My Official Guide To Drinking Wine In Chicago
[Updated 03/22/2023]
So often, people (kindly) slide into my DMs with the same request:
”Hey Chasity! I’m coming to Chicago in a few weeks – do you have any wine bar recommendations?”
The answer will always be a resounding yes – because I love drinking wine and I love my city. But as much as I love being the “resident Chicago Wine Expert”, answering everyone individually can be a little time-consuming.
And that’s why after several years, I’ve decided to finally put together my own Chicago wine guide. I know that many people will be visiting The Chi over the next few months because #SummertimeChi is real and it is always a vibe. For clarity, this list only includes establishments that are known for their wine service and/or wine program, but they also may serve beer and spirits AND they also may offer bottles of wine on-premise for purchase.
From north to south, here are 29 wine bars that you should absolutely check out the next time you are in the best city in the midwest.
And yes, I will continue to add to the list as more wine bars open up!
NORTH-ish
COURTESY : THE WINE GODDESS - EVANSTON
The Wine Goddess (Evanston) – One time for my hometown! This wine shop and wine bar (also known in Chicago as ‘slashie’ has been a light on Main Street since 2012. Come for a glass of bubbles and truffle-salted popcorn, and stay for the frozen drinks (they are DELICIOUS!).
Lush Wine & Spirits (Evanston and Roscoe Village) – With two locations on the northside, Lush is a spot that feels traditional, but it’s actually quite relaxed and reserved. What captured my attention at the Evanston location was the long wall of wines from all over the world, but it was also the perfect place to pull up to the bar and get lost in a book.
J9 Wine Bar (Lincoln Park) – Located in the heart of Lincoln Park, J9 (which was named in honor of the owner’s sister) has two sides: the cozy side and the summertime patio side. Both give you access to its rotating wine list and yummy cheese boards.
Uvae Kitchen and Wine Bar (Andersonville) – If you’re driving down Broadway and you blink, you might miss this gem sitting on the corner. From their wine dinners to their happy hour with $2 oysters (I’m obsessed, what can I say), Uvae offers guests pours of noble grapes from all over the world.
Figo Wine Bar (Lakeview) – This wine bar sticks to what it knows, offering only sparkling, white, and red wines from Italy. If you’re curious, try things by the glass, or if you’re ready to ball out, get one of the Reserve bottles and enjoy!
Reclaimed Bar and Restaurant (North Center) – Formerly known as Scoperta! Wine Bar, this northside gem is tucked upstairs from the cajun cuisine-themed restaurant downstairs. Lots of great small bites and a thoughtfully curated wine list that pairs well with them all.
Ella Elli (Wrigleyville) – This restaurant/wine bar is chic and classic. Modern flare with no frills, but it seems warm and inviting. A great place for a date night, or a night out with friends.
Angelo’s Wine Bar (Wrigleyville) – This cheeky neighborhood spot is all about having fun. The wine list has a lot of selections from Italy, but there’s a great variety sprinkled throughout as well.
Volo Restaurant Wine Bar (Roscoe Village) – Looking for a place to hide out? Known as Chicago’s #1 Hidden City Patio, Volo offers wine flights on Wednesdays and a number of selections by the glass and the bottle.
Barrel cheese & wine | cocktails (Roscoe Village) – Cozy vibes anyone? Barrel cheese & wine | cocktails is a relatively new bar in the area, offering cheese plates and salads.
Pompette (Bucktown) – The newest addition to the north side’s collection of wine bars, Pompette (which means ‘tipsy’ in French) is an all-day cafe that serves an array of cheese, salumi, and small and large plates. The wine list is heavily inspired by old-world regions, but made by producers with a new school perspective.
DOWNTOWN
COURTESY: POPS FOR CHAMPAGNE
Pops for Champagne – The classiest of the wine bars in Chicago (IMHO), Pops has several styles of Champagne available by-the-glass and by-the-bottle. And if you’re not in the mood for bubble, they do have selections of still wines, cocktails, and beers available too.
Riverwalk Wine Garden by City Winery – If you’re wanting more of a by-the-water vibe, this extension of City Winery has its wines available on tap with grapes sourced from the Finger Lakes, Sonoma County and Russian River Valley.
Esquire by Cooper’s Hawk – A four-story wine tower and a wine bar that Coravin’s some of the most coveted wines in the world? ABSOLUTELY. Oh, and you can totally stay for dinner – the ESQUIRE menu is currently being curated by Chef Carla Hall.
