Tucked away in the West Loop neighborhood, the Fulton Market district houses some of the best food and drink options in Chicago. What used to serve as part of Chicago’s warehouse district has since transformed into one of the fastest-growing stretches in the city, even rivaling the bar scene in South Loop. Here, you’ll find numerous entertainment options alongside trendy corporate headquarters like Google’s as well as convenient access to other Chicago neighborhoods.

If you stop by any of these spots and find that this incredible area resonates with you, we can find your dream apartment within walking distance of any of these spectacular watering holes at no cost to you. With our expert local knowledge and personalized recommendations, you’ll have all the information you need to make a confident decision about moving into your next home.

The Best Fulton Market Bars

Lazy Bird

Located: 200 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607

Located in the cellar level of The Hoxton Hotel, Lazy Bird invites you into a mysterious new world with its intimate, speakeasy vibe. Lazy Bird hit the ground running in 2017 and continues to thrive to this day. They boast a quality drink list of 52 signature cocktails, and the beverage director for this spot, Lee Zaremba, is a well-known, top-notch cocktail connoisseur in Chicago. And, the cherry on top? Lazy Bird hosts live music every week, Wednesday through Saturday. So, stop by to grab an expertly crafted cocktail and enjoy the underground show. 

Our favorite drink:

The Clover Club is a revamp of a traditional, pre-Prohibition elixir. This cocktail features London Dry Gin, handmade raspberry syrup, lemon, and egg white.  

PB&J: Pizza, Beer, and Jukebox

Located:  205 N Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60607

In the mood for a local dive-like spot to grab a beer and catch up with friends? Invite the gang to PB&J. They call themselves PB&J because they specialize in great pizza, serve a wide selection of beers on tap, and play a rockin’ vintage jukebox. We’ve got plenty of recommendations for your first visit: for pizza, grab a slice of their Chicago Heat Wave, made with spicy pepperoni and capicola. For beer, peruse their bountiful selection of local Chicago and Midwest brews. And, for the jukebox, enjoy the jams playing just loud enough to lift your spirits after a stressful work week. Plus, if you feel nostalgic for an actual PB&J sandwich, they’ve got you covered there, too. PB&J is the best local spot to kick it and unwind. 

Our favorite drink:

Not in the mood for a beer? Don’t worry, they make cocktails, too. Snag their cocktail named Fight Club, a concoction of Captain Morgan, Campari, and tropical red bull. *We’re breaking the first rule of Fight Club ‒ that’s how good this drink is!*

Federales

Located: 180 N Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60607

An open-air tequila and taco bar will cure your blues when you feel cooped up this winter and miss the sunshine. Federales presents Fulton Market’s resident trendy taco joint, and their ambiance and plating delights the tastebuds and lights up any Instagram feed (#foodie). Drop-in on a Saturday night for some chilled shots of tequila served in a shot glass made from ice, and don’t forget to chuck the glass afterward at a bell mounted on the wall.

Despite Federales’ expansion into several new cities, Chicago locals know that this amazing spot started in the Windy City.

Our favorite drink:

Obviously, a spot like this shakes up some wicked margaritas. Choose to make any of them classic, skinny, or spicy. We recommend that you try their cinnamon allspice margarita; it will warm you right up in the cooler months.

Aba

Located: 302 N Green St 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60607

Want to experience Balkan-esque nightlife with authentic Greek cuisine and ouzo? Look no further than Aba. This place adds flavors from Israel, Lebanon, Greece, and Turkey to its food and beverage menu.

With an incredible rooftop bar providing beautiful views and intimate seating, this outdoor space gives you the perfect opportunity to explore new flavors with close friends. Fun fact: the word aba means father in Hebrew, and you can also check out its counterpart in River North, Ema, which means mother. 

Our favorite drink:

Grab a drink off their reserve cocktail list. We love the Cafe Colada, which features Bacardi Gran Reserva Limitada, coffee liquor, coconut, pineapple, and nutmeg – a winter warm-up worth its weight in gold.

Blind Barber

Located: 948 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

Blind Barber is the ultimate hidden watering hole located in the trendy Fulton Market area. With the front business operating as an actual barbershop that turns out stylish cuts during the day, Blind Barber deceives the majority of the usual sidewalk passersby. However, by night, the back door opens to reveal an incredible 70s themed bar with groovy cocktails and a highly coveted grilled cheese menu. We promise that you won’t regret the wait, even if people nearby do a double-take, wondering why you’re waiting in line in front of a barber shop at 11:30 PM on a Thursday.

Our favorite drink:

Order their White Ferrari, made with Banhez Mezcal, spiced pear syrup, and white port. You’ll feel like a true VIP with this cocktail. 

If you get hungry after grabbing a drink at one of these spots, check out our top picks for Fulton Market restaurants.

Find Your Dream Chicago Apartment Near The Best Fulton Market Bars

Now that you’ve heard all about the best Fulton Market bars, consider living close enough to become a regular. All you need to do is reach out to AptAmigo, and we’ll set you up with an apartment expert dedicated to finding your next Fulton Market apartment. With our local insight, apartment expertise, and access to the best deals on the market, apartment hunting has never been easier. We do all the hard work for you, from sifting through units that match your preferences, to scheduling a full day of tours. Give AptAmigo a call for a full-service apartment hunting experience at no cost.

* The original version of this article was first published on January 19, 2021.