Wicker Park and Bucktown have been manors for a long time now, where people often come to enjoy a drink. The bars here are some of the best bars in Chicago, so it’s no surprise that they’re always packed with people looking for a good time. It is an eclectic neighborhood known for its vibrant atmosphere and is lined with a variety of restaurants offering diverse cuisines, as well as trendy bars and nightlife spots.
The Chicago neighborhood of Wicker Park has long been known as one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods with its eclectic mix of restaurants and shops. It also offers an array of great drinking establishments ranging from dive bars to trendy rooftop cocktail lounges.
So, if you live in or around this area, or simply visiting Chicago, you can spend an evening rolling between dive bars and getting fancy at a top-class cocktail bar. You will surely find something unique to slurp on in these areas. One of the most challenging things would be to pick a place to go.
And to help you with that, here’s our list of the best Wicker Park bars in Chicago. These bars range from low-key neighborhood dives and gigantic outdoor patios to top-notch beer bars and fancy dens of highbrow craft beer.
Best Bars in Wicker Park, Chicago
Here are our top picks.
The Map Room is where the walls are covered with maps from corner to corner, floor to ceiling. This place welcomes a diverse selection of beers from around the world and offers travel literature for relaxed browsing. This tiny Bucktown bar has long been a local’s favorite. Besides, Map Room usually provides specials, so keep an eye out for friendly discounts and try a new beer. Furthermore, the Map Room, also known as Traveler’s Tavern, has aged beautifully, maintaining its laid-back ethos while organizing one of the most exciting beer selections in town. Do not miss visiting this bar on Tuesday when they disclose their latest and limited releases of exceptional beers. Additionally, the menu is extensive; also, the bartenders are eager to help you find a New England style IPA or nitro stout that suits your tastes. However, if you are a modest drinker but like the vibe, we suggest you stop by in the morning when Map Room operates as a coffeehouse. Contact: 773-252-7636 Address: 1949 N Hoyne Ave Chicago 60647 Website: http://www.maproom.com/The Map Room
The Violet Hour might be the least secret bar in the town, but it is still one of the finest bars located in Wicker Park. This old-timer bar has long been renowned as a pioneering cocktail bar, also a must for any mixology fanatic. The entire vibe of this place is polite and not unruly, which some have judged pretentious, but as long as you do not act like crazy, you’ll be all ok. Moreover, this cocktail lounge is what you would expect from a pub named after a line of poetry by T.S Eliot- perfect. Here, the carefully selected cocktails are excellent and must-try for a drinker. So, Violet Hour is for when you want to take your drinks seriously. There is a secret behind a mural across the street from Big Star, and they also have some strict rules. There will be no hats, no phones, no reservations, and no Bud lights. Despite that, it is an enjoyable spot to visit every now and then, especially if you are on a date. So, whenever you will plan your visit to the Violet Hour, do check out the mural, which usually changes every month. Head indoors or order to-go to sip amazingly crafted drinks from shaken classics. Contact: 773-252-1500 Address: 1520 N Damen Ave Chicago 60622 Website: http://www.theviolethour.com/#aboutThe Violet Hour
The Bristol is a top performer and standout New American gastropub that serves craft cocktails, craft beers, and fine wines. Since it is situated on one of Bucktown’s most crowded streets, it might be a little challenging to find a parking spot. Therefore, we suggest you hire a cab or be prepared for a short walk between the bar and the car. Furthermore, the place is a fantastic choice for celebrations with small groups, dates, or a distilled solo drink and snack. They have started providing brunch and draft IPA discounts, so make sure to think about this place for a mid-day escape. Apart from this, the food here is thoughtfully prepared, and flavorful. The Bristol often features live music events and maintains a sophisticated atmosphere for those seeking quality entertainment. The menu combines classic and contemporary, while French techniques still remain New American with farm-fresh produce and Midwest delicacy. We are sure your experience at The Bristol will meet with a smile, warmed with excellent hospitality, and filled with good dinner options and drinks. Contact: 773-862-5555 Address: 2152 N. Damen Ave.Chicago, IL 60647 Website: https://www.thebristolchicago.com/The Bristol
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Danny’s Tavern is one of the popular Wicker Park bars to have a huge waiting line on Friday and Saturday nights. However, it’s worth the wait. The site will make you feel nostalgic about the house parties during your college day. Space’s half of the area is a bar, and half is an apartment. The place offers a laid-back atmosphere with retro vibes, plus you can choose the candlelit tables in the dark back rooms. Besides, DJ’s flip everything from throwback 80’s hip-hop to Brazilia samba. Also, there are plenty of outstanding selections of craft beers on tap as well as wines by the glass. Get an ice-cold beer or order from its decent selection of craft beers; the prices are pocket-friendly. It is an all-time favorite watering hole among locals and visitors alike to enjoy live music or simply hang out. Danny’s Tavern is known for its lively dance floor, where you can enjoy various music genres and even karaoke nights. So just grab a glass of whiskey or dirt-cheap PBR and elbow your way through the crowd of hipsters. Contact: 773-489-6457 Address:1951 W Dickens Ave Chicago 60614Danny’s Tavern
