The Whistler
Drink this: Bartender Paul McGee's cocktail list is rad. Try the Old Square: Old Weller bourbon and a touch of apple brandy, vermouth and benedictine.
Webster's Wine Bar
Drink this: Order by the flight and taste 3-4 wines in two ounce portions for $13-$17.
Guthrie's Tavern
Sit here: We know it sounds dorky, but seriously, the board games are half the reason to visit this place. Get a spot in the front room to play.
Big Star
Try this: The pork belly tacos get the attention, but we love the queso fundido.
Bar Deville
When to go: If you're looking to linger with a cocktail, stick to the weeknights: On the weekends, Lincoln Parkers invade.
Cole's
When to go: Wednesday night is open mike night, but cover acts are discouraged.
Murasaki Lounge
Drink saké. Don’t know it? No problem—manager Kerry Tamura can suggest one to ease you in.
T's Restaurant and Bar
Go there: The gay guys stay in the front here, the gay girls chill in the back.
Old Town Ale House
Look here: The portraits hanging in this bar are mostly of regulars (with a few politicians thrown in).
California Clipper
When to go: There’s free live (usually country) music Friday and Saturday nights at 10p.m., grab a comfy booth in the front room if you can handle the volume.
Rootstock
Eat this: Remy Ayesh's bar food is some of the best bar bites in the city.
Simone's Bar
Go there: Every third Thursday, DJs Kiko and Rico spin rockabilly.
Matchbox
Drink this: Matchbox's excellent cocktails, such as its margaritas, come with powdered sugar.
Big Chicks
Who’s there: Despite the names, it's mostly guys at this gay bar.
In Fine Spirits Lounge
Drink this: The mixologists here get all the attention, but the wine list is accomplished, too.
Richard's Bar
Richard's is underrated, and the best place to grab a drink before or after dinner in West Loop.
Juicy Wine Company
Eat this: Look out for weekly deals on BLTs and more Juicy favorites.
Charleston
When to go: A recent change of ownership means a new cocktail list and an array of DJ nights.
Late Bar
Go here: The long-running new wave night Planet Earth found a home here on Saturdays.
Ola's Liquor
When to go: This bar/liquor store opens at 7am—sometimes earlier—if you need a final stop on that all-nighter.
Simon's Tavern
Go there: Belly up to the bar, built in the 1930s to resemble the USS Normandy.
Danny's Tavern
Go there: Lono Brazil’s Disco Unusual Social Club fills the cozy dancefloor with partiers about once a month.
Cal's Liquors
Go there: Hit it during the week, the best bar in the Loop is now closed on Saturdays.
Friends
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