The Absolute Best Bars in Des Plaines [Updated 2024]

From cozy dive bars to lively sports pubs, this city has a little something for everyone.

I've explored a total of 12 unique establishments, each offering its own flavor and atmosphere.

Whether you’re in the mood for craft cocktails, local brews, or just a comfortable spot to unwind, this list will have you covered.

Join me as I share my favorite places to grab a drink, enjoy great company, and experience what Des Plaines has to offer!

Countryside Saloon

Highlights
Super friendly servers
Attentive and polite service
Fresh and tasty food
Fenomenal drinks
Timely food service

Countryside Saloon in Des Plaines is a hidden gem that beckons with its warm ambiance and delightful charm. From the moment I walked in, the super friendly servers greeted me with genuine smiles that instantly made me feel at home. Their attentive and polite service ensured that I never had to wait long for my drinks or food, a true testament to their commitment to customer satisfaction.

The drink menu is nothing short of phenomenal, offering a range of options that cater to all tastes. I opted for a signature cocktail, which was refreshingly crafted and left me wanting more. But let's not forget the food! The freshness and flavor of the dishes served were simply irresistible. Each bite was a reminder that this bar not only excels in libations but also in culinary delights.

What stood out even more was the timely food service—not once did I feel like I was forgotten in the bustle of the bar. Countryside Saloon has mastered the delicate balance between a lively social atmosphere and attentive service that keeps patrons happy. I wholeheartedly recommend this delightful spot for anyone seeking a memorable night out in Des Plaines!

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Bourbon 'N Brass Speakeasy

Highlights
Beautiful getaway
Nice bartender
Great gin & tonic
Unique speakeasy vibe
Fun live entertainment

Stepping into Bourbon 'N Brass Speakeasy feels like slipping into a scene from a classic film. The ambiance immediately transports you to a bygone era, a beautifully curated getaway where the nostalgia of yesteryear meets modern flair. As the door swings shut behind you, the soft glow and jazzy tunes beckon you deeper into this hidden gem.

The bartender here deserves a special mention! With their impressive knowledge of mixology, they craft drinks that are nothing short of art. I opted for their gin and tonic, and let me tell you, it was a revelation! Perfectly balanced with just the right amount of botanical flavor, it quenched my thirst while still being delightfully refreshing.

Adding to the allure of this speakeasy is the lively atmosphere that comes alive with fun live entertainment. Whether you’re winding down after work or looking for a vibrant night out, this bar offers the perfect blend of charm and excitement. The unique vibe pulls you in, and before you know it, you’re planning your next visit. At Bourbon 'N Brass, it’s not just about the drinks—it's an experience you won’t soon forget!

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Miner Street Tavern

Highlights
Friendly atmosphere
Good conversation
Clean and cozy
Decent drink menu

First and foremost, I was struck by the friendly atmosphere that greeted me as I walked in. The staff were welcoming and made me feel right at home. As I looked around, it was clear that people were there to enjoy each other's company and engage in some good conversation.

The tavern itself was clean and cozy, with just the right amount of lighting to create a relaxed ambiance. The decor had an old-school charm that added to the overall feel of the place. It's definitely the kind of spot where you can unwind after a long day.

Of course, no tavern is complete without a decent drink menu, and Miner Street Tavern did not disappoint. They had a variety of beers on tap, along with some creative cocktails that caught my eye.

Overall, I would say that Miner Street Tavern is a great spot for anyone who wants to kick back with friends or meet new people in an inviting environment. If you're looking for something fancy or trendy, this might not be the place for you, but if you want to experience Des Plaines' classic charm while enjoying some drinks with good company, then this is definitely worth checking out.

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Buddy's Bites N Brews

Highlights
Accommodating staff
Amazing food
Multi-level layout
Reasonably priced drinks

The moment I walked in, I was greeted by the friendly and accommodating staff. They made sure I had the best seat in the house and even suggested some of their popular drinks.

Speaking of drinks, they have a great selection of reasonably priced options that can satisfy any taste bud. From classic beers to creative cocktails, Buddy's Bites N Brews has got it all.

But what truly sets this bar apart from others is their amazing food. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes that are perfect for sharing or indulging alone. Their wings are definitely a must-try, but I also recommend their burgers and pizzas.

The multi-level layout of the bar is also worth mentioning. It adds an interesting flair to the overall ambiance and makes for a fun night out with friends or family.

