Here are the winners of Time Out Chicago's 2017 Bar Awards

Bar of the Year presented by Hendrick's Gin

Pubs
Logan Square
price 1 of 4

Best Intentions

When brothers Chris and Calvin Marty bought the old Marble Bar space and reopened it as Best Intentions nearly two years ago, no one knew what to expect. Since then, the “fancy cocktail bar” has become a booze-slinging institution in Logan Square, complete with balanced drinks and upgraded bar snacks like crispy pork face fritters. But perhaps Best Intention’s greatest accomplishment was finding a way to emulate the great Chicago dive bar in a way that doesn’t feel forced. The lived-in space, outfitted in wood paneling and checkered floors, effortlessly looks beyond its years. It’s the kind of place that makes us wonder: What did we do before Best Intentions?

RUNNERS-UP: Delilah’s, Lost Lake, Sportsman’s Club, The Violet Hour

Best Bar Family presented by Glenfiddich Scotch

Lounges
Logan Square
price 2 of 4

Photograph: Nick Murway

Scofflaw

At Scofflaw, the drinks are special, the atmosphere is cozy, and the food is stellar. But what really sets this place apart is the top-notch service that’s become a cornerstone over the years. Grab a seat at the bar, and watch the barkeeps pass bottles back and forth and put the finishing touches on each other’s drinks. The bar family here is all about teamwork—smiles included.

RUNNERS-UP: The Aviary, Sable Kitchen & Bar, Sportsman’s Club, The Violet Hour

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Best Single-Focus Bar

Cocktail bars
Avondale
price 2 of 4

Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas

Lost Lake

At Lost Lake, over-the-top cocktails rule the roost. Fittingly, Chicago’s preeminent tiki bar also boasts a venerable selection of rum. The spirit punctuates the entire menu, but perhaps the best way to sample the goods is by ordering the daily daiquiri, which is loaded with a rotating selection of the quintessential Caribbean liquor.

RUNNERS-UP: Billy Sunday, Mezcaleria Las Flores, Mezcal Bar at Quiote, The Northman

Best New Bar

Cocktail bars
Logan Square
price 2 of 4

Spilt Milk

Logan Square corner tavern Spilt Milk is this year’s best new bar, meaning it’s one that has entered Chicago’s bar scene seamlessly, carving out a distinct identity in a neighborhood that has no shortage of quality watering holes. Nico Osteria vet Matty Eggleston opened the place late last summer, offering a thoughtful beer list, a gorgeous wooden bar and—most importantly—a carefully curated cocktail menu with drinks like a refreshing Concord grape julep.

RUNNERS-UP: Estereo, The Ladies’ Room, Moneygun, Vol. 39

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Best Wine Bar presented by Segura Viudas

Gastropubs
Humboldt Park
price 2 of 4

Photograph: Jessica Lynn Capron

Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar

A small but mighty wine bar from three Webster’s Wine Bar alums, Rootstock has become a Humboldt Park favorite over the years. The restaurant’s list of small-production vinos focuses on organic varieties—a philosophy that also extends to the kitchen, where chef Jeff Pikus packs flavorful dishes with produce from local farmers and hormone-free meats. Lean on your server or bartender for wine recommendations, as they can point you to glasses and bottles that are difficult to find elsewhere. Pro tip: Most wines pair perfectly with the mix-and-match charcuterie and cheese plates.

RUNNERS-UP: Ampersand Wine Bar, Pops for Champagne, Vera,
Webster’s Wine Bar

Best Bar Design

Café bars
Logan Square
price 2 of 4

Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas

Estereo

You might as well be walking into a Wes Anderson film when you enter Estereo, a triangular space dripping with colorful tile work, turquoise hues and streamlined gold accents. Designed by bar partner Kevin Heisner, the all-day concept from Heisler Hospitality brings Latin American–inspired cocktails to Logan Square. Every last detail is accounted for, from the curved bar that fits the space perfectly and the chic hanging light fixtures to the ruby-red stools dotting the room. Toss in vibrant cocktails bursting with tropical flavors, and Estereo has the power to transport you somewhere else—if only for an afternoon.

RUNNERS UP: 1952 1/2 Liquorette, Disco at Celeste, Up & Up at the Robey, Vol. 39

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Most Creative Drink List

Lounges
West Loop
price 3 of 4

Photograph: Jessica Lynn Capron

The Aviary

When it comes to dining or drinking at an Alinea Group property, expect the unimaginable—and then some. Surprising presentations and executions characterize the cocktail list at the Aviary in West Loop. A layered Jungle Bird boasts rum-soaked jelly balls that burst in your mouth; a Manhattan is enclosed inside a giant globe of ice; and a sherry-bourbon sipper is served inside a plastic bag infused with the aroma of fresh oatmeal cookies. Half of the fun is looking around the room and checking out the crazy concoctions arriving at neighboring tables. No matter what you pick, everything here is served with a side of interaction, making it a wildly different experience for a special occasion.

RUNNERS-UP: Annex at GreenRiver, Bad Hunter, The Sixth, The Whistler

Best Beer Bar

Beer bars
Uptown
price 2 of 4

Photograph: Jason Little

Hopleaf

For the second year in a row, Hopleaf’s 60-plus drafts and excellent bar menu have earned the Uptown spot Time Out Chicago’s Best Beer Bar title. And for good reason: 2017 marks Hopleaf’s 25th year serving incredible brews, including interesting pours from Marz Community Brewing, Off Color Brewing, 5 Rabbit Cervecería and beyond. And with special anniversary events happening throughout the year, it’s worth seeing what’s going on at Hopleaf every night of the week.

RUNNERS-UP: Clark Street Ale House, Local Option, Map Room, Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar

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Best Chicago Mainstay

Dive bars
Sheffield & DePaul
price 2 of 4

Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas for Time Out

Delilah's

There’s something extra special about a bar that embodies the spirit of Chicago, and this year we celebrate the punk-rock spirit of Delilah’s. You’ll find slasher flicks on the TVs, $1 beers, pool tables and alt-country–DJ nights at Mike Miller’s no-bullshit bar. Delilah’s frequent whiskey and craft-beer tasting events bring Miller out from behind the bar, making the Lincoln Park hang feel like home (though, no, you can’t sleep there). Ultimately, the friendly dive is more than just a place to have a drink; it’s helped shape Chicago’s bar scene into what it is today.

RUNNERS-UP: Clark Street Ale House, Green Mill, Rainbo Club, Richard’s Bar

The winners of the 2017 Time Out Chicago Bar Awards

Meet the city's best bars

Bar of the Year presented by Hendrick's Gin

Best Intentions

Best Bar Family presented by Glenfiddich Scotch

Scofflaw

Best Single-Focus Bar

Lost Lake

Best New Bar

Spilt Milk

Best Wine Bar presented by Segura Viudas

Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar

Best Bar Design

Estereo

Most Creative Drink List

The Aviary

Best Beer Bar

Hopleaf

Best Chicago Mainstay

Delilah's