The best bars & nightlife in Mundelein

“Lively neighborhood sports bar offering burgers & other pub grub in old-school surrounds with TVs.”

“Classic sports pub with games on flat-screens, a deck with TVs, & pizza, barbecue & sandwiches.”

“Low-key sports bar offering thin-crust pizzas & other hearty pub grub, with lots of TVs.”

“Upbeat tavern with American food & a large patio featuring an outdoor bar, pool & sand volleyball.”

“Easygoing Mexican spot serving familiar dishes & margaritas in a cozy-festive, brick-walled setting.”

“Casual eatery for regular & signature double-decker pizzas & American apps in lodgelike environs.”

“Casual, wood-swathed bar with a large beer selection, a burger-centric American menu & live music.”

“Bumper-car ball, laser tag & table games plus a rock climbing wall & casual dining with a bar.”

“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.”

“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

“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.”

“Long-running liquor store offering beer, wine, spirits, and cigars, plus daily tastings.”

“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.”

“Feather Glass Wine Bar & Eatery pairs global-fusion plates with curated wine flights and monthly tastings, all in an elegant, welcoming vibe that fits Waukegan weeknights. Expect creative pairings, local-and-exotic pours, and flavors you’ll keep thinking about long after the last sip.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, August 20, 2026

“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.”

“Pub with TVs, billiards & a large menu of bar food, with daily food & drink specials.”

“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.”

“Mickey Finn's Brewery keeps nearby Libertyville fun with fresh house ales and lagers, a legit family-friendly menu that actually tastes good, and a weekend rhythm of karaoke Thursdays and live bands. Brunch and bloodys seal the deal if you need a low-stress plan with high flavor.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, August 18, 2026