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Chicago's Best Bar Food

Author: Jody Robbins

Categories: Nightlife Restaurants



Chicago bars are no slouches when it comes to the output of their kitchen: burgers and nachos share space here with more specialized options like shepherd's pie or mussels in a sublime broth.


Tequila—especially a smoky mescal—is for sipping, and for imbibing with food, so it's a natural that a tequila lounge like Salud Tequila Lounge has it going on when it comes to really good, spicy Latino fare (try both the beef, and the onion, empanadas). The surprise is the just-shy-of-triple-digits selection of high-quality, low-production tequila served here. At the same time, all you need to know about Hopleaf Bar, set in the fun-to-visit Andersonville neighborhood, is that it's the kind of spot where chefs spend a day off. When they do, the goal is to work their way through the 200 beers on tap here, and to delve into a menu with the likes of Belgian-style mussels, truly gourmet sandwiches, and dishes like steak frites and “Creamy Veal Stew”.

No one does luxury like the Four Seasons Hotel, so it's a cinch that the Seasons Bar makes the list when it comes to elegant getaways. Set on the seventh floor of the hotel, the dark wood paneling and leather-bedecked elegance here combines with unreal selections of wine, spirits, and cocktails to make it the kind of spot where you'll see a normal Joe—and Tobey Maguire, or some such celebrity. But it's being able to pull on the resources of the vaunted Four Seasons kitchen that really makes this spot special: think comfort food, or Champagne and caviar. Forget the fancy stuff and get back to Homer Simpson's first love: beer. You can do so at The Beer Bistro, where beer lovers can imbibe their favorite varieties of suds, from Belgian ales to local microbrews to tried-and-true favorites. The great, old-fashioned bar here is a conversation piece, and the plain-Jane bar menu here is fairly straightforward and affordable, and pairs nicely with the beers on tap here (suggested pairings are offered on the menu).

Embrace all things Latino at Nacional 27, including made-from-scratch cocktails and exemplary Latin fare executed by the highly regarded Randy Zweiban (the ceviche is a must-try). You know the food's going to be good when they move the tables to make the dining room into a dance floor. A combination of lounge and European coffee house, the Iguana Café  is open until 2 a.m. on the weekends, and serves up international bar fare. That includes tirokafteri, a Greek cheese spread with a little heat to it, gourmet sandwiches, or the build-your-own dessert crepes that locals love. You can even bring your laptop and check your e-mail here, right next to the comfy fireplace.

Tags

Culinarybeer specialistsafter dark

nearby places of interest

Ai
358 W. Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60654

This River North Japanese Sushi Restaurant & Lounge opened it's doors in late-September 2007.  From the siblings who brought Ringo Japanese Restaurant and Tsuki to Lincoln Park, comes this lounge/restaurant with authentic Japanese cuisine.  

BB's
22 W Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60611

Gastropub in River North. 

Bin 36
339 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

This spot has everything for the oenophile, with a retail store, tavern, restaurant and cheese bar.

Bull & Bear
431 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60610

The Chicago sports bar concept takes a leap forward at Bull & Bear, set in the middle of the River North neighborhood. Unique features like at-the-table draught beers add to the basic brew of sports mixed with stock market kitsch.

Crofton on Wells
888 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

This contemporary American restaurant headed by executive chef Suzy Crofton, a long-time and much-acclaimed Chicago chef. Expert a nicely balanced menu pulling on French and other influences in style and with an emphasis on organic ingredients.

Elephant & Castle
160 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611

At this English pub in Chicago, expect a mix of traditional English pub fare and American menu items are served here; English-style breakfast is also a draw. 

Elephant & Castle
185 North Wabash, Chicago, Illinois 60601

At this English pub in Chicago, expect a mix of traditional English pub fare and American menu items are served here; English-style breakfast is also a draw

Fado Irish Pub
100 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

The mother of all Irish pubs in Chicago, Fado treats Guinness as a religion and has the feel of last-century Ireland--except when the European football games are on.

Harry Caray's Tavern
3551 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60657

Located across from Wrigley Field, Harry Caray's Tavern is a great place to stop before or after the game for classic American bar snacks and delightful italian entrees.  

Hopleaf
5148 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640

This gastropub has a huge selection of ales from around the world and a European-style menu.

Iguana Cafe
517 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60622

This European style coffee house/wine bar is a great place to relax or chat with friends.

Murphy's Bleachers
3655 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, IL 60613

Murphy's Bleachers has been a part of Cubs and Wrigleyville tradition since the 1930s, when it was known as Ernie's Bleachers (a drive-up hot dog stand that sold beer by the pail). It is located behind the bleacher section of Wrigley Field, making it an easy pre-and-post-game hang-out for those die hard Cubs fans, the bleacher bums.  

