Famous Chicago Bars

The Green Mill

• Originally opened in 1907 as a roadhouse, and then retooled in 1910 as a dance club, the Green Mill has been entertaining Chicagoans ever since. In the 1920s, the Green Mill was a favorite hangout of Chicago’s gangsters, and Al Capone frequented the speakeasy, which he and his cohorts allegedly owned part of. Tourists and locals still pack the Green Mill every night for an authentic jazz experience and a friendly drink. The current owners have made sure this Chicago staple hasn’t lost any of it charm or cool since opening more than 100 years ago.

  The Green Mill
  4802 N. Broadway Ave.
  Chicago, IL 60640
  773-878-5552
  greenmilljazz.com

Billy Goat Tavern

• The story of the Billy Goat and the Chicago Cubs is a well-known legend in Chicagoland. When local Greek Cubs fan William “Billy Goat” Sianis wasn’t allowed to bring his goat Murphy with him to watch a baseball game in 1945, he vowed that the Cubs wouldn’t win a World Series until a goat was allowed in. Sianis had purchased the tavern in 1934, but from that infamous World Series onward, it was known as the Billy Goat Tavern, and the Cubs have yet to shake the curse. Visitors flock to this sports haunt to relive the history of these Lovable Losers.

  Billy Goat Tavern
  430 N. Michigan Ave.
  Chicago, IL 60611
  312-222-1525
  billygoattavern.com

Goose Island Bar and Restaurant

• For craft beer and excellent pub food, there is nowhere better than Goose Island. Opened in 1988, Goose Island is a microbrewery with beer inspired by owner John Hall’s travels across Europe. In order to keep up with demand once Goose Island got going, the Hall family opened another location in the popular Wrigleyville neighborhood for Cubs fans to stop in before a game. Goose Island's unique brews are now sold in 18 states across the U.S. and in Europe.

  Goose Island Bar and Restaurant
  1800 N. Clybourn Ave.
  Chicago, IL 60614
  312-915-0071
  gooseisland.com