River North offers high-end shopping and unique dining experiences all in one walkable area. Located just north of the Loop, this neighborhood’s upscale nightlife attracts tourists and locals alike, similar to the South Loop. With so many entertainment options, it’s easy to picture yourself in any of the luxury glass or brick high-rises here, but first you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the best spots to grab a drink. We asked our team of locals for the best River North bars. Read on to find out which places made the list.
If River North is your dream neighborhood, reach out to AptAmigo for help finding the perfect apartment here. If you’re still searching for a neighborhood that is right for you, read our ultimate Chicago neighborhood guide to find out everything you need to know about each area.
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The Best River North Bars
Three Dots and a Dash
Located: 435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Want to be on island time — all the time? Then, enjoy a tiki drink at Three Dots and a Dash any time of the year. Founded in 2013, this coveted spot among Chicagoans earned its reputation for an impressive beverage program that focuses on sourcing quality ingredients from their original location. You can enjoy orchids from Hawaii and mint from Columbia right in your cocktail. Fun fact: the name “Three Dots and a Dash” comes from morse code. It is the signal for the letter “V,” known for meaning victory.
Our favorite drink:
Try their Sesame Japanese Old Fashioned, which features a handmade sesame syrup and Japanese whiskey. This beverage is also available as a part of their carryout cocktail kit program.
Celeste
Located: 111 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
For elevated American cuisine with an Art Deco vibe and an ivy-covered rooftop, Celeste will satisfy your desires. Spanning four floors, this space provides three different luxury environments with food menus and cocktails curated specially for each level. The rooftop, known as “The Garden,” boasts Victorian-style furniture and an option to order an upscale picnic basket to share. The Deco Room focuses on rare vintages, large format cocktails, and hand-selected barrels. Whichever floor you end up on at Celeste, you’ll experience an unforgettable evening.
Our favorite drink:
We recommend the “Sealed With a Twist.” This drink contains butterfly pea tea infused gin, for a pretty blue tint, and absinthe.
Arbella
Located: 112 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
This bar boasts an array of food and beverage selections from all over the world against a backdrop of bright and energetic decor. Arabella emphasizes a down-to-earth and curious attitude, with an inviting and inclusive vibe. The selection of light bites range from Asian fusion to Latin American, and their beverages come in a flavor for every palette. Arabella even features live music by local artists that you can enjoy while sipping on one of their international cocktails.
Our favorite drink:
You don’t want to miss the Smokey the Bear, a habanero mezcal and yellow chartreuse cocktail.
Headquarters Beercade
Located: 213 W Institute Pl, Chicago, IL 60610
The best place to go when the mood for retro arcade games and themed nights strikes is Headquarters Beercade. Not only do they go all out with their throwback nights (our favorite was the Tim Burton pop-up for Halloween), but they also maintain an amazing array of pinball machines, Skee-Ball, and many other old school games. The floor-to-ceiling cassette tape wall and a DJ spinning awesome tunes creates the perfect vibe for a night out with friends in River North.
Our favorite drink:
There’s no better way to celebrate living lakeside than by indulging in their Hot Toddy, the perfect warm drink to get you through the chilly winter.
The Drifter
Located: 676-8 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60654
Located in the basement of the Green Door Tavern, The Drifter allows you to step back in time to the roaring ’20s. With live burlesque shows, music, and entertainment, this 100-year-old speakeasy offers the full vintage experience. The Drifter transports all of its patrons to a world of classic cocktails and delicacies with a candlelit and intimate vibe. It remains a definite must-visit on a tour of River North bars.
Our favorite drink:
The best part about this low key spot? All of their cocktails (100 in total) are rotated daily and displayed on tarot cards. So, they recommend that you “stop in and see what tonight has in store for you.”
Find your Dream Chicago Apartment
Let us help you find your dream apartment in Chicago so that the best River North bars sit just a stone’s throw away. Reach out to AptAmigo, and we’ll set you up with an apartment expert dedicated to finding the best place for your needs. We will do all the hard work for you, from sifting through units that match your preferences, to scheduling a full day of tours. With our local insight, apartment expertise, and access to the best deals on the market, apartment hunting has never been easier. The best part? It’s 100% free!
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* The original version of this article was first published on December 14, 2020.
Rebecca is a freelance writer over a decade of journalism experience. She graduated with a BA in Communications and a minor in journalism. She currently bartends in downtown Chicago and spends her free time exploring the city and making connections.
