Chicago’s Traditional Dives That is a part of a sequence on Chicago’s dive bars. Find out about how the time period “dive bar” was coined tomorrow and the historical past of the town’s relationship with such institutions on Wednesday.
CHICAGO — Good dive bars are neighborhood establishments.
They are often dependable locations to seek out acquainted faces or simply nice spots to cover out and take it straightforward.
Reporter Linze Rice and photojournalist Colin Boyle hit up most of the basic Chicago spots. Right here’s a peek inside and outdoors those they visited.
For the complete story concerning the bars’ histories, vibes and clientele, click on right here.
To take a look at pictures, preserve studying. If you happen to see a reputation on the record you need to see straight away, you may click on on it and skip forward to it right here …
In a nutshell: A historic neighborhood tavern in a residential neighborhood with dwell music, a beer backyard and an Irish aptitude.
Cost kind: Playing cards accepted, however money is king
Meals: No however you may convey your personal
The Newark Nook, 6443 N. Newark Ave. in Norwood Park, on Aug. 9, 2021. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoJoe Valentino, co-owner of The Newark Nook, speaks on the bar, 6443 N. Newark Ave. in Norwood Park, on Aug. 9, 2021. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoA teddy bear donning a police uniform and a pin memorializing the late CPD officer Samuel Jimenez sits atop the money register at The Newark Nook, 6443 N. Newark Ave. in Norwood Park, on Aug. 9, 2021. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoThe Newark Nook, 6443 N. Newark Ave. in Norwood Park, on Aug. 9, 2021. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoVaried first responder and navy patches adorn the wall and bar at The Newark Nook, 6443 N. Newark Ave. in Norwood Park, on Aug. 9, 2021. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoPatrons collect simply after 5 p.m. on a Monday at The Newark Nook, 6443 N. Newark Ave. in Norwood Park, on Aug. 9, 2021. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoCo-owner Joe Valentino poses for a portrait behind the bar at The Newark Nook, 6443 N. Newark Ave. in Norwood Park, on Aug. 9, 2021. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoDrinks are loved simply after 5 p.m. on a Monday at The Newark Nook, 6443 N. Newark Ave. in Norwood Park, on Aug. 9, 2021. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership Chicago
In a nutshell: An extended-time, cash-only nook bar on the Far North Aspect with handmade woodwork and decor that makes for a comfy cabin-meets-living-room-meets-rec-room vibe.
Cost kind: Money-only
Canine coverage: Allowed
Meals: Potential bar snacks or supply/BYOF is allowed
Malört: Sure
Cunneen’s, 1424 W. Devon Ave., in Rogers Park on Feb. 15, 2022. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoJanet Pratt and Belinda Colin-Cunneeen pose for a photograph whereas regulars imbibe at Cunneen’s, 1424 W. Devon Ave., in Rogers Park on Feb. 15, 2022. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoSteve Cunneen Credit score: Carly Behm/The Loyola PhoenixThe bar at Cunneen’s, 1424 W. Devon Ave., in Rogers Park on Feb. 15, 2022. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoThe bar, together with a customized clock with Mayor Daley’s face, at Cunneen’s, 1424 W. Devon Ave., in Rogers Park on Feb. 15, 2022. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoThe pool desk at Cunneen’s, 1424 W. Devon Ave., in Rogers Park on Feb. 15, 2022. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoSteve Cunneen and Belinda Colin-Cunneen Credit score: OfferedThe bar, together with a customized clock with Mayor Daley’s face, at Cunneen’s, 1424 W. Devon Ave., in Rogers Park on Feb. 15, 2022. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership Chicago
In a nutshell: Half bar, half liquor retailer for almost 90 years, this former wild saloon is an eclectic Edgewater staple.
Cost kind: Money-only
Canine coverage: Allowed
Meals: Bagged snacks like chips and popcorn; exterior meals allowed
Malört: Sure
Sovereign Liquors, 6202 N. Broadway, in Edgewater on Nov. 22, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoChip, Mike, Danielle and Invoice hang around at Sovereign Liquors, 6202 N. Broadway, in Edgewater on Nov. 22, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoThe jukebox, curated by regulars, at Sovereign Liquors, 6202 N. Broadway, in Edgewater on Nov. 22, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoMatt, bartender, shares up the fridge at Sovereign Liquors, 6202 N. Broadway, in Edgewater on Nov. 22, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoMoney is king at Sovereign Liquors, 6202 N. Broadway, in Edgewater on Nov. 22, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoBar regulars Chip, Mike, Danielle and Invoice pose for a portrait at Sovereign Liquors, 6202 N. Broadway, in Edgewater on Nov. 22, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoBartender Matt holds court docket with afternoon regulars at Sovereign Liquors, 6202 N. Broadway, in Edgewater on Nov. 22, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership Chicago
In a nutshell: If you happen to like Sweden, Christmas and ghost tales, that is the place.
