50 Best Bars near Lincolnwood

“Everything about our experience was five stars. First off the ambiance was so nice, stylish but comfortable and cozy. My four year old spilled milk all over him, the booth and the floor. The staff, Claudia (server), Andres and Kristine (host) were so unbelievably kind, attentive and responsive I don't think I have ever experienced that before. Kristine was so helpful and concerned she even offered me a clean towel to help dry him off in the restroom. I haven't even mentioned the food! Everything we ordered was delicious. We had an assortment of small plates (focaccia, Brussel sprouts, calamari, farro) as well as pasta and the burger was enjoyed by all. We would definitely be regulars if we were local.“

“No notes! So dang good! Add the bacon and egg to your burger (single) and you won’t be disappointed but you will be stuffed. Their Paloma is also very delicious! Long wait (1hr for 1 person) but I would wait even longer and there is a lot to do in the area so it was nice to just walk around.“

“I came to El Che Sunday at 5 pm and it was not overly full but they were busy. I was past 15 minutes late but they were able to accommodate me still. I was greeted by the friendliest staff ever. From the front of the house to my server, they were all very pleasant and genuinely welcoming. I ordered the warm olives which were absolutely delicious, and I got the 8 oz Vacio Wagyi Flap Steak, medium rare. My meat was cooked perfectly and I was quite surprised how fast I got my food. I thought there would be a wait but I had my food within 15 minutes. I also asked my server to take a picture of me and he was kind enough to do so and help me arrange the table a bit better. And the woman at the front of the house was so nice! We chatted a bit and she took pictures of me in the restaurant and outside the restaurant! She was so nice and friendly! ? Definitely would recommend El Che for anyone looking for a lovely steak dinner either on your own or with friends and family. Parking was not difficult but I did reserve with spot hero but given the area there is plenty of street parking available. Definitely coming back here again.“

“First of all, the service is excellent. Our server was helpful, and pleasant, always showing up at the proper time. I thought the atmosphere on the lower level was a little too dark for my taste but it didn't detract from the service or the food. Dine upstairs if you prefer more lighting but it's also dim. Now the food. The salads were amazing. Our table had the lyonnaise and the wedge salads. Both were excellent. The ribeye steak, fried chicken, steak frites, all wonderful and recommended. One of our party ordered the salmon which is cooked medium. He said he should have ordered it well done but that is more his preference. Our server asked if it was OK and he said yes so no reflection on the quality of the dish. The creamed spinach is good but very rich. The mashed potatoes were amazing. I will definitely return just to try more dishes. Sorry no pictures. Drinks were amazing as well. Oh, forgot to mention large portions on everything.“

“Amazing outing the vibes in here were amazing. There was amazing music and the staff was so courteous. When we sat at the bar our orders were immediately taken and made well. There were a few snacks behind the bar for purchase but we did not see a menu for food.“

“Love the atmosphere here in sushi san, feels like a Japanese izakaya vibe with a bunch of people enjoying their drinks and sushi. The sushi here are top notch and worth the money, I especially love their nigiri sets that comes with rolls and sashimi. Their Japanese pancake with matcha butter was also something that I really enjoyed! I would definitely come back again more often!“

“Great place to go with group of friends. Everyone can grab the food they prefer and you can get a nice drink. On top of that you can enjoy a nice rooftop!Dietary restrictions: It’s a food court so there are plenty of optionsKid-friendliness: A place for all ages“

“Absolutely excellent bar, amazing staff who are calm, kind, and knowledgeable. The entire environment is intentional and high quality. We sat at the bar and got to see the drinks being prepared which was a great experience. Have heard good things about the food though we didn’t try any this time. The drinks are INCREDIBLE. This is a MUST GO in Chicago. We made a mistake with our reservation and they were kind enough to still put us on the waiting list and we were able to include this in our trip. Very grateful and will come again!“

