The Absolute Best Country Bars in Chicago [Updated 2023]

After years of exploring the country music scene, I've rounded up a list of my favorite spots for twangy tunes and cold drinks. Whether you're a line-dancing pro or just looking for a laid-back atmosphere to sip on some whiskey, these 12 bars won't disappoint. From divey joints with live music to upscale venues with gourmet eats, there's something for every kind of cowboy or cowgirl in this roundup. So grab your boots and let's get ready to two-step through the best country bars in Chicago!

The Country Club

Highlights
Texas-inspired atmosphere
Great staff and service
Festive holiday decorations
Excellent music and DJ

As soon as I walked in, I was transported to a Texas-inspired atmosphere with rustic decor and a mechanical bull that made me want to yell "yeehaw!" The staff was incredibly friendly and provided excellent service throughout the night.

The holiday season is upon us, and The Country Club did not disappoint with their festive decorations that brought out my inner cowboy Santa Claus. I felt like I was at a country hoedown mixed with a Christmas party!

The music and DJ were top-notch, providing an atmosphere that made me want to dance all night long. The combination of classic country hits and modern tunes kept the crowd energized and entertained.

Overall, if you're looking for a fun-filled night with great music, festive decorations, friendly staff, and excellent service, then The Country Club should be your go-to spot. Just don't challenge me to ride the mechanical bull after drinking too much moonshine!

You might also want to check out the best bars in Oak Park.

Carol's Pub

Highlights
Great bar food
Fantastic live music
Wonderful staff
Maintains its soul

First of all, the bar food at Carol's Pub is a must-try. The menu offers a variety of options and everything I tried was delicious. From the juicy burgers to the crispy fries, it's clear that they put effort into their food.

But what really stood out to me was the live music. The performers were fantastic and kept everyone entertained throughout the night. I particularly enjoyed the country cover songs which were performed with great enthusiasm.

The staff at Carol's Pub are wonderful as well. They are friendly, attentive, and always ready to serve you with a smile. It's clear that they love their job and take pride in their work.

What makes Carol's Pub unique is that despite being located in a bustling city like Chicago, it still maintains its soul. You can feel the history and charm of this place as soon as you walk in. It has an authentic country vibe that makes you forget you're in the middle of a big city.

Overall, I highly recommend Carol's Pub for anyone who wants to experience great bar food, fantastic live music, and wonderful staff all while maintaining its old-school charm.

You might also want to check out the best bars in Schaumburg.

Tack Room

Highlights
Great food
Good drinks
Live piano music
Friendly staff
Delicious cocktails

From the moment I stepped inside, I knew I was in for a treat. The staff was incredibly welcoming and made me feel right at home. As I walked to my table, the sound of live piano music filled the air - it was like I had stepped back in time to a classic country bar.

I started off with one of their delicious cocktails which was expertly crafted and packed quite the punch. As for food, let's just say my taste buds were in heaven. The menu offered a variety of options that catered to every palate, but my personal favorite was the BBQ pulled pork sandwich.

What really stood out to me about Tack Room was not only their great food and drinks, but also their friendly staff who went above and beyond to make sure everyone had an enjoyable experience.

Overall, if you're looking for a fun night out with great food and live music, Tack Room is definitely worth checking out. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

You might also want to check out the best bars in Evanston.

Houndstooth Saloon

Highlights
All you can eat fish Fridays
Good daily specials
Friendly staff
Taco Tuesday deals all day
Nice atmosphere

The first thing I noticed when I walked into Houndstooth Saloon was the nice atmosphere. The bar had a rustic feel to it, with wooden tables and chairs and dim lighting that set the perfect mood for a night out. As I approached the bar, I was greeted by the friendly staff who were more than happy to recommend some of their signature drinks.

One thing that stood out about Houndstooth Saloon was their daily specials. On Fridays, they have an all-you-can-eat fish deal that is definitely worth trying. And on Taco Tuesdays, you can enjoy delicious tacos all day at a great price! This place really knows how to keep its customers happy.

