The Resy Guide to Great Bar Food in Chicago

Critics’ darling Andros Taverna brings its spin on upmarket Mediterranean cuisine to the heart of Milwaukee Avenue. Take a seat at its beautiful marble bar to tuck into spicy whipped feta, roasted calamari, or kataifi cheese pie. If you can’t decide, there’s always the mezze collection, which pairs well with a glass of ouzo or tsipouro (a clear spirit with ancient roots), or Greek sparkling wine from Andros’ Hellenic-focused list.

Owned by chef Bo Fowler, this brewpub’s aesthetics are quite the opposite of most local haunts. While the second floor and rooftop are big, bright, and inviting, the bar is the place to be for a taste of Asian-inspired dishes like Vietnamese egg rolls with nuoc cham, pot stickers, and Rangoon “royale” with crab, lobster, and shrimp, along with craft beers and specialty cocktails.

Named after the island that sits on India’s southwest coast, Bar Goa brings tropical island vibes to River North. Given the inspiration, expect the quintessential Goan fusion of Indian and Portuguese cuisines, with plates like black tiger prawns, green pea hummus, and dalhi bhalla — a sweet and spicy yogurt dish topped with crispy lentils. For a little more fun, grab a signature cocktail like Edge of India, with ghee-washed gin, Tempus Fugit banana liqueur, Amaro Montenegro, lime, and cardamom bitters; or the Pick Your Passion, with vodka, the passion fruit known as Chinola, aloe, cilantro, and orange before heading out on the dance floor to groove to the in-house DJ.

It’s hard to miss the large red marquee that sits above the entrance at this West Rogers Park neighborhood staple. While it’s certainly a great place to catch the game or get together after work, the cheese curds, spinach- and artichoke-stuffed mushrooms, and Southern fried pickles will encourage you to stay well beyond happy hour. 

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A taqueria might not seem like the most natural spot for bar bites, but Dos Urban offers a snack list that goes well beyond chips and guacamole. Tamal tots, spicy Caesar crudite, and crispy chipotle wings put a fun spin on bar-food classics, while happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday involves discounted margs, Tequilas, and spiked aguas frescas.

At Esmé, husband-and-wife team chef Jenner Tomaska and Katrina Bravo offer artist-inspired fine dining that earned them a Michelin star. At Bar Esme next door, they offer playful yet beautifully plated a la carte options — including the now legendary Flamin’ Hot Cheeto with cheddar and annatto pepper, plus tuna belly with melon and Jimmy Nardello peppers, and foie gras with celery root and huckleberry. 

As the only brewery in the world to hold a Michelin star, Moody Tongue Brewing Company isn’t your run-of-the-mill beer spot. Pulling from his culinary experience, brewmaster Jared Rouben builds beer recipes in the same fashion a chef would, sourcing seasonal ingredients and layering them to showcase flavors and aromas. While at the bar enjoying oysters by the half-shell, burrata, and confit Berkshire pork, make sure to wash it down with Aperitif pilsner or a Juiced Lychee IPA.

You’re welcomed in here by the open concept layout, but look for the pop of green toward the back and grab a seat at the bar. Once there, order a mai tai and take a moment to look up and admire the skylight. Classic Thai bites like moo ping (pork skewers), shu mai (steamed shrimp dumplings), and fresh spring rolls all make appearances on the bar menu, and pair well with the lightly tropical cocktails.

Also owned by Bo Fowler, Owen & Engine is a farm-to-table spot inspired by English pub culture, with a menu heavy on the local farmers, foragers, and artisans. While charcuterie and cheese are readily available, it’s starters like the venison tartare with blood vinaigrette and puffed rice, duck fat-fried potato pave with caviar, and Scotch egg that lean in most heavily to the British theme (along with the extensive British beer menu).

While you’re not going to find a ping-pong table in this establishment, you will find cozy, modern decor with romantic lighting — and delicious Asian-leaning fare. The bar is small, so snag a seat as soon as you walk in. The extensive menu might look overwhelming at first, but you can’t go wrong with an order of bang bang chicken with Sichuan peppercorn paste, smashed cucumber salad, and a scallion pancake.

Picture it: Paris, 1972. Just kidding … but stepping into this extremely chic underground speakeasy off of California Avenue is like being immediately transported into an old-school French brasserie of a certain era. The extensive Old World wine list takes center stage, but an order of snails, salmon rillettes, and fromage grillé also make for quite the memorable bar stop.

This vegetarian restaurant put brussels sprouts and kale on a pedestal way before it was considered trendy. Since 1983, the Chicago Diner has been serving up meatless dishes from its North Halsted location. Now with a new outpost in Lakeview, you can pull up to the bar and order vegan versions of comfort-food staples like jalapeño poppers, Thai chile wings, and poutine with cheddar, gravy, and green onions.

With its neon-hued decor and ‘90s-themed menu items, Whiskey Business is a millennial’s dream culinary destination. The rooftop is truly the main character — with fun seating and games to play while snacking on the Sex and Candied Cauliflower Bites (a Marcy Playground reference shows you care), Truffle Shuffle fries, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Tenders. And if whiskey is indeed your business, then by all means, check out the impressive list of bourbons and ryes.