Best Chicago Neighborhood Taverns

These are decades-old corner taverns where Chicago still drinks like Chicago, for locals and visitors who want regulars and history instead of bottle service. They spread across Andersonville, Old Town, Wicker Park, Pilsen, River West, Noble Square in West Town and the Loop.

Simon's Tavern, under its neon herring in a Viking helmet, pours hot Swedish glogg in winter. Old Town Ale House sits across from Second City, every wall covered in the owner's satirical paintings. Marge's Still once made bathtub gin upstairs and is billed as the city's oldest continuously operating tavern. The Matchbox squeezes chandeliers and disco balls into barely 460 square feet and serves gimlets with a sugared rim. Skylark in Pilsen is known for its tater tots. Since The Matchbox is so tiny, arrive near opening to get a stool, and bring cash for spots like the Rainbo Club.