The Absolute Best Bar in Downtown Naperville [Updated 2024]

Having reviewed 12 bars in the area, I've navigated the vibrant nightlife scene, tasting everything from signature cocktails to local brews.

With each stop, I've gathered insights not just on the drinks but also the atmosphere, service, and overall vibe that make a bar truly special.

In this article, I'll share my top pick, highlighting what sets it apart from the rest and why it deserves your attention for your next night out.

So, whether you're a longtime resident or just passing through, get ready to discover the perfect spot to unwind in the heart of downtown Naperville!

Hizemans

Highlights
Fantastic bar experience
Multiple TVs for game viewing
Delicious fried mac and cheese
Unique honey Sriracha chips
Full-sized chicken wings

Hizemans in Downtown Naperville is a gem that seamlessly blends a spirited bar atmosphere with delectable bites. From the moment I walked in, I was enveloped in a vibrant yet relaxed vibe, making it an ideal spot to unwind after a long day. What sets Hizemans apart is its fantastic bar experience, paired with multiple TVs showcasing the latest games—perfect for sports fans eager to catch every thrilling moment.

When it comes to food, the bar goes beyond the ordinary. I couldn't resist trying their fried mac and cheese, which was nothing short of heavenly. The crispy outer layer gave way to a creamy interior that simply melted in my mouth. And let's not forget the unique honey Sriracha chips—the perfect balance of sweet and spicy that left my taste buds dancing with delight. For those with a heartier appetite, Hizemans offers full-sized chicken wings that are simply irresistible.

If you're searching for the ultimate bar experience in Downtown Naperville, look no further than Hizemans. With its lively ambiance and mouth-watering menu, you'll find yourself returning for more fun, flavor, and camaraderie.

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JoJo's ShakeBAR - Naperville

Highlights
Festive Christmas Theme
Delicious Signature Shakes
Welcoming Family Atmosphere
Unique Dessert Cocktails
Engaging Dining Experience

JoJo's ShakeBAR might just be the most delightful surprise in Downtown Naperville. As I stepped inside, I was immediately enveloped by a festive Christmas theme that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. It felt like stepping into a holiday wonderland any day of the year!

What really sets JoJo's apart is their delicious signature shakes, which are not just for kids. These over-the-top concoctions, complete with creative toppings and flavors, elevate the traditional milkshake into a dessert cocktail that’s simply out of this world. Indulging in one while marveling at the vibrant decor made my evening feel utterly magical.

The entire experience is delightfully engaging. The welcoming family atmosphere draws in visitors of all ages, making it the perfect spot for a casual night out with friends or a fun family gathering. Whether you’re snacking on a classic burger or savoring one of their unique shake creations, JoJo's brings joy in every bite and sip.

If you're in Downtown Naperville, this fun bar deserves a visit. I left with a smile and a heart full of sweet memories – it’s definitely worth a cheers!

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Potter's Place and Two-Nine Martini Lounge

Highlights
Cute outdoor option
Great food and drinks
Nice heated garden tent
Reasonable prices
Excellent atmosphere

First up, Potter's Place. This bar has a cute outdoor option which is perfect for those sunny days when you want to soak up some rays while sipping on a cold drink. The food and drinks are also top-notch here; I highly recommend trying their loaded nachos and margaritas. If it starts to get chilly out, don't worry - they have a nice heated garden tent where you can still enjoy the outdoors without freezing your buns off.

Next, let's talk about Two-Nine Martini Lounge. The prices here are very reasonable for the quality of drinks and atmosphere you'll experience. Speaking of atmosphere, it's excellent! The dim lighting and elegant decor make this spot perfect for a romantic date night or catching up with friends over fancy cocktails. They have an extensive martini menu (hence the name) but don't let that deter you from trying their other drinks too - everything I tried was delicious.

Overall, both Potter's Place and Two-Nine Martini Lounge are great options for anyone looking for a good time in Downtown Naperville. Whether you prefer a laid-back outdoor vibe or an upscale indoor setting, these bars have got you covered. So grab your friends (or your significant other) and head on over - just make sure to bring your appetite!

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Jackson Avenue Pub

Highlights
Good burgers and fries
Friendly staff
Excellent atmosphere
Attentive waitresses

Firstly, the burgers and fries at Jackson Avenue Pub are a must-have. The juiciness of the meat combined with the crispy texture of the fries creates a perfect combination that has left me craving for more. Additionally, the staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming, which makes it easy to strike up a conversation with other patrons.

