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Top Cheap Bars in Chicago, IL
Looking for the perfect spot for your next event that won’t empty your wallet? Chicago has cheap bars ready to provide the perfect setting for any occasion. Whether you're looking to host a lively party in Wrigleyville, a casual meetup in Logan Square, a small after-work party in Old Town, or a bachelor's party in River North, you will find a venue here that fits your needs and your wallet. Explore our curated listings and find the perfect spot to make your next occasion a success—all at a price that's just right!
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![The Event Space at Uptown Taproom in Uptown, Chicago, IL]()
The Event Space
3050Uptown TaproomUptown, Chicago, IL
#Supervenue
JJessica S.
“Space was great. Very reasonably priced and very accommodating staff. They were very friendly.”from $250
hire fee / per day -
![Rooftop Bar at The Pony in Lakeview, Chicago, IL]()
Rooftop Bar
7080The PonyLakeview, Chicago, ILAAbigail R.
“Our bartender, Bekah, was incredibly lovely and we had such a wonderful time!!”from $40
per person / per session -
![Second Floor at The Dandy Crown in West Town, Chicago, IL]()
Second Floor
2035The Dandy CrownWest Town, Chicago, ILMMegan D.
“My husband and I had never rented out a venue or bar to host anything before.”from $1650
minimum spend / per session -
![The Parlour at The Albion at The Albion Manor in Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL]()
The Parlour at The Albion
6075The Albion ManorLincoln Park, Chicago, IL
#Supervenue
KKatherine N.
“Johanna provided excellent service with the room set-up and managing the bar.”from $3000
minimum spend / per session -
![Private Party Room at Claddagh Ring Pub in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL]()
Private Party Room
5050Claddagh Ring PubRavenswood, Chicago, IL
#Supervenue
EEugene B.
“The bar was excellent. It was really one of the only ones I found that was reasonably priced to rent.”from $75
hire fee / per hour -
![Second Floor Bar at iO Theater in Near North Side, Chicago, IL]()
Second Floor Bar
2030iO TheaterNear North Side, Chicago, ILDDeborah M.
“The space was perfect for our event, and everything went beautifully.”from $1000
minimum spend / per session -
![Bar Room at Port and Park Bistro in Lakeview, Chicago, IL]()
Bar Room
5566Port and Park BistroLakeview, Chicago, ILAAlex H.
“The bartender was very good. We were provided with the equipment we needed (mic).”from $1000
minimum spend / per session -
![Bistro Room at Port and Park Bistro in Lakeview, Chicago, IL]()
Bistro Room
75100Port and Park BistroLakeview, Chicago, ILTTyler N.
“The bar staff were incredible and added to the energy of the evening.”from $200
hire fee / per hour -
![First Floor at The Dandy Crown in West Town, Chicago, IL]()
First Floor
3040The Dandy CrownWest Town, Chicago, ILKKailyn S.
“Such a great spot for a birthday party!”from $1650
minimum spend / per session -
![Top Deck at Howl at the Moon, Chicago in River North, Chicago, IL]()
Top Deck
3050Howl at the Moon, ChicagoRiver North, Chicago, ILAAlex S.
“Katie was incredibly responsive as an event planner for the venue, and the experience was a ton of fun.”from $2000
minimum spend / per session -
![Entire Venue at Claddagh Ring Pub in Ravenswood, Chicago, IL]()
Entire Venue
60100Claddagh Ring PubRavenswood, Chicago, IL
#Supervenue
SScott F.
“This place was great. There was no cost to booking the party room and the staff and drinks was amazing.”from $150
hire fee / per hour -
![Main Floor at The Pony in Lakeview, Chicago, IL]()
Main Floor
180200The PonyLakeview, Chicago, ILJJames D.
“Great venue upstairs with open air, great deals, and great service!”from $30
per person / per session
FAQs about Cheap Bars in Chicago, IL
Do I need any special permits to host an event in a bar?
Yes, depending on the type of event you're hosting in a Chicago bar, you might need to secure specific permits. For most private events such as birthday parties, reunions, or corporate gatherings, no special permits are required if the bar already has the necessary licenses to operate and serve alcohol.
However, if your event includes any of the following activities, you may need additional permits:
- Live music or DJ sets: You may need a Public Place of Amusement (PPA) license.
- Selling tickets or raising funds: A Special Event Permit might be necessary.
- Extending beyond normal operating hours: An Extended Hours Permit is required.
Always check with the bar owner or manager as they'll have a good understanding of what's needed for their specific location. Additionally, it's wise to consult the City of Chicago’s Business Affairs and Consumer Protection website or contact them directly to ensure all legal requirements are met for your event.
What areas in Chicago have the best cheap bars for rent?
Wrigleyville has a youthful atmosphere, buzzing especially with sports fans, making it great for lively events in a bar. Logan Square also has uniquely themed bars that are both affordable and stylish, perfect for trendy events. River North provides a more upscale ambiance at reasonable prices, especially during weekdays or off-peak hours, which is perfect if you need a sophisticated yet budget-friendly venue.
What type of event can I organize in a cheap rental bar in Chicago?
These venues are especially ideal for casual social gatherings such as birthday parties, where the lively bar atmosphere adds a fun twist. They are also perfect for engagement celebrations, offering a relaxed setting for friends and family to toast to the happy couple. Additionally, cheap rental bars can be great for hosting corporate events like team-building sessions or after-work happy hours, where colleagues can unwind and connect in a laid-back environment. They're equally suitable for organizing community meet-ups or small-scale live music nights, providing a private space for local artists and community members to come together.