MAP: Chicago Magazine Ranks Best Bars in Lake View

The bar culture is alive and well in Lake View, as 10 local watering holes were named to Chicago Magazine’s best bars in the city. 

The magazine’s 11 reporters went to more than 1,200 bars across Chicago, rating them on quality, selection, service and atmosphere. The magazine also separated their findings into 12 categories, ranging from best cocktails to LGBT and neighborhood spots. 

And while none of the 10 snagged the top spot in their respective categories, Bar Pastoral, Lincoln Tap Room and Elixir each came in at second place for Best Wine Bars, Best Game Day Bars and Best LGBT Bar.

“With its five massive TVs and 100-inch projection screen luring patrons, this neighborhood bar could just serve up cheap beer. It doesn’t,” Chicago Magazine says of Lincoln Tap Room. “The local and international tap selection is exceptional; so are the prices. Bears fans welcome—unless the Steelers are playing.”

See all of the bars mentioned in Chicago Magazine:

Best Drink-Time Diversions

Guthries Tavern (3rd Place)
1300 W Addison St

Headquarters (4th Place)
950 W Wolfram St

Best LGBT Bars

Elixir (2nd Place)
3452 N Halsted St

Sidetrack (4th Place)
3349 N Halsted St

Best Game Day Bars

Lincoln Tap Room (2nd Place)
3010 N Lincoln Ave

Will’s Northwoods Inn (5th Place)
3030 N Racine Ave

Best Wine Bars

Bar Pastoral (2nd Place)
2947 N Broadway St

Best Dive Bars

Galway Bay (4th Place)
500 W Diversey Pkwy

Best Craft Beer Havens

Sheffield's (6th Place)
3258 N Sheffield Ave

Best Neighborhood Spots

GMan Tavern (11th Place)
3740 N Clark St