Overall, my experience at Buddy's Bites N Brews was nothing short of fantastic. If you're looking for a place to enjoy great food, drinks, and company, then you should definitely add this bar to your list!

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Summertime Jazz Cafe / Lounge

Highlights
Japanese-style hamburg steak and curry
Calm and relaxing atmosphere
Unparalleled food, service, and atmosphere
Offers dine in, outdoor seating, takeout, and curbside pickup

Firstly, let me start off by saying that this place is not your typical run-of-the-mill bar. The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with a calming and relaxing atmosphere that instantly put me at ease. The dimmed lighting and the soft jazz music playing in the background only added to the ambiance.

But what really stood out to me was the unparalleled food, service, and atmosphere. I tried their Japanese-style hamburg steak and curry, and it was an explosion of flavors in my mouth. The dish was perfectly cooked and seasoned just right - I couldn't get enough of it! And don't even get me started on their drinks; they were expertly crafted and tasted amazing.

Another great thing about Summertime Jazz Cafe / Lounge is that they offer dine-in, outdoor seating, takeout, and curbside pickup. So no matter how you want to enjoy their delicious food and drinks, they've got you covered.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a bar that offers more than just drinks but also delicious food in a calm atmosphere with great service then Summertime Jazz Cafe / Lounge should definitely be on your list of bars to check out in Des Plaines.

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The Tiki Terrace

Highlights
Atmosphere 100%
Fantastic dancing
Great ethnic food
Entertaining shows
Good drinks menu

First of all, let's talk about the atmosphere. As soon as you step inside, you'll feel like you've been transported to a tropical paradise with Tiki statues, bamboo decor and Hawaiian music playing in the background. It's hard not to feel relaxed and cheerful in such an environment.

The highlight of The Tiki Terrace is definitely the fantastic dancing that takes place here. Whether it's the Hula or Salsa, the dance floor is always packed with people swaying their hips to the beat. And if you're new to dancing, don't worry; they offer dance lessons on certain nights.

Now let's talk about the food. The Tiki Terrace serves some great ethnic food including Polynesian-style ribs, Hawaiian poke and even sushi rolls! They also have vegetarian options for those who prefer plant-based meals.

But that's not all! The Tiki Terrace also offers entertaining shows featuring live music and hula dancers performing traditional dances from Hawaii and other Pacific islands. It's a great way to experience different cultures while having fun.

Of course, we can't forget about drinks! The Tiki Terrace has a good drinks menu with plenty of tropical cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages to choose from.

Overall, I had a blast at The Tiki Terrace and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique bar experience in Des Plaines.

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Log Cabin Bar

Highlights
Friendly staff
Tasty beverages
Unique, visually interesting decor
Great outdoor beer garden
Delicious Polish cuisine

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the most friendly staff. They were quick to recommend their signature drinks, and boy were they tasty! From their craft beers to their specialty cocktails, there was something for everyone.

But what really caught my eye was the unique decor of the bar. The walls were adorned with vintage photos and antiques that gave it a cozy cabin vibe. It was like stepping into a time capsule!

And if you're looking for some fresh air, the outdoor beer garden is simply amazing. It's spacious enough to accommodate large groups but intimate enough for a romantic date night.

Now let's talk about the food! As an expert in reviewing bars, I wasn't expecting much from Log Cabin Bar's cuisine, but boy was I wrong. Their Polish dishes were absolutely delicious. From pierogies to kielbasa, everything was cooked to perfection.

Overall, Log Cabin Bar is definitely one of the best bars in Des Plaines. With its friendly staff, tasty beverages, visually interesting decor, great outdoor beer garden and delicious Polish cuisine; it's a must-visit spot for anyone looking for a good time!

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Beacon Tap

Highlights
Fun vibe
Wide variety of food
Great music and band
Quick service
Multiple TVs

Upon entering, I was immediately drawn to the fun vibe that was present. The place was packed with locals and visitors alike who were all having a great time. I made my way to the bar and was quickly greeted by the friendly staff who provided me with a menu.

One of the highlights of this bar is definitely its wide variety of food options. There were classic pub bites like wings and burgers, but also unique options like sushi rolls and lobster mac n' cheese. I ended up ordering the fish tacos which were absolutely delicious.

The music at Beacon Tap was also fantastic. On the night I visited, there was a live band playing and they were incredible! The crowd was really into it too, which added to the overall atmosphere of fun.

