The Best Places in Chicago, IL, for a Summer Bachelor Party Weekend

Chicago is the perfect place for the ultimate bachelor party
Chicago is the perfect place for the ultimate bachelor party | © jphilipg / Flickr
Jamie Miller

You’ve got some groomsmen on the East Coast, some on the West Coast, and a few in between, so where do you meet up for the bachelor party? Chicago, of course! Mix and match the following hotels, activities, and bars to customize the ultimate summer bachelor party weekend in the Windy City.

Brunch … but manly

Chicago has plenty of brunch spots, many of which offer bottomless drink options or specials to get the party started. Check out Bub City for heavier fare and a create-your-own Bloody Mary bar. Also check out The Biscuit Man in Lakeview. Set inside The Long Room, The Biscuit Man serves hearty bowls and customizable sandwiches that will have you well prepared for a day of alcohol-accompanied activities.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Make your own bloody Mary during weekend brunch at Bub City

Where to stay

Most every Chicago neighborhood has outstanding restaurants, bars, and activities to offer. When figuring out where to stay, it might be best to choose your activities first and then consider what you want to have within walking distance. However, if the lodging of choice is a bit out of the way, it’s no problem; in the city, chances are there’s a nearby “L” or bus stop, or you can always Uber or Lyft.

On a budget

Hotel rooms in Chicago don’t generally come cheap. If you’re working within a budget, Airbnb might be a good alternative, especially if everyone wants to stay together. There are many places available across the city.

Sensible

A typical Chicago hotel room will probably run between $200 and $400 per night. Consider ACME Hotel in River North for a hipster vibe with all the gadgetry you could possibly require, complete with an Amazon Echo. ACME also offers the Hair of the Dog and the Guys Getaway packages, which seem tailor-made for bachelor parties.

ACME Hotel offers trendy rooms with gadgets galore

Splurge

For truly luxe lodging try the Waldorf Astoria in Gold Coast (and you can counteract the luxury with the close proximity to the late-night dive bars). The hotel offers one- and two-bedroom suites, so depending on how many people there are, the party might be able to share the space – and the expense. Waking up in 400-thread-count sheets is sure to dull the ache of the inevitable hangover.

Activities

From the many festivals to the music venues, and more, Chicago is filled with events in the summer. Be sure to check out one-time and annual events that might occur while you’re in town. Here are a few classics that are always a good time.

Rent a boat on Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan offers a lot in terms of activities, and the Midwest beaches get the job done surprisingly well. For a day on the water, check out Boatsetter. Described as an Airbnb for boats, owners will rent out their boats when they’re not using them, and some will even captain them for you. Whether fishing, cruising, or drinking is your goal, there’s a boat for you.

Arlington Park

There’s a reason the Daily Herald nominated Arlington Park as a 2018 Readers’ Choice Best Bachelor/Bachelorette Party Venue. Take the Metra rail or grab a cab and head to nearby Arlington Heights to place bets on the horse races or to simply take in the sights with a drink in hand. The park offers food and drink packages for large groups and special events, so be sure to inquire.

Take in a baseball game

Chicago has some die-hard baseball fans, as was evidenced when the city dyed the Chicago River blue when the Cubs won the world series in 2016 after more than a century without a pennant. Whether rooting for the Cubs or the White Sox, a baseball game in Chicago is always a fun experience with the boys.

Dinnertime

With wood-paneled interiors, a meat-centric menu, and an extensive drink list inclusive of beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits, upscale gentlemen are sure to enjoy GT Prime. For a casual night of pizza and beer on the perfect patio, head to Parlor Pizza Bar in West Loop or Wicker Park. To refuel with tacos and margaritas on your way to the next bar, try Wicker Park’s Big Star. You might have to wait for a table, but this Chicago classic is well worth it. For dinner, or for a pick-me-up later on, head to award-winning Au Cheval in West Loop for fare that redefines diner food.

Au Cheval’s award-winning burgers will satisfy any appetite

Where to drink

Now the real party begins! Chicago has a long list of bars and clubs that offer something for everyone, including a few that have activities other than drinking, just in case some of the boys need a breather. For arcade games with a full bar, try Headquarters Beercade in River North, or start a ping-pong tournament at AceBounce or SPiN. Stop by Kingston Mines blues club in Lincoln Park for live music with extensive beer and cocktail lists. For more of a club atmosphere, try Joy District, which is known for its outstanding rooftop, or head to nearby Studio Paris Nightclub. For a late-night ’90s dance party, Innjoy in Wicker Park or Logan Square is the place.

Start a ping-pong tournament or play a casual game at AceBounce
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