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After Dark: Whiskey, Bourbon, Scotch and Irish Whiskey Bars

Author: Constance Cooper

Categories: Nightlife



Whatever your poision--bourbon, scotch or Irish whiskey--if you like complex, smokey brown liquor, Chicago has a bar that's perfect for you: take your pick.


Chicago Whiskey Bars

“Whiskey river don’t run dry,” sang Willie Nelson in his radio hit of a quarter century ago. Well, never fear, whiskey-lovers, here in Chicago you’ll find a “Whiskey River” running fast and strong, with at least a dozen bars claiming the spirit as their specialty.

Alas, most trips to the Windy City just don’t afford the time (or the tolerance) to try out every Chicago bar that boasts an expansive whiskey selection. And so, with nothing in mind but you, dear reader, we at Concierge Preferred have tirelessly tested each and every whiskey bar in the city to create a shortlist - the best of the best.

Without further adieu, here they are: broken down by Irish whiskey, scotch and good old Kentucky bourbon.

Top Chicago Irish Whiskey Bar – The Gage

 

With a remarkably well-thought-out list of 15 Irish whiskeys, ranging in price from $8 to $30, the Gage’s liquor selection is nothing to sneeze at. We must admit, however, that although the whiskeys are undoubtedly delicious, The Gage made our list more for the food of chef Dirk Flanigan – who has received numerous accolades in the city’s press, and for its stellar location – right across the street from Millennium Park, than for the expansiveness of its whiskey selection. But what the whiskey menu lacks in size it makes up for in thoughtfulness.  Gems include the 12-year Red Breast, Old Bushmills 21, and Midleton Very Rare, 2001 vintage. The Gage is known throughout the city for its exquisitely prepared scotch egg - a hard boiled egg, rolled in sausage, and topped with just a touch of spicy mustard. Other favorites include crispy chicken livers, a USDA Prime burger with camembert and onion marmalade, and a roast saddle of elk.

Top Chicago Scotch Bar – Duke of Perth

 

A truly authentic Scottish pub, the Duke of Perth has 75 single malt scotch whiskys to choose from. List highlights include Macallan 25, Highland Park 25-year and 18-year, and Dalmore 28.  Can’t choose just one whisky? The Duke of Perth also offers a selection of scotch flights.  The Full Monty ($31) is a staff favorite.  True to the atmosphere of a rustic Scottish pub, the Duke of Perth has no televisions or loud, distracting music – just plenty of good company and good conversation with an eclectic crowd of whisky-lovers, ranging in age from 21 to 81. The menu features authentic Scottish delights like Hebridean leek pie and American takes on Scottish standards such as the “Scotch egg burger.”  The Duke’s fish and chips, served with a side of peas, is arguably the best in the city.  Come by on Monday or Wednesday and enjoy all-you-can-eat portions of this delicious dish for just $9.50.

Top Chicago Bourbon Bar – Delilah’s

“It’s not the size that matters.”  True though this maxim may be, it’s hard not to be blown away by the 400 – that’s four zero zero - different whiskeys that Delilah’s offers.

Delilah’s bottles range in style, but bourbon undoubtedly reigns supreme. Owner Mike Miller conducts monthly tastings, has written scholarly articles on whiskey, and tours the country giving lectures on the topic. Sound like a staid, jacketed, cigar-and-snifter type of guy?  Hardly.

Miller is as wild, unpretentious and unhinged as the black-walled, punk-fueled bar he runs. Besides bourbon, music really is the soul of Delilah’s. Housed in the same space as the long-closed Crash Palace, the place where Kurt Cobain reportedly first met Courtney Love, Delilah’s has a long, long history as one of the best music bars in the country.

Punk, post-punk, electro, rockabilly, insurgent country – it all can be heard here. Delilah’s also holds regular film screenings, of everything from "Twin Peaks" to "I Was a Teenage Zombie." The entertainment at Delilah’s is as eclectic as the poison, so check out the bar’s calendar of events to pick yours.

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after darkwine & spirits

nearby places of interest

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 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.  

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.

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.  

O’Shaughnessy’s Public House
4557 N Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60640

Located in Roscoe Village, O'Shaughnessy's Public House offers traditional Irish breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a respectable tap selection (featuring, of course, Guiness), as well as a full bar featuring Irish whiskey.  

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!

Tavern on Rush
1031 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611

This upscale, two-story lounge and steakhouse features a dramatic lower-level lounge with a gorgeous bar and a clubby restaurant upstairs.

The Berghoff Restaurant and Bar
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.

The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603

The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.  

The Kerryman
661 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Irish pub fare dominates this recently-renovated space named after Saint Brendan. Mahogany, leather boothes and granite countertops whimsically blend old and new Ireland.

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. 

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 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.  

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.

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.  

Chi Bar
301 East North Water Street, Chicago, IL 60611

Created by renowned designer, Jeffrey Beers, Chi Bar boasts innovative cocktails, shareabledelights, and sleek ambiance.

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.

Faith and Whiskey
1365 W Fullerton Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

Faith & Whiskey features more than 100 whiskys, bourbons and scotches.  

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  

Flat Iron
1565 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

Located in the Flat Iron Arts Building in Wicker Park, this late night tavern offers a full bar, three pool tables and a jukebox for a low key feel. To add some flair, local artists have covered the walls with urban artwork and funky graffiti-style murals. 

Lizzie McNeill's
400 N. McClurg Ct., Chicago, IL 60611

This heaven-to-many Irish bar sits deep in Streeterville on a quiet corner just across the street from the Chicago River. If you want a pint and a party, you'll likely find it from the sometimes raucous, sometimes not so, crowd here.

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.  

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!

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.

Stone Lotus
873 N. Orleans St., Chicago, IL 60610

Asian "tranquility" meets posh, Chicago nighttime scene. Voted best new bar in the country.  

The Berghoff Restaurant and Bar
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.

The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603

The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.  

The Kerryman
661 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Irish pub fare dominates this recently-renovated space named after Saint Brendan. Mahogany, leather boothes and granite countertops whimsically blend old and new Ireland.

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.

Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Suites Hotel
8500 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL 60631

Just a short shuttle ride from the O'Hare International Airport, the Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Suites Hotel is a comfortable and affordable place to stay for business and leisure travelers alike.

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