Fancy cocktails and conceptual decor are great and all, but sometimes you just need a bar with dim lighting and a cheap beer-and-a-shot special.
We spend a good amount of our time in these dive bars around town—"diamonds in the rough" if you will—and we can assure you they'll get the job done. From pleasant, neighborhood hangout vibes to prices that will please your bank account, here are the reasons why these spots are our favorite dive bars in Chicago.
Updated June 2025
Photo Via Nisei Lounge
Nisei Lounge
3439 N Sheffield Ave - Wrigleyville
“The last great dive bar in Wrigleyville” has been serving up the last great beer just a block down from Wrigley Field since 1951—right around the time Old Style became the official beer of the Cubs. Pre-game the ballgame with a mysterious selection of Malort infusions (Philly cheesesteak infused Malort—arguably sacrilegious) or, if you insist, any one of their many other “lesser libations.”
Photo Via Facebook/ Bob Inn
Bob Inn
2609 W Fullerton Ave - Logan Square
Pool table? Check. Old Style neon sign in the window? Check. 3-foot-tall replica of Michaelangelo’s David commanding a view of the bar? Obviously. Bob Inn has been holding down the fort since 1945 with wood paneling inside and out, cheap beer, and just a touch of Renaissance flare. It’s a classic Chicago corner bar. Like David, it stands tall. Unlike us after last call…*Cash Only*
Parrot’s Bar & Grill
754 W Wellington Ave - Lakeview East
Serving pizza, tacos, and an all-day-every-day breakfast sandwich, Parrot’s leaves nothing to be desired. Proudly un-preppy in the preppiest part of town. Swing by on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays for their Hump Day “not your grandma’s” Bingo—if you don’t win big with their final round jackpot, you’ll still score half-off salads and $20 bottles of wine.
Photo Via Underground Lounge
Underground Lounge
952 W Newport, Chicago - Lakeview
“Underground” in every sense of the word, this lounge/live music venue is located in the basement of Link’s Hall Theater. Hosting a medley of musical acts every week, and with a cover that never exceeds $20, Underground Lounge rivals some better known alternative venues in Chicago.
Photo Via Four Moon Tavern
Four Moon Tavern
1847 W Roscoe St - Roscoe Village
Known for great food, craft beer, and “occasional nonsense,” Four Moon is an old-school haunt made for hangs. Beyond the beer, they offer a solid selection of spirits, wines and ciders—and their hand-cut sweet potato fries have captured our hearts. The kitchen’s open until 1:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and their patio stays open into the fall.
Photo Via Lizard's Liquid Lounge
Lizard's Liquid Lounge
3058 W Irving Park Rd - Albany Park
In the heart of Albany Park, Lizard’s Liquid Lounge is a cozy, art-filled neighborhood bar known for being the friendliest dog-friendly spot in Chicago. With original work from local artists on the walls and free live music every Thurs–Sat (always tip your musicians!), there’s always something happening—think monthly residencies, trivia, karaoke, and bingo.
Photo Via Go Tavern
Go Tavern
3219 W Armitage Ave - Logan Square
Liquor store in the front, dive bar in the back. Go Tavern is the mullet of drinking establishments (complimentary). Whether you’re grabbing a six-pack (there are hundreds to choose from—but why mess with perfection when you could just grab an Old Style?), or settling in on the patio with something on-tap, this place keeps it chill, unpretentious, and stocked with good beer.
Photo Via Frank & Mary's Tavern
Frank & Mary's Tavern
2905 N Elston Ave - Avondale
Opened in 1972 by a Chicago-born brother-sister duo with German roots, this Avondale tavern has always been all about good food, cold drinks, and the best of company. Now in the hands of a long-time family friend, Frank & Mary’s continues to serve up old-school, German-American comfort—chicken schnitzel, corned beef, Mary’s Famous Meatloaf (no tomato sauce, don’t even ask), and Old Styles (kräusened, of course). Come for the beer, stay for the classic neighborhood charm.
