Trusted Neighborhood Haunts That Deliver on Divey-ness
A dive bar can mean different things to different people: a bar that isn’t trendy, a bar where you can smoke, a bar where the bartender knows your, your best friend’s and your parents’ life stories, a bar you can stumble to at 3 am when the rest shout ‘last call,’ or simply a bar near you with dirt-cheap drinks.
Whether you’re looking for one or all of these qualities on your next night out, our list capture’s the absolute best dive bars in Chicago, down to the very last Old Style can.
Alice’s Lounge
3556 W Belmont Ave
Hours: Wednesday – Friday 7 PM–4 AM, Saturday 7 PM – 5 AM, Sunday – Tuesday CLOSED
As one of the city’s most laid-back bars, it had to appear on our list. If you’re searching online on your phone for “bars near me that offer late-night karaoke,” we recommend stopping by Alice’s Lounge in Logan Square to try the $2 kamikazes.
Carol’s Pub
4659 N Clark St
Hours: Tuesday – Wednesday 4 PM – 2 AM, Thursday – Sunday 4 PM – 4 AM, Monday CLOSED
If you’re looking for bars near you that offer honky-tonk and country music where you can line dance the night away, we recommend visiting Carol’s Pub. With a somewhat old school atmosphere, this Uptown gem brings in patrons of all ages, and at all hours.
Richard’s Bar
491 N Milwaukee Ave
Hours: Monday – Friday 8 AM – 2 AM, Saturday 9 AM – 3 AM, Sunday 12 PM – 2 AM
This West Town favorite is the kind of no-frills, no-nonsense place that we expect when we think of dive bars. It has all the essentials: cheap domestics, neon signs from wall to wall, and of course, a jukebox.
L&L Tavern
3207 N Clark St
Hours: Monday – Thursday 5 PM – 2 AM, Friday 1 PM – 2 AM, Saturday 2 AM – 3 AM, Sunday 3 PM – 2 AM
Amidst the clubs and sports bars of Wrigleyville quietly lies this beloved city dive. A hodge-podge set up, standard shot-and-a-beer special, and dimly lit atmosphere make this tavern one of the best dive bars in Chicago.
Happy Village
1059 N Wolcott Ave
Hours: Monday – Thursday 4 PM – 2 AM, Saturday 12 PM – 3 AM, Sunday 12 PM – 2 AM
This homey Ukrainian Village bar is more friendly than edgy. If you are looking for bars near you in Chicago that feature a sprawling beer garden and a large board game selection, Happy Village will not disappoint. They even have a koi pond.
Skylark
2149 S Halsted St
Hours: Sunday – Friday 4 PM – 2 AM, Saturday 4 PM – 3 AM
While this Pilsen joint may draw in a hip crowd, it’s rooted in vintage charm. It has local appeal, a photo booth, and a low-key, delicious menu.
Delilah’s
2771 N Lincoln Ave
Hours: Sunday – Friday 4 PM – 2 AM, Saturday 4 PM – 3 AM
Widely recognized as an in-your-face Chicago bar that plays equally aggressive tunes, this bar near you in Lincoln Park has an impressive whiskey list and the hallmark gritty vibe of a classic dive bar in Chicago.
The Empty Bottle
1035 N Western Ave
Hours: Monday – Wednesday 5 PM – 2 AM, Thursday – Friday 3 PM – 2 AM, Saturday 11 AM – 3 AM, Sunday 11 AM – 2 AM
This live music venue in Ukrainian Village that draws in fans of alternative and indie also offers a pool table and a handful of arcade games, making it an all-in-one dive bar experience.
Exit
1315 W North Ave
Hours: Sunday – Friday 9 PM – 4 AM, Saturday 9 PM – 5 AM
The definitive Chicago punk bar has been around since the early ’80s and is still going strong. This punk bar near you is located on the edges of Wicker Park and Bucktown. This dive bar in Chicago is open ’til dawn and is what some would call historic.
Rossi’s Liquors
412 N State St
Hours: Monday 7 AM – 2 AM, Saturday 7 AM – 3 AM, Sunday 11 AM – 2 AM
You haven’t quite been to a “hole-in-the-wall” kind of place until you’ve been to Rossi’s. This favorite bar that also functions as a liquor store is hidden in bustling River North. Enter if you dare.
Old Town Ale House
219 W North Ave
Hours: Monday – Friday 3 PM – 4 AM, Saturday 12 PM – 5 AM, Sunday 12 PM – 4 AM
Some argue this bar to be the hands-down best dive bar in the city. Old Town‘s late-night, artsy spot is cash-only and has plenty of personality, as it’s been around for ages. And parking is found easily nearby.
The Matchbox
770 N Milwaukee Ave
Hours: Monday – Sunday 3 PM – 2 AM
On a corner in River West sits what could be Chicago’s smallest bar. This tiny bar near you has a welcoming atmosphere and an air of familiarity. Don’t be fooled by the mixologist-level cocktails, this place has been around forever.
What’s your favorite Chicago dive bar? Let us know below!
At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.
Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!
