Best of Citysearch: Nightlife in Chicago

by Emilie Zanger - Citysearch Editor - 97 Reviews - 39 Lists

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Updated: July 20, 2009

We love the nightlife. And we know you do too. That's why we've launched our new Best of Citysearch campaign to find out where your favorite places are for after-hours fun. Know of the absolute best bloody mary in town? Coolest hotel bar? Happy hour haunt you just can't live without? Just go to the "Best of Citysearch" tab and vote! To get you in the spirit, here are a few of my personal favorites ...

My Nightlife Nominations

  1. 1 4 Star Rating: Recommended Happy Village
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    1059 N Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)

    BEST BEER GARDEN: This spot has $2 cans of Hamm's and sweet tea vodka lemonades, and the white tent over the gigantic, always-swarming beer garden is lined with real grapevines. What more do you want?

  2. 2 Roof
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    201 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601 (map)

    BEST HOTEL BAR: There's no contest. When the Wit Hotel swept into town and opened this gem of a rooftop lounge, it blew all of the city's other hotel bars sky-high. The views, the fire pits, the cocktails, the Italian small plates from acclaimed local chef Todd Stein ... did I mention the views?

  3. 3 4 Star Rating: Recommended Simone's Bar
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    960 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608 (map)

    BEST NEW BAR: Simone's had me intrigued from the moment I walked in, with its recycled-chic look (pinball decks for wall decor, bowling lane bar). When I tasted the sangria with strawberries and cinnamon, my heart sang. And when I got to know the nerdy-cool neighborhood crowd, the deal was sealed.

  4. 4 3.5 Star Rating: Average Skylark
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    2149 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608 (map)

    BEST DIVE: The name may say "restaurant," but make no mistake about it: From the cheap beer and light-up reindeer to the photo booth in back, this no-frills corner tavern is a dive-lover's paradise. The single exception: the one-notch-above-dive-y food menu, full of rib-sticking favorites (the tater tots with three dipping sauces are a no-brainer).