by: Nick Scimeca, Concierge at The Palmer House
Date night? Going out with your boys? Catching up with an old friend? Or maybe it’s Girls Night Out? Well, Chicago’s got a bar for any occasion you may have. So lace up those high tops, slip on those beloved stilettos and head on out to one of Chi-town’s many legendary watering holes.
Billy Sunday (@billysundaychicago):
Located in the historic Logan Square neighborhood is this hidden gem that surpasses all expectations. Low lit candle light, craft artisanal cocktails, and knowledgeable friendly bartenders are just some of the essential ingredients that make this Prohibition inspired drinking establishment a true Chicago institution. So grab a bar stool, order a “Penicillin” (Scotch, Fermented Honey, Ginger Amaro, Lemon) and a bowl of “Puppy Chow” (Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate) and see where the night takes you.
Fat Cat (@fatcatchicago):
After catching a concert at the Aragon Ballroom or the Rivera Theater, head on over to this hopping neighborhood destination in Uptown. Known for their micro brews, Instagram worthy food, and weekly viewing parties, Fat Cats has continued for over 10 years now to be the go-to spot for the locals. One bite of their Jack and Coke Chicken and Waffles or a sip of one of their select American micro brews, and you’ll understand why Chicagoans consider this spot the cat’s pajamas.
Punch House (@punchhousechicago):
Tucked away underneath Thalia Hall in the artsy Pilsen neighborhood, is this Chicago dive bar which the locals prefer to keep all to themselves. Once inside, you’ll be transported to a funky hip
70s inspired lounge, where fondue pots reign supreme and finishing one of their multiple enormous fish bowl sized punches becomes a rite of passage. Japanese Disco, Soul, Cold Wave, Afro Beat, Post-Punk and Latin are just some of the eclectic music genres you’ll be jamming to in your NEW favorite Chicago nighttime destination.
The Hideout (@hideoutchicago):
For those looking for that uber-cool spot that features live nightly bands, cold cheap drinks, and unabashed dancing every weekend, look no further than the Hideout in Pulaski Park. The Hideout’s history stretches back to 1881 when it was a boarding house for Chicago’s immigrant steel workers and then as a Prohibition bar in the 20s. Now it’s that intimate, must-see, unique, bar experience you didn’t realize you couldn’t truly live without having. So throw on that old Smashing Pumpkins t-shirt, order an Old Style and party like you’re a native Chicagoan!
Emporium Wicker Park (@emporiumchicago):
Large craft beer selection? Check. Live local bands performing every weekend? Check. Your favorite old school arcade games that you spent countless hours and quarters every weekend as a kid to master until your thumbs went numb? Check. Opening in 2012 Emporium set the early tone for the barcade scene and culture in Chicago and continues to do so. You know you can’t resist challenging your friends to an AC/DC pinball tournament….
