Where are the best cocktail bars in the West Loop?

The Aviary attached to Next Restaurant is the highest-profile cocktail destination. The Loyalist (beneath Smyth) runs a long-standing program. Bar seating at Avec, Bar Tutto, and most of the Randolph Restaurant Row restaurants offers cocktails plus food.

Does the West Loop have wine bars?

Yes — Bar Tutto (Italian-focused) and La Serre / Bar La Rue (French) are the marquee wine-bar concepts. Most of the marquee restaurants also have substantial by-the-glass programs at the bar.

Where can I see live music in the West Loop?

Cobra Lounge on North Ashland is the long-running punk-and-rock venue, paired with All Rise Brewing in the same building. The Mine Music Hall on West Lake Street books mid-sized shows. City Winery on West Randolph is a 300-seat live-music room.

Are there sports bars in the West Loop?

Several restaurants double as casual sports-watching spots, particularly during United Center games. See the dedicated sports bars page for the curated list, or use the map to find bars near the United Center.

Where can you drink late in the West Loop?

West Loop bars typically close by midnight or 1 AM weekdays, later on weekends. Good Night John Boy and Cobra Lounge are the longer-running late-night options. Check each bar's page for current hours.

Best of

Best bars in the West Loop, Chicago

The West Loop's bar scene runs from Michelin-starred cocktail rooms to French-café wine bars to the punk-rock venue on the western edge. The lists below are grouped by what you might be in the mood for. Every pick links to its full business page.

Cocktail rooms

Serious cocktail programs in restaurant-attached or standalone spaces.

Smyth the Loyalist The Loyalist is the more casual ground-floor gastropub beneath the Smyth tasting menu — long-running cocktail program.177 N Ada St 1st 101, Chicago, IL, 60607
The Aviary The Aviary — Alinea Group's molecular cocktail bar on West Fulton, named to The World's 50 Best Bars list in 2014 (No. 13) and 2016 (No. 39).953-955 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL, 60607
Lazy Bird Cocktail and music lounge in the cellar of The Hoxton, Chicago. Mid-century lounge with a marble bar; menu of 52 classic cocktails with Boka Restaurant Group updates. Live music programming.200 N Green St, Cellar Level, Chicago, IL, 60607
Fox Bar Cocktail bar on the mezzanine of Soho House Chicago — one of the few Soho House spaces open to non-members.113-125 N Green St, Mezzanine, Chicago, IL, 60607
Avec Bar seating at Avec is a long-standing way to get into one of West Randolph's most-loved restaurants without a reservation.615 W Randolph St Ll-3rd FL, Chicago, IL, 60661

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Wine bars and small plates

Wine programs with food worth showing up for.

Restaurant-bars and lounges

Restaurants where the bar is its own destination.

Live music and party spots

Bars where the music or the room is the draw.

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Neighborhood taverns and pubs

Lower-key bars and casual neighborhood pubs.

Alternative formats

Bars built around a different primary activity.

Hidden / speakeasy bars

Bars behind unmarked doors, in alleys, or below other businesses. Lazy Bird (in The Hoxton's cellar) and Blind Barber (behind the barbershop) fit here too — both are under Cocktail rooms above.

Booze Box Booze Box — Japanese izakaya bar hidden below Sushi Dokku on Randolph. Enter via the back alley (no signage, just a red neon arrow). Sushi menu, sake, Japanese whisky, weekend live music.823 W Randolph St, Lower Level (under Sushi Dokku), Chicago, IL, 60607

Frequently asked questions

Where are the best cocktail bars in the West Loop?: The Aviary attached to Next Restaurant is the highest-profile cocktail destination. The Loyalist (beneath Smyth) runs a long-standing program. Bar seating at Avec, Bar Tutto, and most of the Randolph Restaurant Row restaurants offers cocktails plus food.
Does the West Loop have wine bars?: Yes — Bar Tutto (Italian-focused) and La Serre / Bar La Rue (French) are the marquee wine-bar concepts. Most of the marquee restaurants also have substantial by-the-glass programs at the bar.
Where can I see live music in the West Loop?: Cobra Lounge on North Ashland is the long-running punk-and-rock venue, paired with All Rise Brewing in the same building. The Mine Music Hall on West Lake Street books mid-sized shows. City Winery on West Randolph is a 300-seat live-music room.
Are there sports bars in the West Loop?: Several restaurants double as casual sports-watching spots, particularly during United Center games. See the dedicated sports bars page for the curated list, or use the map to find bars near the United Center.
Where can you drink late in the West Loop?: West Loop bars typically close by midnight or 1 AM weekdays, later on weekends. Good Night John Boy and Cobra Lounge are the longer-running late-night options. Check each bar's page for current hours.

Most recent pick verified 5 days ago. Some picks may be older — the date reflects whichever pick on this page was checked most recently.