Above: The Whistler

The Whistler
It's hard to imagine saying we've found the best cocktails in Chicago, but if we had to narrow it down, The Whistler would top the list. With local DJs, themed nights, and a doorman who knows exactly when the bar is full, this is a steady favorite of cocktail connoisseurs city-wide.
The Whister, 2421 North Milwaukee Avenue (just West of Fulton Avenue); 773- 227-3530.

Liar's Club
Anyone craving a dancy-party-dive-bar hybrid need look no further. The tunes don't stop, and somehow the bar never runs out of booze (though patrons certainly put their stock to the test). The dance floor is all yours.
Liar’s Club, 1665 West Fullerton Avenue (at Clybourn Avenue); 773-665-1110.

Beat Kitchen
You can't go wrong with the steady stream of stellar local rock shows Beat Kitchen serves up, you just can't. Sip something brewed locally while you enjoy some tunes. Not a bad friends, not bad at all.
Beat Kitchen, 2100 Belmont Avenue (at Hoyne Avenue); 773-281-4444.


Photographed by Caleb Condit