The best bars & nightlife in Glen Ellyn

“Family-owned haunt offering choice bar eats, craft beers & many flat-screens in a casual atmosphere.”

“Neighborhood sports bar with wings, nachos & a Friday-night fish fry, plus karaoke & patio seating.”

“Italian chain eatery featuring Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, plus pasta & sandwiches.”

“Sports bar & grill chain famous for chicken wings served by waitresses in short shorts.”

“Longtime 2-story neighborhood sports bar offering pub grub, pool tables & live music on weekends.”

“Spacious cantina featuring large portions of classic Mexican fare, margaritas & outdoor seating.”

“Whether you're catching up with friends or just craving something simple and satisfying, Otto's Tavern has been Lombard's cozy, 'Cheers' type hangout since 1985, pouring icy cold beverages and serving its beloved thin-crust pizza from open to close. Make it your low-key meetup this week.”

From the Lombard newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Soapy Roads: Small Batch Artisan Gift & Experience Shop lets you book a Makery Bar session to craft custom soaps, candles, even perfume, or just snag their slow-made bars and soy candles. It’s an easy hop from Wheaton, perfect for birthdays, thoughtful gifts, or a chill creative night out.”

From the Lombard newsletter, August 31, 2026

“Noon Whistle Lombard Brewpub & Pizzeria is brewing juicy hazy IPAs, crisp lagers, and creative sours, then pairing them with made-from-scratch thin crust pies, including a Pizza of the Month. Hit trivia Mondays or the pinball scene, then chase a Gummy beer with a slice that vanishes faster than your last summer Friday.”

From the Lombard newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Common Good Cocktail House crafts modern, classic, upscale, seasonal and sometimes whimsical cocktails using fun techniques in a beautiful, low-key, friendly setting. When you want something special without the fuss, this Glen Ellyn spot delivers sips you’ll want to toast to this week.”

From the Wheaton newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Duneyrr Wine and Beer Company crafts Nordic and Belgian-inspired beers alongside exploratory co-fermented wines, where tradition meets innovation. Rally the crew this week for their Tethered Events space in the South Loop, all industrial charm and warm hospitality that turns gatherings into actual memories.”

From the DeKalb newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Pints, flights & cocktails pair with Neapolitan-style pizza in a funky warehouse setting.”

“Tasting room of a craft brewery specializing in mead from its own bees' honey along with wines.”

“Marz Community Brewing Company keeps Chicago interesting with small-batch originals like Jungle Boogie and Tropical Tiger, plus spirits and canned cocktails. Post up at Life on Marz in Logan Square or the McKinley Park 'Community of the Future' taproom, maybe roll into trivia or game night while you’re at it.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Neighborhood spot offering cocktails and other drinks, plus music, dancing and a juke box.”

“Hybrid liquor store & neighborhood tavern supplying a large rotating menu of rare craft beers.”

“Bronzeville Winery pairs fine wine and curated whiskey flights with seasonal small plates, artisanal cheese boards, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian picks. Expect live music and weekly DJ sessions, indulgent Sunday brunch, and a room that hums with creative energy, perfect for a midweek reset or weekend flex.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Whether you’re wine-curious or full-on cork dork, Kō-Zē Wine Room in nearby Glen Ellyn pours small-production, natural and organic wines alongside craft beer, cocktails, and farm-to-table small plates in a restored 1920s space.”

“Subourbon Whisky, Wine, & Cocktail Bar pours serious cocktails, deep whisky lists, thoughtful wine, and even temperance sips inside one of the western suburbs’ oldest buildings, a member-driven spot that still welcomes guests on a day pass… ideal for a low-key date night, small celebration, or just escaping the week.”

From the Naperville newsletter, September 1, 2026

“If your week needs a little upgrade, Cantina Rosa is pouring agave-forward craft cocktails that hit both newcomer and serious-sipper sweet spots, in a humble, creative vibe inspired by regions across Mexico.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Chill brewpub with an industrial vibe offering craft beer, sandwiches & pizza, plus bar bites.”

“Casual, dimly lit cocktail bar dispensing craft brews and light fare.”

“Family-run since 1982, A&S Beverages Wine & Spirits on Halsted is the kind of neighborhood bottle shop that actually knows what you like, with hand picked wine, spirits and Chicago-brewed beers, plus real recommendations. They even offer local South Side delivery so you can skip the errand.”

“Think living room comfort meets design-nerd polish, where The Parlour at Park & Oak pours signature, timeless, clean-flavored cocktails with a wink of the unexpected, pairs them with elegant small bites, and sets the mood with just-right music...”

