If there's one thing Chicagoans will never turn down it's another place to drink.
We're always getting spoiled by the number of notable new bars that pop up in Chicago. These are the recently opened bars making big blips on our radars.
Photo: Barry Brecheisen
694 N. Milwaukee Ave. - River West
The Dandy Crown is the quirky neighborhood hangout that River West needs and deserves right now. Funky decor, a kicked back attitude and wallet-friendly specials like a rotating “crockpot cocktail” (served through the winter) and happy hour menu make for the perfect post-work party spot.
Photo via Facebook/Blue Violet
110 W. Hubbard St. - River North
The recently reimagined Hubbard Inn reopened with new a second-story bar-within-a-bar, Blue Violet. Much like the bar-within-a-bar concept itself, Blue Violet jumps on many of the other current bar trends including CBD cocktails, an Instagram-worthy interior and picture-perfect cocktail presentations. It’s a crowd-pleasing destination for everyone in your party in the equally trendy River North neighborhood.
Photo via Facebook/Bokeh
4716 N. Kedzie Ave. - Albany Park
Oft described as a “cocktail den,” Albany Park’s new Bokeh lives up to its reputation as a snug, dimly lit sanctuary for liquor-lovers. Twenty signature and classic cocktails pair well with a modest beer and wine menu as well as an extensive list of bar snacks and finger foods.
Photo via Facebook/Outside Voices
3204 W. Armitage Ave. - Logan Square
One of Chicago’s most respected bar groups, Scofflaw Group, is trying its hand at the wine bar game...and pulling it off nicely. Much like its sister-bars Scofflaw and Heavy Feather, Outside Voices focuses on quality without carrying an air of pretentiousness. It’s a breath of fresh air in comparison to stuffier wine bars and it’s going to get even fresher when the patio opens in the spring.
Photo via HappyDrinkingPlace.com
1725 W. Division St. - Wicker Park
Little Victories feels like a “win” for the space that formerly housed The Anthem. Traditional sports bars (like the former tenant) feel like a dying breed in Wicker Park, but Little Victories bridges the gap nicely with a notable burger and fries, dartboard, billiards and intriguing cocktails from the team behind Spilt Milk.
Photo via Facebook/Porto
1600 W. Chicago Ave. - West Town
Beatnik in West Town’s overwhelming success made it no surprise when Bonhomme Group gobbled up the available storefront next door as well. Rather than expand the bohemian bar and restaurant, the new location is now home to Porto. Get here for elaborate seafood dishes and an extensive Spanish and Portuguese wine list.
Photo via Facebook/Osito's Tap
2553 S. Ridgeway Ave. - Little Village
We thought the speakeasy fad had passed in Chicago, but if you’re going to name it after a cute dog and use his face as the logo we’re totally cool with it. Osito’s brings a “hidden gem” vibe to Little Village with an unexpected Latin flair by way of the bar snacks and a Michelada that can’t be missed.
