Janitor’s Closet Is a Bar That’s Exactly What It Sounds Like By AQILAH ALLAUDEEN Tucked under the FieldHouse Jones Hotel, the Near North Side bar takes its concept as seriously as it does its drinks. Read more
Bandit Is the College Dive That Grew Up By Aqilah Allaudeen The West Loop bar and restaurant frills up a familiar formula without shedding its laid-back vibe. Read more
Some Like It Black Is an Arts Aficionado’s Dream By Maridsa Choute Part bar, part café, and part performance venue, this Bronzeville hangout has a little something for everyone. Read more
Chicago Magic Lounge Has Plenty to Pull Out of Its Sleeve By Aqilah Allaudeen This Andersonville bar makes for a magical evening in every sense of the word. Read more
The Old Plank Is a Stepped-Up Sports Bar in Logan Square By Maridsa Choute The modern Tex-Mex spot offers a new twist on a familiar formula. Read more
Kumiko is an Intimate Bar with a Japanese Twist By Aqilah Allaudeen The exclusive West Loop bar promises its patrons undivided attention and unique cocktails. Read more
Victor Bar Offers a Taste of Paris in North Center By Hannah Edgar The watering hole has an unaffected, wholesome coolness that draws a neighborhood crowd. Read more
Bordeaux Lounge Is a Relaxed Dinner-and-Drinks Hideaway By Peter Ranvestel and Hannah Edgar The Roscoe Village wine bar opened earlier this spring next door to Turquoise Cafe. Read more
District Brew Yards Is a “Collaborative” Taproom by United Center By Hannah Edgar The pour-your-own beer spot, a joint effort between three local craft titans, lets you to be the brew-ard of your own fate. Read more
Lazy Bird Is the Hoxton’s Hidden Treasure By Hannah Edgar and Peter Ranvestel Under a glossy West Loop hotel, a subterranean speakeasy beckons. Read more
