Top 5 Bars in Cook County

2100 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, United States

“Small intimate pub , love the small venue , was able to get up front and watch my fav up and becoming artist , Troy Cartwright ! The opening act was amazing as well ! Ordered the garlic tots , and chicken quesadilla , was a good proportion , regular pub food vibe ! Drink special “ Pomelo was good ! “”

910 W Buena Ave, Chicago, IL 60613, United States

“LOVE this little neighborhood bar. Its quaint yet lively and full of locals. If you're looking for a quick beer, this is your place. If you're looking for the best burgers, this is your place. If you're looking to meet your neighbor, this is your place. Be sure to try the BOB burger and a beer from their monthly brewery on tap or from one of their other local breweries. You can't go wrong. Friendly staff and quick service tops it off.”

344 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States

“We went for the ART BATTLE CHICAGO! and it was fantastic. This spot was very fun, cool and fresh. There was plenty of activity for everyone to engage in. We will definitely be back again. ✌️”

235 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

“I’ve been to Cobra Lounge atleast 25-30 times in the past year and honestly I’ve always had a great experience. I go to a lot of hardcore shows, so as you’d imagine I’m usually dying of thirst after each band. Cobra Lounge almost always provides free cups and water which is amazing - they also sell Liquid Death water too which although pricy, can beat waiting in line for water at sold out shows. The food here is solid. There’s not a ton of options, but everything I’ve had so far has been good. Service, especially when sitting at a table, has always been excellent. If you go to grab a drink at the main/back bar later, it may take a few minutes but the bartenders are almost always quick and friendly. There is parking outside the venue, although I should warn I’ve seen cars get broken into in these spots. The area isn’t bad in terms of walking, so I recommend parking at the Fulton Market Garage (about a 10 minute walk) down the road, which usually costs around $14. The garage is monitored and has elevators, so you know your car will be safe. The 10 minute can be a little sketchy, so if you’re a woman, please be considerate of your surroundings. The sound of the venue is usually pretty solid. I’d say 8/10 shows, the sound is great. The venue is small and there is no seating, which is great for energetic and intense shows. The sound isn’t overly loud, but I’d still recommend earplugs. Overall, Cobra Lounge is my favorite venue in Chicago. The staff, the shows, and the experience are consistent, enjoyable, and exactly what I’d want from an underground spot for smaller artists.”

2717 N Maplewood Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States

“I love the lounge vibes here. Excellent beers, but unlike most taprooms, craft cocktails can be ordered as well. At the holidays, you must try the egg nog. And they’ve now added Professor Pizza too. Hands down one of my favorite spots in Chicago. Highly recommended.”

4632 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60625, United States

“Great place I had the wild burger and fries it was amazing. It’s a nice huge burger with grilled onions and it tastes great. The atmosphere was amazing and the food quality was amazing. I was in a group of three and my friends ordered the buffalo chicken sandwich and my other friend ordered the taco salad both have reported that the food was amazing. The atmosphere has a nice Chicago feel to it. A lot of nice pictures and old memories of the business and how it started out as a business between brothers it’s in a very nice area with lots of foot traffic.”

4659 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640, United States

“We met up with friends and family members on Thanksgiving weekend, and had a blast! The band was awesome and made the night- Patrick Bale and the Pale Ales- hope to see them play again soon! The atmosphere is so unique, with character and charm, also artsy and styled- fun for all ages. We didn’t eat but drinks (and shots!) were flowing. We’ll be back for sure.”

1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, United States

“A perfect place to hang out with some good brews and good vibes. The bartender Adan is really fun and friendly and I'll come back just for his service and company!... Too bad this location is closing :( I ordered exclusively the award winning stout/porters and they were all great. Banana Foster: Get!! This is the best one and puts all the other ones to shame drinking side by side. Just so perfectly smooth, sweet, full bodied, and treats you right. It'll make you go for another round with no regret....except that it definitely packs a wallop ABV-wise so... maybe you will regret it lolol. Service: Hit and miss I came 40 minutes before closing and talked to someone at the bar. It was the bar back or bus boy because he seemed speechless and lost and continued cleaning/mopping. Eventually found Adan and my night changed for the better from there haha. Adan was so amazing and energetic. Appreciate him for such a great night”

2055 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60618, United States

“Phenomenal place! Great selection of beers and tasty foods. Friendly service too. Can’t wait to come back.”

