Skip to content
anightoutCHI

Friend catch-up

Friend catch-up in Chicago

Two to six, conversation-forward, new friends or old.

Plan a friend catch-up night →

Example nights

Real Chicago venues, put together by our planner. Refreshed Jul 20.

Games at kibbitznest books, brews & blarney in Lincoln Park, then dinner at Pequod's Pizza.

  • 01kibbitznest books, brews & blarneyLincoln Park · $$
  • 02Pequod's PizzaLincoln Park · $$
Plan your own →

Dinner at Galway Bay in Lake View East, then Duffy's Tavern and Grille.

  • 01Galway BayLake View East · $
  • 02Duffy's Tavern and GrilleLake View East · $
Plan your own →

Small plates at Le Midi Wine in West Town, then dinner at Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery.

  • 01Le Midi WineWest Town · $$
  • 02Forbidden Root Restaurant & BreweryWest Town · $$
Plan your own →

Top 12 venues

  1. 01

    kibbitznest books, brews & blarney

    Lincoln Park · $$

    Board games, books, coffee, beer—no WiFi, no phones, just actual conversation. A third place that actually works.

  2. 02

    Easy Bar

    West Town · $

    Laid-back bar featuring seasonal cocktails, more than a dozen beers on tap & an eclectic jukebox.

  3. 03

    The Low Horse

    Wicker Park · $$

    Cocktail bar meets dive bar — good drinks, board games, dark moody lighting. Skilled bartenders, never too loud. Wicker Park favorite.

  4. 04

    Little Victories

    Wicker Park · $$

    Easygoing bar featuring cocktails, comfort food & billiards amid retro-style surroundings.

  5. 05

    Whirlaway Lounge

    Logan Square · $

    Cash-only neighborhood bar since 1980. Maria behind the counter, bottled beers, TouchTunes, Fernet — locals who've been coming for years.

  6. 06

    The Double Urban Tavern

    Logan Square · $$

    Corner spot for strong craft cocktails and beer, tin-ceilinged and low-lit. Staff knows your name fast.

  7. 07

    Quality Time

    Avondale · $$

    Neighborhood bar with round booths, DJs setting the mood, garage windows that open in summer. Actually conversational, actually cozy.

  8. 08

    Mom's Place - A Chicago Gathering Spot

    River North · $$

    Funky neighborhood hangout with bar food, plus regular live music, karaoke & basement party rooms.

  9. 09

    Galway Bay

    Lake View East · $

    Super-casual basement bar with couches, darts, old-school video games, board games & free popcorn.

  10. 10

    Ten Cat Tavern

    Lake View · $

    Pool, darts, 75-inch TVs — Arsenal mornings, late-night locals, and a back room for book club. Mosaic walls, punching machine, spacious patio.

  11. 11

    Dram Shop

    Lake View East · $

    Old-school dive with 100+ whiskeys, jukebox, darts — bartenders know your name and pour $7.50 pours. Cash only.

  12. 12

    Le Midi Wine

    West Town · $$

    Sleek seller of a wide range of wines by bottle or glass & craft beers, plus tastings & patio.