Categories: Nightlife
After Dark: Wine Bars
Author: Audarshia Townsend
Chicago offers plenty of opportunities to taste and learn about vino. From hip neighborhood joints to sleek downtown spots, Chicago's wine bars cater to novices and seasoned oneophiles alike.
Thank god for wine bars. Without them most folks would be lost when it comes to sniffing out the best vino. And the best part about these places is that they’re not stuffy spots filled with snooty wine snobs. Depending on what neighborhood you’re in, you’ll find a good mix of wine lovers at all levels, from hardcore onephiles to true-blue newbies.
And yes, if you’re looking for a place where the sommeliers are at the top of their game, we’ve got ‘em. But if you’re just in the mood for a good vibe with good vino, we’ve got that too:
When it comes to sommeliers in Chicago, BIN 36 wine director Brian Duncan is a rock star. He’s been named the best in the biz by the likes of Food & Wine and Wine Spectator magazines, as well as honored with two James Beard Foundation nominees for best wine professional. In addition to the outstanding wine program he’s created at the stylish BIN 36, he’s also been in charge of shaping their more laid-back BIN Wine Café in Bucktown and the Italian-focused Amano, which is located directly below the flagship restaurant.
While Duncan caters mostly to upscale downtown crowds, Rodney Alex of Juicy Wine Co. is known for his hipster approach to vino. His bi-level lounge features local deejays spinning rare groove on the top floor and stinky cheeses from all over the world on the first. He’s also known to throw wacky wine dinner parties pairing anything from homestyle BBQ to fried chicken. Alex is so casual and friendly as his explains the method to his wine pairings, flights and selections that you’ll feel more like you’re hanging out in his living room.
And husband-and-wife team Tom MacDonald and Janan Asfour are widely credited for igniting Chicago’s wine lounge craze when they opened Webster’s Wine Bar in the late 1990s. The cozy, candlelit Lincoln Park hangout is a favorite for couples, especially for its well-worn sofas in the front and live jazz trio every Monday night. Thanks to MacDonald and Asfour, many young professionals can now tell the difference between a syrah and a sauvignon blanc. It doesn’t hurt either that they host classes every week so that those truly enthusiastic about wine can go on to the next level.
Check out places of interest near After Dark: Wine Bars:
17 West at The Berghoff
17 W. Adams St.,
Chicago, IL 60603
The Berghoff, a traditional 19th-century German beer hall located in Chicago's downtown, has been re-born under the direction of the founder's great-grandduaghter Carlyn Berghoff.
312 Chicago
136 N. LaSalle St.,
Chicago, IL 60602
This seasonally influenced Italian-inspired American eatery buzzes by day with politicians (City Hall is across the street), and buzzes with diners heading to the nearby Cadillac Theater at night.
Make a Reservation
Ai
358 W. Ontario Street,
Chicago, IL 60610
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.
Argo Tea
958 W. Armitage Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60614
Argo Tea is a growing tea company that brings natural and tasty signature drinks to all those looking for healthy alternative beverages and lifestyle experience.
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.
Cans Bar and Canteen
1640 N. Damen Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60647
Bucktown favorite Cans Bar and Canteen serves 34 different canned beers as well as premium liquor, wine, and various bottled beer. The locals crowd mixes with high-end tourists looking to get a taste of one of Chicago's coolest neighborhoods.
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.
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.
Gabriel's Restaurant
310 Greenbay Road,
Highwood, IL 60040
French and Italian cuisine fill the menu of this fine-dining restaurant in one of Chicago's suburbs.
Jack Binion's Steakhouse
777 Casino Dr,
Hammond, IN 46320
Jack Binion's Steakhouse, located inside the Horseshoe Hammond Casino, offers gamblers and non-gamblers alike a fine dining experience feature choice cuts of prime rib, steak and veal, as well as an opulent variety of fresh seafood.
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.
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!
Sepia
123 N. Jefferson Street,
Chicago, IL 60661
With Art Nouveau flooring and a rustic yet stylish atmosphere, Sepia offers an intense wine selection, chic cocktails, and delicately made entrees.
Shochu
3313 N. Clark St.,
Chicago, IL 60657
Named after the famed Japanese liquor, Shochu, this restaurant is trendy in nature with their Asian-inspired small plate recipes.
Sixteen
401 N. Wabash Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Located on the16th floor of Chicago's new Trump International Hotel & Tower, Sixteen offers gorgeous city views and the modern American Cuisine of Chef Frank Brunacci.
Zest
525 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
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.
Sam's Wine & Spirits
1720 N. Marcey St.,
Chicago, IL 60614
A 33,000-square-foot warehouse selling wines from all over the world, this all-things-alcohol store is worth a visit if you're one to ooh! and aah! over all things to do with beer, wine and liquor.
Sam's Wine & Spirits
2010 Butterfield Rd.,
Downers Grove, IL 60515
A 33,000-square-foot warehouse selling wines from all over the world, this all-things-alcohol store is worth a visit if you're one to ooh! and aah! over all things to do with beer, wine and liquor.
Sam's Wine & Spirits
1909 Skokie Valley Rd.,
Highland Park, IL 60035
A 33,000-square-foot warehouse selling wines from all over the world, this all-things-alcohol store is worth a visit if you're one to ooh! and aah! over all things to do with beer, wine and liquor.
Sam's Wine & Spirits
50 E Roosevelt Rd.,
Chicago, IL 60605
A 33,000-square-foot warehouse selling wines from all over the world, this all-things-alcohol store is worth a visit if you're one to ooh! and aah! over all things to do with beer, wine and liquor.
17 West at The Berghoff
17 W. Adams St.,
Chicago, IL 60603
The Berghoff, a traditional 19th-century German beer hall located in Chicago's downtown, has been re-born under the direction of the founder's great-grandduaghter Carlyn Berghoff.
312 Chicago
136 N. LaSalle St.,
Chicago, IL 60602
This seasonally influenced Italian-inspired American eatery buzzes by day with politicians (City Hall is across the street), and buzzes with diners heading to the nearby Cadillac Theater at night.
Make a Reservation
Ai
358 W. Ontario Street,
Chicago, IL 60610
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.
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.
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.
Cans Bar and Canteen
1640 N. Damen Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60647
Bucktown favorite Cans Bar and Canteen serves 34 different canned beers as well as premium liquor, wine, and various bottled beer. The locals crowd mixes with high-end tourists looking to get a taste of one of Chicago's coolest neighborhoods.
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
Le Passage
937 N. Rush St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
A top Chicago nightclub for going on a decade, this Gold Coast neighborhood nightlife haven attracts a high-profile crowd. It seems likely that this will be a club destination in Chicago for years to come.
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.
NV Penthouse Lounge
116 W. Hubbard St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This ultra-hip modern lounge sits atop 7 floors and serves an exclusive crowd. Take in the sweeping views of the Chicago skyline while the new-wave DJs keep the pop music thumping in the background. The outdoor terrace is a popular place to imbibe a pricy, but well-made drink.
Pops for Champagne
601 N. State St.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Live jazz, huge champagne list, and a fireplace create a memorable atmosphere.>
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.
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!
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.
Jack Binion's Steakhouse
777 Casino Dr,
Hammond, IN 46320
Jack Binion's Steakhouse, located inside the Horseshoe Hammond Casino, offers gamblers and non-gamblers alike a fine dining experience feature choice cuts of prime rib, steak and veal, as well as an opulent variety of fresh seafood.
