The 10 Best Bars in Illinois — 2026

We compared all 3357 bars in Illinois on the data that matters: services offered, posted hours, and how easy each one is to reach. No pay-to-play — this ranking comes straight from the listings data, updated October 2026.

#1 · Bird's NestChicago

Mon 4pm-11pm, Tue 4pm-12am, Wed-Thu 11am-2am, Fri-Sat 11am-1am, Sun 11am-2am

(773) 472-1502 Website View listing

#2 · Brando's Lincoln ParkChicago KaraokeHappy hour

Mon-Fri 4pm-2am, Sat 5pm-3am, Sun 5pm-2am

(872) 327-3335 Website View listing

#3 · Kelly's GamingChicago

Mon-Thu 7am-11pm, Fri-Sat 7am-12am, Sun 7am-11pm

(708) 765-5958 Website View listing

#4 · Little Jim'sChicago LGBTQ+

Mon-Sun 8am-5pm

(773) 871-6116 Website View listing

#5 · Little VictoriesChicago

Tue-Wed 4pm-12am, Thu 4pm-1am, Fri 4pm-2am, Sat-Sun 12pm-2am

(312) 248-3484 Website View listing

#6 · Mark II LoungeChicago LoungeKaraokeLive music

Mon-Thu 5pm-4am, Sun 5pm-3am

(773) 274-8623 Website View listing

#7 · Marquee LoungeChicago Lounge

Mon-Thu 4pm-2am, Fri 3pm-2am, Sat 12pm-3am, Sun 12pm-2am

(312) 988-7427 Website View listing

#8 · My PlaceChicago

Mon-Sun 11am-9pm

(312) 763-6935 Website View listing

#9 · Oliver's In the HeightsPeoria Heights Live music

Tue 3pm-10pm, Wed-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-12am, Sun 9am-9pm

(309) 681-1779 Website View listing

#10 · Progress BarChicago

Mon 8pm-2am, Tue-Fri 5pm-2am, Sat 3pm-3am, Sun 2pm-2am

(773) 697-9268 Website View listing

Run one of these businesses? You earned this spot — email [email protected] for your free “Top Bars in Illinois” badge to put on your site, and we’ll make sure your listing stays accurate.

How we rank: every listing earns points for listed services (saloon, dive bar, bar & grill, lounge, lgbtq+, tavern, karaoke, hookah, arcade, happy hour, live music, dog-friendly, beach, biker, country), posted hours, and working contact details. The ranking is recalculated with every data update.