The only thing Chicagoans love more than their drinks? Their dogs, of course.
There’s really nothing better than spending a lazy Sunday crushing cans with a pack of man’s best friends by your side. Here’s where to “accidentally” end up the next time you’re charged with taking Rover for a walk around the block.
Lucky Dorr
Wrigleyville
You might not be able to bring your pup into the ballpark, but copping a seat on this dugout-esque Wrigleyville craft emporium’s sleek patio is definitely the next best thing. Show off your four-legged friend during Pups on the Patio happy hour, where dog moms and dads can down one-of-a-kind brews made in collaboration with top local breweries amid a sea of wagging tails.
1101 W Waveland Ave. (map)
www.luckydorr.com
Happy Village
Ukrainian Village
If $5 Aperol Spritz weekend specials and a massive backyard filled to the brim with friendly dogs of all shapes and sizes isn’t enough to get you through this laid-back neighborhood watering hole’s doors, you probably shouldn’t even be reading this list.
1059 N Wolcott Ave. (map)
www.happyvillagetavern.com
Rogers Park Social
Rogers Park
Dogs are welcome to pony all the way up to the bar inside this colorful northside pub — that is, if their little limbs can reach. The community-minded venue serves up handcrafted cocktails and local beers to a welcoming crowd while maintaining an active lineup of performances, live music and art events that keep drinkers and their furry pals coming back for more.
6920 N Glenwood Ave. (map)
www.rogersparksocial.com
Big Star
Wicker Park
Throwing back a few potent margaritas while lounging on this taco stalwart’s 80-seat dog-friendly patio is nothing short of a Chicago summer staple. The warm-weather ritual is so popular it’s even got its own hashtag. Follow #dogsofbigstar for all the canines and carnitas you can handle.
1531 N Damen Ave. (map)
www.bigstarchicago.com
Sportsman’s Club
Ukrainian Village
Rain or shine, this polished Heisler Hospitality outpost is all craft cocktails in the front, dog party in the back. Grab a tasty concoction off the regularly updated menu then take a load off at one of the sprawling patio’s communal picnic tables while your pooch snoozes happily underneath.
948 Western Ave. (map)
www.drinkingandgathering.com
Saint Lou’s Assembly
West Loop
This stylish Midwestern-style meat-and-three purveyor sure loves their pups. Not only do they enthusiastically allow dogs into their rustic, greenery-strewn backyard, they also throw adorable pooch-oriented parties like the annual Dog-toberfest and a doggy fashion show series they’ve dubbed Haute Dog.
664 W Lake St. (map)
www.saintlouschicago.com
Wyler Road
Logan Square
Come summer, pup-toting patrons make a beeline for this streamlined sandwich spot’s breezy outdoor patio to sip delicious draft cocktails and feast on housemade comforts among blooming flower boxes. Saddle up to one of the pistachio-hued picnic tables and cool off with a rum-spiked Boozy Root Beer Float while Fido scans the yard in search of unattended cheese curds.
3581 W Belden Ave. (map)
www.wylerroad.com
The Promontory
Hyde Park
Southside dog lovers post up with their pooches all summer long at this slick Hyde Park eatery and concert venue’s covered patio. Inventive cocktails, cheffy hearth-roasted cuisine and an effortlessly smooth soundtrack sweeten the deal.
5311 S Lake Park West (map)
www.promontorychicago.com
River Shannon
Lincoln Park
This classic Irish pub has been knee-deep in puppy love since opening back in 1946. Make sure to stop by the bar’s dedicated doggy photo booth to snap a pic of you and your fuzzy wingman between gulps of perfectly pulled Guinness and rounds of giant Jenga.
425 W Armitage Ave. (map)
www.therivershannon.com
Whiner Beer Company Taproom
Back of the Yards
Don’t let the cartoon cat-themed can designs fool you—these Southside sour beer specialists are all about the hounds. Leash up your little pal and hit the cozy taproom for a few rounds of puckery wild ales and a perfectly blistered wood-fired pie from Pleasant House Pizza next door.
1400 W 46th St. (map)
www.whinerbeer.com
Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom
Pilsen
This buzzy Pilsen operation attracts mutts by the millions to their lofty, brickwalled taproom with promises of quality brews and even better belly rubs. Come for the pets, stay for the ultra-refreshing Limewire, a soft witbier laced with agave and tart lime.
2101 S Carpenter St. (map)
www.lorezbrewing.com
Archie’s Iowa Rockwell Tavern
Humboldt Park
Stocked with cans of cold beer, a trusty pool table and bottomless cheese puffs, this beloved corner dive has long been a friendly respite for friendly neighborhood pups. Your pooch can perch on a barstool all afternoon, but remember to pack in it early on the weekends — Archie’s enforces a humans-only policy after 10 PM on Friday and Saturday nights.
2600 W Iowa St. (map)
www.facebook.com/ArchiesBar
Ludlow Liquors
Avondale
With its stadium seating, covered picnic tables and stretch of bright green turf, this Heisler Hospitality standby’s epic backyard sure puts the dog park to shame. As if that weren’t enough, the Avondale hangout is also loaded with human enticements like order-by-the-ounce cocktails and global bites for sharing.
2959 N California Ave. (map)
www.ludlow-liquors.com
City Mouse
Fulton Market
This glossy indoor-outdoor bar has turned the Ace Hotel’s industrial-chic lobby into a certified hub for visiting pooches and their two-legged companions. Mingle with out-of-town tail-waggers over original cocktails and elevated small plates on the artfully-enclosed sidewalk patio, equipped with blazing fire pits to ward off fall’s impending chill.
311 N Morgan St. (map)
www.citymousechicago.com
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