Photo Via DMen Tap
DMen Tap
2849 W Belmont Ave - Avondale
What began as a food truck prep kitchen is now a “weird bar with great food.” We’re talking Chicago Style döner kebabs, CurryWurst, and shiitake gravy. Cleanse the palette afterwards with a scoop of Malort ice cream. Frequent and eclectic events each week (shoegaze yoga, Festivus parties, and the annual Pickles Rule Pickle Party… whatever that is) earn DMen its self-proclaimed weirdness. Come through to get comfy in a lo-fi corpse pose, air your grievances, and perhaps even leave newly crowned as the Pickle Prince.
Photo via Do312
2801 W. Chicago Ave. - Humboldt Park
It's 1:45 a.m. Your night isn't over yet. And everyone knows the best decisions are made after 2 a.m. That's what The Continental is there for. If you watch the sun come up on your way home from shooting pool and throwing back shots at this late night bar just south of Humboldt Park, you know you did it right.
Photo via Kater Jayne Photography
1818 W. Foster Ave. - Bowmanville
If you've ever been to Big Joe's, it was likely for Friday night turtle races, but you should venture back any night of the week for hangs at a classic Chicago corner bar that's homier than your childhood basement. Cash-only.
Photo via Facebook/Bernice's Tavern
3238 S. Halsted St. - Bridgeport
Bernice's is an old-school South Side hangout filled with both patrons and tchotchkes that probably pre-date you by a few years. Don't be afraid to bring some fresh faces into this bar—just be sure to respect your elders.
1665 W. Fullerton Ave. - Lincoln Park
Liar's Club is the site of hundreds of memorable moments in Chicago rock history—and a lot of nights we can't remember, too. Make sure to head on over and experience a night you're bound to forget in the best way possible.
3556 W. Belmont Ave. - Avondale
If you believe your singing voice really improves after 2 a.m., you might want to visit Alice's in Avondale to put that theory to the test. What this karaoke bar lacks in bells and whistles, it makes up for in song selection and ambiance.
Photo via Facebook/The Corner Bar
2224 N. Leavitt St. - Bucktown
Regulars at The Corner Bar—and, believe us, there are plenty of them—will tell you that it's the best bar in Chicago. Don't bother asking them why, just go and don't act surprised when none of your drinks cost over $5 – oh, and don't forget it's cash only!
Photo via Do312
832 N. Greenview Ave. - West Town
Not only is Chipp Inn over 100 years old...well, actually, that is the most important thing to note about this West Town stalwart. Don't worry, the pool table and jukebox aren't nearly as old as the bar itself.
219 W. North Ave. - Old Town
Where to start with Old Town Ale House's history? The bar, which opened in 1958, is located across the street from Second City and has served many of your favorite comedians over the years. Yes, it was a favorite of late great Chris Farley. You'll also notice some unique, often satirically political artwork adorning the walls. It's all done by the current owner, Bruce Elliott. Our best advice? Walk into this place on a quiet night and strike up a friendly conversation with the bartender. You'll likely be amazed at the stories you'll hear.
2338 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Logan Square
If you consider Logan Square one of Chicago's largest hipster hubs, this is the place to blame. Cole's was serving cheap beer and live music to art community members and local musicians long before the neighborhood attained its "cool" status.
2656 N. Lincoln Ave. - Lincoln Park
Oh, the memories. Lincoln Park has seen a lot of change as the neighborhood has grown more family-friendly and gentrified over the years—and Rose's has never given a damn about any of that. It's where hundreds (probably even thousands) of DePaul students have learned how to drink whiskey. It's home to the comfiest beer-stained couches in town. We just love it.
Photo via Do312
1150 N. Damen St. - Wicker Park
Remember that time Liz Phair took a photo booth picture of herself (these were pre-selfie days) and decided to make it the cover of her best-known album, Exile In Guyville? Yep, that happened at Rainbo Club. In the '90s, this was the spot for Chicago rockstars. Visit enough times and you might still catch a few there hiding behind their pint glasses—probably filled with Old Style.
