Who doesn't love a bit of history to go along with your Old Style?
Considering the rate at which bars open and close in Chicago, it's quite a testament to see some that have been open for over 100 years. Especially when you think about the fact that they all survived prohibition. Well, nothing stops the beers from flowing and the shots from being poured at these spots, so stop by for a drink and a blast from the past.
Updated June 2025
Photo via Facebook/Marge's Still
1758 N. Sedgwick St. - Old Town
After Schaller’s Pump’s untimely closing in late 2017, Marge’s Still, which opened in 1885, is now the oldest continuously running tavern in Chicago. During Prohibition, gin was made in the bathtub of the second floor and sold to patrons in the cellar. Though bathtub gin is no longer on the drink menu, and much of the interior has been remodeled, the original wooden bar is still intact.
Photo Via Facebook/Chipp Inn
832 N. Greenview Ave. - West Town
This dive has been around since 1897, operating as a speakeasy during Prohibition. If you're looking for some cheap beer and a laid-back environment then this is the spot for you. Cash is preferred (if you're looking to get that authentic early 20th century feel) but credit cards are welcome too, with a $10 minimum. And in this city? Ten bucks has never gone so far.
Photo Via Facebook/The Berghoff
17 W. Adams St. - The Loop
The downtown staple originally opened in 1898 as a men-only saloon, and patrons would receive a corned beef sandwich with the purchase of a Berghoff Beer as an added bonus. The bar remained open during Prohibition by selling soda-pop and near-beer, and it received Chicago’s first liquor license when Prohibition was repealed in 1933. Today it operates as a full-service restaurant of German and American food.
Photo via Facebook/Shinnick's Pub
3758 S. Union - Bridgeport
Located in the Bridgeport area, Shinnick’s Pub is a South Side Irish haven. Legend has it, the bar's 1890 construction was in preparation for the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Today the pub is owned by the third generation of, you guessed it, Shinnicks. Sláinte!
Photo Via Flickr/cooperweb
4802 N. Broadway St. - Uptown
Opening in 1907, The Green Mill is easily the most famous bar on the list. It's been featured in classics like The Untouchables, High Fidelity and Ocean's Twelve. As a hotspot for mobsters and Al Capone's favorite joint, the bar ran openly during Prohibition with cops on its payroll. According to legend, every time Capone walked in, the band stopped what they were playing to play his favorite song, "Rhapsody in Blue".
Photo via Facebook/Twin Anchors
1655 N. Sedgwick St. - Old Town
Twin Anchors as we know it opened in 1932, but it was a notorious Prohibition-era speakeasy called “Tante Lee Soft Drinks”, filling the bellies of the alcohol-depraved. The now-restaurant and tavern is undoubtedly most notable for one of its past frequent patrons - Frank Sinatra! Ol’ Blue Eyes would station one of his bodyguards at the payphone to prevent other patrons from calling to let their friends and family know they’re in the presence of a legend.
Photo via Glascott's
2158 N. Halsted - Lincoln Park
Since its opening in 1937, Glascott's has cemented itself as a Lincoln Park staple. Owned by the fourth generation of the Glascott family, you can feel like you're at home while sipping a Guinness with Chicago natives. Make sure to stop by come St. Patrick's Day for a celebration you won't forget!
photo via Amy Do
949 W. Webster Ave - Lincoln Park
Shortly after prohibition was repealed in 1933, the Kelly family opened the doors to Kelly’s Pub, and a Chicago tradition was born. Offering a large selection of specialty beers, weekly drink specials, tasty pub food, and a summer Beer Garden, you can't miss out on this perfect place for a drink and a good vibe!
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