The Hidden Gems: Chicago’s Best Dive Bars

Gaslight

$$ | Lincoln Park

Laid-back place with pub eats, frozen cocktails + beer in a space with a lake house vibe.

Old Town Ale House

$ | Old Town

Laid-back, cash only dive bar near Second City with a storied past, old-school jukebox + funky art.

Rossi’s

$ | River North

This no-frills, stalwart bottle shop + liquor store features an unpretentious on-site bar.

Richard’s Bar

$ | West Loop

Tin-ceiling bar with budget beers and a jukebox filled with rat-pack classics.

Happy Village

$ | East Village

Laid-back neighborhood bar opened in 1964 with ping pong tables, a large beer garden + a koi pond.

The Empty Bottle

$$ | Ukrainian Village

Indie music venue + bar hosting alternative bands in a small space with cheap drinks.

Skylark

$ | Pilsen

Cash only bar with craft beer, pub food + live music amid retro rec-room decor with a photo booth.

Shamrock Club

$ | River North

Neighborhood bar with a typical range of drinks and pub grub, plus a pool table + patio.

Bernice’s Tavern

$ | Bridgeport

Down-to-earth watering hole offering simple pub eats and a lively bar vibe, plus games + live music.

L & L Tavern

$ | Lakeview East

Nisei Lounge

$ | Boystown

Neighborhood bar since 1951 with craft brews, baseball on flat-screens, dartboards + a pool table.

Chipp Inn

$ | Noble Square

Well-worn corner bar, dating to 1897, with vintage decor, neon beer signs + a pool table.

Stella’s Tap

$ | Ukrainian Village

Alice’s Lounge

$ | Avondale

Archie’s Iowa & Rockwell Tavern