Chicago, rich with its own culture and local saloon history, is now fully open once again with its many bars, pubs, and restaurants. Dive bars have been around since prohibition ended, and there’s no better place to grab a pocket-friendly drink and enjoy the tavern-like vibe. Whether you're a beer nerd, a wine snob or a cocktail demon, there's a dive bar in Chicago waiting for you. Here’s a list of top dive bars that you must check out.

L & L Tavern

L&L Tavern, source: Chicago Reader

In the Lakeview neighbourhood of Chicago, the L & L Tavern was opened by Paul Gillon in the 1950s. The L&L Tavern has a dark and storied past but remains one of the city's more interesting dives because of it. Pop in for a cheap pint, and if that’s not enough to convince you then let us tell you that Anthony Bourdain visited L&L for his Travel Channel series The Layover (Season 2, Episode 1 "Chicago''), and the HBO series Lovecraft Country is also shot at the infamous dive. It’s also rumoured that both Jeffrey Dahmer and John Wayne Gacy frequented the tavern. 

Where - 3207 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60657.

Hours - Mon-Thu (5 pm-2 am)
Friday (1 pm - 2 am)
Saturday (2 pm - 3 am)
Sunday (3 pm - 2 am)

Rosa’s Lounge

The main entrance of the Rosa’s Lounge, source: Facebook

If you love a good blues live performance paired with your drink, then Rosa’s Lounge is the place to be. The lounge is a long time family-owned neighbourhood club that brings in many singers to keep you entertained. From traditional legends like David Honeyboy Edwards, Homesick James and Pinetop Perkins to Chicago modernists like Billy Branch, Melvin Taylor and Sugar Blue, and second-generation sons of the blues like Eddie Taylor Jr. and Lurrie Bell - Rosa’s lineup never disappoints. It has a soothing ambience and makes the perfect place for great music and cheap drinks.

Where - 3420 W Armitage Ave Chicago, IL 60647.

Hours - Mon & Sun (closed)
Tue - Sat (8 pm - 2 am)

Simon’s Tavern

New patio set up at Simon’s Tavern, Source: Instagram

Simon’s Tavern, established in 1934 is one of the oldest dive bars in the city. Simon’s is a longstanding neighbourhood bar with a big beer selection, a jukebox & signature glögg.  For those who don’t know, Glögg is mulled wine served warm and the spiced liquor has many forms including wassail and gluhwein. Before sipping on the glogg, make sure to bite into the delicious ginger cookie. Fun fact, it’s imperative for you to take a ginger cookie and place it in your hand to make a wish! Legends say that if you break the cookie into three pieces just by using an index finger or thumb your wish might come true. Take time to explore some of the hidden gems on the playlist or play some tried-and-true classics.

Where - 5210 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60640.

Hours - Mon - Thu (3 pm - 12 am)
Fri - Sun (11 am - 12 am)

Nisei Lounge

Drinks collection at Nisei Lounge, Source: Instagram

Beer lovers, Nisei lounge is made just for you. They are celebrating their 67 years as the oldest bar in Wrigleyville and are ready to serve you a cold beer or a tasty cocktail. The place does not offer any food but you can surely bring in or order food from any local restaurant. But of course if beer and nuts are your things,  this place will fit the bill. Prep yourself to sip on classics like the Old Style Tall Boy or other modern craft brews like Night Game by Sketchbook Brewing Co., Pixel Density by Three Phase Brewing, Apex Predator by Off Color Brewing, and many more. The cherry on top, Nisei is big on flat screens, dartboards, pool tables, and of course, a vintage jukebox. 

Where - 3439 N Sheffield Ave Chicago, IL 60657.

Hours - Mon - Fri (5 pm - 2 am)
Sat & Sun (12 pm - 2 am)

Lange’s Lounge

Entrance at Lange’s Lounge, Source: Facebook

Lange's Lounge is one of those less-than-inviting neighbourhood bars that you've passed hundreds of times but you have never been into. However, if you take a chance and step inside, you'll find a mellow atmosphere favourable for conversation, swigging Bud, shooting some sticks and good music. The place offers only drinks but you can bring your own food. The bar can easily be spotted thanks to its glowing red awning with "Lange's" written in white cursive script.

Where - 3500 N Southport Ave Chicago, IL 60657.

Hours - Mon-Sat (4 pm - 2 am)
Sunday (4 pm - 3 am)

Alice’s Lounge

Sitting area inside Alice’s Lounge, Source: Facebook

Alice's is largely known as one of Chicagoland’s premier spots for late-night karaoke. If you don’t have any place to go at 3 am, just crash at Alice’s Lounge and you can spend the rest of your time there. The place is fully packed at night, so you get to sing only once but you can enjoy a free bowl of snacks and some really cheap beer. If you make your way up to the Belmont spot late one Saturday evening and the door happens to be locked, don’t despair! Ring the doorbell, and keep ringing it until someone hears you.

Where - 3556 W Belmont Ave Chicago, IL 60618.

Hours  - Mon & Sun (Closed)
Tue - Sat (7 pm - 4 am)

Liar’s Club

View inside Liar’s Club, Source: Facebook

If you are wandering near the intersection of Clybourn and Fullerton, drop into the dark dive behind the steel door and treat yourself to a night of cheap drinks, dancing... and ghosts. The place holds a record of two murders that happened in the late ’90s and it is supposedly haunted - which is what reels most people in. It has a tiny dance floor that is always overflowing with lights flashing, disco ball spinning, a pinball machine and of course ghosts of those murdered on-premise. No matter what the history, the crowd doesn't take itself too seriously and the Liar's Club can be a lot of fun - especially for those in the mood for some hard dancing as well as hard-drinking.

Where - 1665 W Fullerton Ave Chicago, IL 60614.

Hours - Mon - Fri (8 pm - 2 am)
Saturday (8 pm - 3 am)
Sunday (8 pm - 2 am)