The Absolute Best Day Drinking Spots in Chicago [Updated 2024]

Whether you’re looking for a sunny patio with cold brews or a cozy bar that serves up creative cocktails, I've got you covered.

After reviewing twelve unique locations throughout the Windy City, I’ve compiled a well-rounded selection that caters to every vibe and preference.

From lively rooftop bars to laid-back taverns, each spot offers its own charm and atmosphere.

So grab your sunglasses and your friends; it’s time to explore the vibrant day drinking scene that Chicago has to offer!

Estereo

Highlights
Vibrant music and atmosphere
Intimate and relaxed vibe
Delicious and unique drinks
Embraces Hispanic culture
Dog-friendly environment

Estereo is a delightful gem nestled in the heart of Chicago, where vibrant music and an inviting atmosphere blend seamlessly to create the ideal day drinking experience. As soon as I stepped in, I was enveloped by a lively yet intimate vibe—perfect for sipping cocktails under the sun or unwinding on a lazy afternoon. The decor pays homage to Hispanic culture, infusing every element of the space with a sense of warmth and community.

Their drink menu is nothing short of extraordinary. I savored unique concoctions that were not only delicious but beautifully presented. Each sip felt like a mini-vacation, dancing with flavors that celebrated the rich heritage of the drinks. To top it all off, it’s a dog-friendly haven, allowing furry friends to join in on the fun—a definite plus for any pet lover.

If you’re in search of a playful yet laid-back spot to enjoy the day, Estereo should be on your list. With its engaging atmosphere and flavorful offerings, it’s a reminder that day drinking can be a joyful and cultural experience!

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Sheffield's Wine & Beer Garden

Highlights
Great location near Wrigley
Delicious Irish Nachos
Quick and friendly service
Large group-friendly space
Reasonable portion sizes

Sheffield's Wine & Beer Garden is a true gem nestled just a stone's throw from Wrigley Field, making it an ideal spot to indulge in some day drinking before or after a game. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by a lively atmosphere that buzzes with excitement—perfect for enjoying the sunny Chicago days!

One of the standout features of Sheffield's is its gorgeous outdoor garden. Picture this: a spacious area adorned with lush greenery, where laughter floats in the air as friends sip on a refreshing selection of wines and craft beers. I couldn't resist trying their delicious Irish Nachos, a unique twist that pairs perfectly with any drink. Trust me, it's a dish you won't want to miss!

The service here is impressively quick and friendly, catering to your every whim without making you feel rushed. Plus, with the capacity to accommodate large groups, Sheffield's is the ideal stop for celebrations—be it a birthday or simply a weekend escape. For a fun day drinking experience in Chicago, Sheffield's Wine & Beer Garden will certainly leave you thirsty for more!

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Tony's Rooftop Bar

Highlights
Scenic rooftop
Specialty cocktails
Live music atmosphere

The first thing that caught my attention was the scenic rooftop view of downtown Chicago. It's a perfect spot to bask in the sun and enjoy a refreshing cocktail while taking in the bustling city below. Speaking of cocktails, Tony's Rooftop Bar offers an extensive list of specialty cocktails that are creatively crafted and expertly mixed. The flavors were unique and delicious, making it hard to choose just one!

But what really made Tony's Rooftop Bar stand out was the live music atmosphere. The talented musicians created a lively ambiance and added an extra layer of entertainment to the experience. I found myself swaying along to the beat while sipping on my drink.

Overall, Tony's Rooftop Bar is definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a fun day drinking spot in Chicago with great views, amazing drinks, and live music. Just make sure you come early as it can get crowded quickly!

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Cindy's Rooftop

Highlights
Amazing views
Unique viewpoint
Great menu
Lovely atmosphere
Comfy seating areas

Firstly, I was blown away by the amazing views from this rooftop bar. The unique viewpoint of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan makes for a truly unforgettable experience. It's almost as if you're on top of the world, sipping on your favorite drink while taking in the breathtaking scenery.

But it's not just about the views at Cindy's Rooftop. The menu is equally impressive with a great selection of cocktails, beers, and wines to choose from. I highly recommend trying their signature "Cindy's Spritz" - it's refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day.

The atmosphere at Cindy's Rooftop is also worth mentioning. It has a lovely vibe that feels upscale yet casual at the same time. The decor is modern and chic, with plenty of comfy seating areas to relax in while enjoying your drinks.

