Chicago's vibrant bar scene isn't just for those seeking alcoholic beverages. The city boasts a variety of establishments offering creative and flavorful non-alcoholic options, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a night out.

Eli Tea Bar

Located in Andersonville, Eli Tea Bar is a haven for tea enthusiasts and those seeking a sober-friendly environment. With over 100 loose-leaf teas, kombucha on tap, and specialty drinks like the pumpkin chai and Thai tea boba, there's something for everyone. The bar's commitment to inclusivity makes it a welcoming space for all. 

Source: EliTeaBar

Bokeh

Situated in Albany Park, Bokeh is a bar that embraces the art of mixology, including a dedicated non-alcoholic section on its menu. Creative concoctions like "You're Turning Violet, Violet" (blueberry juice, lemon, sage, club soda) and "Velvet Turtle" (orange juice, balsamic reduction, strawberry, egg white, raspberry dust) showcase that non-alcoholic drinks can be just as sophisticated and enjoyable as their spirited counterparts.

Source: Bokeh

Chiya Chai Café

In Logan Square, Chiya Chai Café brings the flavors of Nepal to Chicago. Known for importing teas directly from Nepal, the café offers traditional and innovative tea-based beverages. Their mocktails, often featuring ginger and chai, provide a unique twist for those looking to explore new flavors in a cozy setting.

Source: USA Today

Galit

Located in Lincoln Park, Galit is a Middle Eastern restaurant that offers a selection of non-alcoholic beverages inspired by traditional Israeli sodas known as gazoz. Seasonal options like the pomegranate gazoz (cardamom, rose, hibiscus) and Iranian sekanjabin (honey shrub, fennel seed, mint) provide a refreshing accompaniment to their flavorful dishes.

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LIVA at Chicago Winery

In River North, LIVA at Chicago Winery offers a unique experience with its "Flightless Birds" non-alcoholic drink menu. Options include a negroni-inspired beverage, the Tiki-Taka (South African rooibos, ginger, black pepper, cranberry), and the Hotel Evangeline (Seedlip Spice 94, pineapple, apricot, lime, cinnamon), ensuring that non-drinkers have sophisticated choices to enjoy

Source: Chicago Winery

Rose Mary

Situated in the West Loop, Rose Mary blends Italian and Croatian influences in both its cuisine and beverage offerings. Their non-alcoholic drinks, such as the Groot Beer (Seedlip Spice, "rooted molasses," lemon) and the Saturn (Lyre’s 'Gin', Liquid Alchemist passionfruit, farro orgeat, Don’s Mix #2, chai), provide complex flavors that complement their "Adriatic drinking food."

Source: The Vendry

Elske

Also in the West Loop, the Danish-inspired Elske offers seasonal non-alcoholic beverages on its cocktail list, as well as a juice pairing to complement its tasting menu. Individual drinks like the spirit-free Radler (NA kolsch, apple cider, ginger, lemon) and their take on "Amaro" with cinnamon, ginger beer, and lime showcase their commitment to providing thoughtful options for all guests.

Source: CNTraveler

Osito's Tap

Located in Little Village, Osito's Tap offers non-alcoholic options that pay homage to traditional Latin American flavors. Their chicha morada—a popular drink from the Andean region of Peru made with purple maize, pineapple, cinnamon, and other spices—and the Deep Rooted Issues (guava nectar, grapefruit, lime, Three Spirit Nightcap) topped with ginger beer, provide unique and culturally rich options for patrons.

Source: Park Flower

Virtue Restaurant

In Hyde Park, Virtue Restaurant, led by James Beard Award winner Erick Williams, offers Southern-inspired cuisine alongside spirit-free imbibing options. The Hummingbird, flavored with basil and lemon, and the Sorrel Fizz, featuring hibiscus, rosemary, vanilla, and sparkling water, provide refreshing choices that align with their commitment to hospitality and inclusivity.

Source: Chicago Magazine

Cebu

This Filipino restaurant in Lakeview stands out for its creativity and pricing of non-alcoholic drinks. Standouts include the Ube Virgin Painkiller, an ube drink with orange juice, coconut syrup, and pineapple juice. Diners also appreciate dishes like the Cebu Lechon, slow-roasted pork belly, and branzino wrapped in banana leaf, making it a destination for both food and beverage enthusiasts. 

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Exploring Chicago's non-alcoholic bar scene reveals a diverse and inclusive landscape where creativity knows no bounds. These establishments demonstrate that enjoying a night out doesn't require alcohol, offering flavorful and thoughtfully crafted beverages that cater to all preferences.