The 14 best bars in Avondale

What is it? A dressed-down remake of the bygone Orbit Room with snug tavern vibes, spirit-centric sips and nostalgic drunk food.

Why we love it: This retro-chic spot is a refined version of the neighborhood dive, so expect sips like the "low life" beer and shot combos and CBD- and THC-infused drinks.

Time Out tip: Ludlow Liquors has a knife sharpening and repair studio on-site, so bring your dull knives with you for a touch-up next time you stop by.

Address: 2959 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 5pm-midnight; Thu 5pm-1am; Fri 5pm-2am; Sat 3pm-2am; Sun 3pm-midnight

What is it? A New York transplant bar with substantial bar bites.

Why we love it: This low-key watering hole on Milwaukee Avenue is open 365 days a year. Cheeky drinks like the Viagra Triangle and Crack Or Barrel pair with toothsome bar food like the questionably named Human Style Fries and breakfast burritos.

Time Out tip: Prefer to day drink? You’re in luck—Mother’s Ruin is one of the few places serving brunch every day of the week.

Address: 2943 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Mon-Fri, Sun 11am-2am; Sat 11am-3am

What is it? A neighborhood tavern with a dog-friendly outdoor patio.

Why we love it: Replacing Polish dive Mr. ZJ’s, Central Park Bar is from the same owners as The Owl and Estelle’s. The venue, which dates back to the ‘40s, has been completely remodeled yet retains its old school charm. Order a classic Polish Zubrowka & Tymbark apple juice, or opt for a cocktail like the Girls' Night (their take on a cosmo) or the So Fetch (a Negroni-style drink that they describe as "disarmingly pink and adorable drink.")

Time Out tip: When weather permits, you’ll want to hang outside on the spacious 3,500 square-foot patio outfitted with picnic tables, a fire pit, porch swings and an outdoor bar.

Address: 2924 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-2am; Sat noon-3am; Sun noon-2pm

What is it? A classic Irish bar, restaurant and beer garden.

Why we love it: When two Irish-born musicians open a pub, you’d better believe they’ll pay attention to the tunes. Aside from live Irish music, you can usually count on sipping your stout to bagpipe-driven sounds. 

Time Out tip: In nice weather, the massive back patio doubles the capacity, with towering hedges muffling the sounds of Elston Avenue, while winter means a chance to warm by three fireplaces inside.

Address: 3471 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 4-11pm; Fri 4pm-1am; Sat noon-1am; Sun 10am-11pm

What is it? Part bar, part music venue.

Why we love it: Boasting dozens of draft brews and an outdoor patio, Sleeping Village is Avondale’s preeminent beer garden. With 56 beer and cider drafts, the bar is the main attraction; guests can choose from lagers, IPAs, stouts and sour beers from around the world that are all listed on a menu that's projected onto one of the venue's walls.

Time Out tip: It also doubles as a concert venue and hosts musical acts most nights, so if you’re in the mood to move your body, this is the place to check out.

Address: 3734 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Mon-Wed, Sun 6pm-1am; Thu, Fri 6pm-2am; Sat 6pm-3am

What is it? A vibey neighborhood bar with `70s flair.

Why we love it: The group behind several Chicago watering holes, including Spilt Milk and Bucktown Pub, debuted a new concept in Avondale a few years ago. Quality Time feels like a throwback in the best way, complete with wood paneling, vintage wallpaper and leather booths. 

Time Out tip: Bring a group to down pitchers of beer or let loose with a frozen Vegas bomb—a Red Bull-based cocktail that’ll give you the energy to dance to DJ sets.

Address: 2934 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 5pm-2am; Sat 2pm-3am; Sun 2pm-2am

What is it? The largest craft brewery and taproom in Illinois.

Why we love it: The massive taproom at Revolution Brewing has tables that extend forever and large glass windows to look into the brewery itself, as well as a long list of beer (most of it is brewed on-site). You'll hear bartenders over the speakers announcing brewery tours and pizza deliveries for crowds wanting to supplement their drinks with a bit of food. 

