The 16 best bars for day drinking in Chicago

What is it? A bright and airy all-day bar.

Why we love it: Decorated with disco balls and blasting a soundtrack to match, Estereo is one of our favorite go-tos for day drinking. The bar from the owners of Queen Mary and Pizza Lobo focuses on agave spirits—served neat, blended into frozen cocktails or used in riffs on classics. Both locations are open at noon Tuesday through Sunday, but the newer Estereo FM also welcomes early customers with coffee from Dot's Cafe and empanadas from Cafe Tola.

Time Out tip: Bring your pups—Estereo is dog-friendly.

Address: 2450 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon 5pm-2am; Tue-Sun noon-2am

What is it? A low-key Avondale bar that serves seriously good food and drinks.

Why we love it: New York import Mother’s Ruin opens for brunch at 11am daily, so you can dig into a plate of chicken and waffles or smashed avocado toast along with an espresso martini or Bloody Mary. Beyond the morning classics, the laid-back bar serves rotating slushies, simple, well-made cocktails and an all-day menu until 1:30am (or 2:30am on Saturdays) that includes crispy fish tacos and beer cheese nachos. Come the first Sunday of the month to listen to pop punk tunes during Brunch-182.

Time Out tip: Mother's Ruin is open 365 days a year so it's a reliable spot for whenever you're in the mood for a drink or bite.

Address: 2943 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Daily 11am-2am

What is it? A cozy neighborhood bar with one of the city's largest beer lists.

Why we love it: Stop into Map Room at 7:30am on weekdays and 8:30am on Saturdays to settle in with Dollop Coffee, a sandwich from New York Bagel & Bialy or a pastry from Bennison’s Bakery before the bar starts pouring booze at 11am. Open since 1992, Map Room celebrates the joys of travel with a collection of maps and flags and global drink selection to match, with local beers served alongside varieties from Germany, Japan and France.

Time Out tip: There’s no food served outside of breakfast, but you’re welcome to bring in your own.

Address: 1949 N Hoyne Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-2am; Sat 8:30am-2am; Sun 11am-2am

What is it? A Chicago favorite for tacos, margaritas and patio dining.

Why we love it: With locations in Wicker Park and Wrigleyville, Big Star consistently packs its patios with daytime revelers sharing pitchers of margaritas and family-style platters of tacos. The original Wicker Park restaurant has a covered outdoor space where rain won’t ruin the fun, plus plenty of opportunities for people-watching while tapping your toes to honky-tonk tunes.

Time Out tip: The patio is a popular spot when the weather’s nice, so be sure to make a reservation.

Address: 1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-10pm; Fri 11:30am-11pm; Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-10pm

What is it? A bright and scenic hot spot atop the Chicago Athletic Association.

Why we love it: Begin the day by taking in the views of Millennium Park from the 13th floor of the Chicago Athletic Association hotel. The space is covered by a glass atrium so there’s no need to worry about the weather, though there’s also a terrace if you want to soak up some sun while sipping a cocktail or CBD-infused drink. Groups can share a DIY mimosa kit served with berries and an assortment of juices.

Time Out tip: Cindy’s is a popular tourist destination, so making a reservation is highly suggested.

Address: 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

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

What is it? Chicago's best beer bar.

Why we love it: It’s worth heading to Hopleaf early since it only takes limited reservations and the place is perpetually packed, especially when the weather is nice enough for hanging out on the hidden patio. A pioneer in the craft beer movement, Hopleaf has been open since 1992 and pours from 68 draft lines, with a constantly changing selection that also includes mead and cider. Beyond a penchant for saisons and tripels, the bar also applies its love of all things Belgian to the decor and food menu, where the star is heaping portions of mussels cooked in wit beer and lambic and served with fries and aioli.

Time Out tip: Don't be overwhelmed by the massive beer list—the knowledgeable staff are happy to steer you in the right direction.

Address: 5148 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun noon-11pm; Fri, Sat noon-midnight

What is it? An all-day cafe and wine shop.

Why we love it: All Together Now opens at 11am on weekdays and 10am on the weekends, serving a rotating selection of natural wines, amaro and CBD drinks along with sandwiches, salads and tinned fish boards, plus bagels on Saturdays and Sundays. The West Town spot also has a wine shop and cheese counter, so you can stop in to get all the supplies for a picnic.

Time Out tip: Can’t get enough? Join wine and cheese clubs for discounts and special monthly releases.

Address: 2119 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Tue-Fri 11am-9pm; Sat 10am-9pm; Sun 10am-5pm

What is it? An Avondale bottle shop and bar.

Why we love it: True to its name, the Beer Temple offers a massive and constantly changing selection of craft brews, along with 20 taps pouring everything from lambics and lagers to stouts and shandies. The attentive bartenders will guide you to something fun you can pair with Detroit-style pizza by Middle Brow. Linger and play a board game or grab a six-pack to take home.

