Ukrainian Village to Bucktown: Indie Shows, Martinis, Bistro

4.7 (1,625)

Mon – Wed, 17:00 – 02:00 (+1); Thu, Sun, 17:00 – 01:00 (+1); Fri, 16:00 – 02:00 (+1); Sat, 17:00 – 03:00 (+1)

1035 N. Western Ave.

Empty Bottle packs alternative bands, local performers and internationally known acts into an intimate room. Cheap drinks and an old Chicago style bar at the back define its dive-bar setting. A raised upper floor adds room for crowds as performances sometimes spill off the stage. Stickers and bathroom graffiti cover the walls. The resident cat sometimes naps on the bar before the room fills.

4.7 (513)

Mon – Thu, 17:00 – 01:00 (+1); Fri – Sun, 15:00 – 01:00 (+1)

2125 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622, United States

Queen Mary Tavern brings a maritime cocktail program to a Ukrainian Village saloon that sat untouched for forty years after closing in 1975. Reopened in 2015, the narrow room draws on English merchant and naval traditions. It pours maritime spirits, cocktails and fortified wines, with martinis, oysters and boquerones alongside the drinks.

4.6 (1,169)

Mon – Thu, 11:30 – 14:30, 17:00 – 22:00; Fri – Sat, 11:30 – 14:30, 17:00 – 23:00

1958 N Damen Ave

Le Bouchon has served Bucktown since 1993 from a small, bustling room. This Lyonnais bistro brings escargot, crisp frites, trout en croûte, beet salad and whole roast duck to the table, with homemade bread alongside. Finish with the celebrated apple tart for a distinctly French close to the meal.

4.5 (16)

Tue – Fri, 16:00 – 21:00; Sat – Sun, 12:00 – 21:00

2234 N. Western Ave

Brothers Oliver and Nicolas Poilevey run Chez Poulet, a counter-service spot in Bucktown. Pasture-raised Ivory Amish chickens turn in an Old Hickory rotisserie. The menu pairs the birds with au jus, collard greens and macaroni gratin. Breads come from Mindy's Bakery. Pair the meal with French wine on the tiny patio.