“Gilt bar’s happy hour is lively classy and delicious. Definitely try and show up right around 4 as it gets packed quickly. But mostly is standing room. We stood near the bar and the service was impressive for how busy it got. The bartender really could shake those drinks! The $7 teeny espresso martini for me and husband ordered an old fashioned with wild turkey rye $8 ...bartender asked if he wanted to upgrade to the Bourbon the drink increased to $17. He should have said something. Errrr. Seats opened at the bar. (Only can order food if seated) We ordered the mussels which had a lemon vermouth sauce. Dipping the crusty bread in the sauce was my favorite part. The ambiance is fancy and artfully arranged. (4.5/5)“

“Can get a bit packed on a weekend night as it's one of a handful of viable Indian options downtown. We were quoted about 15-20 minutes wait time but they didn't let us stand in the vestibule outside and corralled us into a corner of the front to wait.Chicken vindaloo was good - not as spiced as I would have liked (I ordered it hot) but good flavor nonetheless. Service charge is applied automatically for groups of 6 or more, but the bill then includes additional tip suggestions from 15-20% which could trip up a less scrupulous person“

“I'm a sucker for Heritage's Happy Hour Oyster for a while so had to circle back for the restaurant week. The whole experience was giving East meets West as it covers a good range of dishes/inspired cuisine. I was pleasantly surprised with how each courses was planned out, with very balanced flavor combinations, leaving me full but not uncomfortably stuffed. My favorite we're definitely the tuna crudo, braised beef and fiancier, hopefully that make the official menu one day. Overall great experience and the downstairs speakeasy space makes it so fun to eat and catch up.“

“Started off with a nice Libre Pensee red wine, with a steak tartare appetizer. For entrees Laura had the striped bass which was heavenly and I had the scallops which had a Cajun like presentation which enhanced the taste of the scallops. For dessert we had chocolate ganache which was exceptional.“

“HandleBar exceeded our expectations! Amazing food, exceptional service, and a wide variety of options for vegetarians and vegans. Don't miss the black bean tostadas, fried avocado grilled cheese, and Pie, Pie My Darling Cake. The Lavender Rosemary Latte is a must-try. Overall, HandleBar is the perfect place for those seeking amazing vegetarian and vegan cuisine.“

“Visited this spot on New Year's Eve with some good friends. Great vibes and fun mini golfing! Good way to stay active on your night out. Also some games scattered around the place. Very friendly staff. We had an amazing night there. Highly recommend!“

“Smoky rooms, Punk music and Gothic VibeThat’s Warlord for youImmaculate is the word for this restaurant!Visited on a Sunday evening, ordered scallops, Sirloin for our appetisers. Ordered Fois gras too which had a bust of flavours in mouth and a must try. Got Ribeye for the mains and ofcourse had to get the burger. With just two ingredients this burger definitely is a front runner up for Chicago best burger. Lastly ended our dinner with dessert which met and matched the food expectations as other food.“

“We stopped in here while waiting for our daughter to deliver her baby at NW Hospital near by. We were seated at a great table with out reservations! The food was amazing and the service was even better. Great atmosphere and so welcoming! Baby came about 3 hours after we left the restaurant? We plan on making it an annual dinner celebration on her birthday ?“

“Was in Chicago for business and happened to walk by the Broken English Taco Pub around lunch time- we hadn't planned on eating there but we were hungry and could smell the food from the street and it smelled delicious- so we decided to give it a try. We are so glad we did! The atmosphere was nice and service was great. We decided to try their Chipotle Queso as an appetizer and it was delicious- it is made with goat cheese and was very unique compared to the usual queso you get at other establishments. We decided to split a 6-pack taco tray and tried the following tacos: carne asada, borderland brisket, and camarones. All three were packed with flavor and absolutely delicious- my personal favorite though was the carne asada (their salsa verde is awesome too!). Overall a 10/10 and highly recommend you stop in if you're in the area. Prices seemed very fair considering their location (the downtown Chicago Loop).“

