So long, fake ID, hello, real bars! Here are the best bars to hit for all the newly minted members of society. Think of this list as the syllabus for the most important class you’ll take during your time in college.
*Updated 1/10/2025
photo via facebook / mcgee's tavern
950 W Webster Ave - Lincoln Park
Want to figure out who did theater in high school? Look no further than karaoke in the McGee’s back room. Lots of TVs make it a good spot to catch a game too.
949 W Webster Ave - Lincoln Park
With a lively atmosphere and a spacious backyard for the warmer months, Kelly’s is the perfect place to grab a pitcher and spend a long night shooting the shit with friends.
Photo via facebook / she-nannigans
16 W Division St - Gold Coast
Karaoke, live bands, beer pong, pop-a-shot, popcorn – She(-nannigans)’s the whole package. Two bars flanking plenty of open space keeps the wait low all night.
photo via facebook / the hangge-uppe
14 W Elm St - Gold Coast
A Chicago staple, two floors of dancing makes The Hangge-Uppe a favorite all hours of the night. Modern music on the first floor and throwbacks in the basement means everything can find something to groove with.
photo via facebook / texan taco bar
942 W Randolph St - West Loop
Located in the heart of West Loop, Texan Taco is the perfect place to bookend your night. Get there on the early side for happy hour featuring margs and, you guessed it, tacos, or swing by later for a country nightcap.
photo via federales
180 N Morgan St - Fulton Market
Think you have a good arm? Test your aim by downing an ice shot and trying to ring Federales’ iconic bell. If all that physical activity makes you hungry, Fed’s has a loaded menu to keep you going all night.
photo via delilah's
2771 N Lincoln Ave - Wrightwood Neighbors/Lake View
If you’re not quite ready to let go of that teenage angst, but still want to take full advantage of your newly legal status, Delilah’s is your spot. Rotating art from local artists and a variety of music from punk to ska to metal keeps the space fresh.
Photo via Sluggers
3540 N Clark St - Wrigleyville
Take some hacks in the batting cages at one of the most iconic bars on Clark. Perfect for after a Cubs game (or really any night that you’re looking for a good time). Massive TVs are always showing the relevant games and Dueling Pianos Thursday to Saturday makes Sluggers fun for even the least athletically inclined.
photo via facebook / bub city
435 N Clark St - River North
Put some boots on and scratch that country itch at Bub City. Run by the masterminds behind Windy City Smokeout, live music is at their core with bands performing every weekend.
Photo via instagram / joy district
112 W Hubbard St - River North
Clubbing more your speed? Joy District has you covered. Great DJs keep the party going into the late night and bottle service is an option if you want to blow all that summer internship money.
photo via facebook / LG's bar
1525 N Wells St - Old Town
In the center of the ever-popular Wells Street lies LG’s. A huge menu makes it a good option for a more casual night, but they also have great gameday specials. Open late Wednesdays through Sundays, it’s truly a spot for everyone
photo via Instagram / The River Kitchen and Bar
2909 N Sheffield Ave - Lake View
Home of "Chicago's largest drag brunch," The River has no shortage of fun events. Sunday mornings is when their marquee event kicks off, while Tuesday evenings play host to trivia night. Whatever day you chose, you're guaranteed to find something to keep yourself afloat.
photo via Ph.D Pub
1257 S Halsted St - Little Italy
You don't need an advanced degree to know that Ph.D Pub's drink specials are some of the best in town. Being a stone's throw from UIC makes this an easy option any night of the week.
1172 E 55th St - Hyde Park
Some like to say UChicago is where fun goes to die, but Woodlawn Tap is proof that that statement couldn't be more false. Around since 1948, it's cash-only, but that only adds to the authenticity.
That’s all for the first lecture. Homework assignment #1: Get out there and Do312!
Did we miss your favorite spot? Send us a note at [email protected]!