Overall, Houndstooth Saloon is definitely one of the best country bars in Chicago. From the delicious food specials to the friendly staff and great atmosphere, this place has it all. So if you're looking for a fun night out with friends or just want to grab a drink after work, be sure to check out Houndstooth Saloon!

You might also want to check out the best bars in Joliet.

Joe's on Weed St.

Highlights
Great venue
Helpful staff
Multiple bars
Good drink selection

First off, I have to say that this place is a great venue for country music lovers. The stage is spacious and the sound quality is top-notch. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the friendly and helpful staff who made me feel right at home.

One of the best things about Joe's on Weed St. is the fact that they have multiple bars, so you never have to wait too long for a drink. Speaking of drinks, their drink selection is impressive, with plenty of options to choose from. I highly recommend trying their signature cocktail - it's delicious!

But let's get back to the music. The live band was amazing and had everyone up on their feet dancing. If you're not much of a dancer, don't worry - there are plenty of tables and chairs where you can sit back and enjoy the show.

Overall, my experience at Joe's on Weed St. was fantastic. This place is definitely one of the best country bars in Chicago, and I can't wait to come back again soon!

You might also want to check out the best bars in Naperville.

Howl at the Moon Chicago

Highlights
Lively Atmosphere
Great Live Music
Friendly Staff
Delicious Food

As soon as I walked in, I was hit with the lively atmosphere that this place exudes. The music was blasting, and the crowd was singing along to every word. Speaking of music, the live performances were top-notch, with talented musicians playing everything from classic country tunes to modern hits with a twangy twist. It's no wonder why Howl at the Moon Chicago is known for their great live music.

The staff at this establishment were some of the friendliest people I have met in any bar. They were always eager to help and had a smile on their faces even when the place was packed. They truly made me feel welcome and added to my overall positive experience.

Now let's talk about the food - it was delicious! From classic bar bites like chicken wings and nachos to more substantial dishes like burgers and sandwiches, everything I tried was cooked perfectly and full of flavor.

Overall, Howl at the Moon Chicago is a must-visit for anyone looking for a fun night out with great music, friendly staff, and delicious food. Whether you're a die-hard country fan or just looking for a good time, this place has something for everyone.

You might also want to check out the best bars in Arlington Heights.

The Pony Inn

Highlights
University of Kentucky games
Open mic nights
$4 margarita night
Personalized experience with Nick

Firstly, let me tell you that The Pony Inn is a gem of a place for country music lovers. The highlight of this bar is their dedication to University of Kentucky games. If you're a fan of the Wildcats and want to watch the game with like-minded people, then The Pony Inn is the perfect spot for you.

But don't worry, even if sports isn't your thing, The Pony Inn has other events too. They have open mic nights which are always enjoyable and entertaining. You can sit back and relax while listening to some talented musicians perform live country music.

The best part? You can enjoy all this while sipping on their famous $4 margarita during their weekly Margarita Night. Who said having fun had to be expensive?

Lastly, I cannot finish my review without mentioning Nick. This guy knows how to make his customers feel special by providing them with a personalized experience. He makes sure everyone feels welcome and leaves with a smile on their face.

Overall, The Pony Inn is definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a great night out filled with country music, drinks, and friendly people.

You might also want to check out the best bars in Aurora.

Black Hole Bar

Highlights
Great music
Friendly bartenders
Fairly priced drinks
Strong drinks
Cool interior

Walking into Black Hole Bar, I was immediately struck by the cool interior. The walls were adorned with vintage posters and neon lights, creating a great atmosphere for the night ahead. As I approached the bar, I was greeted by some of the friendliest bartenders I've ever met. They made me feel right at home and even offered me suggestions on what drinks to order.

The music at Black Hole Bar was outstanding. It wasn't just country music, but also classic rock and blues which kept everyone dancing all night long. The drinks were fairly priced, but don't let that fool you; they were strong. After a couple of rounds, I was feeling pretty good.

What really stood out to me about Black Hole Bar was the sense of community there. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Even though I'm not a regular, I felt like part of the family.

In summary, if you're looking for a great time with amazing music and strong drinks in a cool setting with friendly people, then Black Hole Bar is definitely worth checking out.

