Chicago - Wine bars?
 

I hear there are some nice wine bars in Chicago. Are there many? Where are they located? Can anyone recommend? Thanks.

Yes, there are many. Go to Metromix.com. Click under bars and then select the type "Wine Bars" You will get a whole list with reviews.

I can think of 3 off the top of my head that I've been to. Bin 36 is downtown, right by the House of Blues (300 block N. Dearborn). Flights and good food/wine pairings.

Cru, on N. State (around 1000 block)--nice selection by the glass, more "european" in that it seemed like there were more people hanging out, reading, playing board games, etc., not just drinking/eating.

Last is Webster Wine Bar on Webster Street in Lincoln Park, and I must say that it didn't leave much of an impression--younger, yuppiesh crowd.

HTH,
Racy

Don't know how to edit--Cru is at 888 N. Wabash, so I was off by a block in both directions. I guess that's the downside of being a pedestrian...

Racy

The Tasting Room at the Randolph Street Wine Cellars is also very nice (1415 W. Randolph).

Thanks everyone. Since I do not know Chicago, are these wine bars concentrated in one area or are they all over? Thanks again.

Bin 36 and Cru are about 1/2-3/4 miles apart, just West of the Mag Mile area (Bin 36 just north of the River; Cru in the Gold Coast).

Webster Wine bar is a bit farther north and west, (like you wouldn't want to walk), but could be visited in conjunction with the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

Randolph Street is a bit out of the way--that area is developing and I don't know what's really over there, other than a bunch of loft buildings. There are a TON of restaurants on Randolph around Halsted (800 west), but I think 1400 west is getting toward the seedy strip club section (although the city is gentrifying so quickly I can't swear. It's about 6 blocks (3/4 mile) West of Greektown.

HTH,
Racy

wouldn't call the area right around Randolph Wine Cellars seedy - it
is actually pretty nice, right by one sixtyblue, a very good restaurant. I wouldn't walk much farther west of there at night, however, but walking east is fine. And, if you happen to have a car, they have something that is a true rarity in Chicago - free parking. That being said, I love Bin 36 as well - it is very centrally located and I think the food is very good. Just offering options if you want to hit the Randolph Street restaurant row (Blackbird, Marche, Vivo, Azure, Red Light, Sushi Wabi, Starfish, etc...).

I was looking for a few places near each other (walking distance) since we won't have a car (the more wine we can drink). Thanks.

Better listen to Alex...the gal knows her booze! :*