Streeter’s Tavern

Chicago, Illinois

Opened in 1984, Streeter’s Tavern bills itself as the greatest bar below Earth, a neighborhood dive bar in a part of Chicago without too many such options. Magnificent Mile-adjacent, one of the bar’s signature features is the two-way mirror in the subterranean bathrooms that make for an interesting experience.

Maybe even more interesting is the fact that the dive bar’s footprint below ground was actually once Chicago street level, a hint at the long history of the space that has held bars including varieties named Checkers, McNasty’s, the Clover Leaf Club and other incarnations. The vibe is friendly and communal, enabled by the prolific set of game options that includes jenga, foosball and a very beer pong-friendly ping pong setup. Renovated in 2020 to expand its footprint, the bones remain intact, a dive bar oasis in the otherwise upscale Streeterville neighborhood.

The Basics

Classification:
Neighborhood Bar

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Further Reading