Time Out tip: Stop in at lunchtime for pizza by the slice.

Address: 3173 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

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

What is it? A Logan Square gastropub with an extensive whiskey selection.

Why we love it: Thumb through Longman & Eagle’s book of whiskeys, including plenty of rare varieties and single barrels the bar has been collecting since 2010. If that’s too intimidating, try a few in a flight or one of the $3 pours for thrifty drinkers who still want to sip something novel. You’ll also find whiskey cocktails and a nose-to-tail seasonal menu with dishes that can stand up to a stiff drink, like roasted bone marrow and dry-aged pork chop.

Time Out tip: Make a night of it by booking one of Longman & Eagle’s cozy rooms upstairs for an easy stay after dinner and drinks.

Address: 2657 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am-11pm; Fri 11am-1am; Sat 9am-1am; Sun 9am-11pm

What is it? A morning-to-night coffeehouse and bar.

Why we love it: This is the kind of neighborhood bar where you can settle in for a few hours with friends or get some work done. There’s a solid selection of craft brews on tap, in bottles and in cans, plus coffee and coffee cocktails. The kitchen hosts a variety of pop-ups, including Cash’s Kitchen and Bad Johnny’s.

Time Out tip: The enclosed garden patio is an intimate outdoor space that’s easy to miss but well worth checking out.

Address: 1612 W Irving Park Rd Ste 1, Chicago, IL 60613

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am-2am; Sat, Sun 10am-2am

What is it? A Lakeview brewery with great pub fare.

Why we love it: Order a flight at DryHop Brewers to taste your way through its core collection of beers—sporting wild names and wilder labels—and pick up a crowler of your new favorite. You’ll also have the chance to try limited edition drafts you won’t find anywhere else. Even those who don’t love beer can have a good time thanks to an extensive whiskey selection, smash burgers and Neapolitan-style pizzas.

Time Out tip: Grab a pint of the easy-drinking cream ale Batch 001 for just $5.

Address: 3155 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657

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

What is it? An English pub serving British fare and craft cocktails.

Why we love it: The Albion Manor’s drink list goes beyond the usual pub pours, with creative cocktails like the Cherry Basil Limeade and Mandarin Creamsicle alongside classics. There’s also a large selection of beer, cider and seltzer, complemented by comforting dishes such as fish and chips and shepherd’s pie. It’s also a popular spot for catching soccer matches.

Time Out tip: The pub often opens early on weekends for select soccer matches.

Address: 1480 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am-midnight; Fri 11am-2am; Sat 10am-3am; Sun 10am-midnight

What is it? A North Center taproom pouring European-style beers.

Why we love it: Dovetail Brewery uses imported malts and hops to make traditional European styles like Kölsch, hefeweizen and Vienna lager, which are perfect for enjoying on a warm day. Make your day drinking a bit educational by taking a Saturday brewery tour, where you’ll try three brews and the water they’re made with.

Time Out tip: You’re welcome to bring your own food, though the brewery regularly hosts restaurant pop-ups.

Address: 1800 W Belle Plaine Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

Opening hours: Mon-Thu noon-10pm; Fri, Sat noon-11pm; Sun noon-8pm

What is it? A River North standout for sports and wings.

Why we love it: Sports bar Jake Melnick’s serves some of the best wings in town, with a rotating monthly flavor and standbys ranging from Kansas City barbecue to a dangerously spicy sauce made with Carolina Reaper and scorpion peppers. Test your heat tolerance while cooling your mouth with a beer from the 30 taps. Gameday groups can share a platter of snacks, including fried pickles and onion rings, plus beer towers.

Time Out tip: For those who enjoy spicy cocktails, the XXXX Margarita made with jalapeños and hot sauce turns up the heat.

Address: 41 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-10:30pm; Fri, Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-10:30pm

What is it? A classic Bucktown bar and neighborhood spot for sports.

Why we love it: Lottie’s is a lively place for cold beers, cocktails and classic bar fare like burgers, wings and pizzas. There are lots of TVs for catching games, plus weekly events including trivia nights and watch parties for the Wisconsin Badgers and Kansas Jayhawks. It’s a Bucktown favorite for laid-back hangs

Time Out tip: Weekday happy hour, which runs from 11am-3pm Monday through Thursday, offers a variety of food and drink specials.

Address: 1925 W Cortland St, Chicago, IL 60622

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

What is it? A no-frills dive bar in River North.

Why we love it: Tucked among the trendy spots in the neighborhood, Rossi’s is a throwback dive that opens at 9am Monday through Saturday and 11am on Sunday. The dog-friendly space is dimly lit and the wood paneled walls are covered with beer signs and stickers. Choose something on the jukebox and peruse the cooler for a wide selection of local beers and ciders and take your pick up to the counter to pay.

Time Out tip: Bring bills as it's cash-only.

Address: 412 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am-2am; Sun 11am-2am