Top 10 Wine Bars in Chicago in 2027
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The 10 best wine bars in chicago are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.
1Webster's Wine Bar
Webster's Wine Bar claims the top spot for the deepest, most global list in Chicago, spanning hundreds of bottles with a strong by-the-glass and flight program. The Logan Square room is dark, warm, and candle-lit, with cozy nooks that make it a perennial date-night pick. Staff are genuinely expert without snobbery, and a focused small-plates menu of cheese and charcuterie rounds out the night.
It suits both casual glass-of-something-good drinkers and serious wine geeks chasing a specific producer or region. The trade-off is premium pricing on higher-end pours and a cozy room that fills fast on weekends. Compared to Bar Pastoral directly below, Webster's wins on depth and romance but costs more per glass and offers less value per dollar.
2Bar Pastoral
Bar Pastoral ranks second as the best value wine bar in Chicago, pairing an excellent, fairly priced by-the-glass program with top-tier cheese and charcuterie sourced from the Pastoral shop next door. The Lakeview room is relaxed and unfussy, and staff happily guide pairings without pretension. You can build a memorable wine-and-cheese night for far less than a fine-dining tab.
It is ideal for low-key dates, after-work hangs, and anyone who wants quality pours without a splurge. The trade-off is a smaller, more curated list than the big destinations and limited seating in the cozy space. Against Webster's above, Bar Pastoral gives up list depth and romance but beats it decisively on value and approachability.
3RM Champagne Salon
RM Champagne Salon ranks third as Chicago's most romantic special-occasion wine bar, hidden down a cobblestone alley off the West Loop and devoted entirely to Champagne and sparkling wine. The list spans grower Champagnes, grand marques, and global sparklers, served in a chandelier-lit room with a fireplace and an ivy-draped patio. French-leaning small plates pair beautifully with the bubbles.
It is built for anniversaries, proposals, and any night that deserves drama, not casual drop-ins. The trade-off is the priciest pricing on this list and reservations that are strongly recommended, especially for the patio in warm months. Compared to Bar Pastoral above, RM trades value and ease for unmatched atmosphere and a Champagne-only focus.
4Vera
Vera ranks fourth for bringing a Spanish accent to Chicago's wine scene in the West Loop, with a list strong in Spanish bottles, sherry, and lesser-known European producers. The kitchen turns out excellent tapas and small plates designed to drink alongside the list, and staff are passionate about steering guests toward unexpected, food-friendly pours. The room is warm and intimate, built for grazing and discovery.
It is for drinkers who want to venture beyond French and Italian options, especially anyone curious about sherry. The trade-off is a niche focus that may not suit New World wine fans, and small plates that add up across a full night. Against RM Champagne Salon above, Vera offers more food and range but less romance and celebratory drama.
5The Tasting Room
The Tasting Room ranks fifth for pairing a broad, approachable wine list with one of the best skyline views of any wine bar in Chicago, framed by upstairs windows in the Fulton River District. The list is wide-ranging and friendly to both casual drinkers and enthusiasts, with plenty of by-the-glass options. A lounge-y room and a solid cheese, charcuterie, and small-plates menu keep the night going.
It is for groups and dates who want a view and zero wine expertise required. The trade-off is a list that is broad rather than deeply specialized, and view seating that fills up quickly. Compared to Vera above, The Tasting Room offers wider appeal and better views but less focused, adventurous wine programming.
6Gilt Bar
Gilt Bar ranks sixth as a wine-forward gastrobar in River North, with a well-chosen, food-friendly list alongside excellent cocktails and a beloved kitchen. The dimly lit, vintage-feeling room is moody and candle-lit, with a downstairs Library bar for an even cozier nightcap. Housemade pastas, charcuterie, and rich small plates give you reason to linger well past one glass.
It is for date nights that want serious wine plus a real dinner and a cocktail option for the table. The trade-off is that it is not wine-exclusive, so the list is tighter than dedicated bars, and the River North location gets busy and loud. Against The Tasting Room above, Gilt Bar wins on food and romance but offers a narrower wine selection.
7The Office
The Office ranks seventh as an intimate, reservation-only hidden bar beneath The Aviary in the West Loop, from the Alinea Group, known for rare spirits and a thoughtfully assembled wine selection in a clubby, low-lit setting. Seating is limited, the experience is unhurried, and staff treat every pour as a small event. The rare and interesting bottles make it a standout for careful, high-end drinking.
It is for special-occasion deep dives and quiet, exclusive nights, not casual glasses. The trade-off is reservation-only access with very limited seating and high-end pricing that makes it a splurge. Compared to Gilt Bar above, The Office offers rarity and exclusivity but sacrifices the food menu, walk-in ease, and cocktail variety.
