Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation, Historic Site of Chess Records is one of The 11 Best Places for Chess in Chicago.

1. Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation, Historic Site of Chess Records

8.4
2120 S Michigan Ave (bt E 21st St & Cermak Av), Chicago, IL
Historic and Protected Site · South Loop · 10 tips and reviews

Explore ChicagoExplore Chicago: One of the most important sites in blues history, nearly every blues great passed through here when it was home to Chess Records. Almost any song you associate with Chicago blues was recorded here. Read more.

Explore ChicagoExplore Chicago: One of the most important sites in blues history, nearly every blues great passed through here when it was home to Chess Records. The building now houses the Blues Heaven Foundation. Read more.

PnPPhat S.PnPPhat S.: The blues are the roots of all American music.

Guthrie's Tavern is one of The 11 Best Places for Chess in Chicago.

2. Guthrie's Tavern

8.9
1300 W Addison St (at Lakewood Ave), Chicago, IL
Bar · Lakeview · 63 tips and reviews

Chicago Bar BracketChicago Bar Bracket: Good but not huge beer list and a perfectly acceptable place to lose to your friends in a game of chess.

Dane D.Dane Deasy: Good beer selection and awesome ambiance! Love it!

Time Out ChicagoTime Out Chicago: 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. Read more.

Oberweis is one of The 11 Best Places for Chess in Chicago.

3. Oberweis

7.8
3055 N Sheffield Ave (at W Barry Ave), Chicago, IL
Ice Cream Parlor · Lakeview · 22 tips and reviews

Yvonne H.Yvonne Hortillo: chess on the table! awesome!

Nate B.Nate Bleadorn: The sundaes are to die for! Fudge brownie is rich, but delicious.

Teri G.Teri Gidwitz: Had a great hot fudge sundae here on a whim, with espresso caramel chip ice cream. Yum. They can be a little pokey but the ice cream was great.

Smoke Daddy is one of The 11 Best Places for Chess in Chicago.

4. Smoke Daddy

8.6
1804 W Division St (btwn Wood St & Honore St), Chicago, IL
BBQ Joint · Wicker Park · 147 tips and reviews

La PalapaLa Palapa: Best Ribs in Chicago!!Best Macaroni and Chesse!

Nora B.Nora Benson: The burnt ends and the Whiskey Blue are great!

Michelle M.Michelle Meywes: Best mac & cheese.

Dollop Coffee & Tea Co. is one of The 11 Best Places for Chess in Chicago.

5. Dollop Coffee & Tea Co.

8.2
4181 N Clarendon Ave (at W Gordon Ter), Chicago, IL
Coffee Shop · Buena Park · 72 tips and reviews

Joan V.Joan V: Love to play chess here!

chgocdgchgocdg: Good coffee and terrific fresh cookies

Jenn K.Jenn Kloc: I feel compelled to speak up about the fact that I always get amazing service at Dollop! The staff are super friendly and cool despite what the other 4sq tips say. Also, order the Brie sandwich.

Mr. Beef is one of The 11 Best Places for Chess in Chicago.

6. Mr. Beef

8.5
3917 N Harlem Ave, Chicago, IL
Fast Food Restaurant · Dunning · 18 tips and reviews

Erik R.Erik Rowley: One of the best Italian beef sandwiches in Chicago-Get it dipped with sweet peppers. The pizza slices were good too. Parking all the way around the building.

Steve ‘Pudgy’ D.Steve ‘Pudgy’ De Rose: How good is its italian beef? It repelled the Arby's from up the block.

Sarah H.Sarah Hensel: Beef sandwich of course!

The Blackstone, Autograph Collection is one of The 11 Best Places for Chess in Chicago.

7. The Blackstone, Autograph Collection

8.2
636 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Hotel · South Loop · 61 tips and reviews

Jake S.Jake Smith: Challenge someone in the lobby to a chess match.

Krystle G.Krystle Gurley: The hotel was awesome! It was nice and clean and the employees were friendly. The service was excellent.

Renaissance HotelsRenaissance Hotels: Don't forget to close your curtains here, or you'll be forced to watch the sun rise over Lake Michigan from your bed. Gorgeous.

La Creperie is one of The 11 Best Places for Chess in Chicago.

8. La Creperie

8.4
2845 N Clark St (btwn W Diversey Pkwy & W Surf St), Chicago, IL
French Restaurant · Lake View East · 64 tips and reviews

Jeremy P.Jeremy Pettet: Ask for the chestnut purée with a crème anglaise crepe. If they have the purée you'll be glad you asked!

DKH CreativeDKH Creative: Tell your friends you were a part of history (just by filling your belly!) - La Creperie is the oldest creperie in the USA.

Lindsey W.Lindsey Woody: Service here can be hit or miss, but the food is great. For brunch, try the crepe Florentine, my absolute favourite!

90 Miles Cuban Cafe is one of The 11 Best Places for Chess in Chicago.

9. 90 Miles Cuban Cafe

8.8
3101 N Clybourn Ave (at Barry Ave.), Chicago, IL
Cuban Restaurant · Roscoe Village · 53 tips and reviews

Keri H.Keri Harvey: I am a huge fan of roasted veggie sandwiches, but this one is deeeelish! Byob too!

Royal Flesh Tattoo and Body PiercingRoyal Flesh Tattoo and Body Piercing: Try the Ropa Vieja. The best Around.

Brendan D.Brendan Duffy: Get the Cubano!

Rockwell's Neighborhood Grill is one of The 11 Best Places for Chess in Chicago.

10. Rockwell's Neighborhood Grill

8.3
4632 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL
Bar · Ravenswood · 46 tips and reviews

Megan G.Megan Gilbride: Great spot! Good tap selection and menu-something for everyone

Jeffrey Q.Jeffrey Qaiyum: Cheap drinks on Saturdays. Fish tacos are pretty good. Nice people.

Tracy H.Tracy Hixon: Great place for a family weekend lunch.

Chicago Public Library — Sulzer Regional Library is one of The 11 Best Places for Chess in Chicago.

11. Chicago Public Library — Sulzer Regional Library

8.3
4455 N Lincoln Ave (at Sunnyside Ave.), Chicago, IL
Library · Ravenswood · 20 tips and reviews

Monica O.Monica Oliver: I have been coming here ever since I can remember. I have mixed feelings about this branch though, the 2nd floor is the best. Lots have great audiobooks downstairs as well.

Lina G.Lina Gonzo: The architecture is especially charming!

Amy H.Amy H.: I'm not sure why another tipster said kids aren't welcome here. My children have been coming here for ten years and have always been welcomed. The staff is hit-or-miss but generally helpful.