33 Best Bars in Illinois, USA

The Motel Bar

River North

The Motel Bar has all the comforts of a real, honest-to-goodness motel bar (TVs tuned to sports, classic cocktails, and a retro color scheme), but the atmosphere is amped-up with sexy, low-rise furniture and a "room service" menu of upscale bites.

The Whistler

Logan Square
If you love unusual cocktails, free live music, and a laid-back vibe, the Whistler is the bar for you. It can get crowded, but the potent and creative drinks will make you forget any time spent waiting in line. These days the cocktail list changes daily; check @whistlermenu on Instagram for the latest update.

Transit

West Loop

Despite being hidden away underneath the El tracks in a spooky stretch west of downtown, Transit is wildly popular with young clubgoers. Inside, the multiroom space has a crisp design and sumptuous VIP area. Don't miss the glowing black-and-white bar between the oval and chandelier rooms, or the mezzanine with its minimalist furniture and oversize mahogany table.

Recommended Fodor's Video