Speakeasy Chicago Named One of City's Best Bars

Any bar that requires a password to enter is automatically on the top of the list in terms of “cool” factor.

That’s why The Examiner chose nearby Speakeasy Chicago as one of the best bars in the city. Located at 1072 N. Milwaukee Ave., the 1920’s-themed bar is just two blocks south of Wicker Park’s Division Street border.

The bar, which touts live jazz music, sits above the West Town staple Frontier Chicago. And according to The Examiner, it takes Chicago back to its roots.

“Sure, Chicago proffers a medley of 1920’s-themed bars with a Mary Pickford or a Ward 8 on the menu, but the most you’ll have to do to get in is flash an ID and maybe bat your eyelashes at the doorman,” Emma Baker writes. “Speakeasy requires you to know the password to enter its world of jazz music and covert hobnobbing. Who knows? Maybe they actually make their gin in a bathtub.”

Other Chicago bars to make the list include Lake View’s Wilde and DryHop, Boystown’s Scarlet and Drumbar in the Gold Coast.

Those looking to check out Speakeasy Chicago, though, actually do need a secret password to get in. Thankfully it’s as easy as putting an email address on their list to get an electronic telegram.