Ten Chicago bars our editors book for NYE — countdown rooms, midnight pours, sensible cover charges.
New Year's Eve in Chicago divides into two camps: the venues that double their cover charge and triple the drink prices, and the venues that quietly run a great evening at honest rates because they have always done so. Our editors only recommend the second category. These ten bars in Chicago are the ones our team books for our own New Year's Eve, and the cover charges below are what we paid the last time we went.
Our Chicago New Year's Eve picks, in order
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.
The Aviary sits in West Loop, and the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the table is yours for the night, no turn at 11pm, and the kitchen runs through to 1am. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
In West Loop, Kumiko the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
In West Loop, The Office the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the table is yours for the night, no turn at 11pm, and the kitchen runs through to 1am. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
In Logan Square, Billy Sunday the sunday punch arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the table is yours for the night, no turn at 11pm, and the kitchen runs through to 1am. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Sparrow sits in Gold Coast, and the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
In Wicker Park, The Violet Hour the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the midnight pour is included in the cover and the staff have rehearsed the countdown. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Order: Juliet & Romeo
The full Chicago guideEvery bar category, every neighbourhood. Our complete Chicago guide covers cocktail bars, rooftops, hidden gems and more across the city.
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.
Three Dots and a Dash sits in River North, and the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Drumbar (in Streeterville) the drumbar old fashioned arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the table is yours for the night, no turn at 11pm, and the kitchen runs through to 1am. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
At Lazy Bird in West Loop, the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
At Cindy's Rooftop in Loop, the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
Order: Cindy's Lemonade
Weekly editorial
The bars worth going to, weekly.
One email per week. The bars our editors are recommending right now, across 72 cities worldwide.
Free. Unsubscribe anytime.
More Rooftop Bars in ChicagoThe full editor-curated list of Rooftop Bars in Chicago, with neighbourhood notes and signature-drink picks.
NYE is the one night where booking three months ahead is not an overreaction. Most rooms on this list confirm bookings from October. Two practical notes. Confirm whether your booking includes a midnight pour — most do not, and a £25 surcharge appears at 11.45pm. And ask whether the table is yours for the night or whether it turns at 11pm. The honest venues will tell you straight.
Other seasonal Chicago guidesFrom New Year's Eve to Halloween - every annual Chicago occasion our editors cover, cross-linked.
Sponsored placements on this article, on the Chicago city guide, and across the barsforKings network. Contact us to put your bar in front of the right audience.