Cost kind: Money-only
Canine coverage: Allowed
Meals: Small chip baggage or BYOF
Malört: Sure
The enduring neon signal at Simon’s Tavern, 5210 N. Clark St., in Andersonville on Might 21, 2024. The bar is popping 90 this 12 months. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoA drink is served at Simon’s Tavern, 5210 N. Clark St., in Andersonville on Might 21, 2024. The bar is popping 90 this 12 months. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoProprietor Scott Martin poses for a portrait with the enduring neon signal at Simon’s Tavern, 5210 N. Clark St., in Andersonville on Might 21, 2024. The bar is popping 90 this 12 months. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoProprietor Scott Martin poses for a portrait with the enduring neon signal at Simon’s Tavern, 5210 N. Clark St., in Andersonville on Might 21, 2024. The bar is popping 90 this 12 months. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoA portray of deer adorn the partitions at Simon’s Tavern, 5210 N. Clark St., in Andersonville on Might 21, 2024. The bar is popping 90 this 12 months. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoSimon’s Tavern, 5210 N. Clark St., in Andersonville on Might 21, 2024. The bar is popping 90 this 12 months. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoProprietor Scott Martin at Simon’s Tavern, 5210 N. Clark St., in Andersonville on Might 21, 2024. The bar is popping 90 this 12 months. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership Chicago
In a nutshell: Haunted house-meets-bar. The epitome of a dive bar. Like Malört, it’s a factor each Chicagoan and customer ought to should expertise not less than as soon as.
Cost kind: Money-only
Meals: No, however convey your personal or watch for potential tamale sighting
Malört: Sure
The L&L Tavern, 3207 N. Clark St. on Nov. 25, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoThe L&L Tavern, 3207 N. Clark St. on Nov. 25, 2024.
In a nutshell: An iconic floral exterior with a cottagecore, year-round Christmas vibe that looks like dwelling.
Cost kind: Money-only
Meals: Outdoors meals allowed, plus doable Bugles
Malört: Sure
Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoRose’s Lounge, 2656 N Lincoln Ave Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoThe bar at Rose’s Lounge, 2656 N. Lincoln Ave., in Lincoln Park in Sept. 2021. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoCredit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership Chicago
In a nutshell: A liquor retailer, a hometown bar and a unusual cafe by some means had a child and named it GO Tavern & Liquors.
Cost kind: Takes playing cards
Canine coverage: Allowed
Meals: Sweet bars, convey your personal, or pray for spontaneous tamales
Malört: Sure
GO Tavern and Liquors, 3219 W. Armitage Ave., is a favourite dive bar in Logan Sq. — as seen on Nov. 12, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoGO Tavern and Liquors, 3219 W. Armitage Ave., is a favourite dive bar in Logan Sq. — as seen on Nov. 12, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoAyda Keshtkar is the bar supervisor at GO Tavern and Liquors, 3219 W. Armitage Ave., which is a favourite dive bar in Logan Sq. — as seen on Nov. 12, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoAyda Keshtkar is the bar supervisor at GO Tavern and Liquors, 3219 W. Armitage Ave., which is a favourite dive bar in Logan Sq. — as seen on Nov. 12, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoVictor Ortiz, does “a lil little bit of every thing” for work at GO Tavern and Liquors, 3219 W. Armitage Ave., which is a favourite dive bar in Logan Sq. — as seen on Nov. 12, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoLily the canine sits together with her proprietor Shannon on the bar of GO Tavern and Liquors, 3219 W. Armitage Ave., which is a favourite dive bar in Logan Sq. — as seen on Nov. 12, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoDrinks are on the market at GO Tavern and Liquors, 3219 W. Armitage Ave.,which is a favourite dive bar in Logan Sq. — as seen on Nov. 12, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoGO Tavern and Liquors, 3219 W. Armitage Ave., is a favourite dive bar in Logan Sq. — as seen on Nov. 12, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoGO Tavern and Liquors, 3219 W. Armitage Ave., is a favourite dive bar in Logan Sq. — as seen on Nov. 12, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership Chicago
In a nutshell: Polka-turned-artsy hangout with an Indie rock historical past and a stellar photograph sales space.
Cost kind: Money solely, however there’s an ATM
Meals: None, however the Tamale Man is understood to point out up
Rainbo Membership, 1150 N. Damen Ave., is a favourite dive bar in West City — as seen on Nov. 12, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership Chicago
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Rainbo Membership, 1150 N. Damen Ave., is a favourite dive bar in West City — as seen on Nov. 12, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoThe movie photograph sales space of Rainbo Membership, 1150 N. Damen Ave., which is a favourite dive bar in West City — as seen on Nov. 12, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoThe movie photograph sales space of Rainbo Membership, 1150 N. Damen Ave., which is a favourite dive bar in West City — as seen on Nov. 12, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoRainbo Membership, 1150 N. Damen Ave., is a favourite dive bar in West City — as seen on Nov. 12, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoAdam, Hashmet and Layne discuss over a beer at Rainbo Membership, 1150 N. Damen Ave., which is a favourite dive bar in West City — as seen on Nov. 12, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoAndy, the longtime senior bartender, works at Rainbo Membership, 1150 N. Damen Ave., which is a favourite dive bar in West City — as seen on Nov. 12, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoMoney is king at Rainbo Membership, 1150 N. Damen Ave., which is a favourite dive bar in West City — as seen on Nov. 12, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership Chicago
In a nutshell: Nook bar in a residential neighborhood with deep Polish roots and an iconic Hamm’s signal.
