Will travel for beer and art: CHICAGO BAR PORN!

My last post was about the fantastic eateries in Chicago, and this time it's all about places to imbibe. Here you will find my favorite spots to get your drink on, listen to live music, and show your moves on the dance floor. I have broken it down into categories to make it more reader friendly.

You won't spend any of your hard earned money getting in the door, other than for a live show or special event. At times; however, concerts are even free depending on where it's at, the band, night of the week, etc. Many of these bars also offer delicious food, so be sure to check out the menu before arriving.

P.S. Dimly lit bars aren't the best place for good photos:)

Best Dive-Style Bars:

Miss Ollie's

Simon’s Tavern

Skylark

Best Wine Bars:

The Tasting Room
Webster’s Wine Bar
Volo Restaurant Wine Bar

Best Selection of Beer:

Hopleaf

The Map Room
Goose Island Clybourn

Uptown Lounge
Howells & Hood (amazing patio)

The Bad Apple

Best Neighborhood Style Bars:

Simone's

The Paramount Room
Delilah's
Uncommon Ground

Jake Melnick's Corner Tap

The Plymouth Restaurant & Bar (for the rooftop patio)

Best Lounge Style Bars:
Kit Kat Lounge
The Violet Hour (very unique and mysterious)
Murasaki
Crimson Lounge at Hotel Sax
Nellcote
Gilt Bar
Blue Line Lounge & Grill
Epic (fabulous rooftop)

The Kit Kat Lounge should be in a category all its own! Go for the mouth-watering martinis and stay for the marvelous entertainment. There is no cover charge (don't forget dollar bills for tipping), and the divas put on quite a show. The martini list is endless and several nights per week they are half-price.

Best Dance Venues:

Big Chicks
Beauty Bar (get a manicure and a drink)
Crimson Lounge at Hotel Sax
Spin
NV Penthouse Lounge (rooftop with great views)

Best Gay Bars:
Roscoe's (Sin Thursdays is a must)
Big Chicks
Scarlet Bar
Sidetrack
Spin
Parlour on Clark

Best Live Music Venues:

The Green Mill
Lonie Walker's Underground Wonder Bar
The Beat Kitchen
Reggie’s Music Joint
The Empty Bottle
aliveOne
Schuba’s
The Bottom Lounge
Uncommon Ground on Clark

The Green Mill also deserves a special nod, as it's a spectacular place for jazz. It's Al Capone's old hangout and still has some history with a 1920's vibe to it. The club offers remarkable talent every night of the week, and a very cool poetry slam on Sunday nights. Beware - the staff (especially the bouncer) isn't terribly pleasant, but don't let that stop you!