N9NE Steakhouse
440 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60606

Located in the Daniel Burnham-designed building now known as Randolph Place, Nine is a classic Chicago steakhouse with upscale American style.

Nacional 27
325 W. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60610

The "27" refers to the 27 countries that are represented on the menu, with globetrotting choices from South and Central America and the Caribbean.

P.J. Clarke's
1204 N. State Pkwy., Chicago, IL 60610

This neighborhood spot features two facets, a long wooden bar filled with revelers and a more secluded rear dining area with tables decked with checkerboard tablecloths.

P.J. Clarke's
302 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60611

This American spot, which is conveniently located near Navy Pier, is a spin-off of the popular Gold Coast original.

P.J. Clarke's
1141 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

This neighborhood spot features two facets, a long wooden bar filled with revelers and a more secluded rear dining area with tables decked with checkerboard tablecloths. 

Prost
2566 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

German culture (beers and hearty food) are on display here. 

Red Ivy
3526 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657

This trendy sports bar is named after the ivy that grows along historic Wrigley Field in autumn. Located just south of Wrigley, you'll find hearty Italian fare at a reasonable prices, with pizzas being their specialty.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

This Chicago brewpub is an outpost of the nationwide chain; the top draw here is the rotating selection of handcrafted beers brewed on-site.

Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Stylish yet comfortable, this River North bar and grill puts a twist on American favorites. Expect to hear some classic rock music as the name implies and take in the old album cover-jacketed menus.

Salud Tequila Lounge
1471 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

Chic Wicker Park nightspot Salud features authentic Mexican fare with creative twists, as well as an extensive selection of premium tequilas.

Schoolyard Tavern & Grill
3258 N. Southport, Chicago, IL 60657

A fun beer-and-a-shot spot on the city's North Side, Schoolyard is a good bar to begin your North Side evening...not far from Wrigley Field!

Seasons Restaurant
120 E. Delaware Pl., Chicago, IL 60611

Creative cuisine with the tastes of North America and France combined into one.

Drinks Over Dearborn
650 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60654

This boutique beer, wine and spirits shop carries an inventory carefully selected by Kyle McHugh, a food and wine professional with years of experience in the restaurant and nightlife industries. Not just a shop, Drinks Over Dearborn will also offer a wide range of special events and tastings, including the "Rare & Luxurious Room." Sounds fun.

10pin Bowling
330 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

This hip, nightlife-centered Chicago lounge features 24 bowling lanes and an extensive martini list. Edible fare here is served from a small plates menu, perfect for sharing.

Ai
358 W. Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60654

This River North Japanese Sushi Restaurant & Lounge opened it's doors in late-September 2007.  From the siblings who brought Ringo Japanese Restaurant and Tsuki to Lincoln Park, comes this lounge/restaurant with authentic Japanese cuisine.  

Alumni Club
871 E. Algonquin Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173

Tons of big screen TVs and cold beer.

B.L.U.E.S
2519 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614

Chicago blues house features local artists every night at 9:30 p.m. Cover varies.

Bamboo Room
616 E. Golf Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173

South Pacific-inspired lounge, with nightly DJs.

Big Chicks
5024 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60640

The colorful Uptown bar caters to a mostly lesbian and gay clientele but is very straight-friendly.

Bin 36
339 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

This spot has everything for the oenophile, with a retail store, tavern, restaurant and cheese bar.

Blue Chicago
536 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Sample the sounds of the sultry saxophone, the bold bass, the thundering trumpet and the  daring drum beats at Blue Chicago, one of Chicago's best blues clubs. Open seven nights a week, Blue Chicago features some of the best names in blues and jazz.

Buddy Guy's Legends
754 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60605

World-renowned and local Chicago blues artists are the draw at this club owned by blues legend, Buddy Guy, as is the soul-ful Cajun food and major music paraphenalia also on display here.

Bull & Bear
431 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60610

The Chicago sports bar concept takes a leap forward at Bull & Bear, set in the middle of the River North neighborhood. Unique features like at-the-table draught beers add to the basic brew of sports mixed with stock market kitsch.

Casey Moran's
3660 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60613

This top Wrigleyville-area sports bar is a no-brainer to visit if you're visiting the home of the Chicago Cubs, but is a year-round home to sports fanatics and just fans, too.  

English
444 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60610

From the Eat Well, Drink Better group, comes a new gastropub known as English. Located in the beautiful River North area, English serves good food and offers a wide variety of liquor choices as well as the favored beers and ales.  

Fado Irish Pub
100 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

The mother of all Irish pubs in Chicago, Fado treats Guinness as a religion and has the feel of last-century Ireland--except when the European football games are on.

