Bars & Taverns in Illinois
Illinois has a rich history of bars and taverns. Most notoriously, when Prohibition outlawed the sale and production of alcohol in the 1920s, Al Capone made his bootlegging headquarters in Chicago. Now, legal bars and taverns populate the state. Finding the right one for you is easy, as long as you know how to narrow your search. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
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Sweet Home Chicago
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Chicago is one of the biggest, most diverse cities in America. A bar of some sort can be found on nearly every block. There are several neighborhoods that are known for their nightlife, with beer gardens and windows that open up the bars to the street when the weather permits.
At the intersection of Rush St. and Division St., there are many bars and clubs. This area is a well-known tourist destination. It is close to downtown and the expressway. Most bars in the area are open until 4 a.m. weekdays and 5 a.m. on Saturday.
Wrigleyville, on the north side of the city, denotes the blocks that surround Wrigley Field. It boasts over a dozen sports bars that are packed with Cubs fans on almost any day of the year. Wrigley Field can be found at 1060 W. Addison. Clark Street runs north and south on the west side of the field and is home to most bars in the area.
The other side of the city is known for its "Southside Irish" pride. Irish pubs with traditional Gaelic food, classic wooden bar tops and iron-backed bar stools are common.
Lincoln Park is not only a large public park with a free zoo, but also a hip neighborhood with a unique blend of college bars (DePaul University is in the heart of Lincoln Park) and upscale wine and martini bars.
Chicago.metromix.com is an excellent resource for sorting through the hundreds of bars in Chicago. The site has reviews and recommendations for fun bar events.
College Towns!
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There are several major universities in Illinois in lesser populated, rural areas of the state. Most of the university towns have square-style downtown areas dotted with bars and clubs. Drinks are usually cheap and specials geared toward college students.
Carbondale, Southern Illinois University
Macomb, Western Illinois University
DeKalb, Northern Illinois University
Bloomington/Normal, Illinois State University
Urbana/Champaign, University of Illinois -
Party Publications
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There a few entertainment magazines that break down nightlife by type of establishment, location and entertainment.
"Time Out Chicago" is a weekly publication that can be picked up on newsstands. A year's subscription can be purchased for less than $20 on chicago.timeout.com. Interesting reads can be found in the bar reviews and bar information section.
"Chicago Scene" boasts being the "premier entertainment guide," according to their website, chicago-scene.com. This high-gloss and pocket-sized guide lists upscale clubs and bars. It also has a shopping and salon directory to assist readers in getting ready for their big night out.
"Wassup!" magazine has several editions. One is aimed at the west suburbs of Chicago, another the south suburbs of Chicago and also Chicago itself. "Wassup!" comes out once a month, and can be picked up free at most Chicagoland bars. The magazine has jokes and pictures that are entertaining to look at over drinks.
"Suburban Nitelife" is another free publication. Bands and bars are listed alphabetically and geographically. Their website, nitelife.org, is a great way to weed out perspective evening entertainment.
"Illinois Entertainer" focuses strictly on musical entertainment. This is also a free magazine. Every month, a different artist is on the cover and profiled inside.
Speakeasies
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Hang out where Capone and his cronies drank and sold booze in the 1920s. Some of these places are still around from the Prohibition days according to northbynorthwestern.com.
Room 21, 2110 S. Wabash St., Chicago, still has hidden brick hallways that may have been used for gangsters to escape the police or bring in moonshine.
Al Capone's Hideaway and Steakhouse, 35 W. 337 Riverside Drive, St Charles, is located on the Fox River. Capone himself may have never been here, but the theme and menu embody everything an authentic 1920s speakeasy would.
Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, 4802 N. Broadway Ave., Chicago, is a jazz club that Capone frequented. His favorite booth is still on display amongst the vintage posters on the wall.
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