The Best Bars In Hyde Park Chicago

Whether you’re heading down to Hyde Park for its museums, parks, or the Neo-Gothic architecture of the University of Chicago, there are plenty of reasons to visit this South Side neighborhood. After a long day of exploring, it’s time to grab a drink to end your explorations. From self-proclaimed dive bars to billiards rooms, Hyde Park may not have a lot of bars, but it does have good variety.

Woodlawn Tap

Bar, American, Cocktails, Wine, Beer

Known as ‘Jimmy’s’ to locals, Woodlawn Tap is an institution in the Hyde Park neighborhood. This cash only bar is just north of the University of Chicago campus and is a favorite of the University’s older crowd. With the new comedy theater The Revival open on the same block, Woodlawn Tap is the perfect place to grab a drink after a show. If you go on a Sunday night, you might be lucky enough to see some live jazz performances as well.

The Pub

Cocktail Bar, Pub, Bar, American, Pub Grub, Cocktails, Wine, Beer

Nestled in the basement of the University of Chicago’s campus, T he Pub has 24 rotating beers on tap, more than 100 bottled beers and a wide variety of wines as well as a full kitchen serving all of your favorite bar food, from mozzarella sticks to tacos. The Pub’s Tuesday Trivia Nights are legendary, and even though this bar is located on a college campus, it has a very mellow atmosphere. However, if you aren’t a member of the UChicago community (student, alumni, or faculty), you’ll need someone who is so you can get in. Non-members and guests must pay a cover charge, which means the year-long membership is well worth your money.

Seven Ten Lanes

If you’re Looking for a place with a little something of everything like old school bowling, a good sized billiards hall, and a full cocktail menu, then Seven Ten Lanes is the place to go. Decorated in an Art Deco style, Seven Ten Lanes feels a lot fancier than your usual bowling alley.

The Promontory

Bar, Restaurant, American, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free

The Promontory is a large establishment that is part restaurant, part bar, and part music venue. It’s the perfect place to grab a beer if you’re looking for something nicer than Hyde Park’s typical dive bars. With regular musical acts from DJs to string quartets, it’s easy to have a special night out at the Promontory.

Cove Lounge

Bar, Pub Grub

Don’t let the fancy cocktail lounge sign fool you — the Cove Lounge’s website proudly describes itself as the best dive bar in Chicago. Thanks to their daily drink specials, the Cove is the place to go if you’re looking for a cheap pitcher of beer. This is a bar well suited for friendly meet-ups or watching a game, and for a dive bar, its beer selection is pretty varied.

About the author

April McCallum

April McCallum is from a small town in North Texas that quickly became a not-so-small town throughout her childhood. She then took college as an excuse to move to a place she had never been before, to the city of Chicago. While pursuing her degree in cinema and media studies at the University of Chicago, she spent her time studying both film theory and documentary filmmaking while working with a preschool literacy group on the south side. After receiving her degree she is happy to join the Culture Trip to highlight a city that’s become her second home.