverse beers on 360 taps, Howells & Hood has one of the city’s most remarkable beer programs. On a nice summer day, you can have lunch on their outside terrace, drink Beer beneath the gothic crown of the Tribune Tower, and soak up the vibrant energy of Michigan Avenue.
Address: 435 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Special Beer: “Bell’s Two-Hearted Ale” – Enjoy a wide selection of beers, but don’t miss the traditional American IPA Bell’s Two-Hearted Ale.
Kaiser Tiger, West Loop
The Kaiser Tiger Restaurant/Bar on Randolph Street is the popular destination for sausage, bacon, and Beer in the West Loop. It is now available for private gatherings and meals.
The venue is spread across two stories and features two sets of 24 taps per floor, featuring a variety of locally brewed beers, sausage sandwiches, bacon products, and weekend brunch options. The total number of seats is close to 600!
- Address:1415 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601
- Special Beer: “Surly Furious” – Kaiser Tiger dazzles with its beer garden, showcasing the potent tastes of American IPA Surly Furious.
See Also: 12 Best Beers That Start with S in the World
Links Taproom, Wicker Park
Michael Quinlan refers to his beef-and-beer establishment in Wicker Park, Taproom, as a pub for beer enthusiasts and stocks more than 70 rotating ales and lagers. It is one of the best beer bars in Chicago. The beer style, brewery, serving size, glass type, price, ABV, IBUs, and live-updating percent-capacity readings for each keg are all displayed on the menu projected onto two flat-screen TVs.
It has iPads and an interactive digital menu that pulls in Beer Advocate beer reviews. Links also sells seven house-made sausages, such as Mexican Cousin, Lover of the Bayou, and Elk-Xilla, from Chicago meat giants Big Fork Brands.
- Address: 1559 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622.
- Special Beer: “Half Acre Daisy Cutter” is the. Savor the refreshing Half Acre Daisy Cutter Pale Ale while enjoying the laid-back vibe.
Local Option, Lincoln Park
The Local Option is a relaxed pub with excellent food, a wide assortment of beers, and a laid-back vibe. Have a few drinks at The Local Option if you enjoy Beer or are adventurous; they have a vast selection of Beer in bottles and on tap. Given their expertise, the staff can propose a beer if you need clarification on what you’d like.
The Local Option offers hard liquor, cocktails, and craft beer. Gumballhead Wheat Beer, Foggy Geezer IPA, Blocks of Light IPA, and Juicy Bits IPA are on tap.
- Address: 1102 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
- Special Beer: “Local Option Dampf Loc” – Savour the distinctive steam beer, Local Option Dampf Loc, and embrace the spirit of the community.
Map Room, Bucktown
The Map Room in Chicago is a pub that honors Mark and Laura Blasingame’s passion for travel and many cultures. It is one of the best beer bars in Chicago. The bar has a wooden bar, drum machine-style tables, high-backed chairs, a tin ceiling, and a bookcase containing National Geographic magazines, travel books, and globes. The bar also features a Tibet flag and an ATM, but customers must bring cash beforehand.
On Tuesday nights, the Map Room organizes “International Night,” which includes a specific country flag, music, and guest lecturers. A local restaurant provides a complimentary buffet of dishes from that nation, followed by two beverages. The range comprises 26 tap beers and approximately 250 bottles, covering 36 brewing styles.
Since 1992, Mark Blasingame has owned The Map Room, a Chicago institution that provides an ideal environment for spinning yarns, brewing, and learning.
- Address: 1949 N Hoyne Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
- Special Beer: “Allagash White” – Map Room serves a variety of foreign beers, but the wheat beer made in the Belgian style, Allagash White, is particularly good.
Maria’s Packaged Goods and Community Bar, Bridgeport
Maria’s was remodeled and renamed several years ago after the proprietor’s mother, who managed this Bridgeport icon for years under the name Kaplan’s Liquors; it still has the character of a dive but with more contemporary features like beer bottle chandeliers.
They have a mind-boggling 500-700 beers to pick from, thanks partly to the adjacent bottle shop and a consistently excellent tap list. You’re going to enjoy drinking here. You’ll also like eating here, as their Kimski counter-service restaurant serves up innovative Korean-Polish street food unparalleled in the city. Ed Marszewski, Maria’s co-founder, has his hands in many beer-soaked pies, including the establishment of Marz Community Brewing.