957 N. Leavitt St. - Ukrainian Village
Find your way to J&M for low-hanging popcorn ceilings, even lower lighting, pool, free bar pretzels, and other makings of a perfect neighborhood dive.
491 N. Milwaukee Ave. - River West
Things you can do in Richard's Bar: Smoke cigs. Order hard-boiled eggs from behind the bar. (Consider washing away the sulfuric aftertaste with an Old Style—our fermented treat of choice.) Use the jukebox as a method of musically transporting back to past decades of the bar's nearly hundred-year history.
Photo via Facebook/Rossi's
412 N. State St. - River North
We always say the best kind of bar is one that you can grab the Old Style out of the fridge yourself. You can do just that at Rossi's. In a neighborhood overrun with bars trying to be the newest, best, and most innovative in the city, it's nice to take shelter in this River North holdout from time to time.
2149 S. Halsted St. - Pilsen
If there is an alternate reality in Chicago where chair legs are all even and pierogis aren't considered the world's best bar snack, we don't want to know about it. Luckily Skylark is keeping us perfectly grounded (and buzzed) in the real world.
1935 W. Thomas St. - Wicker Park
Let us count the ways we love Innertown Pub. We love being greeted by a life-size Elvis statue. We love "grab bag" beer specials. We love single-stall bathrooms bigger than our first apartments. We love bars that know their neighborhood and love thy neighbors. Shoot, now we want a drink.
Photo via Facebook/Archie's Iowa Rockwell Tavern
2600 W. Iowa St. - Ukrainian Village
Pro-tip: If you find yourself in a place with a giant swordfish hanging over the bar, free pool and a communal barrel of cheeseballs being passed around, you definitely made a good choice at some point in the night because you're at Archie's.
3207 N. Clark St. - Lakeview
The current Belmont and Clark intersection pales in comparison to its punk-rock prime in the '80s and '90s, but L&L Tavern remains. (Thank the whiskey gods for that.) If you're looking for a jukebox filled with poppy Hot 100 hits, and bar stools that aren't held together with duct tape, don't pass through these doors.
Photo via Facebook/The Native
2417 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Logan Square
Now, we admit we were a bit concerned when we heard the former home of Bonny's was being invaded by a new concept. No complaints here though. The Native is just what Logan Square was missing—one more place where the lights are low, and the Old Styles flow. Dark and unassuming, this place captures the spirit of a neighborhood dive without trying to be kitschy or simply something it's not.
Photo Via Facebook/Big Chicks
5024 N. Sheridan Rd. - Uptown
There's more to Big Chicks than its famed $1 burger night on Mondays, but we can't not mention it. The Uptown dive has been a destination for Chicago's LGBTQ+ community to drink, dance, and dine for decades.
5210 N. Clark St. - Andersonville
Simon's seasonal mulled wine (aka glögg) alone makes it worth the trip to Andersonville. This place is a great place to pop into any time of the year though and leave as tipsy as the fish that hangs from its neon sign.
6809 N. Sheridan Rd. - Rogers Park
When you're hanging out on the North Side and the 2 a.m. bars have all shut down for the evening, well, there's an Oasis in your future—literally. With pool, darts, and Sunday night karaoke, you'll have plenty to keep you busy at this Rogers Park tavern into the wee hours of the morning.
Photo via Facebook/MatchboX BAR
770 N. Milwaukee Ave. - River West
This place isn't kidding with its name. It's tiny. And considering the space only gets more narrow the further back you walk, getting to the bathroom can be a real adventure on a crowded night. That said, it's got great vibes and the cocktails are surprisingly high brow.
Photo via Facebook/Phyllis' Musical Inn
1800 W. Division St. - Wicker Park
Opened in 1954, Phyllis' was influential in making Wicker Park the creative hub during the '90s and Chicago's alt-rock heydays. The bar still hosts live music most nights and, frankly, doesn't look much different than it did in the '90s—or in the '50s for that matter.
