As the West Loop neighborhood in Chicago continues to grow, many fun bars are popping up left and right. They range from high-end cocktails lounges to speakeasies to a margarita-lover’s paradise. Keep reading to find out the best bars in the West Loop in Chicago.
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Moneygun
Location: 660 W Lake St.
Moneygun is one of my favorite West Loop bars. The music is always on point and the cocktails are delicious. In my opinion, this is a fun spot to get a cocktail before or after a dinner. While Moneygun serves bar bites, the creative cocktails shine here.
Blink and you can miss the entrance if you aren’t paying attention – it is hidden in plain sight off of Lake Street. However, if you arrive too late, you may need to wait in the line outside: it is first come, first served.
Looking to check out the bar scene in other Chicago neighborhoods? Read about the Best Bars in River North.
The Aviary
Location: 955 W Fulton Market
Since we’re talking about the best bars in the West Loop, it should be obvious the cocktails are going to pricey (for those who are unfamiliar, the West Loop is known as a hip, but expensive neighborhood). However, The Aviary is one step ahead…with not only price, but creativity.
These cocktails are truly an ~experience~ in addition to just a drink. Experience these one-of-a-kind cocktails firsthand. Don’t forget your camera to document the drinkable works of art you’ll receive.
Blind Barber
Location: 948 W Fulton Market
The Blind Barber is a unique concept. By day, get a haircut. By night, drink behind the barbershop’s secret door. Drink cocktails in the cozy, dimly lit room with quirky wallpaper. It’s a stark contrast to the bright, white barbershop aesthetic in the front! Use Tock to make an easy reservation.
Federales
Location: 180 N Morgan St.
Ah, Federales. You either love it or you hate it. Feds is famous (or infamous?) for the “ringing of the bell.” To break it down: if you order a shot, it is served in shot glass made of ice. There is a large bell in the front of the venue: take the shot, take aim at the bell, and throw your ice shot glass trying to hit it. Ring the bell and you get…well, the satisfaction. This is arguably one of the most well-known bars in the West Loop.
Bandit
Location: 841 W Randolph St.
Bandit should be known as the best bar in the West Loop for a chance to spot Bachelor contestants. Local fans of the show know that former Bachelor/Bachelorette contestants are known to frequent this West Loop bar on late weekend nights out.
By day, Bandit serves delicious food and even a somewhat new brunch menu, but by night Bandit turns into a party zone. There are two floors, but many partygoers prefer the second floor. Sparkling lights, a drum set (that a drummer plays along to the Top 40s blasting overhead now and then), and a women’s Britney Spears themed bathroom.
As you can tell, the best bars in the West Loop offer a wide variety of options and price points. This neighborhood is quickly growing, so new bars and restaurants constantly opening.
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