14 Best Wine Lists in Chicago

D.O.C. Wine Bar

best wine lists in chicago
Photo Credit: D.O.C. Wine Bar

2602 North Clark Street

This place is an absolute must on any “best wine” list. Head to Lincoln Park (or Lombard, for you suburbanites) for wine by the glass, half bottle, full bottle, or flight, with both national and international options spanning white, red, rosé, sparkling, and blends. Pair yours with one of their small plates like spinach dip or lobster deviled eggs, or a charcuterie board to complete the experience.

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Enolo Wine Cafe

best wine lists in chicago
Photo Credit: Enolo Wine Cafe

450 North Clark Street 

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Although this River North wine bar’s list isn’t lengthy, it’s the quality that counts. Take your pick from an expertly curated list of old and new world varietals, and if you’re really about that wine life, join their wine club where you can enjoy 30% off select bottles each month. Their happy hour Monday – Friday from 4pm – 6pm is pretty great too – $7 glasses. Sounds like a sweet deal to us.

 

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Webster’s Wine Bar

best wine lists in chicago
Photo Credit: Pinterest

2601 North Milwaukee Avenue

This highly-acclaimed, husband-and-wife owned wine bar in Logan Square might be the most well-known in the city. The impressive selection sitting in the cellar speaks for itself. They’ve got white, red, sparkling, rosé, aperitifs, sherry – you name it – all available by glass, tasting, or bottle. All the essential food fixin’s are there to compliment your vino. For any non-wine drinkers that might be tagging along, their draft beer and cider is pretty sizable too.

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Volo Restaurant Wine Bar

best wine lists in chicago
Photo Credit: Volo Restaurant Wine Bar

2008 West Roscoe Street

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Summer patio vibes galore are plenty to draw people over to this Roscoe Village spot, but there’s no question that the wine steals the show. Putting the kibosh on the notion that wine tasting is for high-brow folks only, this place strives to create an affordable experience. Their large selection showcasing every varietal is offered by glass, half-glass, carafe, or bottle and fit perfectly with their menu of small plates, entrees, salads, and artisanal cheeses.

 

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404 Wine Bar

best wine lists in chicago
Photo Credit: 404 Wine Bar via Instagram

2852 North Southport Avenue

Don’t like getting overwhelmed with too many options, languages, and tasting notes? Sometimes a more straightforward list is the way to go. This cozy bar in Lakeview offers a list of white, red, sparkling, and rosé that covers every major region, as well as delicious cheese and charcuterie, small plates, flatbreads, and sliders that make for a go-to spot.

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Giant

best wine lists in chicago
Photo Credit: Giant via Instagram

3209 West Armitage Avenue

Tucked away on a slightly less bustling avenue in West Logan Square, this hidden gem is notable in the city for its food, and wine list might leave you pleasantly surprised. The lengthy list of relatively obscure white, red, sparkling and rosé options are some that adventurous wine drinkers would be excited to explore. Each is sure to pair well with one of the restaurant’s many elevated and inspired dishes.

 

Siena Tavern

best wine lists in chicago
Photo Credit: Siena Tavern via Instagram

51 West Kinzie Street

Although this spacious, Italian tavern ranks high on more than one “best of” list, we’re strictly focusing on wine here. If you can tear yourself away for a second from the mouthwatering brunch, pasta, pizza, and bombolini menus, check out their extensive wine list, featuring numerous options in an “Elsewhere” section that traverses the globe. If you’re with a group in River North, you’d be sorry to miss this one.

 

La Sardine

best wine lists in chicago
Photo Credit: La Sardine via Instagram

111 North Carpenter Street

Obviously, the French know what’s up when it comes to the vine. The wine list at this West Loop bistro is, as you can guess, exclusively French, making it a cool opportunity to taste your way through a cultural experience. The deals are pretty unbeatable too – happy hours on Monday – Thursday from 5pm – 7pm include a wine flight of the month for $15 and a $4 selection of cheese and charcuterie. Even better? Monday is Wine Night here, meaning half-off all bottles of wine (and a great start to your work week).

 

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

best wine lists in chicago
Photo Credit: Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse via Instagram

1028 North Rush Street

The behemoth that is Gibsons is the quintessential Chicago steakhouse – so you know they’ve gotta get their wine right. Celebrities flock here not only because the restaurant has its own USDA certified angus beef program (damn…) but also for the drinks. You might need to put your spectacles on to comb through this insanely long wine list, but rest assured – you got options.

 

Income Tax

best wine lists in chicago
Photo Credit: Income Tax via Instagram

5959 North Broadway

Edgewater is home to this semi-new joint on the scene, boasting a modern, unpretentious space and a primary focus on craft cocktails. The food menu is brief, consisting of bites, jars, cheese, and dessert, but it’s the perfect accompaniment to the drinks that dominate the experience. There are unique brands of every liquor and a hefty bunch of Italian and French red and white wines, along with a sparkling selection.

 

The Press Room

best wine lists in chicago
Photo Credit: The Press Room

1134 West Washington Boulevard

Classy and intimate is the vibe you’ll find here, with West Loop-centric industrial digs and a wine list that takes center stage. There are varietals from just about everywhere, and countries you might not even expect, and of course, a fully-stocked cheese, charcuterie and small plates menu to top it off. All you really need, right?

 

Sepia

best wine lists in chicago
Photo Credit: Sepia

123 North Jefferson Street

The wine list (also called “The Wine Geeks’ Soap Box”) at Sepia is a great excuse to head to this critically acclaimed heavy hitter. Focusing on seasonal, sustainably sourced ingredients featured in elevated American dishes, this is the kind of place that offers the ultimate form of “wine and dine.” Order from their selection of seasonal and regular wines, many of which are quite aged, then let the glass do the talking.

 

avec

best wine lists in chicago
Photo Credit: avec via Instagram

615 West Randolph Street

Another heavy hitter in the West Loop’s booming restaurant scene, the deliciously crafted Mediterranean small plates measure up just as high as the wine, described as the most important element of the restaurant. Offering 130 boutique “peasanty” wines, this is the kind of list that’ll have you going back time and time again to keep trying new ones.

 

Osteria Langhe

best wine lists in chicago
Photo Credit: Osteria Langhe

2824 West Armitage Avenue

Sometimes, a warm, savory bowl of pasta can only be made better with a glass of Nebbiolo. For a really unique, regional experience you won’t find anywhere else in the city, head to Logan Square for this rustic representation of Piedmontese cuisine, accompanied by rich Northern Italian wines. If you’re edging more toward an Italian wine experience, trust us when we say it doesn’t get much better than this.

 

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