The atmosphere at Jackson Avenue Pub is one of the best in Downtown Naperville. The dim lighting and cozy seating create a relaxed mood that sets it apart from other bars in the area. It's an excellent place to unwind after work or catch up with friends on weekends.

What I liked most about my visit was how attentive my waitresses were. They were always checking in on me to see if I needed anything and made sure my drink never ran dry. That level of service is hard to come by these days and deserves recognition.

Overall, I highly recommend Jackson Avenue Pub as one of the best bars in Downtown Naperville. From their delicious burgers and fries to their friendly staff and fantastic atmosphere, this place has everything you need for a great night out.

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Downtown Naperville

Highlights
Good restaurants
Beautiful river walk
Unique stores

First of all, let me tell you that this place is a gem. Not only does it have some of the best bars I've been to, but it also has an array of good restaurants with delicious food that will make your taste buds dance. The river walk is a beautiful sight that's perfect for taking a stroll after dinner or just enjoying the scenery.

But what really makes Downtown Naperville unique are its stores. They're not your ordinary run-of-the-mill retail shops. They offer something different and exciting that you won't find anywhere else. Trust me, you could spend hours just browsing through them.

Now, back to the bars. I have to say, I had an amazing time hopping around and trying out different drinks at each spot. From craft beers to fancy cocktails, they had it all. One place even had a secret menu where you had to solve a riddle to unlock it! Talk about being innovative.

Overall, if you're looking for the best bar experience in Downtown Naperville, you can't go wrong with any of these options. So grab some friends and head over here ASAP!

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Features Bar & Grill

Highlights
Family-friendly
Great burgers
Good for watching sports
Welcoming atmosphere

Firstly, let me just say that if you're looking for a family-friendly bar that is still cool enough to impress your friends, Features is the place to be. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it a perfect spot to catch up with friends or bring along your little ones.

Now, on to the most important part - the food! I have to say that their burgers are some of the best in town. Juicy and flavorful, they're a must-try for any burger lover. And while you're munching on your burger, you can enjoy watching your favorite sports team play on one of their many TVs.

But what really sets Features apart from other bars in Downtown Naperville is the atmosphere. It's not too loud or overwhelming, so you can actually have a conversation with your friends without having to yell over blaring music. And the staff truly goes out of their way to make sure everyone feels at home.

Overall, I would highly recommend Features Bar & Grill for anyone looking for a fun and laid-back bar experience in Downtown Naperville. Between the delicious food and welcoming atmosphere, it's no surprise why this spot has become a local favorite.

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Tapville Social - Naperville

Highlights
Self-pour beer
Wide beer selection
Unique food options
Great service
Lively atmosphere

First off, let's talk about the unique concept of Tapville Social - Naperville. This bar offers a self-pour beer system which allows you to pour your own drinks and control how much you drink. I must say, this was a fun experience for me and my friends. We felt like we were in our own personal brewery.

Speaking of beer, Tapville Social - Naperville has a wide selection of beers to choose from. Whether you're in the mood for an IPA or a lager, they've got you covered. I tried several different types of beer and each one was delicious.

But it's not just the beer that makes Tapville Social - Naperville stand out. The food options are also quite unique. They offer tasty bites such as loaded tots and chicken waffle sliders that pair perfectly with their beer selection.

What really stood out to me was the great service we received at Tapville Social - Naperville. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful in explaining how the self-pour system worked.

The atmosphere at Tapville Social - Naperville is also something to note. It's a lively place with great music playing in the background creating a fun environment for everyone.

Overall, I had an amazing time at Tapville Social - Naperville and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun night out with friends or family!

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Quigley's Irish Pub

Highlights
Impressive energy
Perfect Guinness pour
Friendly staff

From the moment I walked in, I was impressed with the energy of the place. The atmosphere was lively and the music was just right - not too loud to drown out conversation, but not too soft to put you to sleep. But let's talk about what really matters here: the drinks. Quigley's has a reputation for their perfect Guinness pour, and let me tell you, they did not disappoint. The creamy head on my pint made me feel like I was drinking straight from the source in Dublin.

But what really stood out to me was the friendly staff. They were attentive without being overbearing, and their knowledge of Irish whiskey and beer made them perfect guides through their extensive menu. And speaking of that menu, don't forget to try their fish and chips - it's a must!

Overall, Quigley's Irish Pub is definitely one of Downtown Naperville's best bars. The energy is impressive, the Guinness is impeccable, and the staff is friendly enough to make you feel like you're part of their family. So gather your friends or come solo and enjoy a pint (or two) at this fantastic bar in Downtown Naperville!