Good Funk – With a passion for wines that are “outside of the box”, the name of this natural wine bar says it all. Here, you’ll find a wide range of natural wines from all over the world, and flights that are so funkdafied.
Printer’s Row Wine Bar and Shop – I haven’t had the chance to visit Printer’s Row just yet, but by the looks of the unique wine menu, I need to make my way sooner than later. By the glass, they offer selections from Greece, Romania, Slovenia, and Austria. Their list of “Boozy Pours” also has me very intrigued.
WEST-ish
COURTESY: ALL TOGETHER. NOW
All Together Now (Ukrainian Village) – I’ve written about this Ukrainian Village gem many times, and I absolutely love the vibe of this eatery and wine shop. The food is great, the wines by the glass are even better, and the doughnuts available on Saturday mornings will make you melt – TRUST ME.
**Juice @ 1340 BWS (West Loop) – As soon as you walk in, it feels like you’re in someone’s home – a loft with cozy chairs and board games, and a big wooden bar that you only want to stand around drinking with your closest buds. Grab a beer, a glass of wine, or a cocktail – and then can buy what you like and take it home.
Le Midi Wine (Wicker Park) – I stumbled upon this very cute French wine bar after church one day, and I was so impressed with its coziness. Not only is the wine list wonderfully curated, but the bottles available for sale are unique and affordable. Owner and founder Seth Wilson told me that their front patio is quite the popular hang-out when the weather’s nice, and I’m certain I’ll be there quite often this spring and summer.
The Press Room (West Loop) – I recently had dinner here with my new wine friend (Hey, Erica!) and we loved the by-the-glass and by-the-bottle offerings. It was so hard to choose, but we settled on a Gavi from Piedmont (!!!) that was zesty, light, and very mineral-driven – pairing perfectly with the east coast and west coast oysters we had.
Soif Wine Lounge (Logan Square) – Parlez-vous Français? Well if you don’t after a visit to this chic French wine lounge, you certainly will. What I love most about Soif (which means ‘thirst’ in French) is it’s very lowkey and offers delicious French bites that pair really well with its extensive wine list.
Webster’s Wine Bar (Logan Square) – Another great natural wine bar that has a very impressive list of wines from all over the world. My suggestion is to definitely try things by the glass, and get an order of french fries once you settle on the bottle of your choice.
City Winery Chicago (Fulton Market) – This nationwide chain of urban wineries offers visitors a glimpse into how wine is made, along with a running list of live performances on a weekly basis. The wines made here are from grapes that are sourced all over the United States as well as South America.
Joe’s Imports (Fulton Market) – Joe’s is a great place for dinner or a nightcap after you’ve dined at one of the many eateries in Fulton Market. The wine list is always changing and represents the many travels of wine director Joe Fiely.
Outside Voices (Logan Square) – The self-proclaimed “eclectic wine spot” offers guests dynamic charcuterie boards, entrees, and an assortment of red, white, rosé, orange, and sparkling wines by the glass and bottle.
Easy Does It (Logan Square) – This place is absolutely one of my favorites. Not only do they have a killer outdoor patio, but they recently opened their beautiful upstairs bar. Come for the extensive list of natural wines and stay for the vibes.
Enoteca Roma – With a food menu that pays homage to the old country, the wine list at Enoteca Roma compliments the fare, but also has selections from new world regions like Walla Walla, Oregon, and Argentina.
Beautiful Rind (Bucktown) – You can’t have a good glass of wine without some yummy cheese, right? At Beautiful Rind, cheese may be the specialty – but they do have a wine list with nice selections from all over the world.
Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar (Humbolt Park) – Established in 2009, this neighborhood bar and restaurant prides itself on carrying small-production wine and beer that is made by way of organic and biodynamic farming practices. I haven’t had the chance to visit Rootstock yet, but I am looking forward to exploring their by-the-glass offerings.
SOUTH
COURTESY: BRONZEVILLE WINERY
**Bronzeville Winery (Bronzeville) – While “winery” is in the name of this establishment, it’s actually a restaurant with a nicely curated (and rotating) wine list. Owned by hospitality veteran Erick Williams, Bronzeville Winery is a beautiful space that shines a light on the rich history and culture of the Bronzeville neighborhood.
**Park Manor 75 (Chatham) – This wine and charcuterie bar will be the newest edition to the south side. Opening this August, the owners (a husband and wife team) are excited to provide the community with a place that “sets a tone for love, peace, and harmony.”
**= Black-owned
Next time you’re in the Windy City, enjoy one (or all of them!) of these really dope wine spots to grab a glass with family and friends.