You might also want to check out the best bars in Deerfield.

Firewater Saloon - Edison Park

Highlights
Great breakfast menu
Reasonable prices
Outstanding food
Live music

First off, I have to say that this place is outstanding! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm smile and a friendly atmosphere. The decor was perfect for a country bar, with cowboy hats and boots adorning every available space.

What really caught my attention was the great breakfast menu. Who knew you could get such amazing breakfast food at a country bar? I ordered the biscuits and gravy and it did not disappoint. The prices were also very reasonable, which made me happy as my wallet wasn't left feeling empty.

But what really set Firewater Saloon apart from other country bars in Chicago was the outstanding food. Every dish we ordered was cooked to perfection and had incredible flavor. We couldn't help but order more than we should have because everything looked and tasted so delicious!

To top it all off, there was live music playing that night which added to the overall ambiance of the bar. It felt like we were at a concert instead of just sitting in a regular old bar.

Overall, Firewater Saloon - Edison Park exceeded my expectations in every way possible. If you're looking for great food, reasonable prices, and an awesome atmosphere with live music, then this is definitely the place to be!

You might also want to check out the best bars in Elmhurst.

Bub City

Highlights
Delicious Brisket Sandwich
Best Ribs Ever
Friendly and Helpful Service

First off, let me just say that the brisket sandwich was so delicious that I had to order a second one. The meat was perfectly cooked and melted in my mouth with every bite. It's definitely a must-try for anyone visiting Bub City.

Now, onto the main event - the ribs. These were hands down the best ribs I've ever tasted. They were fall-off-the-bone tender and had just the right amount of smoky flavor. I couldn't stop myself from licking my fingers clean!

But it wasn't just the food that made my visit memorable - the staff at Bub City were incredibly friendly and helpful. They went out of their way to make sure we had a great time and even gave us some recommendations for other country bars in the area.

Overall, Bub City is a great spot for anyone looking for good food, good drinks, and a fun atmosphere. Don't forget to try their famous whiskey cocktails too! Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

You might also want to check out the best upscale bars in Chicago.

The Hideout

Highlights
Unique live shows
Friendly staff
Reasonable prices
Easy parking

The first thing that caught my attention when I arrived at The Hideout was the unique live shows they offer. From local bands to up-and-coming artists, you can always expect an entertaining performance. Not to mention, the sound quality is top-notch and perfect for any country music lover.

In addition to the great entertainment, the staff at The Hideout are incredibly friendly and welcoming. They make sure every customer feels comfortable and has a good time. I never felt like just another customer - they treated me like family.

What's even better is that The Hideout offers reasonable prices for drinks and food. You won't have to break the bank to enjoy a night out here. Plus, finding parking in Chicago can be a nightmare, but luckily The Hideout has easy parking options nearby.

Overall, if you're looking for a fun and unique country bar experience in Chicago, The Hideout should definitely be on your list. With their amazing live performances, friendly staff, reasonable prices, and convenient parking - what more could you ask for?

Montrose Saloon

Highlights
Fun atmosphere
Friendly staff
Variety of music
Reasonable prices
Good drink selection

First off, I must say that this bar has a fun atmosphere. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with the sound of country music playing in the background and people dancing to the beat. The interior is decorated with cowboy hats and boots, giving it an authentic feel.

The staff at Montrose Saloon were very welcoming and helpful. They answered all my questions about the menu and made some great recommendations for drinks. It's always nice to have friendly staff who are there to make your experience enjoyable.

One thing that stood out to me about this bar was the variety of music they played. While it's primarily a country bar, they also played rock and roll hits which got everyone up on their feet. It's great to see a place that caters to different tastes.

The prices at Montrose Saloon are reasonable compared to other bars in Chicago. You won't break the bank here while having a good time. Plus, they have a good drink selection so you can try something new every time you visit.

Overall, Montrose Saloon is definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a fun night out with friends or even a fun date spot! With its lively atmosphere, friendly staff, variety of music and reasonable prices, it's no wonder why it's among the best country bars in Chicago!