Time Out tip: Pick a table near the shuffleboard table and a brew, and you'll be set for the night.

Address: 3340 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 2-9pm; Fri 2-10pm; Sat noon-10pm; Sun noon-6pm

What is it? A quintessential neighborhood tavern between Avondale and Logan Square.

Why we love it: The original Small Bar location (two satellites have shuttered) still stands out as a classy neighborhood joint on a sleepy residential block, with a gorgeous arched and mirrored wooden bar, gold-painted tin ceilings, and an alt-rock-heavy jukebox. The beer selection is fantastic, and snacks like hand-dipped cheese curds and burgers round out the menu.

Time Out tip: During the warmer months, head to the patio and cool off with a frozen banana daiquiri.

Address: 2956 N Albany Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-2am; Sat noon-3am; Sun 11:30am-2am

What is it? A karaoke dive bar that's been open since 1986.

Why we love it: Although Alice's Lounge is no longer owned by its Alice herself, it's nearly unchanged since the new owners took over in 2022. Hammock Hospitality (Avondale Tap, Aberdeen Tap) made minor changes like ditching the buzzer entry system, and now, you can belt karaoke here seven nights a week.

Time Out tip: Karaoke starts at 10pm on Sundays through Thursdays, and at 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Address: 3556 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Mon-Fri, Sun 7pm-4am; Sat 7pm-5am

What is it? A craft beer taproom and shop that serves pizzas made with dough from brewpub Bungalow by Middle Brow.

Why we love it: Hopheads make the pilgrimage to craft beer store The Beer Temple for its well-curated collection. You can stock up on rare releases or discover new favorites to take home. There are always new options to sample as they rotate daily.

Time Out tip: Having trouble deciding what to get? Owner Chris Quinn is happy to help, or head over to the bar for a taste of something on tap.

Address: 3173 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am-midnight; Fri, Sat 11am-1am; Sun 11am-10pm

What is it? An alternative music video dance club.

Why we love it: Rockabilly couples swing to live DJs while black-and-white movies and other oddities play on a projector at violet-hued lounge Late Bar. Avondale's hoodies keep the place busy on weeknights, but the real action's on Saturdays, when they spin new-wave club classics till 5am.

Time Out tip: If you're looking to skip the booze, you're in luck—Late Bar's menu features a lengthy zero-proof selection, and many cocktails can be made without alcohol.

Address: 3534 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Thu, Fri 8pm-4am; Sat 8pm-5am 

What is it? A kitschy dive bar with a loaded events calendar.

Why we love it: From weekly karaoke to open mic comedy night, there’s no shortage of activities to partake in at Reed's Local. You can calm your nerves beforehand with a can of Hamm’s plus a shot of Old Crow for $4. There are also vintage board games, bubble hockey and even live DJs.

Time Out tip: This place is cash only, so plan accordingly.

Address: 3017 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 5pm-2am; Sat 2pm-3am; Sun 2pm-2am

What is it? A classic neighborhood bar known for its cheap drinks.

Why we love it: After more than 50 years in operation, Frank and Mary’s Tavern is one of the last of a dying breed. Even though the eponymous owners are no longer involved, regulars still drop by every afternoon for homemade comfort fare and cheap drinks. 

Time Out tip: Darts enthusiasts can test their aim on the boards in the back.

Address: 2905 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-2am; Sat 3pm-3am; Sun noon-2am

What is it? A dynamic bar with 13 TVs that's perfect for catching a game.

Why we love it: Sometimes you just want an unfussy neighborhood spot to have a beer and watch sports. Fortunately, that’s exactly what Avondale Tap offers. The menu features a variety of lagers, ales, sours, porters and more.

Time Out tip: The bar opens early on weekends, so you won’t have to miss a minute of football.

Address: 3634 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-midnight; Fri 5pm-2am; Sat 11am-2am; Sun 11am-midnight