Cozy Bars in Chicago

Bars do not exist just to get wild and crazy and put a ringing sound in your ears for the next 12-24 hours. Just as the good Lord has given us a variety of foods to please all tastes, He has, in His infinite wisdom, also provided bars to please each one of His beloved sheep.

Those of us who have phased out of the drink-to-get-drunk period of our lives but still enjoy a night out with friends will often find themselves frustrated going into a bar that plays music so loud that you need to yell to have any sort of conversation and flashes so many lights you need to check to make sure you're not having a seizure every so often. No, this crowd has put that aside (at least most of the time) in favor of an unassuming bar where they can get a good drink and talk to every one of their friends at once. These are the bars that cater to the crowd who often face each other, saying "Are we old now?" but laugh it off and order another round. These are the bars that give them a night out while still preserving the feeling of being at home.

The Atmosphere:

The California Clipper in Humboldt Park exudes a venerable warmth. The red booths along the south wall and curvy, dark wood bar add a little swank without being cheezy, and you'd miss the stage in the corner if there wasn't a bluegrassy, rock-a-billy band playing on it, just loud enough to fill the room but just quiet enough to allow people to hear each other. There's a party room in the back with a couple small couches and vintage, conversation-piece art on the walls. The bathroom stalls have curtains rather than doors. And just to give you a general feel for this place's sense of fun, they have grape soda on tap (try their Purple Martini).

What sets it apart:

The most fun you'll probably have on a Monday night is a rousing game of (free!) Bingo at the Clipper, complete with curmudgeon callers Steve and Steve. Shout "Bingo!" for "a bag of crap from Uncle Fun" and several drunk boos directed at you.  Just look at how much fun THESE guys are having. 

1002 N California Ave, Chicago, IL

The Atmosphere:

If you're sick of four-leaf clover window clings and those "Guinness is good for you" posters but still love a well-poured Guinness anyway, head to The Grafton Pub & Grill in Lincoln Square. The understated decor expresses the owner's sense of class, and high-back booths make you feel like you're in your own separate room, and the couches in back next to a functional fireplace throw a living room atmosphere onto the entire place. Listen closely and you'll hear the pronounced Irish accent from the owner himself who is always present. Sit back and try a few of their Guinness blends while listening to some live music or just the comfortable din of conversation.

What sets it apart:

The absolute best Beef Stew in the world (and a mighty good Shepherd's Pie). Their turkey burgers taste like Thanksgiving on a bun and their Fish & Chips are perfectly fried to a gold only found at the ends of rainbows.

Their convenient location just a door or two from The Old Town School of Folk Music attracts the after-class musicians who often treat the crowd to an impromptu show by the fire.

4530 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago IL

The Atmosphere:

The Handlebar in Wicker Park can best be described as close-knit with a splash of quirk. The bar is set up for smaller crowds, with seating that allows most patrons to watch the passers-by at their leisure if they're not talking about the offbeat artwork that punctuate the colorful walls. In the summertime when the weather is fine, they boast a cobblestone beer garden, reminiscent of those European street cafes, hugged by a tall wooden fence. While you won't find most of the usual Budweiser/Miller Lite beers, they at least have PBR for the beer non-snob along with some great real brews for the rest.

What sets it apart:

Bicyclist-biased food and drink specials on Mondays. Click on the "Advocacy" link on their website for a list of bicycle-enthusiastic organizations.

A vegetarian/vegan friendly menu (plus fish). Try their 'Chorizo' and Black Bean Nachos, mmmmm. They also serve brunch with organic eggs.

2311 W North Ave, Chicago IL