I appreciated how quickly our food arrived after we ordered it; quick service is always a plus in my book. And for those who are sports enthusiasts, there are multiple TVs around so you can catch your favorite game while enjoying your drinks and food.

Overall, I highly recommend checking out Beacon Tap if you're in Des Plaines. With its fun vibe, great music, quick service, and wide variety of food options, it's definitely one of the best bars in town!

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The Bar

Highlights
Shared dishes
Friendly staff
Local appeal

First of all, let me tell you that the highlight of The Bar is their delicious shared dishes. Their menu offers a great variety of options for everyone's taste buds. I highly recommend trying their loaded nachos or their mouth-watering sliders, but be ready to share because you won't want to keep them all to yourself!

Another aspect that impressed me was the friendliness of the staff. They were attentive and approachable, making sure we had everything we needed without being intrusive. It was clear that they take pride in providing excellent customer service.

The local appeal of The Bar is also worth mentioning. It's a popular spot for locals to hang out after work or on weekends, so it has a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a place to catch up with friends or just enjoy some drinks solo, The Bar is definitely a great option.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a bar with tasty shared dishes, friendly staff and local appeal in Des Plaines, look no further than The Bar. I had an enjoyable experience and I'm sure you will too!

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Illusion Bar Grill Cafe - Des Plaines,IL.

Highlights
Interesting backstory and compassionate owners
Well-maintained and clean establishment
Delicious food, especially the pierogies and Tiramisu
Unbelievably good martinis and coffee
Spicy feta dip is a must-try

First of all, the backstory of this place is quite interesting. The owners are compassionate and have a strong desire to give back to the community. That's always a plus in my books.

When I entered, I couldn't help but notice how well-maintained and clean the establishment was. This made me feel comfortable right away. And let's not forget about the food! The pierogies were out of this world, and the Tiramisu was so good that it should be illegal.

But wait, there's more! If you're a fan of martinis or coffee (or both), then you'll be blown away by what they serve here. It's like they've taken these drinks to a whole new level. I don't know how they do it, but I'm not complaining!

Lastly, if you're looking for something spicy to munch on while sipping your drink, then you absolutely must try the spicy feta dip. It's so good that it will make your taste buds dance.

Overall, Illusion Bar Grill Cafe - Des Plaines,IL. is definitely one of the best bars in Des Plaines that I've had the pleasure of visiting. From the delicious food to the amazing drinks and friendly staff, there's really nothing negative to say about this place. So go ahead and check it out for yourself – you won't regret it!

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Lee Street Games & Sports Bar

Highlights
Large pool tables
Good atmosphere
Drinking and gaming

Walking in, I immediately noticed the large pool tables taking center stage. As a pool aficionado myself, I was thrilled to see such well-maintained tables. The atmosphere was good, with plenty of seating options and TVs scattered throughout for sports enthusiasts.

What sets Lee Street apart is their unique combination of drinking and gaming. They have classic arcade games like Pac-Man and pinball machines, as well as newer games like Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution. It's like being transported back to the 80s, but with better drinks.

Speaking of drinks, they have a great selection of beers on tap and an impressive cocktail menu. I tried their signature "Game Over" drink which consisted of vodka, blue curaçao, lemonade, and Sprite. It was refreshing and went down smooth.

Overall, my experience at Lee Street Games & Sports Bar was a blast. If you're looking for a fun night out with friends or a unique date spot, this place is worth checking out. Just be prepared to get your game on while you enjoy your drinks!

At 7 Bar and Grill

Highlights
Delicious food
Great service
Friendly staff
Nice atmosphere
Tap beer selection

First of all, let me say that the food at At 7 Bar and Grill is mouth-watering! From juicy burgers to crispy fries, every bite was a delight. I highly recommend their famous wings which are cooked to perfection and come in different flavors. The service was also top-notch. The staff were very accommodating and made sure we had everything we needed.

The atmosphere of the place is cozy and comfortable with dim lighting making it the perfect spot for a night out with friends or a date. The bar has an impressive selection of tap beer that will satisfy your thirst whatever your preference may be.

What I appreciated most about At 7 Bar and Grill was the friendliness of the staff. They made us feel at home, cracking jokes here and there, while still being professional with their service.

All in all, if you're looking for a great bar experience in Des Plaines, At 7 Bar and Grill should definitely be on your list!