- Address: 960 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60608
- Special Beer: “Half Acre Navaja” – Savour the rich flavors of Half Acre Navaja Double IPA while immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere.
Old Town Pour House, Old Town
Chicago’s Old Town Pour House features a vast HDTV wall with cutting-edge audio, multi-level indoor dining, Happy Hour every day of the week, semi-private party space, private party rooms, and a rock ‘n roll weekend brunch.
Lively bar and restaurant serving modern American cuisine with chef-driven twists and 90 beers on tap, with over 30 dedicated to local breweries.
- Address: 1419 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
- Special Beer: “Goose Island Matilda.” Savour the rich, fruity flavors of Goose Island Matilda in an elegant setting. Ale from Belgium
Quenchers Saloon, Bucktown/Logan Square
Located at the intersection of Bucktown and Logan Square, Quenchers Saloon is a beloved Chicago landmark that has served as a community hub since 1979. This ancient watering place, known for its unpretentious charm, has over 100 specialty beers on tap, including domestic and foreign selections. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a vintage dive pub, making it a pleasant place for locals and beer fans. Frequent live music performances enhance the lively ambiance.
- Address: 2401 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
- Special Beer: “Two Brothers Domaine DuPage” – This smooth and malty French country ale will quench your thirst.
Sheffield’s, Lakeview/Wrigleyville
Sheffield’s Smoker Room Bar’s specialty is its enclosed hickory smoker, which smokes everything from beef brisket to baby back ribs. It also has a large selection of vintage beers, over 100 bottles, and many craft brews on tap.
Sheffield boasts four bars and two fireplaces surrounding its storied beer garden. It was recently named one of “America’s Best Beer Gardens” by Food and Wine magazine and voted one of Esquire Magazine’s “Best 100 Bars in America.” Sheffield’s is conveniently situated at School St. and Sheffield Ave., only a few blocks south of Wrigley Field.
- Address: 3258 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
- Special Beer: “Founder’s Breakfast Stout”. Sheffield’s has a fantastic beer garden with a mouthwatering Founder’s Breakfast Stout.
Fischman Liquors, Jefferson Park
Sports-loving patrons may not usually give this unpolished Jefferson Park pub a second glance, but once they do, two elements will entice them into becoming regulars. First, there’s an onsite liquor store with amazing deals and a wide assortment to enable you to take the party indoors. Furthermore, the oval bar is surrounded by flat-screen TVs that show every sport imaginable, from big league baseball to minor league football.
- Address: 4780 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
- Special Beer: “Three Floyds Zombie Dust” – Indulge in the much-desired Three Floyds Zombie Dust Pale Ale as you peruse the vast array of beers available.
See Also: What Is A Kolsch Beer & How Does It Taste Like?
Here is the list of the best beer bars in Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the famous Beer in Chicago?
A beer bar concentrates on Beer, mainly craft Beer, rather than wine or spirits. A brew pub has an onsite brewery and sells craft beer.
What Beer do Chicagoans drink?
Daisy Cutter, Troublesome, Alpha King, Bourbon County Stout, Matlida, Cane and Abel, Baderbrau Pilsener, Ninja vs. Unicorn, and Anti-Hero IPA are among Chicago's top 15 beers.
What Beer is manufactured in Chicago?
Daisy Cutter, Troublesome, Alpha King, Bourbon County Stout, Matlida, Cane and Abel, Baderbrau Pilsener, Ninja vs. Unicorn, and Anti-Hero IPA are among Chicago's top 15 beers.
Does Chicago have a good beer?
With almost 200 brewers in the Chicago region, there will be hundreds of fantastic beers to sample from outstanding local breweries, including Pipeworks Brewing Co., Piece Brewery, and Off Colour Brewing.
Conclusion
Chicago beer bars are renowned for their specialty beers, often resulting from partnerships with local brewers or limited-edition creations. These community hubs blend regional customs with international beer varieties, offering unique experiences beyond just serving drinks. Explore low-purine beers for a better experience.
Whether enjoying a much-desired pale ale at Fischman Liquors, exploring Hopleaf’s extensive Belgian selection, or settling in at home with a cold one for a movie night featuring the best beer movies, every venue offers a distinctive experience contributing to Chicago’s ever-changing and diverse beer scene.
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Kendall Jones: Seattle journalist, freelance writer, and top contributor to Washington Beer Blog. Published 5,400+ stories on beer and brewing.