By Elizabeth Atkinson, Morgan Olsen and Time Out Chicago editors | April 18 2017
It’s easy enough to know about Chicago’s hidden speakeasies, but just how easy is it to actually get in? We snuck into some of the city’s most secret bars to share the tips and tricks we learned along the way. From cocktail hangs and Japanese izakayas to Irish pubs and college bars, here’s how to access top-secret bars all over Chicago.
The Drifter
Green Door Tavern is one of the oldest bars in the city, giving it some serious street cred in the history department. Thankfully, the bar’s basement speakeasy, the Drifter, is a cocktail haven that only requires a little patience to find. Here’s what you’ll do: Walk into Green Door, head to the back of the bar and hang a left to go down the stairs as if you were going to the bathroom. At this point, you may encounter a line for the Drifter. If not, look for a knickknack-adorned door at the bottom of the stairs. Once inside, you’ll be handed a few tarot cards, which double as the cocktail menu. It’s all luck of the draw. —Elizabeth Atkinson
DIFFICULTY: Easy
Fifth Province Pub
Irving Park’s Irish American Heritage Center houses a library, a museum, an art gallery, an auditorium and a banquet hall, but you can also stop by for a drink at its authentic Irish pub. It’s easy to get into—just walk in through the building’s main entrance (it’s open to the public) take a left and you’ll soon find yourself in a bar called the Fifth Province. You can order a pint of Guinness, sip on some whiskey or dig into a giant basket of steak fries. It’s a popular destination for Irish tourists and musicians playing traditional Irish music—if you’re lucky, you’ll overhear someone speaking with a genuine brogue. —Zach Long
DIFFICULTY: Easy
The Library at Gilt Bar
If you’re looking to hole up somewhere dark and cozy for the evening (no, we’re not talking about your couch), try your hand at finding the Library in River North. The sexy subterranean bar is located just below Gilt Bar, but chances are you’ll need some serious help finding the hidden doorway. Before you go, there are a few things you should know: The space is only open Thursday through Saturday starting at 6pm, and they take reservations (hallelujah). When you arrive, let the host or hostess know that you’re heading down to the Library and someone will happily show you the way. Once you’ve completed your mission—err, gotten inside—you’ll be rewarded with plush red banquettes, candlelight, classic cocktails and Gilt Bar’s full menu. —Morgan Olsen
DIFFICULTY: Medium