The Windy City is known for being an epicenter of fine food and beverage. The wine scene is no different.
Whether you’re just stopping through town or looking for a new weeknight hang out. You can even take the time to expand your knowledge of wine.
Either way, this list shares the best places to grab a glass or bottle in Chicago.
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The Best Wine Bars in Chicago
Avec
Operating in the West Loop, Avec is a casual wine bar by Paul Kahan. You’ll find communal seating and a menu full of tapas-style small plates.
This is the perfect spot to start the night by grabbing a glass of wine and a snack.
There are around 150 wines to choose from, highlighting the best of Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Your first trip definitely won’t be your last.
- Location: 615 West Randolph, Chicago, IL 60661
Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar
What’s better with a glass of wine than wood-fired pizza?
At Frasca, you’ll find ample amounts of both. They have a full menu, including small plates to compliment their impressive wine list.
Selections include a variety of white wines from different regions and a highlight on red wines from Italy and California. Plus, they serve weekend brunch.
- Location: 3358 N Paulina St, Chicago, IL 60657
Joe’s Imports
Located in the Fulton Market District is this boutique wine bar and restaurant.
The wine list is designed to help transport you to each region, including many on this list that can’t be found anywhere else in the states.
Joe also worked with a chef from the Francesca Restaurant group to craft a menu that pairs perfectly with each glass.
- Location: 813 West Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
J9 Wine Bar
This is the ideal place for extensive wine tasting, no matter your experience level.
J9 has a well-trained staff who are happy to help with recommendations that are next-level or even out of the box.
You’ll find they often have events and tastings going on throughout the week as another way to further your wine knowledge.
With cozy couches and exposed brick, this welcoming wine bar will have you coming back for another glass.
- Location: 1961 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Lush Wine + Spirits
With multiple locations, you have a few opportunities around the city to enjoy a glass of wine at Lush.
The staff is friendly and helpful, they’ll help you pick out a wine you’ll love. The menu varies between the locations.
But each contains various cocktails, wine, draft beer, and delicious food to boot. You’ll want to plan your next night out with friends around this great bar.
- Location: 1412 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
Pops for Champagne
This wine bar is a little different from the rest. If you want to grab a drink at Pops for Champagne, be prepared for bubbly.
It makes a fun stop during a day of shopping, the start of a girls night out, or a perfect place to celebrate.
They have a large variety of sparkling wines and champagne, with expert staff to help you decide. They also host live jazz nights for extra pizazz.
- Location: 601 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610
Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar
If you want a more laid-back bar with an at-home feel, this is the place for you.
Rootstock has something for everyone, with an insane wine list that showcases selections from regions all around the world.
Not to mention an impressive beer and cider list. The owners stop in nightly and share genuine love with those who appreciate wine.
Plus, the menu is full of seasonal food that’s so good you’ll almost forget it’s a wine bar.
- Location: 954 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Table, Donkey, and Stick
Designed to give off an Alpine feel, the wine list echoes that. Small-production and wine-growing regions in and around the alps are the main focus.
If you’re interested in learning more about the region, on Tuesdays, they have a special menu study on terroir.
They continue to honor Alpine roots in their selections of seasonal fare. The charcuterie and homemade bread can’t be missed.
Their philosophy of “Whatever we are pouring is worth drinking” rings true.
- Location: 2728 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL, 60647
Volo Restaurant Wine Bar
Come for the wine, and stay for the cozy, intimate aesthetic and outdoor patio.
Perfect for a wedding reception or date night, the backyard garden offers private cabanas, a full bar, and charcuterie or small plate options.
The wine list is ever-changing but always hovers around 50 selections. With 30 of those offered by the glass.
Make your next date night one to remember at Volo, and make sure to snag a reservation for the patio.
- Location: 2008 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60618
Webster’s Wine Bar
A go-to since 1994, Webster’s recently relocated to Logan Square.
They continue to uphold an extensive wine list, including the classic and familiar, as well as a few obscure and out-of-the-box selections.
There’s a cozy atmosphere and over 500 labels in their cellar. On Mondays and Tuesdays, they also offer discounted specials on a cellar selection of their choice.
Whether it’s your first tasting or you’re an expert, Websters will be your new neighborhood bar.
- Location: 2601 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Final Thoughts
Chicago is well known for its food, baseball, and nightlife.
After you take the time to explore the wine bars we’ve listed in this article, you’ll remember the city for its extensive wine scene as well. So pick a spot and plan a date night.
Or better yet, a whole weekend of tasting across the city. You can thank us later.