The Top 5 Work-Friendly Bars in Chicago

Work can be its own refuge for those who love their job, but it’s an undeniable pleasure to take a bit of time away from the daily grind and enjoy some sights other than the four walls of your office. Those who call Chicago home are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to make the city their office, at least temporarily, thanks to the wealth of work-friendly bars that provide the perfect environment for meetings with clients. If you’re eager to take a break from the office, head to one of these hotspots where business and fun are always on the menu.

The Violet Hour | 1520 North Damen Avenue

Intimate, elegant, and an ideal destination for anyone who loves a well-mixed drink, The Violet Hour is a well-earned break from the traditional office setting. Grab a seat with your colleagues and enjoy a relaxed meeting over drinks like the Must Confess, a margarita with cinnamon grenadine and egg whites, a Velvet Flip, a malted egg nog, or a massive batch of Violet Hour Punch to serve the whole table.

Beermiscuous | 2812 North Lincoln Avenue

Craft beer connoisseurs will love taking meetings at Beermsicuous. This Lakeview bar has dedicated itself to the art of the brew, offering up 350 local and international beers to suit every palate. Beermiscuous also has plenty of space to get work done, with plenty of bar seating and tables where you can enjoy a drink while wowing clients.

Gilt Bar | 230 West Kinzie Street

Is there anywhere more suited to conducting business than a bar that looks like a library? Gilt Bar’s comfortable velvet banquettes make for a perfect location to spread out and get your work done, and its calm vibe makes it an ideal spot for a meeting or a meal. If you find yourself peckish during your meeting, you’re in for a treat — in addition to a long list of cocktails, wine, and beer, you’ll also find a wealth of vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Cortland’s Garage | 1645 West Cortland Street

Daily drink specials, a huge food menu, and a relaxed atmosphere make Cortland’s Garage a great place to host a meeting or a night out with friends. The bar’s high-top tables are larger than those at your average bar, making it easy to find room for all of your clients and presentation materials, and with 62 beers available and some of the city’s best burgers on the menu, you might just want to make this pub your office on a regular basis. 

The Map Room | 1949 North Hoyne Avenue

If you’re eager to impress a client in a space that has all the comforts of home, look no further than The Map Room. This charming Bucktown hotspot has been attracting patrons from all walks of life for more than two decades, thanks to its ample menu of craft beers and cocktails, in as well as its laid-back atmosphere. Head toward the back of this eclectic bar and eatery and grab a table  — you might enjoy yourself so much you let your meeting run long.

A great place to enjoy a cocktail and the right spot for a meeting don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Head to any of these Chicago haunts and enjoy business and pleasure in equal measure.