The best bars and cafés Chicago

Timetable

Bars in Chicago usually open around 4pm, except for some that emphasize their food menu and open at lunchtime. They close quite late, at least from an American perspective: between 11pm and midnight on weekdays. On weekends, the nights get longer and the bars rarely close before 2am on Friday.
Be careful, especially in the busy neighborhoods at night, remember to bring a physical identity document - no matter how old you are. If possible, leave your bags, especially if they are large, at the hostel or hotel. If you don't leave your bags at the hostel or hotel, you won't be refused entry - there are no bouncers at the entrance at all hours - but as the time goes by, the establishments will be more and more strict about this, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. They don't want to take any chances, especially once the pubs change from a bar-snack to a club configuration, and the crowds are there.

Note that you won't find many places open until 5 or 6 am like in France. Evenings start earlier and end earlier

Budget & Tips

Going out is quite expensive in Chicago, especially when you drink alcohol. A glass of wine will rarely cost less than US$12, and cocktails are usually around US$15. Beers are less expensive, around 7 US$ per draught.

You will sometimes be asked if you want to "open a tab" on your first round. In this case, the lack of sobriety helps, the bill can quickly rise!

Because the prices displayed do not take into account the local tax, which amounts to 10.75%, nor the tip. It is customary to leave a tip of 1 or 2 US$ per drink. Or, if you have had many drinks and pay by credit card, about 18% of the bill, as in a restaurant.

If you don't want to break the bank, there's a simple solution: take advantage of Happy Hour! Generally proposed on weekdays, between 3pm and 6pm, they will allow you to drink cocktails, beers or glasses of wine at reduced prices.

Age restrictions

We don't joke with the legal age in the United States! As far as alcohol consumption is concerned, it is 21 years old. At the entrance of the bars, after a certain hour, you will be asked to show your ID card. If you are not of legal age, you will not have a chance to enter. However, in some bars that are also restaurants, minors can enter if they are accompanied by a responsible adult and provided they do not consume alcohol. If you have any doubts, the best thing to do is to call the bar you want to go to. And why not make a reservation at the same time.

What's very local

If you were to have only one drink during your stay in the Great Lakes region, it would obviously be beer! Many craft breweries have developed over the last few decades, especially in Wisconsin, which has a strong German tradition, and in Michigan, which is rightly nicknamed "The Great Beer State"! Some local brands to taste: Bell's, brewed in Kalamazzo, Michigan; Spotted Cow, brewed in New Glarus, Michigan; Goose Island, in Chicago.

Kids

Minors may only enter a bar if accompanied by a responsible adult and if they do not consume alcohol. At the entrance to bars, after a certain time, bouncers ask for passports and sometimes do not let under-21s in, even if they are accompanied and do not intend to drink alcohol. It's a bit of a case by case situation, so make sure you make a phone call to find out the policy of the place you're interested in.

Smokers

In Chicago, smoking is not permitted in enclosed public areas. This legislation is in effect in all bars and cafes in the city, and is also valid for electronic cigarettes. Even on outdoor patios, even when there are no prohibition signs, it is frowned upon to light a cigarette. It is simply not in the country's mores. If the staff don't tell you anything, the customers who are inconvenienced won't mind making a remark. The best way to avoid embarrassment is to move a few metres away before you smoke your cigarette.