Hubbard Street
Photo Credit: @aswag.xx
No one can dispute the level of crazy that Hubbard Street reaches. Be it a weekday or the weekend – doesn’t matter. For anyone that’s ever been there past 8pm, you know that if someone suggests stopping at a bar on this street, you’re in for a wild night.
The scene is mostly concentrated on Hubbard from State to LaSalle. El Hefe, Howl at the Moon, Mother Hubbard’s, O’Callaghan’s, Joy District, Hubbard Inn, and Three Dots and a Dash are typically the most popular spots in this area. This part of River North attracts everyone, from hip young professionals to traveling businessmen, industry night owls to freshly turned 21-year-olds looking to celebrate there coming-of-age in Chicago’s top nightlife district. When people think “night on the town,” we don’t doubt that this is the first street that comes to mind.
Clark Street
Photo Credit: @diamond_head_productions
Then there’s Clark Street – the street that couldn’t be ignored even if you tried. Seriously, try walking here on a Saturday night after 10pm. And during a Cubs game? Madness.
This area might be one of the longest clusters of bars in the entire city. From Belmont all the way past the Field to Grace Street, you’re bound to find a watering hole merely steps away.
The hotspots? Where do we start… There’s Irish Oak, Deuce’s and the Diamond Club, Sluggers, Merkle’s, Old Crow, HVAC, The Cubby Bear, Gman Tavern, Smart Bar. The list goes on. With throngs of die-hard Cubs fans and post-grad 20-somethings who haven’t quite left their “bro” days behind, it’s pretty easy to get rowdy in this part of town.
North Milwaukee Avenue
Photo Credit: @southsidecosg
Of course, we can’t forget about the Six Corners in Wicker Park, because North Milwaukee Avenue has a very distinct place in the world of Chicago nightlife.
Like getting a little weird when you go out? The eclectic mix of bars, clubs and pubs that line Milwaukee Avenue are sure to keep you on your toes. Some of the must-hits include Whiskey Business, SWIG, Debonair, Links Taproom, The Flat Iron, The Revel Room, and High Noon Saloon. The community is just as eclectic as its bars – you’ll see artists, musicians, and your everyday hipsters roaming the street. Spend a night out on this street and you’re guaranteed to come back with a story.
Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about the other stretch of this street that knows how to party. Continue north on Milwaukee for about 15 minutes and you’ll reach Logan Square’s bar scene, where we have to give a shout out to spots like Emporium, East Room, Slippery Slope, Revolution, The Radler, The Owl, and The Rocking Horse.
Lincoln Avenue
Photo Credit: @ramblezon24
Last but certainly not least, another of Chicago’s most bar-populated streets is Lincoln Avenue, particularly from Wrightwood to Fullerton. The vibe around here is generally more casual, but not any less fun.
This part of Lincoln Park has tons of bars in close proximity to one another, such as Red Lion Pub, Lincoln Avenue Social, The Barrelhouse Flat, Lincoln Tap Room, Elbo Room, Delilah’s, and Prost. The music venue Lincoln Hall is also located here, so catching a concert is always an option.
DePaul students and well-to-do 30-somethings tend to frequent these haunts, but mainly, this street is filled with people who are just looking for a good time. Which is all you really need.
