Top 13 bars in Avondale
Avondale, a vibrant neighborhood in Chicago, is home to an impressive selection of bars. From cozy dive bars to upscale craft cocktail establishments, bars in Avondale cater to a wide range of tastes. Many of these watering holes also offer delicious food menus, making them a great spot for a casual night out or a special occasion. Whether you're a local or just visiting, don't miss out on the lively bar scene in Avondale.
1. The Avondale Tap
Extensive beer list and vintage decor

The first establishment is highly recommended as the top dive bar in Avondale, offering exceptional food at affordable prices. The fried pickles are a must-try. The bar also features a solid drink menu and a friendly staff.
This neighborhood spot has received rave reviews for its impressive food and attentive, friendly staff. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, the establishment is sure to leave a positive impression. It's hard to believe that anyone could overlook such a gem, and a return visit is highly recommended.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
2. Mother's Ruin
Welcoming atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, locally sourced ingredients

Mother's Ruin is a must-visit location for those seeking top-notch bar food and drinks. Their menu features delicious options such as wings and tacos that should not be missed. A standout dish is their pimento cheese, which is so flavorful and tasty that you might want to use it as a filling for a sandwich.
This establishments has a fun and lively atmosphere that is more welcoming than daunting, making it a great spot for younger crowds. It's a small bar with a punk vibe, but don't let that deter you. They offer a great selection of drinks and even have a rotating frozen special that is sure to delight. To top it all off, their food is top-notch and their pickles are not to be missed.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Dinner
- Late Night
3. Frank and Mary's Tavern
Cozy fireplace and spacious outdoor patio

Frank and Mary's Tavern is a popular bar in Chicago, known for its tasty meatloaf, chicken, and pork dishes. The waitstaff is highly regarded for offering delicious beer, contributing to the establishment's positive reputation. The tavern is well-known for its excellent service, friendly staff, and affordable prices. Moreover, it boasts a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a quiet meal.
As a long-standing neighborhood fixture, Frank and Mary's Tavern offers a relaxed outdoor patio, allowing patrons to enjoy their food and drinks in a laid-back setting, even in inclement weather. The tavern is cherished for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and it occasionally features pop-up food options, adding to its appeal. Tavern enthusiasts should not miss the opportunity to visit this cool spot and enjoy its unique offerings.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
4. The Wolfhound Bar and Kitchen
Irish pub with a warm atmosphere

The atmosphere at the establishment is friendly, inviting, and upbeat, with lively Irish music playing. The staff members are a highlight, known for their friendly demeanor and ability to quickly engage customers in conversation, making visitors feel welcome.
The staff's friendliness and welcoming attitude are a standout aspect of the establishment. They are quick to start a conversation with visitors, contributing to the inviting and friendly atmosphere. Their upbeat personalities and attentiveness make for an enjoyable experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
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5. Small Bar
Extensive Whiskey Selection, Craft Cocktails

Nestled in a neighborhood, away from major streets, is a small bar with a welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for a casual visit after work, the bar offers a cozy, neighborhood-like setting, complete with a diverse beer list. I enjoyed a sandwich and a few drinks while sitting at the bar with my boyfriend, making for a pleasant and unpretentious experience.
The food at this establishment exceeded my expectations. We tried the Mac and cheese with pulled pork, which had a nice kick to it, and the cheeseburger, which was one of the best we've had in Logan Square. The bar also features outdoor seating, providing an enjoyable experience in a relaxed setting. And let's not forget about the beer - it's excellent and adds to the overall greatness of this cozy little spot.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
6. Central Park Bar
Spacious outdoor patio with a fireplace and greenery.

Central Park Bar offers great happy hour deals and drinks, with a comfortable back patio that is heated for the fall chill. However, the reviewer gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because the tip suggestions on the check were inaccurate. The 20% suggestion was more like 25%, giving the reviewer an unpleasant feeling. Despite this, the reviewer enjoyed their time at the bar and plans to return, but advises against using the tip suggestions.
Central Park Bar features a large wooden bar, similar to the Polish bar it replaced. The bar has added a spacious patio for outdoor drinking. The reviewer enjoyed the atmosphere, drinks, and happy hour deals, praising the comfortable outdoor seating on the back patio. However, the issue with the inaccurate tip suggestions left a negative impression, causing the reviewer to deduct a star from their rating.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Rooftop
7. Quality Time
Generations-old family recipes