2442 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, United States

“We went here to watch the Norte Dame game. Great place! They have a big beer selection. They have Coke products. We started with the sausage rolls and pretzel. Both were good. I really loved the cheese that came with the pretzel. I had the chicken wrap with french fries. It was okay. They do give you big portions. The staff was quick and friendly. I also loved the decor.”

3446 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, United States

“I've been here three times in two weeks. The food and beer are great. And what makes this place really unique is they play vinyl all the time. No TVs, and the music is more obscure. And vinyl, as I've said. I've never been anywhere else like this. I don't live in this area but I will continue to come back for the food, drink, and interesting music in an enjoyable atmosphere. The Oktoberfest deal is also worth it: 6-dollar beers, four take-home cans, and a mug. I feel like a tourist.”

6859 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60634, United States

“We had a private party for my daughter’s graduation/birthday and it was fabulous. The food was on point and Kasha was very friendly and took care of everyone’s drinks. You have the option to cater their food (which was easier and convenient for me) however you can bring your own. The room is spacious and does not need a lot of decor because of the rustic look the ambiance is a perfect setting for any event. You can plug in a phone/iPad and play your own music. A lot of guest were inquiring about the private room because they loved it so much. I will definitely use this location again and I highly recommend it to anyone.”

2758 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States

“The cocktail selection is excellent, and the service is fantastic with attentive staff. The atmosphere is delightful, and they have a lovely outdoor area. I'm looking forward to go back to try Umamicue, which has received rave reviews.”

3441 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, United States

“Solid bar. Good drinks and good food! Nice because it is couple blocks away from Wrigley Field. They have a juke box which is cool but it only plays like 1 minute of the song you choose. Normally most Juke boxes play the full song. The service was so so. I think they were understaffed. We asked our waitress for a menu and a water 3 times when ordered our beers. Never ended up getting the menu or water. They ran out of chicken wings(tried to order 12 wings). We got the last 6 wings in the restaurant.”

2483 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, United States

“I’ve been here for a few days and this is by far this most illogical situation I hate to miss. Live turtles, ninja turtles, and Michigan themed everything. This was a win and the booze is cheap. Can’t wait to venture on my next crawl bar or turtle and paint the night like Raphael did.”

1227 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608, United States

“One of my favorite bars in Pilsen, love coming here. Its a small but intimate space, with loud music. Drinks are great and the bartenders are fast. I recommend the Gin Punch and the Pilsen Pisco. Never been disappointed by a drink here”

2934 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, United States

“Sat in the back beer garden, nothing like good vibes and summer time Chicago. I ordered their spicy chicken sandwich, and it was good! Nice slaw on it, with like a chipotle mayo sauce. Not too spicy, just a lil kick. Their strawberry jalapeño margs are dangerous though. I hade at least 4 in the span of 30 minutes.”

8924 S Stony Is Ave, Chicago, IL 60617, United States

“Great place to come on a Wednesday night. Bald head is doing live comedy and he is one of the most down to earth comedians I have met in a few long time!!! The drinks are a great price also!!! Come out and enjoy yourself with some great laughs and amazing food!!”

1868 Prairie St, Glenview, IL 60025, United States

“Great place to spend some time before getting on the train (no food available on most). Excellent service here!!! Waitperson (Beth) was friendly and very attentive and efficient. Good pub food, but disappointed in the chili - a few extra cans of drained beans in the pot and less liquid would have been appreciated. Prices were very reasonable. Look forward to visiting again!”

1941 E Algonquin Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173, United States

“Spent $25 on a sandwich and a drink just seems not right for just above mediocre food Server was nice, but seemed like she was just doing her due diligence not more than that. It’s a good place to hang out but I wouldn’t recommend their food or drinks. It’s not amazing but it’s definitely not the worst thing that I’ve ever had.”