Whether you are living in Chicago or visiting Chicago, at some point you will find yourself in the River North neighborhood as it is in the core of downtown. The River North bar scene has a stereotype to be full of overly pretentious clubs with long lines and overpriced bottle service. Fortunately, this list includes a wide range of beloved bars and cocktail lounges to fulfill any type of night out. Try out these best bars in River North for a date, a girl’s night out, a night of dancing, or a quick night cap.
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Arbella
Arbella is an awesome cocktail bar that puts a fun flair on their drink offerings. The space feels intimate and a DJ starts playing a set on weekends. My recommendation is to go to Tanta next door for dinner and then grab a night cap at Arbella afterwards.
Three Dots and a Dash
I am OBSESSED with tiki bars. I don’t know why or how this addiction started, but pass me a good Painkiller and I am good to go. Transport yourself to a tiki-haven in Chicago and check out Three Dots and a Dash. The speakeasy-type space is located in a discreet door down an alley off of Hubbard Street. You’ll head down a dark stairway before hearing the low rumblings of tribal-esque music. These drinks are so fun, the energy in here is always incredible, and you’ll find yourself easily making new friends while sipping yummy rum-based drinks.
Pops for Champagne
If you want to splurge for a night out, whether it be on a date or a girl’s night, then Pops for Champagne is an excellent choice. Head here to enjoy some bar bites and bubbly! At Pops, you’ll find an extensive list of sparkling-based cocktails and wine offerings. There are also many seats by the large windows to get some fantastic people watching in as patrons filter in and out of the other nearby River North restaurants.
Celeste
While Hubbard Street has no shortage of clubs, a Chicago favorite is Celeste. What separates Celeste from some of the other River North bars/clubs is that each floor has a completely different theme and vibe. For instance, the 3rd floor has a disco-theme, complete with a colorful light-up floor. Then you have the 4th floor, which is full of tropical plants, bumping house music, and the retractable rooftop to offer solace on humid summer nights.
Untitled Supper Club
Check out Untitled Supper Club as an ideal spot for a big night out – think dinner and a show. There are multiple rooms throughout the venue: head to the Drawing Room, try out the Cabaret, an so on. Head here on a Thursday night for your best chance to secure a walk-in spot for their cabaret. If you come in with an open-mind, you’ll have a blast and some laughs. The most recent show I saw involved a male burlesque dancer who ended his song with nothing but pink glitter covering up where the sun don’t shine. Definitely unique!
Hopefully you have a chance to check out some of the best bars in River North, Chicago. Let me know if there are any you love that I missed!
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