By rssfeeds-admin 
Whether you’re looking for live music, cheap drinks, or a slice of history, this list has something for every kind of barfly. Here are 25 iconic bars wortch checking out.
Chicago legends
1. Billy Goat Tavern
430 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago (Since 1964; original location was on Madison Street)
The Billy Goat is known for inspiring the inconic “cheeseburger, cheeseburger, cheeseburger!” chant made famous by “Saturday Night Live” in sketches about fictional restaurant the Olympia Cafe. The sketches aired in 1978 and 1979 and starred Jim Belushi, Aykroyd and Bill Murray as Greek restaurant workers with heavy accents who prounced cheeseburger, “cheeburger” and “cheezburgy.” Chicago natives who knew the Billy Goat Tavern well, Belusih and Murray also made famous the retort to anyone who ordered a Coca-Cola: “No Coke! Petsi!”
2. The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge
4802 N. Broadway, Chicago
Historic jazz bar with Prohibition-era roots.
3. Kingston Mines
2548 N. Halsted St., Chicago
Legendary blues club with nightly live music.
4. Delilah’s
2771 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Dive bar with over 800 whiskeys and punk rock vibes.
5. Smart Bar
3730 N. Clark St., Chicago
Underground dance club beneath the Metro.
Rockford’s musical heart
6. Mary’s Place
602 N. Madison St., Rockford
Rockford’s oldest bar and a popular live music venue. Local, regional and national acts have graced the stage over the years.
Urbana-Champaign favorites (University of Illinois)
7. Murphy’s Pub
604 E. Green St., Champaign
A UIUC institution since 1969, known for Irish Nachos and a laid-back vibe.
8. Joe’s Brewery
706 S. 5th St., Champaign
College bar with a massive beer garden and dance floor.
9. KAMS
102 E. Green St., Champaign
“Home of the Drinking Illini” with a wild party vibe.
10. Seven Saints
32 E. Chester St., Champaign
Stylish tavern with craft beer, sliders, and whiskey flights.
11. Black Dog Smoke & Ale House
201 N. Broadway Ave., Urbana
BBQ and craft beer in a restored train depot.
Normal hotspots (Illinois State University)
12. Pub II
102 N. Linden St., Normal
Classic college bar known for its cheeseballs and lively crowd.
13. The Rock Restaurant & Bar
203 W. North St., Normal
Mediterranean-American fusion with karaoke and trivia nights.
14. Fat Jack’s
511 N. Main St., Bloomington
Craft beer bar with three bars and a weekend dance club vibe.
Carbondale classics (Southern Illinois University)
15. PK’s
308 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale
Historic dive bar with live music and smashburgers.
16. Hangar 9
511 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale
A rebuilt airplane hangar turned nightlife hub, featuring craft beer, concerts, karaoke, and a rooftop patio.
17. Tres Hombres
119 N. Washington St., Carbondale
Southwestern-themed bar with Mexican eats, margaritas, and live music. Founded in 1982 by SIU alumni.
DeKalb favorites (Northern Illinois University)
18. The Annex (Lord Stanley’s)
142 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb
A staple in downtown DeKalb offering pizza, pitchers, and a wide selection of craft beers in a laid-back sports bar setting.
19. Fatty’s Pub and Grille
1312 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb
Known for Cajun fried potato salad, burgers, and over 100 beers. Features live music, trivia, and outdoor seating.
Macomb’s place to be (Western Illinois University)
20. The Ritz
215 N. Randolph St., Macomb
Late-night hotspot with drink specials, live bands, and a club upstairs. A favorite for karaoke and weekend parties.
Rural & roadside favorites
21. Mulligan’s Valley Pub
310 W. 1st Ave., Coal Valley
A lively neighborhood bar with craft beer, mixed drinks, and free peanuts and popcorn. Known for its party room, sand volleyball league, and welcoming vibe. You can even order food from nearby restaurants and have it delivered to your table.
22. 17th Street BBQ
32 N. 17th St., Murphysboro
A Southern Illinois legend, this spot has earned national acclaim for its ribs and burgers. “The Original” burger has been served here for over 100 years. Don’t miss the fried dill pickles and pork rinds.
23. The Moonshine Store
6017 E. 300th Rd.
Located in a town with a population of 2, this century-old general store serves one of the most famous burgers in Illinois. The “Moonburger” draws hundreds daily, but they only serve until noon—when they’re out, they’re out.
24. Wittmond Hotel Restaurant
101 Main St., Brussels
Family-owned since 1847, this historic hotel and tavern serves all-you-can-eat family-style meals. Known for fried chicken, roast beef, and homemade sausage in a charming Victorian setting.
25. The Ariston Café
413 Old Route 66 N., Litchfield
A Route 66 landmark since 1924, this Greek-American cafe is beloved for its vintage charm and hearty meals. Locals rave about the Greek salad dressing and classic diner fare.
What are some of your favorite Illinois watering holes?
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