The Ultimate (Updated!) Guide to Whiskey in Chicago

It’s well known that Chicago is one of the country’s best cities to drink in. But did you know Chicago is one of the largest whiskey markets in the world? It’s true: and we have a lot of whiskey bars to prove it! Here’s your guide to the best whiskey bars in Chicago.

Originally published in 2019, I updated this article in 2022 to reflect the current state of whiskey bars in Chicago. Unfortunately we lost a few on the original list during Covid and others changed their focus.

So here is the updated ultimate guide to whiskey bars in Chicago, broken down by type of whiskey.

Note: Whiskied Wanderlust uses the American spelling of “whiskey” unless specifically referring to Scotch, Canadian, Japanese, or those spelled “whisky,” so both spellings are used throughout this article.

The Ultimate Guide to Whiskey in Chicago

Best Overall Whiskey Bars in Chicago

Named the 2019 best whiskey bar in the world, Delilah’s is a no-frills (read: dive) bar with 900+ whiskeys ranging from American to single malt to every odd thing in between. They don’t serve food, so carb load before you go!

If you’re looking for a bar with a massive whiskey selection that serves food, Twisted Spoke has both. Plus it’s one of the few whiskey bars on this list with a patio and open all day, making it a great lunch spot. And don’t miss their half off ALL whiskey on Wednesdays!

Untitled Supper Club also has hundreds of whiskeys (heavy on American distilleries), along with food. It’s more upscale, with live music and burlesque. And even though Franklin Room’s selection is smaller than the others, it’s a curated selection with great food, making it one of the best whiskey bars in Chicago. And it’s also the only bar in Chicago authorized to sell Scotch Malt Whisky Society bottles.

Best Scotch Bars in Chicago for Single Malt

Delilah’s, Twisted Spoke, and Franklin Room (all mentioned above) all have impressive single malt selections. Other great options for scotch bars in Chicago are Berkshire Room (with a notable cocktail program), Duke of Perth (go for the Scottish food!), Lux Bar (another great food spot), and surprisingly Clark Street Ale House (a sports bar with lots of beer options). None of them will disappoint you on your quest to drink single malt.

Best American Whiskey Bars in Chicago

American whiskey fans are in luck when it comes to whiskey bars in Chicago. There are lots of bars here with good bourbon and rye selections. But bourbon and rye fans will be impressed by the selection of whiskey at Untitled Supper Club (mentioned above) and Slightly Toasted. But remember Slightly Toasted, located in the Loop, is only open weekdays — so head there for happy hour!

And if you’re looking for a good meal to go with your bourbon, head to Longman & Eagle, known for their selection of $3 whiskeys and fantastic food. Or Bub City, known for barbecue and country music; and Gretel, known for their eclectic menu and cocktails, are other great choices.

Best Japanese Whisky Bar in Chicago

Chicago may have plenty of sushi restaurants, but most are lacking in the Japanese whisky department. Except for Sushi-san, who has one of the largest selections of Japanese whisky in the country! They even have rare and hard-to-find Japanese whisky. And the best part is their sushi is some of the best in the city!

Their sister restaurant Ramen-san has a smaller, but still worthwhile, selection of Japanese whisky, especially the Whiskey Bar location in the West Loop. (Their ramen is also fantastic!)

Best Irish Whiskey Bars in Chicago

If your whiskey order leans towards Slane, Tullamore, or Teeling Irish Whiskey, Kerryman in River North and Lady Gregory’s in Andersonville both have good selections of Irish whiskey. Both serve traditional Irish pub food in lively, welcoming spaces, and Kerryman even has a patio. Plus the Slane Irish Coffee at Kerryman, with cinnamon clove bitters and citrus cream, is a must try! But the top spot for Irish Whisky in Chicago is Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro. They have more than 70 Irish whiskeys, plus great Irish food!

Best Whiskey Cocktail Bars in Chicago

If you prefer your whiskey in cocktail form (no shame there!), Chicago is full of fantastic cocktail bars. The ones that particularly stand out for whiskey cocktails are Berkshire Room and Gretel (both mentioned above), and Fox Bar.

Don’t miss Mordecai, who has an impressive archival whiskey selection (and great food!); and The Sixth, known for creative mixology.

Where to Learn About Whiskey in Chicago

If you want to learn more about whiskey, Chicago is the right place! The bartenders at Delilah’s and Franklin Room are incredibly knowledgeable about whiskey, so sit at the bar on an off night to ask questions. Binny’s liquor stores and Delilah’s both offer whiskey events — many of them free — where you can learn about specific brands or whiskey types.

Warehouse Liquors has plenty of whiskey events as well, but most are ticketed. Sushi-san also holds Japanese whisky events that are also ticketed.

Another option is to join Women Who Whiskey. I run the Chicago chapter and we hold regular whiskey events from tastings to cocktail classes to pairing dinners. Most are for women/non-binary only, but men are invited periodically. (Sign up here!)

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There are numerous other Chicago bars claiming to be called “whiskey bars” but these are the best in my book. Did I miss any? Let me know in the comments!

Related :: Where to Drink in Chicago, Iconic Chicago Dishes & Where to Eat Them, and Best Whiskey Distilleries Near Chicago