“Was sent here to enjoy a drink while we waited for our table nextdoor from the owner Armando at La Scarola. Despite not being a smoker, there was nostalgia around enjoying a drink in the smokey Cheers inspired ambience. A bartender even put on Svengoolie which just wrapped it all together. I enjoyed a Limoncello and my date a whiskey neat. Enjoying a little taste of old school Chicago wasn't originally planned but definitely appreciated!“

“It was cool. Met some friends on St. Paddy's Day for a happy hour drink. My beer was $6, and her ranch water was $9 (not sure what the happy hour special was), but it was a one and done with no issues. It's super dark inside even on a bright day, so if you are a day drinker, this might be your vibe. Not so much for me.“

“Great beer, board games available and atmosphere. However if you would please turn the heat on it would be most appreciated. It's odd to still be in jacket and scarf while indoors and still chilled. Great place in the summer but maybe their heats broken Jan 15,2024.“

“This was one of the most expensive meals I have ever had. It was worth every penny. Your experience likely begins when you almost miss the restaurant, which has an almost secretively subtle gold address sign marking the location. It feels exclusive and special. The interior is beautiful, the lighting is classy and romantic, and the tables are well-spaced. The wait staff is on their A-game throughout, keeping water topped off, explaining the menu, and making sure you get what you want. My wife and I started with the old fashioned, which was flawless. We shared a Spanish Omelet with black truffle shavings, which could have been more generous on the truffle but had impeccable flavor. As for the steaks, you do not choose the cut or size of your portion-- you basically just choose the type and flavor profile of the cow you will be eating and the restaurant takes it from there. I was a little skeptical of this process, but the steak that came out was the best I have ever had and was a more than satisfactory portion. It was perfectly cooked, very well salted, and every bite was as good as the first. We ordered the tallow potatoes as a side, which essentially were almost Lincoln logs. They were divine-- best potatoes I have ever had. The sommelier helped us picked a wine that was not something I would ordinarily have, but perfectly complemented the steak. As an FYI, the wine list is 100% Spanish, so we needed and were grateful for the somme's help. Ultimately, this restaurant was the real deal. It's expensive, but worth it, and I would happily return.“

“My wife and I ordered oat milk lattes and both were made to perfection. Some coffee shops tend to overheat oat milk and end up making it thinner and generally unpleasant to taste but these folks know what they're doing!Parking: Parking on the street nearby is fairly easy to find.“

“This is probably my favorite bar ever. The ambience is dope. The pictures in the picture frame change. The drinks are amazing! The colors, the candles - this place is just rad! The drinks are really, and the staff is friendly, and super helpful. Oh, and did I mention that they do tarot card readings in the back? This place is so cool. Every big city needs a bar like king of cups!!“

“All you can eat fish 'n chips days are not to sleep on.The fish is awesome. Batter is thin, golden and incredibly crunchy yet gentle. Very tasty and satisfying!The last time I was there I was quite disappointed by availability of whiskeys. Lots of options were out.Scottish imported beer was there as always and as always great pours with perfect foam head.“

“What a cute little gem in this city. The atmosphere was cozy but lively. I loved the lighting and musical soundtrack. We had a reservation and were seated immediately. Both the host and waitress were pleasant and provided just the right amount of check-ins. Now on to the food. Everything we ate was delicious. From the fresh bread that they poured melted garlic butter onto table side to the yummy brussel sprouts. The pasta was cooked to a perfect al dente with very flavorful sauces. I'm sad that I was only able to eat there once as I only had. 4 day trip in Chicago, but I will definitely return.“

“Paradise is a favorite amongst my friend group but yesterday’s service absolutely blew me out of the water! The service and food is always great but yesterday we were celebrating a special milestone and our server Nico made sure to make us feel like the paradise team was celebrating with us. Again i love paradise and it’s always good times & good vibes but yesterday was TOP TIER! Thank you Nico Barry’s wicker park loves you!!!“

“The taquitos are quite good. And the home made salsas are fab. You need to try both! But the tomatillo avocado was my favorite. The drinks were nice and they have a nice local craft beer selection. The piña poblano was spicy and the draft margarita was delicious.“

