The Top Ten Bars in Chicago (Page 2)

6. Billy Goat Tavern
430 N. Lower Michigan Avenue (430N, 100E)
Chicago, IL 60611
(312)222-1525

Ever hear of the "Curse of the Billy Goat," also known as the Cubs Curse? Remember reading about Mike Royko's favorite place in his nationally syndicated column? Or, do you recall the Saturday Night Live sketch in which a short order cook would yell out to incoming patrons: "Cheezborger! Cheezborger! No fries, cheeps! No Pepsi, Coke!"? All of the above have one thing in common: the Billy Goat Tavern.

Because of its subterranean location beneath the Chicago Tribune Building, the present location of the Billy Goat has been an underground oasis for journalists and tradesmen seeking a break from sobriety during lunchtime and after work. Many of them became regulars as colorful as the original owner, William "Billy Goat" Sianis, and his nephew and current owner, Sam Sianis. Legions of tourists also descend upon The Goat to get yelled at and to enjoy some of the best burgers in the city. As a result, the Billy Goat Tavern has become a true Chicago classic and required stopping point for both hungry locals and visitors wishing to gain some insight into the City that Works.

7. John Barleycorn Memorial Pub
658 W. Belden Avenue (2300N, 700W)
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 348-8899

No other bar in Chicago can match the storied past, unique décor or atmosphere of the John Barleycorn Memorial Pub. "Barleycorn's," as it is known to locals is incredibly conducive for conversation and libations, offers up a tasty selection of pub grub, and has one of the best beer gardens in the city. If that's not enough for you, perhaps you will enjoy the statuary, model ships, classical music, or slide show depicting an impressive variety of objects d' art. Oh, and did I mention that Barleycorn's was also a speakeasy during Prohibition with a Chinese laundry as a front?

8. Twin Anchors
1655 North Sedgwick Street (1700N, 400W)
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 266-1616

The Twin Anchors stands out as one of the most notable rib joints in the city. Especially impressive is that Twin Anchors remains unknown to many, even though it has been in business for over 75 years and has served what many claim are the best baby back ribs in the city.

While many suburbanites and conventioneers stick with the steakhouses further south, Old Town neighborhood-types and savvy North Side diners pack the place almost every night. Add to that patronage from Old Blue Eyes himself as well as other local celebs, its feature in the Minnie Driver and David Duchovny film, Return to Me, and Twin Anchors has become a Chicago Historical and Architectural Landmark in this beautiful area of town known as the Old Town Triangle District. The Twin is also a great place to have a cocktail and listen to the Rat Pack on the jukebox.

9. Southport Lanes & Billiards
3325 North Southport Avenue (3300N, 1400W)
Chicago, IL 60657
(773)472-1601

Southport Lanes & Billiards is excellent for so many reasons. In addition to its maple bowling alley and billiards on regulation-size tables, the place serves excellent pub grub, offers a great selection of craft ales, has the best tavern bathrooms in the city, and has a sidewalk beer garden that rivals those found up & down the lively Southport Corridor.

Southport Lanes was built by the Schlitz brewery in 1922 as one of the hundreds of "tied houses" in the Midwest (only Schlitz beer was served), and operated as a speakeasy during prohibition with a brothel upstairs advertised by M.K. Siegner’s murals depicting nymphs frolicking in negligees, still found today above the main bar and bowling lanes.

10. Moody’s Pub
5910 N. Broadway (5900N, 1200W)
Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 275-2696

Moody's Pub is one of the best Chicago bars that you've never heard of. Located in the heart of the Edgewater neighborhood at Broadway and Rosedale, not many people beyond Loyola students know it's there. But, there it is in all of its dark wood and brick glory. Not sure you want to head up to Edgewater to check out the place? Perhaps you should consider that Moody's serves up one of the best burgers in the city, the Moody Bleu.

Still not convinced? How about this: Moody's has one of the largest and most pleasant beer gardens in town, and has one of the most comfortable, fireplace-heated rooms in winter. Combined with a laid-back atmosphere and cheap prices, Moody's is hard to resist if you can motivate yourself to get up north. Since 1967 (originally located in Old Town).