“Klein Creek Golf Club is a premier 18-hole public track right next door in Winfield with a 6,700-yard championship layout, instruction and leagues, plus The Pub for post-round bites. Test the Par 4 9th or the sand-and-water 17th this week, then call it a day.”

From the Wheaton newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Make this week a mezcal moment. Ghost Donkey is a neon-lit playground where the music is loud, the drinks are strong, and the vibe leans playful mischief. Swing by for agave-forward cocktails or book a mezcal tasting, then surrender to whatever happens next.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 8, 2026

“In Andersonville, Little Madrid Tapas-Café does classic tapas, croquetas, and paella with 100% organic ingredients imported from Spain, plus organic sangria, Rioja, and Spanish specialty drinks. Cozy, wood-burning-fireplace energy that feels like a quick trip to Madrid... grab a friend this week.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 6, 2026

“When you need a grown up night that feels neighborly, Volo Restaurant Wine Bar brings a well curated wine list, thoughtful pairings, and a cozy, tucked away patio with peak Chicago summer vibes. Hit the three course prix fixe or snag a Cru Night, then pretend you discovered the place first.”

From the Arlington Heights newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Whether your week calls for a glass at the bar or a bottle for the couch, Printers Row Wine Bar and Shop nails it with a rotating lineup of natural-leaning wines and smart, friendly guidance. Low-key, zero pretense, just good juice that turns Tuesday into something worth toasting.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Wine, cheese plates, and cocktails served in a comfy space with happy hour.”

“Loungey local gathering place for pairing wine & beer with gastropub plates in homey-chic digs.”

“Well-known comedy club for seasoned & emerging stand-up acts, plus surprise celebrity guests.”

“Apero nails the French art of the apéritif with natural wines, thoughtful cocktails, and just-enough snacks to warm up your palate. When you want something low-key yet dialed-in this week, slide in for a glass that turns catching up into a small ritual.”

From the Evanston newsletter, August 19, 2026

“An extensive wine list & an eclectic menu of small plates in a cozy space with outdoor seating.”

“Global wines & classic cocktails are offered alongside light bites in a stylish setting.”

“Decades old comedy club that hosts nationally-known headliners & is 21 & older only.”

“ERIS Brewery and Cider House is Chicago’s women-owned brewery and cider house turning out creative modern ciders alongside craft beer, plus an inclusive menu that actually works for your crew... meat lovers, vegans, pescatarians, and the gluten-free. Perfect excuse to catch up with friends this week.”

From the Berwyn newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Sleek seller of a wide range of wines by bottle or glass & craft beers, plus tastings & patio.”

“Grand Cru Chicago is a West Town wine bar and shop built for discovery, pouring global finds and under-the-radar grapes. Let the crew build you a flight across white, red, orange, skin-contact, rosé, and sparkling, then swing back for themed weekend tastings or dip into their laid-back wine club.”

From the Arlington Heights newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Bar with 1940s decor featuring comfort-food eats, beers & cocktails plus pool table & sports on TV.”

“Elegant, old-world-style cocktail bar with small bites, including caviar and shrimp cones.”

“Three Dots and a Dash is a hideout for tropical cocktails, shareable group drinks, and a rum list that reads like a world tour. Post up in The Bamboo Room or the main lounge, then let a dialed-in classic turn a random weeknight into vacation mode this week.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 10, 2026

“Intimate lounge/club delivering drinks, karaoke & dancing in a vintage space in a historic building.”

“Timothy O'Toole's Pub Chicago nails the sweet spot between rowdy game energy and easygoing neighborhood hang. Plenty of TVs, billiards if you’re feeling competitive, and a big comfort-food menu, plus daily food and drink specials that keep weeknights interesting.”

From the DeKalb newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Whether you need a low-key weeknight escape or a spot to celebrate, The Dawson brings bold, wood-fired cooking with inventive craft cocktails in a lively two-story space. This week, aim for their River West patio for Dawson City Limits with live bands and DJs that pair with the smoke-kissed menu.”

From the Cicero newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Relaxed shop for bottles featuring a curated assortment of wines from global regions.”

“If your week needs a reliable go-to, Bird's Nest keeps it simple... and ridiculously good. Think baskets of crispy wings with a lineup of sauces, plus the classic pub grub you’re craving, all in a laid-back bar that’s been winning locals over since 1995.”

From the Cicero newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Relaxed bar & coffeehouse with a large, rotating list of beers, a photo booth & a back patio.”

“Market-driven fare served in a modern American eatery sharing a space with a working winery.”

“Hip, lofty lounge where intricate, globally inspired cocktails pair with eclectic small plates.”