8Vol. 39
Vol. 39 ranks eighth as a stunning, library-themed bar inside the Kimpton Gray Hotel in the Loop, lined with thousands of books, leather seating, and a marble bar. The wine and cocktail program is polished and well-curated, making it an elegant choice for a sophisticated drink before or after dinner. The room is one of the most beautiful in downtown Chicago.
It is for downtown professionals, hotel guests, and couples wanting a refined nightcap near theaters and dining. The trade-off is hotel-bar pricing on pours and a setting that is more elegant nightcap than deep wine destination. Compared to The Office above, Vol. 39 offers easier access and a grander room but less rarity and exclusivity in its bottles.
9Bric-a-Brac
Bric-a-Brac ranks ninth for carrying Chicago's natural-wine torch in Logan Square and Avondale, with an ever-changing list of small-producer, organic, and biodynamic bottles. The room is casual, unpretentious, and a little offbeat, and staff genuinely love talking through the quirkier corners of the natural-wine world. Prices stay reasonable and a simple snack menu keeps things grazeable.
It is for adventurous drinkers who want something off the beaten path and a room that does not take itself too seriously. The trade-off is a natural-wine focus that is not for every palate and a rotating list where favorites come and go. Against Vol. 39 above, Bric-a-Brac trades polish and setting for adventure, value, and low-key character.
10Bordel
Bordel ranks tenth as a plush, Belle Époque-style lounge above Mercadito in Wicker Park, blending a strong wine and cocktail program with live burlesque, jazz, and cabaret performances. The room is opulent, with velvet, low light, and vintage glamour, and the wine and Champagne list leans celebratory. It is a memorable choice for a theatrical date or a special night out.
It is for couples and groups who want drinks plus a show in one of the city's most atmospheric rooms, and it skews late-night and upscale. The trade-off is pricey, event-driven pricing rather than casual drinking, plus a performance schedule and reservations to plan around. Compared to Bric-a-Brac above, Bordel offers spectacle and glamour but far less spontaneity and value.
How we ranked these
We weighted six factors: atmosphere and vibe (25%), wine list and focus (20%), by-the-glass and food menu (20%), crowd and service (15%), value (10%), and location and access (10%). Each bar was scored against these weights using Eater Chicago, Time Out Chicago, The Infatuation, Thrillist, Yelp, and Google Reviews, plus longstanding local reputation.
A brilliant list with a cold room or stingy glass program dropped fast, as did a pretty space with a thin, overpriced list.
We deliberately ignored hype and social-media buzz, because a viral moment does not guarantee a great wine night. We also ignored bottle-list size as a standalone metric: a thousand-label list means nothing if the by-the-glass program is weak or staff are dismissive. Finally, we ignored dress codes and exclusivity, since welcome beats prestige every time.
What to look for
Match the venue to your occasion first. For a romantic date, prioritize candle-lit rooms like Webster's, Gilt Bar, or RM Champagne Salon. For a group, pick a lounge with flexible seating and a broad glass list, like The Tasting Room. For a special occasion, splurge on The Office or Bordel. Always check the by-the-glass program before committing, since a deep bottle list does not guarantee good pours.
The mistake most buyers make is chasing the deepest bottle list or the trendiest room instead of the right fit. A focused, well-chosen list with a generous glass program and staff who actually help you beats an intimidating encyclopedia of bottles you will never order. Also, do not skip reservations at special-occasion spots like RM, The Office, or Bordel, where walk-ins are rarely possible.
Related questions
What is the best overall wine bar in Chicago?
Webster's Wine Bar in Logan Square is our Best Overall pick. It offers one of the deepest, most global wine lists in the city, a strong by-the-glass and flight program, expert but welcoming staff, and a warm candle-lit room that works for both casual glasses and serious exploration.
Which Chicago wine bar offers the best value?
Bar Pastoral in Lakeview is the best value. Its excellent, fairly priced by-the-glass list pairs with top-tier cheese and charcuterie from the Pastoral shop next door. You can build a memorable wine-and-cheese night for far less than a fine-dining tab.
Where should I go for a romantic date night wine bar in Chicago?
Webster's Wine Bar, Gilt Bar, and RM Champagne Salon are standout romantic picks. Webster's offers cozy candle-lit nooks, Gilt Bar has a moody vintage room with a full kitchen, and RM Champagne Salon provides a chandelier-lit alley setting with a fireplace and patio.
Which Chicago wine bar is best for natural wine?