Quality Time is a reliable and welcoming neighborhood bar, offering a rotating cocktail list and a selection of craft beers on tap. The cocktails are expertly crafted, providing a satisfying buzz, and the bar keeps a cooler stocked with popular casual beers. In addition to their drink offerings, Quality Time also serves delicious tamales from the famous Tamale Man, though customers should note that the tamales are small in size.
The atmosphere at Quality Time is always fun and lively, making it a great spot to spend quality time with friends and loved ones. The bar's inclusive environment welcomes all, and the service is consistently friendly and attentive. Overall, Quality Time is a top-notch neighborhood bar that provides great drinks, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
8. Ludlow Liquors
Rotating Cocktail Menu, Intimate Atmosphere, Knowledgable Staff

The Orbit Room is a spot with friendly and knowledgeable staff who create great drinks in a fun atmosphere. One of the standout drinks is a whiskey sour made with egg white. Even with a hipster reputation, the Orbit Room remains a popular choice for a night out.
In summary, the Orbit Room is a lively bar known for its expertly crafted cocktails and laid-back vibe. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always up for creating a unique drink. Despite its hipster reputation, it remains a beloved destination for those seeking a great drink in a cool atmosphere. The whiskey sour with egg white is a must-try for any visitor.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
9. Alice's Lounge in Avondale
Exquisite cocktails, unique decor, live music

Alice's, a bar located in Avondale, is known for its late-night operations and karaoke nights. Unlike other bars that give off a sense of sadness when visited early, Alice's attracts a diverse crowd of patrons starting at 11pm. The atmosphere is far from typical as the karaoke sessions often escalate from ordinary to legendary.
Aside from its popular karaoke nights, Alice's is also a standout due to its affordable drinks and friendly clientele. The bar remains open until the early hours of the morning, making it an ideal spot for those looking to extend their nighttime festivities. Whether you're a karaoke enthusiast or just looking for a great late-night hangout, Alice's in Avondale is definitely worth checking out.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Celebrations
- Downtown Spots
- Late Night
10. Chief O'Neill's Pub Restaurant Beer Garden
Spacious beer garden with outdoor seating

Chief O'Neill's is an Irish bar and restaurant situated in Chicago, established in 1999 by Irish musicians Brendan and Siobhan McKinney. The pub is named after a historic Chicago police chief, Captain Francis O'Neill, who was also a devoted Irish music collector and piper.
The venue is well-known for its authentic Irish atmosphere, complete with a cozy interior, hearty food, and live music sessions. In addition, Chief O'Neill's offers a spacious beer garden, perfect for outdoor gatherings, and a popular brunch buffet that includes traditional Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
11. Late Bar in Avondale
Open Late, Local Art Decor, Comfy Seating

Late Bar is a small, dimly lit club possessing a distinct and unique atmosphere. It attracts a diverse crowd, with people of all ages and styles gathering to enjoy the club's distinctive music selection, which primarily consists of eclectic tunes from the late 20th century. Visitors to this club will appreciate the absence of judgement, making it an ideal space for patrons to be comfortable being themselves.
While there is a cover charge to enter, attending Late Bar on Saturdays to enjoy their new wave music is particularly recommended. The club's inclusive environment makes it a go-to destination for those seeking an appealing spot for self-expression and relaxation. Overall, Late Bar is an establishment worth visiting, offering patrons a memorable and enjoyable experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Affordable Nightlife
- Late Night
12. Kuma's Corner
Unique heavy metal theme, extensive beer selection

Kuma's Corner is a restaurant known for its heavy metal atmosphere and delicious burgers. The music played at the establishment is often extremely loud, with a preference for metal music. The griddle is located directly behind the bar, which can make visibility difficult in this environment. Despite the low visibility and loud music, Kuma's Corner has a great selection of local and craft beers and is a popular spot for beer enthusiasts.
In summary, Kuma's Corner offers a unique dining experience with its metal music and hidden griddle. Its bar is well-stocked with local and craft beers that attract beer lovers. However, the restaurant's loud music and bar location can make it challenging to see the griddle, which might be a drawback for some customers. Nonetheless, the combination of a heavy metal atmosphere and delicious burgers makes Kuma's Corner a popular destination for many food and music enthusiasts.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Cheap Eats
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13. Reed's Local
Handcrafted cocktails, local brews, and a spacious patio

This establishment is a popular neighborhood bar with a focus on local craft beers, making it an excellent spot to relax and socialize with friends. The bar stands out for its distinctive atmosphere, which is enhanced by an impressive collection of vintage board games and VHS tapes.
Situated in Avondale, this bar is highly recommended for those seeking a unique experience. Its inviting ambiance and diverse beer selection make it an ideal destination for unwinding and enjoying quality time with companions. The retro elements, such as board games and VHS tapes, contribute to the establishment's charm and character.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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