There are so many great places to get a good drink in Chicago that it truly feels impossible to explore every brewpub, upscale lounge, and neighborhood dive. It’s even harder to pick the best spots in specific neighborhoods, especially when looking for the top River North cocktail bars, an area absolutely packed with talent.
To help you navigate the scene, I’ve narrowed it down to five of the most unique spots to grab a drink. Imagine this scenario: You're in Chicago for one night with only five hours to spare before your flight. The challenge? Five hours, one neighborhood, and five distinct River North bar experiences. Go!
The Berkshire Room is the perfect start to an evening exploring cocktail bars in River North. Located inside the Acme Hotel, this refined lounge specializes in "Dealer’s Choice" drinks and classic cocktails with a modern twist.
What makes it a standout among River North cocktail bars is its extensive and curated list of Sotol, Mezcal, and Pisco. While these spirits are often downplayed at other bars, they are celebrated here. It’s the ideal sophisticated atmosphere to get your palate going for the night ahead.
When you’re looking for variety in the heart of the city, Eataly Chicago is a must-visit. It isn't just a marketplace; it’s a premier destination for those who appreciate Italian beverage culture.
I highly recommend tasting their featured regional wines at any of the dedicated wine bars or stopping by their in-house brewpub for a craft beer. The best part? You can sip while you browse. Grab some gourmet Italian foods to bring home with you while enjoying one of the more casual yet high-quality drink spots in River North.
Public House is a lively nightlife staple where the energy is always high. However, you don’t have to be in party mode to enjoy what they offer.
While they have a massive beer list, the real draw here is the Cake Shake. These legendary creations combine craft beer (or liquor), ice cream, and a literal slice of cake on top. They offer chocolate and vanilla daily, but keep an eye on their social media for specialty seasonal features. It’s easily one of the most Instagrammable treats in the River North nightlife scene.
Rossi’s is a true neighborhood classic. In an area known for glitz and glamour, this is famously the premier dive bar among River North cocktail bars.
There is no flashy website, no mixologist in a vest, and no pretense. What you will find is a massive cooler of cheap beer, simple but strong drinks, a legendary jukebox, and friendly bartenders. It’s a cozy, feel-good joint that provides the perfect gritty contrast to the neighborhood's high-end lounges. Since it’s right near Public House, it’s an essential pit stop.
There’s a reason this is the final stop. Three Dots and a Dash is a world-renowned underground tiki bar that offers an escape from the Chicago streets. As one of the most famous River North cocktail bars, it features the absolute best of the best in Polynesian spirits and elaborate presentation.
Every drink is a work of art, served in customized glassware with intricate garnishes. Whether you want a classic Mai Tai or a large-format punch bowl for the group, the flavors are always on point. It is consistently ranked among the best tiki bars in the world and provides the perfect tropical exclamation point to your night.
Now that you've done a high-speed tour of the local beverage scene, you’re going to need some food to balance things out! Book one of our top-rated food tours explore the incredible culinary landscape of this neighborhood.
Current Chicago Food & City Tours with Stops In River North
