The Chicago Loop is a neighborhood that is located in the heart of downtown Chicago. It is surrounded by historic buildings like the Sears Tower and the Hancock Building. Many travelers stay in the Loop area of Chicago because it is the most well-known neighborhood, and it is close to many tourist attractions. There are a variety of bars and restaurants located throughout the Loop.
Tavern at the Park is located on the north end of the Chicago Loop neighborhood. The ambiance inside Tavern at the Park is warm and inviting, with wood paneling that makes the size of the bar seem smaller than it actually is. The focal point as you enter Tavern at the Park is the circular bar that allows bartenders to serve patrons on all sides of the building. Tavern at the Park also offers a full lunch and dinner menu that goes beyond traditional bar fare, including braised short ribs, double-cut pork chops and a fried banana split.
Tavern at the Park
130 E. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601
312-552-0070
tavernatthepark.com
Bar Novo is located in the heart of the Loop neighborhood. It resides inside of the Renaissance hotel. Although it is located inside of a hotel, it is not like a typical hotel bar. Instead, Bar Novo has a contemporary and modern design without being too sterile. The main bar is a long L-shaped bar that runs along the main walls of the bar. Bar Novo is especially popular during happy hour, serving concoctions like a spicy cucumber pepper margarita. It also attracts a later crowd with a full dinner menu that includes sophisticated takes on bar food, such as prime rib nachos and mini Cuban sandwiches.
Bar Novo
1 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
312-372-7200
barnovo.com
A bar list for Chicago would not be complete without a dive bar. The Loop's resident dive bar is Cal's Liquors, which is attached to a corner liquor store. The bar attracts a variety of patrons from trendy bike messengers to stock traders because of its proximity to Chicago's Board of Trade. Cal's Liquors is known for its cheap drinks, and there is nothing fancy or pretentious about the bar. Further, Cal's has reinvented itself into a live music venue, attracting local musicians to play on random nights.
Cal's Liquors
400 S. Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60607
312-922-6392
Plymouth Restaurant and Bar is a popular Loop bar that features rooftop seating year-round. During colder months, the rooftop seating is completely enclosed and heated. The rooftop experience provides patrons with a magnificent view of the city skyline. Plymouth serves standard bar food, including buffalo wings and nachos. Beer towers are another item on the menu that provide a communal drinking experience.
Plymouth Restaurant and Bar
327 S. Plymouth Court
Chicago, IL 60604
312-362-1212
plymouthgrill.com/
Sweetwater is located on Chicago's historic Michigan Avenue. Sweetwater has a sophisticated ambiance with oversized leather booths and a large wooded bar. The most important aspect of Sweetwater, however, is the beer list. Sweetwater offers more than 70 different craft brews from around the world. The food that is offered at Sweetwater can be described as fine dining bar fare with dishes like sesame-crusted ahi tuna salad and bacon-wrapped Cajun shrimp.
Sweetwater
225 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
312-698-7111
sweetwatertavernandgrille.com/
