9 Best Dive Bars In Chicago, Illinois

1. Rossi's

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Located in the River North area, Rossi’s has been around for over 50 years. Its exterior may look intimidating, but it boasts a friendly atmosphere and offers a nice selection of craft beers, wines, and other liquors. They also have great prices, making them popular among the locals.

This is a no-frills establishment that serves good cocktails and beers. Inside, visitors are welcome to use the jukebox and video games. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hangout with cool patrons, Rossi’s is the place to be.

Rossi's

Address: 412 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States

Website: Rossi’s

Opening hours: 9am - 1am (daily)

2. Delilah's Chicago

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Delilah’s Chicago specializes in whisky, with over 300 varieties available. They also have more than 200 cider and beer options and a rotation of seasonal drinks. Patrons also look forward to the specialty beer tastings that are held five times a year in September, October, December, February, and May.

In addition, this dive bar also holds regular events and plays metal, soul, reggae, RnB, and rock music. They also host film screenings and art openings. Be sure to check out their website for their full calendar of performers and events.

Delilah's Chicago

Address: 2771 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, United States

Website: Delilah’s Chicago

Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 4pm - 2am; Sat: 4pm - 3am

3. The Empty Bottle

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you love indie music and live bands, visit The Empty Bottle. For the last 25 years, they have been offering good drinks and entertainment to both the locals and tourists in Chicago. The bar started out small and eventually expanded, offering evening entertainment such as live bands and bingo and movie nights.

Bands are welcome to inquire if they want to perform at the bar. This establishment thrives as they have loyal customers that keep coming back for the affordable drinks and the cozy atmosphere.

The Empty Bottle

Address: 1035 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, United States

Website: The Empty Bottle

Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 5pm - 2am; Fri: 4pm - 2am

4. Old Town Ale House

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Established in 1958 and situated in the Old Town neighborhood, Old Town Ale House is a city landmark and will remind you of old pubs from the 60s and 70s. A must-visit in Chicago, the saloon is popular among locals, including jazz and blues musicians.

Enjoy the old-school vibe with the classic jukebox and quirky artwork and have a fun time mingling with Chicago’s melting pot of residents.

Old Town Ale House

Address: 219 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60610, United States

Website: Old Town Ale House

Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 3pm - 4am; Sat: 3pm - 5am

5. The Chipp Inn

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

When it comes to Chipp Inn, think of vintage decor and affordable beers. Established in 1897, this establishment remains a favorite in the bar scene. Inside you’ll find a pool table and all sorts of interesting memorabilia. They also have a great selection of draft beers. Have fun with the jukebox and karaoke.

This dive bar has a comfortable ambiance and the patrons are fun and mellow. The place is always hopping, but weekdays may be the best time to visit if you want to avoid large crowds.

Chipp Inn

Address: 832 N Greenview Ave, Chicago, IL 60642, United States

Website: Chipp Inn

Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 1pm - 2am; Sat: 1pm - 3am

6. Whirlaway Lounge

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The charming Whilrlaway Lounge is a family-owned pub and has been around since the 80s. They offer a wide selection of domestic beers such as Allagash White and Metropolitan Dynamo, and imported beers such as Warsteiner and Heineken.

Inside you’ll find a huge flat-screen TV and a homey vibe. The pleasant ambiance is popular among the locals. In fact, many refer to Whirlaway Lounge as their home away from home.

Whirlaway Lounge

Address: 3224 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States

Website: Whirlaway Lounge

Opening hours: 5pm - 2am (daily)

7. Bernice's Tavern

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Bernice’s Tavern’s barstools are empty for now, but the fun never stops. The popular tavern offers curbside pickup for cocktails and beers, making sure that their loyal patrons stay satisfied despite the strange times.

Customers can text their orders or fill up a form on the tavern’s official website. Special requests are welcome. Watch out for the re-opening soon!

Bernice's Tavern

Address: 3238 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608, United States

Website: Bernice’s Tavern

Opening hours: Sat: 12pm - 1am; Sun: 12pm - 12pm; Mon: 5pm - 1am; Wed - Fri 5pm - 1am (closed on Tue)

8. Skylark

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

You won’t find jukeboxes nor TVs at Skylark. Instead, they offer live music, good, affordable drinks, and yummy bar food to their visitors. If you love jazz music, drop by on Mondays. Don’t forget to take some photos in their photo booth in the retro rec room.

Note that this is a cash-only establishment. Feel free to check out their beer list and menu in advance so you can come prepared and party the night away.

Skylark

Address: 2149 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608, United States

Website: Skylark

Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 4pm - 11pm; Thu - Sat: 4pm - 12am

9. Rose's Lounge

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Hanging out at Rose’s Lounge will feel like you’re in your own basement. While it’s a small dive bar, it has a jukebox playing old hits and great couches to lounge on. Enjoy cheap drafts beers over bowls of unlimited pretzels. Tourists and locals can expect daily beer specials and a down-to-earth atmosphere here.

If you’d like to play pool, there are always friendly patrons who are up for a game and a good laugh.

Rose's Lounge

Address: 2656 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, United States

Website: Rose’s Lounge

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6pm - 2am; Sat: 7pm - 3am; Sun: 12pm - 2am

Dive in headfirst in Chicago

Dive bars are pretty popular in Chicago. They are frequented not only by locals but also tourists. Most of the bartenders recognize patrons and this keeps the friendly vibe going. If you are in Chicago, do not forget to check out our list of great dive bars in the area and let us know which ones are your favorite.