Ukrainian Village After Dark: Four Bars With a Backstory

2500 W Chicago Ave

Dorothy occupies a former Ukrainian sports bar beneath Split Rail in Ukrainian Village. The subterranean lesbian cocktail lounge pairs a conversation pit with retro 1970s furniture. Burnt amber furnishings, a vintage bar top and real candles give the room its moody, speakeasy-like character.

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 is an intimate West Town indie venue and dive bar where alternative bands, local performers and internationally renowned acts share the stage. Performances sometimes spill onto the floor, and a raised upper floor packs in crowds. The room pairs cheap drinks with an old Chicago style bar at the back, with bathroom graffiti and stickers on the walls, at 1035 N. Western Ave.

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 reopened in 2015, forty years after the Ukrainian Village saloon closed in 1975 and was left untouched. The narrow tavern draws on English merchant and naval traditions, pouring maritime spirits, cocktails and fortified wines. The menu also features martinis, oysters and boquerones.

4.6 (387)

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

1150 N Damen Ave

Rainbo Club opened in 1936 and inspired the fictional Tug & Maul Bar in Nelson Algren’s 1949 novel The Man With the Golden Arm. This West Town dive at 1150 N Damen Ave keeps decades-old knotty pine, four red booths, a candy-red vinyl couch, eclectic art and a photo booth. The bar accepts cash only.