Fizz Bar & Grill
3220 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60657

Enjoy any of the multiple Chicago nightlife scenes available at this popular North Side bar. The basics are all in place here and it's good for a solo night at the bar or any kind of group event you can dream up  

Harry Caray's Tavern
3551 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60657

Located across from Wrigley Field, Harry Caray's Tavern is a great place to stop before or after the game for classic American bar snacks and delightful italian entrees.  

Iguana Cafe
517 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60622

This European style coffee house/wine bar is a great place to relax or chat with friends.

Mad River Bar and Grille
2909 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, IL 60657

Mad River Bar and Grille offers an assortment of beers, cocktails, specialty drinks and more.  

Moonshine
1824 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622

This popular Chicago bar and restaurant kicks off the West Division Street strip with a simple, but everything's there bar menu and good, Southern-leaning menu fare.  

Murphy's Bleachers
3655 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, IL 60613

Murphy's Bleachers has been a part of Cubs and Wrigleyville tradition since the 1930s, when it was known as Ernie's Bleachers (a drive-up hot dog stand that sold beer by the pail). It is located behind the bleacher section of Wrigley Field, making it an easy pre-and-post-game hang-out for those die hard Cubs fans, the bleacher bums.  

N9NE Steakhouse
440 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60606

Located in the Daniel Burnham-designed building now known as Randolph Place, Nine is a classic Chicago steakhouse with upscale American style.

P.J. Clarke's
1204 N. State Pkwy., Chicago, IL 60610

This neighborhood spot features two facets, a long wooden bar filled with revelers and a more secluded rear dining area with tables decked with checkerboard tablecloths.

P.J. Clarke's
302 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60611

This American spot, which is conveniently located near Navy Pier, is a spin-off of the popular Gold Coast original.

P.J. Clarke's
1141 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

This neighborhood spot features two facets, a long wooden bar filled with revelers and a more secluded rear dining area with tables decked with checkerboard tablecloths. 

Pops for Champagne
601 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60611

Live jazz, huge champagne list, and a fireplace create a memorable atmosphere.>

Red Ivy
3526 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657

This trendy sports bar is named after the ivy that grows along historic Wrigley Field in autumn. Located just south of Wrigley, you'll find hearty Italian fare at a reasonable prices, with pizzas being their specialty.

Redmoon
70 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60605

A sophisticated suburban Chicago night spot with guest DJs weekly, Redmoon delivers with a wide-ranging martini menu and other club features like the huge projection screens showing all kinds of footage.

Rednofive
440 N. Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60622

Dance club with funky atmosphere, intriguing lighting, and an upper VIP level that has been relevant for years now with constantly changing music line-ups and promotions.

Religion
720 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60610

This reinvented Chicago club is now Religion and was part of Club 720, a top Latin dance spot. The new space rocks more of a DJ-induced sound, dancing and a cosmopolitan club experience without the pretensions.  

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

This Chicago brewpub is an outpost of the nationwide chain; the top draw here is the rotating selection of handcrafted beers brewed on-site.

Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Stylish yet comfortable, this River North bar and grill puts a twist on American favorites. Expect to hear some classic rock music as the name implies and take in the old album cover-jacketed menus.

Roscoe's Tavern
3356 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614

This popular gay and lesbian spot includes six bars and a large dance floor en route to one of the wilder nightlife experiences in all of Chicago.

Salud Tequila Lounge
1471 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

Chic Wicker Park nightspot Salud features authentic Mexican fare with creative twists, as well as an extensive selection of premium tequilas.

Schoolyard Tavern & Grill
3258 N. Southport, Chicago, IL 60657

A fun beer-and-a-shot spot on the city's North Side, Schoolyard is a good bar to begin your North Side evening...not far from Wrigley Field!

Schuba's Tavern
3159 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, IL 60657

Intimate setting and great sound blend for great live music shows and a casual environment are all represented at this North Side bar.

Sidetrack
3349 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60657

This spacious club is appreciated for its highly social front piano and great people-watching that goes along with its location along one of the busiest boulevards in Boys Town.

The Underground
54 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60610

The Underground is late-night dance spot offering a constantly changing line-up of talent from DJ's to Hip Hop performers and you never know what. It's one of the likeliest spots to catch a high-toned celebrity in Chicago (from David Beckham to classic acts like the Sugar Hill Gang).The decor here recalls a futuristic underground bunker complex-like feel except that the steady wave of beautiful people lends a more positive note to the ambience.

10pin Bowling
330 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

This hip, nightlife-centered Chicago lounge features 24 bowling lanes and an extensive martini list. Edible fare here is served from a small plates menu, perfect for sharing.

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