Bric-a-Brac is the natural-wine pick, with a rotating list of small-producer, organic, and biodynamic bottles in a laid-back, offbeat room. Prices stay reasonable, the vibe is unpretentious, and the staff genuinely love talking through the quirkier corners of natural wine.
What is the best wine bar for a special occasion in Chicago?
RM Champagne Salon suits Champagne-fueled romance, The Office offers a rare-bottle deep dive in a hidden West Loop speakeasy, and Bordel delivers a theatrical night with live burlesque in a Belle Époque lounge. All three are splurges that feel like events.
Do Chicago wine bars require reservations?
Casual spots like Bar Pastoral and Bric-a-Brac are walk-in friendly. Special-occasion venues like RM Champagne Salon, The Office, and Bordel strongly recommend or require reservations, especially for weekend nights, patios, or performance times. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Which Chicago wine bar has the best skyline view?
The Tasting Room in the Fulton River District pairs a broad, approachable wine list with one of the best skyline views of any wine bar in the city. Its upstairs windows frame the downtown towers, and lounge-style seating makes it great for groups and dates.
Where can I find Spanish wine and sherry in Chicago?
Vera in the West Loop is the explorer's pick for Spanish wine and sherry. Its list is strong in Spanish bottles, sherry, and lesser-known European producers, and the kitchen turns out excellent tapas designed to drink alongside the list. Staff are passionate about guiding discovery.
FAQ
What is the best wine bar in Chicago?
Webster's Wine Bar in Logan Square is our Best Overall. It has a decades-deep global list, a strong by-the-glass and flight program, expert welcoming staff, and a warm candle-lit room perfect for dates. It satisfies both casual drinkers and serious wine geeks.
What is the best value wine bar in Chicago?
Bar Pastoral in Lakeview is the best value, pairing an excellent fairly priced by-the-glass list with top-tier cheese and charcuterie from the shop next door. It delivers a memorable wine-and-cheese night for far less than a fine-dining tab.
Which Chicago wine bar is best for a date night?
Webster's Wine Bar, Gilt Bar, and the Champagne-focused RM Champagne Salon are standout romantic picks. All three offer moody, candle-lit rooms ideal for a date, with Webster's providing cozy nooks and RM offering a fireplace and ivy-draped patio.
Where can I find natural wine in Chicago?
Bric-a-Brac is a great natural-wine pick, with a rotating list of small-producer, organic, and biodynamic bottles in a laid-back, offbeat room. Prices are reasonable, the vibe is unpretentious, and the staff love discussing the quirkier corners of natural wine.
Which Chicago wine bar is best for a special occasion?
RM Champagne Salon for Champagne and romance, The Office for a rare-bottle deep dive, and Bordel for a theatrical night with live burlesque all suit a celebration. Each is a splurge with a distinct atmosphere, so match the venue to the occasion.
Do Chicago wine bars require reservations?
Casual spots like Bar Pastoral and Bric-a-Brac are walk-in friendly, but special-occasion venues like RM Champagne Salon, The Office, and Bordel strongly recommend or require reservations. Book ahead for weekend nights, patio seating, or performance times.
Which Chicago wine bar has the best skyline view?
The Tasting Room in the Fulton River District offers standout skyline views from its upstairs room. Its broad, approachable wine list and lounge-style seating make it a dependable choice for groups and dates who want a view with their glass.
Where can I drink Champagne in Chicago?
RM Champagne Salon in the West Loop is devoted to Champagne and sparkling wine, with grower Champagnes, grand marques, and global sparklers served in a chandelier-lit room with a fireplace and ivy-draped patio. It is the city's most romantic bubble destination.
What should I look for in a Chicago wine bar?
Prioritize a deep, fairly priced by-the-glass and flight program, a list focus that matches your curiosity, pairing-friendly food like cheese and charcuterie, a room that fits the occasion, and staff who guide without snobbery. Welcome beats prestige every time.
Are there wine bars in Chicago with food?
Yes. Bar Pastoral offers top-tier cheese and charcuterie, Gilt Bar has a full kitchen with housemade pastas, Vera serves Spanish tapas, and The Tasting Room provides reliable cheese and charcuterie boards. Many Chicago wine bars pair serious lists with strong food menus.
Sources
- https://chicago.eater.com
- https://www.timeout.com/chicago
- https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago
- https://www.thrillist.com/chicago
- https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=wine+bar&find_loc=Chicago
- https://www.google.com/maps
- https://www.choosechicago.com
- https://websterswinebar.com
- https://www.rmchampagnesalon.com
- https://www.pastoralartisan.com
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