Overall, I had an amazing time at Cindy's Rooftop and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for one of the best day drinking spots in Chicago. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

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Kaiser Tiger

Highlights
Munich Experience
Amazing Sausages
Great Beer Options
Warm Pretzels
Outdoor Patio

First off, the ambiance at Kaiser Tiger is one of a kind. It offers a true Munich experience with its communal tables and rustic decor. But let's talk about the real star of the show - the food and drinks.

The sausages at Kaiser Tiger are amazing! They offer a variety of options ranging from classic bratwurst to exotic wild boar. And don't even get me started on their beer selection. With great beer options on tap, you'll never run out of choices.

But what pairs well with sausages and beer? You guessed it - warm pretzels! Trust me when I say that the pretzels here are soft, chewy, and absolutely delicious.

To top it all off, Kaiser Tiger has an outdoor patio where you can enjoy your food and drinks while soaking up some sun. Just make sure to wear sunscreen or you might end up looking like a boiled sausage yourself!

In conclusion, if you're looking for a fun day drinking spot in Chicago with great food and drinks, Kaiser Tiger is definitely worth checking out. Prost!

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Highline

Highlights
Brunch with AYCD mimosas
Incredible buffet selection
Donut wall
Video games upstairs
Great happy hour with Beyond burger

Upon walking in, I was immediately drawn to the donut wall. Yes, you read that correctly. A wall of donuts. As a certified sweet tooth, this was a great start to my day drinking adventure.

But let's talk about the real reason we're here: the drinks and food. Highline offers an impressive brunch buffet with an incredible selection of dishes including avocado toast, breakfast burritos, and chicken and waffles. And the best part? You can pair it with all-you-can-drink mimosas! Cheers to that!

If you need a break from eating and drinking (which I doubt you will), head upstairs to play some video games or watch sports on their multiple screens.

But wait, there's more! Highline also has a great happy hour deal featuring the Beyond burger for all my plant-based friends out there.

Overall, if you're looking for a fun and delicious day drinking spot in Chicago, look no further than Highline. Between the donut wall, brunch buffet with AYCD mimosas, video games upstairs, and great happy hour deal with Beyond burgers - this place is sure to please everyone in your group.

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Map Room

Highlights
Wide selection of beers
Coffee available
Friendly atmosphere
Many maps and books

First of all, let me just say that if you're a beer lover like myself, you'll love Map Room. They have a wide selection of beers from different parts of the world. Whether you prefer an IPA or a stout, they've got you covered.

But what makes Map Room unique is that they also offer coffee for those who want to switch up their drink order throughout the day. I personally enjoyed their Ethiopian roast - it gave me the perfect amount of energy to keep going with my day drinking adventure.

The atmosphere at Map Room is also worth noting. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful in suggesting new beers to try. The regulars are welcoming as well, making it easy to strike up conversation with fellow day drinkers.

One thing that caught my eye (and kept me entertained while sipping on my beer) was the collection of maps and books adorning the walls. It's like being in a cozy library but with beer - what could be better?

Overall, I highly recommend Map Room as one of the best day drinking spots in Chicago. Don't just take my word for it though - go check it out for yourself!

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State and Lake Chicago Tavern

Highlights
Delicious food
Excellent service
Pleasant atmosphere

As I walked in, I was immediately impressed by the pleasant atmosphere. The decor had a modern yet cozy feel to it, with dim lighting that set the perfect mood for day drinking. The friendly staff greeted me and showed me to my table where I started perusing their menu.

I must say, the delicious food is definitely worth mentioning. Their brunch menu had a wide variety of options ranging from classic eggs benedict to more unique items like chicken and waffles with a maple bourbon glaze. As a vegetarian, I opted for their avocado toast which was topped with feta cheese and cherry tomatoes - absolutely divine!

But let's get down to business - the drinks. State and Lake Chicago Tavern did not disappoint in this department either. With an extensive selection of craft beers and cocktails, there was something for everyone. I ordered their signature Bloody Mary which came with a skewer of bacon, pickles, olives and a pepperoncini - talk about garnish goals!

What sets this place apart though is their excellent service. Despite being busy, our server took the time to explain every drink on the menu in detail and even recommended some of her personal favorites.