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Lantern

Highlights
Great food
Best cheeseburger
Friendly staff
Good prices

First of all, let me tell you that Lantern is not just a bar, it's also a restaurant. And let me tell you, the food is amazing! The menu has a variety of options but the highlight for me was definitely the best cheeseburger I've ever had in Downtown Naperville. It was juicy and packed with flavor, accompanied by crispy fries that were cooked to perfection.

But back to the bar aspect, the staff at Lantern were incredibly friendly and attentive throughout my entire visit. They made sure my drink never went empty and were always happy to make recommendations from their extensive drink menu. I particularly enjoyed their signature cocktails which were expertly crafted and tasted delicious.

Lastly, I have to mention how reasonably priced everything was. For such great quality food and drink, I expected the prices to be higher than they were.

Overall, if you're looking for a great bar (and restaurant!) experience in Downtown Naperville, then look no further than Lantern. With their amazing food, friendly staff and good prices - this place ticks all the boxes!

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Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House

Highlights
Excellent service
Quality seafood
Friendly staff
Efficient server
Nice atmosphere

From the moment I stepped in, I was greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The decor is charmingly reminiscent of an old-school seafood joint with its nautical touches and wooden accents. But don't let the casual ambiance fool you - the service is nothing short of excellent. Our server was efficient, attentive, and knowledgeable about their extensive seafood menu.

Speaking of which, if you're into quality seafood, this is definitely a spot to check out. Everything from the oysters to the lobster tail was fresh and cooked to perfection. They have a variety of options for every taste preference and dietary restriction. It's no wonder why they're so well-known for their seafood dishes.

But what really sets Hugo's apart from other bars in Downtown Naperville is their friendly staff. Everyone from the hostess to our server went out of their way to make us feel welcome and comfortable. Our server even recommended some great drink pairings with our meals that we wouldn't have thought to try otherwise.

Overall, if you're looking for a top-notch bar experience in Downtown Naperville, Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House should definitely be on your list. Great service, quality seafood, friendly staff - what more could you ask for?

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Lynfred Winery and Downtown Naperville

Highlights
Local wine experience
Wide wine selection
Wine flights available
Friendly and knowledgeable staff

Let me start by saying that Lynfred Winery is not your typical bar. It's a wine lover's paradise! As soon as I entered, the aromas of different wines greeted me like an old friend. The place boasts of an extensive selection of local wines that can cater to every taste bud.

I was impressed by the option to try different wines with their wine flights. This unique experience allowed me to taste several varieties, from dry whites to rich reds, and it was definitely worth it! Their staff was friendly and knowledgeable, sharing their love for wine in a way that made me feel like a connoisseur.

The winery had a cozy atmosphere perfect for any occasion- whether you're there to catch up with friends or having a romantic date night. In fact, I overheard one couple planning their wedding reception at this beautiful venue.

As for Downtown Naperville itself, the lively streets were bustling with people enjoying themselves. From cute shops to restaurants and bars, there is never a dull moment in this part of town. And if you're looking for some fresh air or even some exercise after indulging in all the wine and food, there's even a riverwalk nearby!

Overall, Lynfred Winery and Downtown Naperville make for an unforgettable experience that shouldn't be missed. If you're looking for something different than your average bar scene, then Lynfred Winery is definitely worth checking out.

Smokeshow BBQ

Highlights
Laid-back atmosphere
Great food and drinks
Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Live music
Innovative twists on classic drinks

From the moment I walked in, I was struck by the laid-back atmosphere. The decor is rustic and charming, with a hint of Southern flair that suits their BBQ-focused menu perfectly.

Speaking of the menu, it's hard to know where to begin with all the great food and drinks on offer. Their smoked meats are mouth-wateringly delicious, but even their sides (like the creamy mac and cheese) are standouts. As for drinks, they offer an impressive selection of beer and wine, but what really sets them apart are their innovative twists on classic drinks. I highly recommend trying their Spicy Margarita - just enough kick to keep things interesting.

The staff at Smokeshow BBQ are also worth mentioning - they're incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about both the food and drink menus. They'll happily make recommendations or answer any questions you might have.

If that wasn't enough, they also have live music on certain nights which adds to the already great vibe of the place.

Overall, if you're looking for a bar with fantastic food and drinks in a comfortable setting with amazing service then Smokeshow BBQ is definitely worth checking out!