Top Rated Nightlife in Chicago

The Weegee’s Lounge is a speakeasy-style bar that brings a little piece of Prohibition-Era New York to Chicago. You can sip on delicious handcrafted cocktails and a fine range of beers in their beer garden or enjoy the atmosphere in the intimate, indoors bar. With vintage crime scene photos adorning the walls, upbeat music playing in the background, a photo booth and lots of other quirky touches, this place is delight to visit. Popular local favorites include the refreshing Pink Squirrel or the tasteful Sit and Spin. Converse with old friends or spend your time making new ones while playing a game of shuffleboard. If you are looking for a relaxed, laid back evening out while sipping on a few sumptuous drinks, you’ll assuredly love Weegee’s Lounge.

An out-and-out dive bar if there ever was one, Archie's Iowa & Rockwell Tavern takes a bit of acquired liking. Neighborhood folk vouch by this bar, its cheap beer and the cheese balls being the popular favorites. Understandably, Archie's does not feature fancy cocktail mixes, but if you're looking for a night of uncomplicated, straightforward fun with your group of friends, then this bar has that quality about it. A free pool table, some board games, and the occasional Wii game make for some great entertainment.

If you want to begin the evening in style, head to Streeterville Social for a night of al fresco drinking and dining. Located on the rooftop of Loews Hotel, this rooftop lounge not only offers stunning views of the entire city but also has on offer an assortment of eclectic drinks and refined street food delicacies, not to forget the pétanque and over-sized jenga. As you sink into one of the comfy armchairs, call for a Tiki-inspired cocktail like the Streeterville Mai Tai and soak up the rays of the summer sun. You could also dig into Oyster Po’ Boys, Crispy Lamb Belly Gyros and Chocolate Mousse Cake. Although, everything seems to be priced on the stepper side, the view and the ambience make dining at this place worth every penny spent.

Cunneen's is a local favorite and has enjoyed a loyal patronage for quite sometime. Taking pride in their quaint setting and budget-friendly yet impressive beer selection, this is one place where you can sit down with a book in solitude. The bartenders are amicable and so are the co-patrons, so you are sure to make new friends here. Cunneen's has a wonderful selection of Vinyl records, if you are a fan of the classics then this place if your utopia. They do not serve food but they do have ample of take-out menus at your disposal. WiFi equipped, dog friendly, Cunneen's is simply a great spot for one and for all.

Keenan O'Reilly's Pub is the neighborhood dive bar for after-work drinks and merriment. Liquors and beers are available in both imported and domestic varieties, with daily specials at low price points. Table tennis is free on all days while pool can be played for free on Thursday nights. It also has games like Magic Touch and Super Shuffle in addition to fun trivia nights on Mondays. The large collection of board games will also ensure that you are never bored. If nothing else, you can always catch a game on one of their television screens. There is even a jukebox to play all your favorite tunes. Credit card payment is accepted here but there is an ATM machine located within the bar as well.

Located at the Private Bank Fire Pitch, Heineken Pub 97 is spread over a huge area, and is dedicated to soccer fans. Heineken Pub 97, boasts of a dozen big screen 4K televisions, an experienced chef, and a fully stocked bar. It will be your favorite venue to watch a game of soccer. They also have an the outdoor patio, where you will find picnic tables, a ping pong table, board games, and ample seating to enjoy live games of soccer. The food menu is typical bar food, and can be enjoyed with a variety of beers and spirits. They also have a kid’s play area, which ideal place if you're looking for a causal kid-friendly place, while enjoying a drink and a game of soccer.