Overall, if you're looking for a great day drinking spot with delicious food, excellent service and pleasant atmosphere then State and Lake Chicago Tavern is definitely worth checking out!

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Front Bar

Highlights
Clean and bright
Friendly atmosphere
Great coffee
Spacious
Good espresso

First of all, I was pleasantly surprised by the clean and bright atmosphere. Nothing beats enjoying a drink in a spotless environment! And speaking of drinks, let me tell you about their coffee - it's truly outstanding! As a coffee connoisseur, I can say that Front Bar serves up some of the best brews in town.

The atmosphere is also worth mentioning. It's rare to find a place that strikes the balance between being social and laid-back. The friendly staff and patrons make for a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy your drink without feeling rushed or crowded. Plus, with its spacious interior, there's plenty of room to stretch out and relax.

And let's not forget about the espresso; it's good enough to rival any fancy café in the city! It was so good that I had to order another one just to be sure the first wasn't a fluke.

Overall, if you're looking for an excellent day drinking spot with great coffee and an inviting ambiance, then Front Bar is definitely worth checking out. So go ahead, grab yourself a cup of joe (or something stronger!) and enjoy all that this wonderful establishment has to offer.

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Eight Bar and Patio

Highlights
Cozy seating
Excellent drinks
Delicious food
Sidewalk patio
Darling atmosphere

From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the cozy seating arrangements and darling atmosphere. The decor was chic and stylish, without being too formal or stuffy. The real magic happened when I ordered my first drink - an excellent cocktail that had just the right amount of kick to it. The bartenders definitely know their craft and can whip up anything you're craving.

But what's a day drinking spot without some delicious food? Eight Bar and Patio did not disappoint in this aspect either. Their menu features a range of options from small bites to heartier dishes, all cooked to perfection. I highly recommend trying their tacos or sliders for a satisfying snack.

And if you're looking to enjoy the outdoors while sipping your drinks, their sidewalk patio is perfect for people-watching and soaking up some sun.

In conclusion, Eight Bar and Patio is definitely one of the best day drinking spots in Chicago that you should add to your list. With its cozy seating, excellent drinks, delicious food, sidewalk patio, and darling atmosphere, it's hard to find any fault with this gem of a location.

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Bar Pendry Chicago

Highlights
Friendly staff
Classy food presentation
Strong drinks
Relaxed atmosphere
Complimentary snacks

The first thing I noticed when I arrived was the friendly staff. They greeted me with a smile and made me feel welcome. As I settled in, I couldn't help but admire the classy food presentation. It was almost too pretty to eat! But of course, I dug in anyway.

Now, let's talk about the drinks. Oh boy, they were strong! And that's coming from someone who knows their way around a cocktail menu. But don't worry, if you're not quite ready for that kind of punch, they have plenty of other options to choose from.

One thing that really stood out to me was the relaxed atmosphere. It wasn't too noisy or crowded, which made it the perfect spot for day drinking with friends or coworkers. And speaking of coworkers, they even have complimentary snacks! So you can soak up some of those strong drinks without breaking the bank.

Overall, Bar Pendry Chicago is definitely one of my top picks for day drinking spots in Chicago. The combination of friendly staff, classy food presentation, strong drinks, relaxed atmosphere and complimentary snacks make it hard to beat. So gather your pals and head on over to Bar Pendry Chicago for a great time!

Sky-Ride Cocktail Lounge

Highlights
Cash only, cheap prices
Friendly staff
Limited drink options

Firstly, if you plan on visiting Sky-Ride Cocktail Lounge, make sure to bring cash because they only accept it. But don't worry, the prices are incredibly cheap! So cheap in fact that I had to double-check the menu to make sure I wasn't mistaken.

Despite the limited drink options, I was still able to find a cocktail that suited my taste buds. The drinks were well made and strong, just what you need for day drinking. The friendly staff also helped me choose a drink based on my preferences which I appreciated.

The atmosphere of Sky-Ride Cocktail Lounge is cozy and retro with dim lighting and vintage decor. It's perfect for those looking for a laid-back setting without any frills or fuss.

Overall, Sky-Ride Cocktail Lounge is a great spot for day drinking and catching up with friends. With its affordable prices, old-school vibes and welcoming staff, it's definitely worth checking out when in Chicago. Just remember to bring cash!