Cost kind: Takes playing cards
Canine coverage: ENCOURAGED
Meals: Cheese puffs from a large container; small snack baggies
Malört: Sure
The Hamm’s signal returned to Archie’s Iowa Rockwell Tavern in Ukrainian Village on June 22, 2023. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoBar supervisor Katrina Arthur exhibits off the late 1800s cupboards at Archie’s Iowa Rockwell Tavern in Ukrainian Village, after the Hamm’s signal returned, on June 22, 2023. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoA can of Hamm’s beer at Archie’s Iowa Rockwell Tavern in Ukrainian Village, after the Hamm’s signal returned, on June 22, 2023. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoAld. Gilbert Villegas (thirty sixth) and bar supervisor Katrina Arthur pose for a photograph after the Hamm’s signal returned to Archie’s Iowa Rockwell Tavern in Ukrainian Village on June 22, 2023. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoThe bar at Archie’s Iowa Rockwell Tavern in Ukrainian Village, after the Hamm’s signal returned, on June 22, 2023. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoA patron shoots pool at Archie’s Iowa Rockwell Tavern in Ukrainian Village, after the Hamm’s signal returned, on June 22, 2023. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoAn outdated photograph of Arthur “Archie” Boraca at Archie’s Iowa Rockwell Tavern in Ukrainian Village, after the Hamm’s signal returned, on June 22, 2023. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoBar supervisor Katrina Arthur exhibits off the late 1800s cabinetsto Block Membership Chicago reporter Quinn Myers at Archie’s Iowa Rockwell Tavern in Ukrainian Village, after the Hamm’s signal returned, on June 22, 2023. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoInstances of Hamm’s beer at Archie’s Iowa Rockwell Tavern in Ukrainian Village, after the Hamm’s signal returned, on June 22, 2023. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoArchie’s Iowa Rockwell Tavern in Ukrainian Village, after the Hamm’s signal returned, on June 22, 2023. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership Chicago
In a nutshell: One of many metropolis’s oldest bars in a house-like constructing with Slim Jims, pool, and an vintage aesthetic.
Cost kind: Deliver money or keep thirsty
Meals: Random assortment of bar snacks like chips, cured meat sticks, and peanuts
Malört: Sure
Chipp Inn, 832 N. Greenview Ave., is a favourite dive bar in West City — as seen on Nov. 12, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoChipp Inn, 832 N. Greenview Ave., is a favourite dive bar in West City — as seen on Nov. 12, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoChipp Inn, 832 N. Greenview Ave., is a favourite dive bar in West City — as seen on Nov. 12, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership Chicago
In a nutshell: A Hyde Park establishment identified for its College of Chicago ties, Swiss hamburgers, and love for longtime proprietor Jimmy Wilson.
Cost kind: Cashola, solely
Meals: YES, an precise kitchen with greasy spoon classics
Malört: Sure
Woodlawn Faucet, “Jimmy’s,” at 1172 E. fifty fifth St.. Hyde Park on Nov. 21, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoWoodlawn Faucet, “Jimmy’s,” at 1172 E. fifty fifth St.. Hyde Park on Nov. 21, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership Chicago
In a nutshell: Potential watering gap to Kurt Vonnegut in a Nineteen Thirties Artwork Deco constructing with top-of-the-line neon bar indicators within the metropolis.
Cost kind: Money-only
Meals: Feast on chip baggies or convey exterior meals
Canine Coverage: Welcome
Malört: Oh yeah
Bartender Will Bertin works at Cove Lounge at 1750 E. fifty fifth St.. Hyde Park on Nov. 21, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoCove Lounge at 1750 E. fifty fifth St.. Hyde Park on Nov. 21, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoCove Lounge at 1750 E. fifty fifth St.. Hyde Park on Nov. 21, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoCove Lounge at 1750 E. fifty fifth St.. Hyde Park on Nov. 21, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoJon Arnold dances round with a cigarette in his mouth at Cove Lounge at 1750 E. fifty fifth St.. Hyde Park on Nov. 21, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoCove Lounge at 1750 E. fifty fifth St.. Hyde Park on Nov. 21, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoAbout 25 chess matches happen concurrently on the Cove Lounge in Hyde Park throughout a latest chess evening. Since November, lots of of gamers have come out for the chess nights, which pay tribute to slain Cove bartender and chess lover Diego Damis. Credit score: Kris Downing/OfferedCove Lounge at 1750 E. fifty fifth St.. Hyde Park on Nov. 21, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership ChicagoCove Lounge at 1750 E. fifty fifth St.. Hyde Park on Nov. 21, 2024. Credit score: Colin Boyle/Block Membership Chicago
In a nutshell: If you happen to love ingesting and watching 737s land, this exceptionally wood-paneled Halfway Airport neighborhood bar is the place to be.
Cost kind: Paper or plastic, your alternative
Meals: Mini-bagged snacks could also be obtainable, or convey your personal
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