Bar Crawl: Chicago's Lincoln Park

In the Bar Crawl series we hone in on a neighborhood or street with an undeniably happening drink scene. We tell you which spots to hit, what the vibe is like, and what drink should be in your hand.  

Chicago is a city chock-full of first rate nightlife neighborhoods, and Lincoln Park is certainly one of the most diverse. On one hand, Lincoln Park is the home of one of the city's largest universities, Depaul. It is also the home of some of the city's most acclaimed restaurants, Alinea and Charlie Trotter's. Bordering both Boystown and Uptown, two cultural hotspots in their own right, Lincoln Park seems to be at the center of it all. From a traditional Irish Pub to one of the vastest Whiskey menus in the city, these bars reflect the melting pot that is the nightlife of Lincoln Park.

For Flights and Finger Foods

Where: DOC Wine Bar, 2602 North Clark Street, (773)883-5101

What You're Drinking: Wine Flights

Start your night out right by ordering one of DOC's signature wine flights. Choose from eight offerings, organized by either wine characteristic or region–The Rustic includes a trio of wines from around the world, while the Washington Reds includes, well, a trio of red wines from Washington. Don't leave DOC on an empty stomach, pick out a few appetizers to share.

For a Cozy Fireside Pint or Two

Where: The Galway Arms, 2442 North Clark Street, (773)472-5555

What You're Drinking: Black and Tans

Warm, inviting, and spirited. With a roaring fire and an an eternal host of sociable patrons, The Galway Arms is the perfect place to warm your soul after bracing the brisk Lake Michigan winds. Order up a round of Black and Tans, made the traditional Irish way with Smithwicks and Guinness. If you're in the mood for something more fruity, try a Black Velvet instead, which includes a combination of hard cider and Guinness.

For Cocktail Sipping and Grooving to the Beat

Where: Tonic Room, 2447 North Halsted Street, (773)248-8400

What You're Drinking: Your favorite mixed drink.

By bar number three the drinks have kicked in and its time to work off that extra energy with some great music; enter Tonic Room. A popular venue for some of Chicago's trendiest local bands, its known for attracting a diverse clientele. The drink offerings here are pretty standard, so stick with your most beloved standbys and head straight to the dance floor.

For Geeking Out Over a Great Beer Menu

Where: The Local Option, 1102 West Webster Avenue, (773)348-2008

What You're Drinking: Homegrown midwestern brews.

With 25 rotating beers on tap and over 35 bottled varieties, The Local Option is the ultimate destination for thirsty brew nerds. The staff is both friendly and knowledgeable (a rare combination among notoriously snobby beer bars), so don't be afraid to belly up to the bar and ask for a recommendation. This bar tends to attract a slightly older crown, which reflects the laid back atmosphere. Sit back, let the raging metal music pump through you, and enjoy a well-crafted beer or two.

For a Hard Liquor Nightcap with a Hard Rock Flair

Where: Delilah's, 2771 North Lincoln Avenue, (773)472-2771

What You're Drinking: Shots of bourbon.

There's nothing like closing out the night at a great dive bar. Delilah's certainly fits the bill. Owner, Mike Miller, is a serious whiskey aficionado, which is evident from the nearly 400 varieties of the brown liquor offered at Delilah's. The specialty here is bourbon, and shots are the form of choice. Between the painted black walls, black leather furnishing, and hard rock tunes, the vibe is sure to set the mood.