

Chicago is one of the largest cities in the US, notorious for its freezing winters and beloved for its hot deep-dish pizzas. It is also famous for its fabulous architecture, from old art deco buildings to modern skyscrapers. One of the best things to do here is to take an architectural river tour and enjoy the unique perspective of the Chicago skyline from the water. Top attractions include Millenium Park, Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, Willis Tower SkyDeck, and Buckingham Fountain. Don’t forget to check out the city’s eclectic restaurant and bar scene. Have an awesome visit and mingle with friendly locals at the best dive bars in Chicago, Illinois.
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1. Rossi's
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Rossi's Liquors on Monday, June 8, 2015
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
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
Posted by Empty Bottle on Friday, June 25, 2021
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
Posted by Old Town Ale House on Tuesday, April 17, 2012
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
Looking to put that crock pot you received for Christmas to use? Then mark your calendar for Sunday, January 31st when...
Posted by Chipp Inn on Sunday, January 3, 2016
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
Posted by Whirlaway Lounge on Tuesday, January 19, 2010
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.
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