Editorial
Published July 3, 2023 · Last updated January 23, 2024 · Reviewed by the barsforKings editorial team
Ten Chicago bars built for Halloween night — costume-welcoming rooms, themed cocktails, no judgement at the door.
Halloween in Chicago is when the bar map changes shape. The rooms that lean into it run themed menus, dim the lights an extra half-stop, and welcome a costume without raising an eyebrow. The rooms that ignore it stay polite and slightly off-tempo. The ten venues below are the Chicago bars our editors send Halloween-night bookings to — the rooms that get the assignment.
The first six picks below are the editors' default — the rooms we send a friend to first when they ask. Each is followed by a recommendation we have ordered ourselves at least three times. Click any bar name to read the full review, signature drink notes, neighbourhood guide and how to book.
These last four are the editors' deeper-cut picks. Smaller rooms, more specific energy. If the first six feel obvious to you — meaning you have already been — start here.
Halloween bookings live or die on the door policy. Most rooms on this list welcome costumes; a small number ask for 'tasteful' (which usually means no full face mask). Call ahead and ask. And book early — Halloween Saturday in Chicago books out three weeks before.
Tom is the craft beer and whisky specialist on the team but has been covering occasion-bars for the last two years. He has dry opinions and reliable picks.
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