What’s New In Food: Best New Chicago Bars & Patios

By Kevin Wilson

7 Of The City’s Hottest Night Spots To Take Your NRA Guests

Whether you’re looking for a trendy new wine bar, a cozy laid-back tavern or a fast-paced night club, we’ve found the hottest new places in Chicago this spring. Check out our top 7 list of best new bars in the Loop and surrounding neighborhoods during your visit to the 2019 National Restaurant Show.

1. The Swill Inn

415 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 526-3952
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Guest favorite: Swill Sour

If you’re looking for a laid-back neighborhood kind of pub, The Swill Inn by local famed mixologist Dustin Drankiewicz won’t disappoint. Featuring craft cocktails, coffee cocktails, a great beer selection and an inventive menu of bar noshes as well, The Swill Inn is the perfect place to hang out, relax and order another round.  

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2. Kumiko

630 W Lake St
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 285-2912
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Guest favorite: Sea Flower

Inspired by creative director Julia Momose’s Japanese heritage, the cocktail menu at Kumiko is one of the most talked about in the city. Momose and team serve omakase cocktail flights and a la carte drinking options, from fresh and light to dark and stirred. Reservations recommended.

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3. Joe’s Imports

813 W Fulton Market
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 736-1750
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Priciest wine: 2014 Colgin Cellars, Cariad Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, $1,450

Named after Joe Fiely, wine director of Francesca’s Restaurant Group, Joe’s Imports features more than 250 wines hand-selected from Joe’s travels around the world. The wine, whether by the bottle or a few selections by the glass, is served alongside a variety of Italian-influenced small plates in this cellar-like spot.

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4. VU Rooftop Bar

133 E Cermak Rd
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 528-0191
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Guest favorite: Vodka #2

Located 22 stories high next to McCormick Place, VU Skyward boasts fantastic views, three bars and two patios for unique drinking and lounging. Choose from a wide selection of local beverages including crafted cocktails and wines.

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5. SX Sky Bar

808 S Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60605
(773) 633-0214
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Signature drink: Dominatrix

Featuring retractable windows that open to gorgeous views of Grant Park, SX Sky Bar is a sexy bi-level lounge located in the new luxury Hotel Essex in the South Loop. With names like “Kiss Me Deadly” and “Smoke Screen,” this bar’s cocktail menu is as alluring as its décor and clientele.

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6. Taureaux Tavern

155 W Van Buren St
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 624-8778
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Signature wine: Chateau Beau-Rivage, Bordeaux Rouge

Although this massive two-story French eatery has a lot to offer, we recommend checking out the patio or the pergola at Taureaux Tavern, located in Chicago’s financial district. Looking to do a little good while in town? Try the #MeaningfulManhattan, where $1 of your drink is donated to No Kid Hungry by Share Our Strength.

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7. Bar Ramone

441 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 985-6909
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Priciest bottle: Marqués Murrieta “Castillo Ygay” Gran Reserva 1986, $825

With its expansive collection of wines and Spanish-heavy menu of small plates, Bar Ramone is Lettuce Entertain You’s first wine bar. Collectors will adore the selection, while there’s also more affordable options for novice wine drinkers.

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Looking for more places to have fun? Hit us up: social@esrock.com