The former Bin 36 space was taken over by this craft beer-and-sausage-themed bar, Links Taproom. Besides, there is no trace of the original wine bar among the stylish wooden tables and massive TVs lining the room. In addition, a set of large screens will display the current tap list and information regarding the beer. If in case you may miss out on the last debris of a sparse pour. Furthermore, you simply sit at the bar and scan the list of beers on an iPad offered by the bar staff. There is a lineup for everyone, and there are five wines on tap if beer is not your thing. Also, there is a smaller selection of liquor behind a bar, though this is not the place to order a cocktail. Additionally, the food menu comprises classic bar snacks and a choice of house-made sausages. Their deep-fried sausages in a light tempura batter, cheese curds, and a juicy, delicious steak and ale sausage is a must-try. The stout mustard, too, is one of their specialty dishes. Links Taproom is known for its energetic atmosphere, especially during happy hour. Contact: 773-360-7692 Address: 1559 N Milwaukee Ave Chicago 60622 Website: https://www.linkstaproom.com/Links Taproom
The bar’s trademark is affixed to an Old Style sign, and it replaced Empire Liquors. One side of the area is lined with rounded burgundy leather booths ideal for intimate conversations. Besides, there is massive space in the middle of the room, both between the bar and the stalls. Therefore, you will find plenty of space to enjoy yourself with your loved ones, which makes this place one of Wicker Park’s best bars. If we talk about the decor and ambiance, it is pretty simple yet elegant; there is an Oriental carpet on the flooring and a fox head placed over the entrance to a welcoming back room. All the walls are beautifully lined up with paintings and art. You will also find the drink menu, which is printed on paper menus and scribbled on mirrors above the bar. It includes half a dozen cocktails and a large selection of canned beers and draft. Of course, you can not miss their Gold Bullets & Vampires gin cocktail, which is perfect for the fall season. St. George’s Terroir Gin is another drink combined with apricot cordial and Vander Mill. It is totally Roasted Cider, a cinnamon-pecan cider made in Michigan, to create a sweetly spiced yet refreshing drink. Contact: 773-278-1600 Address: 1566 N Milwaukee Ave Chicago 60622 Website: https://revelroom.com/Revel Room
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There are many sports bars in Wicker Park, but the must-visit among all is The Fifty/50, located in the heart of Division Sreet’s. This television-equipped, reputable bar has one of the best wings in the city. In addition, The Fifty/50 bar in Wicker Park offers breaded, boneless, and smoked options quenched in sauces such as spicy garlic, buffalo, and sweet chili cilantro. In addition, if you are not a big fan of wings, then, you should definitely taste their vegetarian-friendly meals. For instance, beer-battered pickles or the caesar, deep-fried cheese curds, lime, and avocado salad, hands down the most scrumptious in town. The Fifty/50 bar has also achieved many awards, including the Best Sports Bar in America, Best Wings in Chicago since it opened in 2008. Apart from this, don’t forget to wash it all down with wines by the glass, curated bourbon, a variety of beers, and scotch collections. Finally, you can simply book a cozy table by contacting them online if you want to save time. So, stop by for some delicious wings and tropical drinks while enjoying the views of the city. You deserve it. Contact: 773-489-5050 Address: 2047 W Division St Chicago 60622 Website: https://www.thefifty50.com/The Fifty/50
The Emporium Arcade Bar Chicago brings the vintage arcade fun to Chicago, offering a similarly large collection of games and more than a dozen craft beers. If you enjoy playing video games, pinball machines, pool, or classic arcade games, the place has it all. The arcade is really dedicated to its gaming bar genre, and you would find many gaming tournaments being held here from time to time. The games are token-based with the price of each token as $0.25 only. The bar has a passionately curated selection of craft beer, an innovative cocktail program, and a huge whiskey list. The place is usually bustling with people and has an upbeat atmosphere. It is especially crowded on Fridays when it opens a couple of hours early for happy hour. It also offers flexible party solutions, hosting live music events to DJ nights. Contact: 773-697-7922 Address: 1366 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 Website: https://www.emporiumarcadebar.com/locations/chicago/wicker-park/The Emporium Wicker Park Chicago
To Finish
We hope you have got sufficient information about the best bars in Wicker Park. Hence, dress up and set plans for your next get-together in one of the bars mentioned above. Also, as the saying goes, location, location, and location; choose an area that best suits your mood and get nice day-drinking booze for yourself.
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