Awesome Chicago Restaurants that Accept Walk-Ins at the Bar

via Indienne

While planned evenings out are a blast, it’s sometimes the “spur of the moment” nights that are the ones we remember most. Skip worrying over whether a reservation is available and head to these amazing Chicago bars and restaurants that accept walk-ins at their bar…

Indienne {217 West Huron Street, Chicago; 312.291.9427}

If you’re looking for an evening of elegance and intimacy, head over to Indienne’s sweeping bar. Known for their progressive Indian tasting menus, booked only via reservation, they also offer a delectable a la carte food menu as well as a full cocktail menu at their bar. And those seats are first come, first serve! Awaken your senses and elevate your night with this fine-dining bar experience.

Gilt Bar {230 West Kinzie Street, Chicago; 312.464.9544}

You’ll feel zero guilt with a night out at Gilt Bar; a moody lounge with library vintage decor located in the River North neighborhood. Perfect for a date or girls night, Gilt Bar serves up savory upscale American fare and an extensive cocktail + wine list. And if you’re looking for an especially unique experience, head down to their speakeasy style “Library” filled with velvet booths and vintage art, open from Thurs-Sat with limited walk-in availability! 

via Virtue

Virtue {1462 East 53rd Street, Chicago; 773.947.8831}

If you’re in the mood for top-notch Southern cuisine and cocktails to match, then Virtue’s bar is the place to be. Led by James-Beard award winning Chef Erick WIlliams, Virtue brings authentic Southern flavors to the Hyde Park neighborhood. You can indulge in dishes from their dinner menu as well as a variety of different Happy Hour bites and drinks at their lively bar area, which is reserved to walk-ins and solo diners. 

**Note: Happy Hour runs Tues-Thurs from 4-5:30pm at the bar exclusively**

Pompette {1960 North Damen Avenue, Chicago; 773.799.8072}

Nestled in the heart of Bucktown, Pompette is an all day cafe and wine bar that is open for brunch, dinner and drinks. Sip on a variety of wines, beers and cocktails or dive into deliciously fresh eats at their lively high-top bar. Happy Hour is also offered exclusively at the bar, where you can find amazing discounts on food + drink both on and off the menu. Try the Cheeseburger and you’ll thank us later…

Lonesome Rose {2101 North California Avenue, Chicago; 773.770.3414} 

Head on over to the heart of Logan Square for some tasty Mexican fare in a photo- worthy setting. Lonesome Rose is fun, fresh and is walk-in ONLY in the bar area… no reservation stress here! Their Margaritas are not to be missed and their queso is one of our favorites in the city.

Tanta Ceviche Bar {118 West Grand Avenue, Chicago; 312.222.9700}

Enjoy a taste of Peru in the heart of Chicago when you dine at Tanta; with fish so fresh, you’d swear you were dining on a South American beach. Walk-ins are available at their first floor bar for Happy Hour  from Mon-Fri, with unique offerings like Fried Yucca Balls, Empanadas and Cebiches as well as various Peruvian-inspired drinks. It is the perfect place to end your workday or start your night out in River North!

Kasama (Daytime Only) {1001 North Winchester Avenue, Chicago; 773.697.3790}

Well before being featured in the show “The Bear,” Kasama has been a Ukrainian Village staple and all around Chicago favorite. And boy, do we know why! Their limited but delicious counter style menu features authentic Filipino cuisine in a laid-back cafe setting. While their newly added dinner tasting experience is reservation only, their daytime service from Wed-Sun is walk-in exclusively. We recommend arriving early as the counter service is first come, first served and people LOVE some Kasama….

Galit {2429 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago; 773.360.8755}

Dine on a feast from the Middle East at Galit, a chef-driven restaurant in Lincoln Park offering seasonal sharing menus and creative cocktails. While reservations are recommended, they do offer walk-ins in the dining room as well as at the kitchen counter. Their unique menu approach even offers a 4-course “Choose Your Own Adventure” where you choose and sample different Hummus and Salatin, Mezze and Dessert options. Their family style approach makes this a perfect choice for a group night out with friends!

By Robyn Glaza | Social Coordinator