“I have been coming here for over 30 years ! Love this place ! My mouth waters just looking at the pictures on their menu! It’s been a while and I didn’t realize they now take reservations! My husband and I are long over due for a date night and I think I know what I’m asking for on our ten year anniversary! Lol yum! Can’t wait to visit again!“

“TL;DR - If you’re even slightly thinking about coming here, just do it. Revolution has the best beer in the city, fantastic food, and incredible staff.A lot of breweries in Chicago excel in making their one or two specialty styles of beer, and that’s it. Revolution, on the other hand, is able to guarantee high quality and incredibly drinkable beer across just about every style you can think of. I normally hate those dark, boozy, 15+% ABV beers, yet I drink every single one that Rev puts out and I love it. Their “Hero”-series IPAs will make even the biggest IPA hater second guess their hatred. And their sours (usually released during the summer) are so good, you will question how something this good can be alcoholic. Revolution doesn’t put out a beer that isn’t incredible, so you can pick a beer at random and be sure to enjoy it.Recently, the Brewpub renovated their space and, with it, re-did a lot of their menu. The space is cozy, yet upscale (the seating is significantly comfier than it once was with new plush seating). The new food is also really high quality - much higher than you would expect from a brewery. A lot of detail is put into plating and presentation (Mushrooms & Tofu, for example, looks like a piece of art), and still it tastes somehow even better than it looks. In addition to more upscale menu items, you’re also able to get a lot of that “typical” bar food here that fully delivers (pretzel, cheese curds, fries, etc.). The only gripe I could possibly have here is on the pricing of some of the food. This does not apply to the whole menu though, just some items that feel like they are priced higher than they should be (e.g. Lion’s Mane mushrooms, a starter, costs the same as the Mushrooms & Tofu, an entree, despite being significantly less food and sharing some similar ingredients. Why?!). If you can view this less as a bar and more like a nicer restaurant (which, with the renovation completed, is easy to do), then the pricing is a lot more palatable.The ambiance, food, and drinks are all great, but it’s the staff at Revolution that keeps me coming back though. They’re all so friendly, personable, passionate, and professional - they are the kind of people that make your night out feel special. My fiancé and I have celebrated birthdays, engagements, job offers, anniversaries, and so much more here because of how wonderful the staff are in celebrating and creating such a fun environment to be in. They make Revolution a place we want to go whenever we want to have a good time out. There are just too many people to name (Magnolia, Drake, Erwin, Makenna, Amy, Matt, just to name a few) - but rest assured that we love just about everyone who has served us here. So much so, that my fiancé and I are getting married here later this year!This is the easiest 5 stars I have ever handed out. I have so little to say about places that are “meh”, so the length of this review should show how much I love it here. I’ve come here at least every week for the last 2+ years, and I don’t have any intention of slowing down anytime soon. If you’re still reading this, please stop reading and start drinking, and do it at the Brewpub! You won’t regret it!Vegetarian options: Plenty of vegetarian and vegan options here. Standouts include the veggie burger (vegan by default), Mushrooms & Tofu (vegan), and a delicious pretzel with beer cheese (vegetarian and oh so good).“

“Hosted a big birthday party in the back room. They let us bring decorations and cake and Hannah our server was so wonderfully attentive to everyone’s orders and keeping them all straight. She let us adjust the music volume to our liking, and the entire staff was just so wonderful all around. Will absolutely be back!!“

“Original cocktails in an original setting. Very good service, very good drinks that you won't find everywhere (their own touch on the classics too), good ingredients and bottles behind the bar. Pick your atmosphere: you can sit a the counter where it's more like a speakeasy, or at a table in the bustling bar, or in the lobby area of the apartment building where it's more like a quieter lounge. My favorite bar in uptown.“

