A Night Out In River North

There is no shortage of bars, pubs and even breweries in Chicago, but for one of the easiest accessible, and most diverse set of bars, look no further than just north of downtown in River North. Whether you're planning on dancing, or are more in the mood for a low-key night, this popular neighborhood has a bar for you. (And as an added bonus to this list, be sure to check out the Headquarters Beercade, which has a couple locations in Chicago, not just River North, as well as the Redhead Piano Bar).

Sable Kitchen And Bar
Hotel Palomar Chicago
505 N. State St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 755-9704
www.sablechicago.com

For a creative cocktail, or two, or three, check out this gastro-pub, where they're serving gourmet pub fare paired with plenty of cocktails you won't find anywhere else. Guests enjoy drinks like the Dragons of the West (made with Ruby Port and Laphraoig 10, as well as lemon, habanero shrub and lingonberry) and Typical Cat (made of Belvedere Vodka, Martini Bianco, lime and vanilla), and all of the cocktails are made to be paired with the restaurant's dishes, even if you're just going for an app or two, such as the cheese curds or truffled deviled eggs. They also offer a range of draught beers.

Three Dots & A Dash
435 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 610-4220
www.threedotschicago.com

Get tropical in the heart of River North with this tiki-inspired cocktail bar. While they also serve food, it's the drinks — and the awesome island decor— that make this bar special. Rums, whiskeys, gins, tequilas and brandys all have a place here, from classic Tiki cocktails to modern and delicious spins, like the "Cacchen" Some Rays, that includes Reposado tequila, dark Jamaican rum, cold brew coffee, overproof rum, pineapple, lime and passion fruit. What makes these drinks even better? The tiki cups they come in. But don't try to snag one without paying for it (they're available for purchase), otherwise you'll be walking the plank, matey!

Green Door Tavern
678 N. Orleans St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 664-5496
www.greendoorchicago.com

For a casual night out, visit the historic Green Door Tavern, originally established in 1921 (but the building itself dates back to a year after the Great Chicago Fire). The tavern's speakeasy, The Drifter, still operates downstairs as a lively bar, and can even be rented out for private events. But you'll have a great time no matter where you find a spot to stand, or sit, in this popular Americana memorabilia bar. Sports games are often playing on the TV, but you'll also get to enjoy some live performances in the speakeasy, and even the occasional improv.

Related:  Best Speakeasy Bars In Chicago

Paris Club
59 W. Hubbard St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 595-0800
www.parisclubbistroanbar.com

Dine on French cuisine downstairs, and then head upstairs to Studio Paris for some late-night shenanigans. Part cocktail lounge with bottle service, part nightclub, it has an atmosphere perfect for dancing the night away. Resident and touring DJs play some of the best in electronic music, and when nice weather hits Chicago the roof retracts so you're dancing under the stars.

Howells & Hood
435 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 262-5310
www.howellsandhood.com

For the best craft beer selection, look no further than Howells & Hood, which boasts more than 100 beers on tap. While sipping on either locally-sourced brews or a drink with a bit more international flair, enjoy a range of flavors with dishes from Chef

Brett Neaubauer and Chef Paul Katz. This experience is made even more memorable with their expansive patio with great views of the Chicago River.

Related: Best Sports Bars In Chicago

Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not blogging about food, she's working part-time at a culinary vacation company, The International Kitchen, based in the Windy City, as well as repping Younique cosmetics and skincare products. Some of her writing can be found at Examiner.com.