5 editor picks in Chicago.
5 listening bars in Chicago our editors have drunk at, sorted by score. All Chicago nightlife.
Parachute HiFi in Avondale, opened September 2024 by Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark, replaced their Michelin-starred Parachute with a vinyl bar built around 1970s Altec Lansings.
TipNo reservations. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday close at 23:00; Friday and Saturday at midnight. Korean alcohol section and pan-Asian small plates.
Charis in Chicago is the 35-seat Bridgeport listening bar opened 2025 by Alex Jandernoa, with Klipsch speakers, vinyl through 606 Records and BYO food from Antique Taco.
TipNo reservations, walk-in only, 21+. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Stained glass by Bridgeport artist Ben Houtkamp lights the back of the room.
Dorian's in Chicago hides behind a small Wicker Park record shop. The listening booth doubles as the waiting room before the bar and stage open behind a back curtain.
TipWalk through the storefront record shop; the bar runs behind it. Live jazz most nights, Italian-made hi-fi sound system, no cover before 22:00.
Punch House in Pilsen runs beneath Thalia Hall with nightly Song Selector DJ sets spinning disco, cumbia, funk, soul and Latin sounds from a vinyl booth at the back.
TipNo cover, walk in. Punch bowls serve four to six; the McPunch fish sandwich is the kitchen's reliable order through the late hours.
Estereo in Logan Square is the Heisler agave-forward bar that opens at noon with coffee, pivots into Latin American cocktails by afternoon and runs vinyl most nights.
TipOpen until 02:00 every night. The turntable runs Latin and tropical selections from afternoon onward; tacos and arepas served until close.
Water activity · 1.5 hours
Climb aboard a 90 passenger historic riverboat & sip cocktails while cruising the Chicago River! Relax and learn about the history & architecture of the city via live ...
2 hours
Unleash your creativity with a fun paint and sip experience in Chicago. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with music, drinks, and plenty of laughs as you create your own masterpiece.
Guided tour · 2 hours
Discover Chicago's Ukrainian Village on a Mid-Century Cocktail Bar tour. Visit three hidden bars, enjoy craft cocktails & beers for you to purchase, and maybe experien...