Hot spots in Chicago

I moved to the windy city just over a year ago and I'm always asking friends where the hip, cool, trendy, fun places are to go on a Friday night. Although there are hundreds of bars in the Chicago area to choose from, and I am spoiled for choice, it's hard to know exactly which ones will cater to my needs.

I am one of those people who is always open to new, fresh ideas and perspective when planning a night out. One of the cool features of the new Where I've Been site, which will launch on March 10th, is that you can find or submit suggestions about any city in the world! User suggestions can range anywhere from the fanciest restaurants to dine at, to the funkiest boutiques to shop, to places to lay your head while visiting a particular city or town.

Jessie Ray, a devote Where I've Been user, has posted her personal favorite pubs and bars in the Chicago area. (Be warned, after reading this article, you may find yourself wanting to pop a bottle with your friends)

Top 10 Spots for Delicious Beer in Chicago!

1) Quenchers - One of 2 places in Chicago that carry beer that I drank in Namibia. Cash only, but great environment and super friendly bartenders!
2) Maproom - Try your chance at getting through their extensive beer list from throughout the world (hence the name:) Plenty of options if you enjoy drinking beers with a higher than average alcohol content (14%)
3) Long Room - Long Room has a great atmosphere and an amazing beer list.
4) Hopleaf - Ohhh...Hopleaf! They have great food, but even better beer! It gets quite crowded, so if you get there for happy hours, you will be able to get a place to sit. Over 30 beers on draft and an incredible amount in bottles.
5) Edgewater - I adore this neighborhood pub. Everyone here is really nice and really makes you feel at home. They have a decent selection of beers on draft, so get comfy and start enjoying!
6) Duke of Perth - A brilliant Scottish Pub in Wrigleyville/Lakeview. If you enjoy beer from across the pond, you can find plenty of options here! They also usually have Summit (great microbeer from St. Paul) which makes me happy! For those that enjoy Whiskey too, they were voted one of the "GREAT WHISKEY BARS OF THE WORLD"
7) Jake's Pub - I love the beer selection, love the people who frequent, and LOVE that dogs can visit! They do not have food, but they have take out book that can keep you busy for hours:)
8) The Globe Pub - The Globe quickly became one of my favorite pubs in Chicago. They have beers from around the world and great daily specials. They also open up the bar anytime their is any rugby or futbol matches......so if you are missing a little futbol, then head to the Globe to get your fix and meet others who are just as obsessed!
9) Prost - If you like German beer, than this is your place. Prost!
10) Goose Island - Clyborn or Wrigleyville - If you are in Chicago, you have to try Goose Island and it's even better if you drink it at one of their fine establishments. Both locations are great, are spacious, and are tons of fun!

Have a question about a bar listed above? No problem! You can do that on the new Where I've Been site. We have made it easy for users to accumulate all kinds of information with the 'Ask a Question' feature. Additionally, users can upload their own photos and videos, and post comments on a specific bar.

Katy Lynch
Community Manager
whereivebeen.com