The heyday of Belmont Avenue's punk scene is long since gone, but Berlin is somewhat of a holdover from the area's Bohemian past. No longer punk, Berlin often hosts LGBTQ+-themed events, parties, and drag shows, and it is considered a popular and welcoming spot for individuals to express themselves and enjoy the nightlife scene in Chicago. There's a disco night once a month, so you may want to call ahead to see if you should wear your bell bottoms.
A quirky name for an eclectic coffee shop, but Cafe Mustache is much more than your ordinary java house. The offbeat vintage decor gives it a warm and inviting vibe making it a popular hipster haunt. With over a thousand musical records, you can browse the selections and choose a song you want. It is also a performance space for local bands and weekly live gigs. Offering excellent desserts, freshly ground coffee, teas, and microbrews, Cafe Mustache is a great place to hang out with friends. They also have vegan options on their menu.
Chicago nightlife cannot be complete without Reggie's Rock Club, for this place is a popular hangout for die-hard rock fans. This venue has hosted a long string of memorable performances, with both local and well-known bands drawing crowds from all around. A well-stocked bar adds to the party mood too. The moment you step in, you're assured of a great night ahead. This place is huge enough to accommodate a fairly large crowd, and its decor spells "wild" all the way. All in all, great music, unlimited drinking, and a night filled with fun Also, do check out Reggie's Music Joint, which is right next to this place.
Liar's Club is a very minimalist West Lincoln Park urban dance bar. Mostly when you come here, you do it simply to have a good time either by taking advantage of the compact dance floor with a mirror ball or chatting with friends at the bar. The music changes with the night and the DJs on duty, but it usually features the standard dance songs from the past three decades. There's an upstairs room open on weekends to fend off overcrowding, with plenty of couch space for lounging and a pool table.
In the heart of Lincoln Park, you will find plenty of nightclubs. But AliveOne, however, is one of the more popular establishments, with over 16 beers on tap and a large selection of premium and standard liquors. This Lincoln Park fixture is known for hosting up-and-coming local bands each week without charging a cover fee. Music memorabilia graces the walls and crevices, while the service is friendly and prompt. AliveOne features a variety of weekly specials and is also very proud of holding Chicago's largest live music collection in its jukebox. Just note that free parking is available during the week in the lot just south of the bar, so you can enjoy it hassle-free.
The Woodlawn Tap, known for its late owner, Jimmy, is a Hyde Park institution. Students from the venerable University of Chicago are known to flock here before, after, and sometimes even during classes. Don't leave without trying one of Jimmy's famous cheeseburgers, and make sure to eavesdrop on some of the interesting (and decidedly out-of-place) conversations. Saul Bellow and Dylan Thomas are rumored to have drunk here. Jimmy's features live jazz on Sunday nights.
The Roger Park Social bar is a perfect example of a ‘neighborhood’ watering hole. Founded and operated by a group of residents of Rogers Park, the bar focuses on affordable and accessible drinks like cocktails, beers, wines etc, and is an ideal place to have a drink and catch up with old buddies. The bar is small in size, but very comfortable and can get crowded during weekends. Being a typical retro lounge, one can enjoy music and play board games, monopoly, while sipping on their favorite drink. The must try cocktails are Super Rad(Stiegl Grapefruit Radler, CH Key Gin, Pür Likor Elderflower Liqueur) or Socialite (St. George California Citrus Vodka, lime, agave, Napoleon Mandarine Orange Cognac, cranberry). On the menu there is limited bar food, and on weekends they have food trucks stationed outside the bar.
Rock Island Public House named in the honour of the Rock Island Railroad that first steamed in 1852. The hip decor is inspired by the historic past, cult films and pop culture. On the menu you will find a range of locally crafted beers, wines and other alcoholic beverages. They have events happening round the year and the venue is also available for private parties. For detailed information, check out their website!
This bar draws a pretty scruffy crowd of late-night drinkers and wanderers from the nearby Land of Nod, a lonely group of holdovers who still cling to the faith that Wicker Park is an artists' haven. The jukebox is usually blaring Hank Williams or Johnny Cash as you drown your troubles. There is a somewhat hidden back room. Some of the more serious adventurers among you may want to wander in there after your second or third drink.