In neighborhoods north of downtown Chicago you will find some of the most fun bars in the city. The best bars in Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and Wrigleyville are not only more fun (and less touristy), but more kind to your wallet!
This list is made up of only the best—from someone who lived there for 7 years. It (for the most part) stays away from the trendy, new-age, upscale bars you’ll find in a lot of “best Chicago bars” lists. Not that those are bad, but…
If sports bars and neighborhood taverns are up your alley, this is the list for you.
The Best Bars in Lincoln Park
Located north of downtown Chicago, and home to DePaul University, you will find bars all over the area and you’ll find yourself bellied up next to a wealthy professional or a college student! Bars line the streets of N Lincoln Ave., and N Clark St., with hidden gems hidden throughout other neighborhood streets. Here are my favorites:
Duffy’s Tavern & Grille
Duffy’s Tavern & Grille is a fun, neighborhood bar where you are sure to have fun. There are more than 40 TVs, a classic bar menu (with a great brunch), good music, and a fun staff. The front room is more casual with a brick interior and blue-painted walls, high-top tables, and a large bar. And if you are looking to get rowdy, head to the back.
Disclaimer: This is a Michigan bar. And I’m a die-hard Michigan fan. So maybe I’m biased lol. That said, if you are a fan, make sure to come here! Game days are wild.
Gaslight Bar & Grill
I typically avoid any Ohio State bar like the plague. But Gaslight got me and it was a frequent Sunday Funday—never on Saturdays! Gaslight has three bars to choose from (I like the front), a year-round patio space (never a bad idea), and a menu full of great American eats (love the prosciutto pizza.)
It’s laid-back and fun with happy hour specials, a delicious brunch, and a ton of TVs. Grab classic cocktails, frozen margaritas, mules, and even shareable drinks. Or just stick with a beer with 10 on tap and plenty of cans.
Red Lion Pub
Okay, I am breaking the sports bar, neighborhood tavern thing we’ve got going. But this is a REALLY cool space. It’s almost as if you are in the library—with a beer! This Irish pub has two levels and serves ales, fish and chips, and shepherd’s pie.
At Red Lion Pub, find a cozy spot in the dining room with high ceilings—fireplaces, large cozy sofas, and huge windows included. Or a seat at the long bar lined with booze and books. You’ll enjoy history and ghost tales while in a unique and friendly place—it’s an entire experience.
More of the Best Bars in Lincoln Park
- Kincade’s Bar & Grill: My favorite wings in the city—get the Barbahot! And an awesome place for NFL Sunday Funday.
- Kingston Mines: the BEST place for live music. (And staying up until 4 AM…lol)
- Arrogant Frog Bar: Lots of sports, craft cocktails & rotating beers.
- Local Option: a bunch of local craft beer in a heavy metal enviornment.
The Best Bars in Lakeview
North of Lincoln Park is the Lakeview area. You will find a ton of neighborhood bars that have a great atmosphere! Look out for young professionals and “regulars.” Here are a few of my top picks:
Kirkwood Bar & Grill
Any time I visit Chicago, a stop in Kirkwood’s is a must. I love this sports bar with its big-screen TVs, friendly bartenders, and overall love for sports. A Nebraska football bar and Indiana basketball bar, there are always games going on, as well as beer specials.
The large indoor space is a modern wood interior with dark lighting (plus natural sunlight) and a big beer garden with trees and brick surrounding it out back. Stop in the game and some American eats—there are plenty of sandwiches, wraps, and apps to choose from.
Will’s Northwoods
Do you love the Packers? How about cheese curds and brats? If so, get to Will’s Northwoods Inn as soon as you can! While I despise the Packers myself, I can’t take away their ability to have fun. And this is easily one of the best bars in Chicago.
Will’s has a huge indoor space (both a front area and back), plus an outdoor patio with grills, picnic tables, and TVs. It’s a great place for draft beers at a good price and all things Wisconsin!
Sheffield’s Beer Garden
Sheffield’s Beer Garden, a corner neighborhood bar has a cool, classic inside with different rooms and fireplaces. Plus, an even cooler outdoor patio—with its own full bar that’s perfect for the warmer months. And if BBQ (they have a hickory smoker) and craft beer (they boast a vintage beer collection) are up your alley, then this is your spot.
Voted both “Best 100 Bars in America,” and “Americas Best Beer Gardens,” Sheffield’s has been open 30+ years and is a safe bet whenever you are looking to throw a few back.
The Best Bars in Wrigleyville
Wrigleyville my friends, is the place to be if you really want to party. Cubs games, themed pub crawls, and Sunday Funday have locals walking the streets from bar to bar looking for a great time. And luckily, it’s easy to find! It’s tough to go wrong with Wrigleyville bars, but here are the top places to get your party on:
Slugger’s Bar & Grill
Simply put, if you don’t have fun here, you’re boring. Lol. Located right outside Wrigley Field, this sports bar likes to get rowdy—and it usually ends up being a late night! There are a ton of TVs for all of the Chicago sports fans and delicious Chicago food like Italian Beef and Chicago Dogs.
Plus, what makes this Chicago staple special, is the upstairs—skee ball, pool tables, batting cages, and a dueling piano bar. Come to Slugger’s for sports—both watching and playing, plus great prices on beer and food.
Happy Camper—Wrigleyville
This new age, hip restaurant/bar is full of string lights and pops of colors amongst huge flatscreens and a few different bar areas—including three outdoor spaces! Known for their thin crust, yet doughy, pizza, Happy Camper is the perfect place to come on a special occasion (or just a Sunday!) with a group of friends for craft cocktails, beers, and a slice!
It’s tough to visit Happy Camper and NOT be HAPPY.
The Stretch Bar & Grill
The Stretch is a fun environment with a front bar that leads back to another one. Stop in for a specialty cocktail—Spicy Cucumber Smash, Paloma, and Classic Mojito are just a few of the options. Or opt for local beers or their excellent bloody mary bar.
And don’t forget the upscale bar food to go along with it. Munchies, burgers, sandwiches, and even brunch make out their creative (and delicious menu!) From hot fried chicken to fish tacos, you can’t go wrong.
Are you visiting in December? Don’t miss Chicago in December when the city (and The Stretch Bar) is transformed into fun holiday happenings!
Houndstooth Saloon
Love country music? Houndstooth Saloon is a sports bar slash honkey tonk and it knows how to party. A Southern-influenced menu will give you a ton of great food options. And mix in the 40 oz. beers with both classic and new country music and you’re bound to have a great time!
Located on the corner of N Clark St, Houndstooth offers daily specials including bottomless mimosas on Saturdays and Sundays (yassss), $6 40s on Sundays, and everyday $22 Corona buckets. Stop in here where everything is Roll Tide.
Murphy’s Bleachers
Before or after a Cubs game, Murphy’s Bleachers is the place to be for good times. It will be very crowded, but sometimes that’s the fun of it! Plus, there are plenty of TVs and kind staff to go around. It’s kiddie-corner from Wrigley Field so if you’re going to the game, it’s an easy walk across the street.
Looking for food in Wrigleyville, visit Lucky’s Sandwich Shop. Read more about the Best Places to Eat in Chicago.
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The Best Bars in Lincoln Park, Lakeview & Wrigleyville
The city of Chicago is always an exciting experience.
And whether you visit for a Cubs or Bears game, a walk on the Magnificent Mile, or to see The Bean, make sure you fit in some time to enjoy great drinks at these neighborhood spots. The best bars in Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and Wrigleyville offer plenty of happy hours, drink specials, and delicious bites to make it the best experience!