“I absolutely love everything about La Scarola except the limitations with getting in. Simply put, reservations must be placed by phone during restaurant hours. Showing up without run is likely to result in an hour plus wait or being turned around. If you overcome this hurdle, you'll understand why it's a staple that keeps patrons returning whenever they can. I've never ordered an item that I didn't enjoy and I dream about their vodka sauce and grilled octopus. Add to that pricing is reasonable and they're usually a handful of featured items to keep things interesting. In terms of ambiance, the walls are filled with photos to celebrity and notable diners. Thank me later.“

“Visiting for work a couple days and had some down time to kill. 1st day, met Frank.. super friendly and made me feel welcomed. Played darts with some people from Belgium. Touch tunes and drinks are priced right. Met Jeff and regular and Mark the 2nd day I came. Great dive bar!!“

“I hosted a get together costume party last week at Delilah’s after my friend recommended that we check them out. super cool atmosphere, party space, and amenities. They didn’t serve food so we ordered some in, but there was a mishap with the delivery. But Mike and Isa helped us out and we’re very accommodating with the changing and unfortunate situation. everybody went beyond out of their ways to help make it a great night for us. Made it very easy to deal with and everybody had a great night. Great deal on drink packages and space rental too with very transparent and upfront pricing.“

“The Wolfhound Pub offers a delightful experience with its exceptional food and cocktails, especially noteworthy are their espresso martinis and lemon drops which are truly outstanding. Brendan, Emily, and the entire staff create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making patrons feel right at home. Whether you're stopping by for a meal or drinks, expect nothing less than a consistently fantastic time at The Wolfhound.“

“I had the pleasure of being served by Andriy, and I must say he is an exceptional bartender. His attention to detail and creativity in crafting cocktails is truly impressive. He creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making every visit to the bar a delightful experience. I highly recommend trying one of his signature drinks!“

“We went to Chalet for Easter brunch and the food could not have been better. The shrimp and grits were amazing, huge bowl of cheesy grits topped with andouille sausage. The service and ambience was great too. The chef came out during the meal to make sure we were having a good experience and answer any questions about the food. Will be returning again very soon.“

“We were able to grab a few seats at the bar - we ordered fries and a few cocktails. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that they reopened. They have a really good pickle beer that is made at brewery close by. I look forward to returning and trying more of their food menu.“

“Had a birthday party here for 10 people we hadddd a ball we had so much fun when I say to need to come you should they even let me bring in food the owner was very nice stayed on point with Communication in booking the room they really need to have a bottle service spent 200$ on shots but a very cool place to go will come back again thank you“

“Grew up right down the block from this building and it amazes me how much this restaurant has impacted the neighborhood. I adore Mott st for many reasons but the food is definitely a major factor. Mott st is an Asian American restaurant that pairs eastern cooking techniques with Chicago ingredients to create umami laden flavors. Some of my top dishes that I never think twice about is definitely the Mott burger, stuffed cabbage, Korean mussels hot pot, everything wings and mango sticky rice!The burger is to die for! From the textures to the flavors is absolutely insane. Love getting the wings because they pair them with tzatziki instead of ranch which is brilliant. Mussels hot pot truly hits home and pairing it with the garlic fried rice or shrimp noodles is a bonus. I’ve also paired the mussels before with the stuffed cabbage which also blew my mind.Stuffed cabbage on its own is absolutely bananas. The pan seared kimchi and braised pork shoulder complements the kimchi broth so well yet emphasizes the crispy rice. Definitely a dish I will never get tired of.Somehow I always manage to devour 5-8 dishes and still have room for dessert. We decided to order all 3 desserts since they never disappoint. I was so happy when I saw that they brought back the mango sticky rice!!! I swear by this dessert, reminds me of my childhood it’s so nostalgic and tasty. Chocolate Bundt cake with pickled kumquats was delicious and warm ricotta donuts were so good with a berry jam dip.Mott st is a restaurant I never miss to mention to my friends. Truly a gem in wicker park.Parking: Mott st offers a small parking spot but it’s only five spaces so if there’s none available street parking is basically your only option.Kid-friendliness: Saw a few kids as I was dining and seemed to be enjoying the food as well.Wheelchair accessibility: Ground floor no stairs extremely easy to maneuver with a wheelchair.“

“Wow! This was one of the best steak house experiences I have ever had. The food, the services, the atmosphere, and the drinks. I enjoyed everything. My server was on top of everything. My steak was cook medium to perfection. The Brussels sprouts were full of maple bacon. Beers never stopped flowing. A must visit if you are in Chi town.“

“This is the coolest pizza spot in the neighborhood. Pizza is undeniably delicious with each bite offering a delightful medley of textures and tastes with its perfectly crisp crust and generous toppings satisfied my craving.The staff is very friendly and attentive“

“We had a long wait, but it was remediated by glasses of champagne and a pastry flight. Even though the beginning wait wasn’t great, we felt so accommodated by the service I’d recommend anywhere and come back again. Anna, our waiter, and Justin, the GM, were so cognizant of our wait and appropriately compensated us. Even though our reservation didn’t go as planned, I’d recommend this restaurant for the apt service“

“the staff at the robey are all great to Dee that works in the restaurant to Anthony gates that works at the front desk also mick that works upstairs . the food is 5 star quality and drinks are very good . the rooms are a chicago down to earth feel with shaded glass windows from converted office to rooms with a stunning view of the city . a must go to for your bucket list for places to go with two roof top bars up room and cabana club to give you that city view with welcome to the robey feeling .“

“The hits at nettare were fantastic but the misses were also pretty bad. we did the tasting menu with the drink pairing and I would say it was very worth the price. it was a lot of food and they were incredibly generous with the alcohol. my favorites by far were the skate wing and the burnt ends. our server was very friendly and it was cool that all the alcohol came from Michigan. I thought the interior was really nice but some of my friends think it's too sterile.“

“We decided to come to Chicago for our birthday and someone we knew recommended here. Let me tell you I am 100% glad we went with it. The service was absolutely phenomenal. Vinny was our waiter and gave us a great experience along with a great service. The food was amazing, we enjoyed the Crispy shrimp for a starter along with steaks for dinner. One of the best meals and dining experiences I have had in years. Steak48 and Vinny made our Chicago trip worth it in just one evening. Also I recommend getting an old fashion while here!“

“This is my absolute favorite neighborhood bar. They have Aviary style cocktails at Portage Park prices and amazing culinary fare. They have the best happy hour specials, and the staff is extremely nice and accommodating. The atmosphere wins the vibe check, and their music is always on point. Not that basic top 20 ish. I hosted my birthday party at their downstairs bar, which has a totally different cocktail menu. Our guests loved the venue and said the service was top notch. The owners are great!“

“The coolest bar in Rogers Park! They have a small but fun cocktail selection, great beer & cider selection, super super friendly staff and the best vibes. They have no food but you are allowed to bring any takeout you want or you can directly order to your table from any restaurant you want. Such chill vibes honestly. We were here as a huge group last week for our friends birthday party (about 40 of us) and our waiter has been a saint with taking sssoooo many orders and hand delivering them to the correct person, and with the most fun attitude too! It honestly doesn’t get better than this.“

“I love this place! The music is always good and the drinks are great. I do have to say that the bouncer/ door guy absolutely kills the vibe from the second you arrive. He is the only reason I gave 4 stars instead of five. I’m sure if you go when it’s less busy and he’s not there it would be a flawless experience. But this guy is constantly making remarks about other people and pissing people off before you go inside. He makes me so uncomfortable that the last time I was there I didn’t even want to wait in the bathroom line behind him bc I didn't want to have to deal with whatever he was going go say.“

“This is one of my favorite bars on earth, and I’ve done my best to see visit as many as I can across four continents. I took a break of about five years in between visits once and the bartenders still remembered my name. Classy. As you know, it’s cash only. Some other rules are that you can’t fall asleep at the bar. But, being drunk on its own is fine. I think there is still no TV, thank goodness.“