Updated at: 10-06-2023 - By: John Lau

Chicago, the Windy City, is known for its eclectic music scene and vibrant nightlife. But did you know that it also boasts some of the finest country bars in the country? From honkytonks with lively line dancing to cozy saloons serving up mouthwatering BBQ joints, Chicago has got you covered when it comes to Western-themed entertainment.

In this blog post, we’ll highlight 10 of the best country bars in Chicago that offer everything from boot scootin’ twostep dancing to live performances by your favorite country artists.

Top 10 Best Country Bars In Chicago

Bub City

Bub City

If y’all are looking for a honkytonk hotspot in the Windy City, Bub City should be at the top of your list. As one of the best country bars in Chicago, this joint combines BBQ restaurants, whiskey bars, and live music venues to create an unforgettable night out.

What sets Bub City apart from other Chicago bar scene options is its dedication to providing everything a country music lover could want under one roof – from late-night dining to weekend brunch spots full of comfort food favorites like biscuits and gravy.

Located in Rosemont’s thriving nightlife district, it’s no wonder that both locals and tourists alike flock here for their fix of twang-tastic tunes and down-home vibes.

The Redhead Piano Bar

As a long-time fan of country bars in Chicago, I can confidently say that The Redhead Piano Bar definitely deserves its spot among the  best country-themed bars in our city.

What sets The Redhead Piano Bar apart from other Chicagoland bars is its dedication to live piano music combined with high-quality drinks served at reasonable prices. This classic piano bar has been around for years, earning rave reviews from customers praising it as one of the well-reviewed Chicago bars.

Carol’s Pub

As a country music lover in Chicago, one of the best bars to hit up is Carol’s Pub. Located in the vibrant Uptown neighborhood, this honky-tonk dive bar has been serving patrons since 1972 and remains one of the premier entertainment venues for live performances and dancing.

From their mouthwatering BBQ offerings to the fantastic lineup of live country music acts, you’ll find yourself immersed in an authentic honky-tonk experience at Carol’s Pub.

Even if you’re not typically drawn to alcoholism or heavy drinking scenes, there’s no denying that this renowned establishment deserves its spot on numerous lists like “Best Country Bars & Venues for Dancing in Chicago!”.

Old Crow Smokehouse

Old Crow Smokehouse

I personally recommend trying out Old Crow Smokehouse, one of the newest additions to Chicago’s Wrigleyville strip. This BBQ-inspired restaurant has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists alike, as it has been listed among the best country bars in Chicago.

The venue offers live country music performances that are sure to get your feet tapping and heart racing while you indulge in tasty whiskey cocktails and Southern hospitality.

Old Crow Smokehouse has an extensive menu filled with delicious BBQ cuisine like ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, burgers and briskets! Additionally, this restaurant is known for its western-themed ambiance that perfectly captures the feel of honkytonk bars.

Joe’s Bar

As someone who loves country music, I highly recommend checking out Joe’s Bar in Chicago. This iconic spot has been around for 25 years and is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of country bars.

What sets Joe’s Bar apart from other country bars in Chicago is its focus on private event spaces. It’s no surprise that many people choose this venue as the perfect location for their special events like birthdays, weddings, and corporate parties.

Overall, if you’re looking for an unforgettable night out filled with dancing on the nightclub-worthy dance floors under Westernthemed decor at one of the best country bars in Chicago according to numerous sources throughout the years including June 2023 just come down to Joe’s Bar – one of my favorites!

The Rambler Kitchen + Tap

The Rambler Kitchen + Tap

As someone in recovery from alcoholism, I know how hard it can be to find a fun and safe place to socialize with friends. That’s why I highly recommend The Rambler Kitchen + Tap as one of the Best Country Bars in Chicago.

What sets this bar apart is its interactive games like betting squares that add even more excitement to your night out. And if you’re looking for some old-fashioned bar games, they’ve got those too! As someone who loves country bars, I appreciate their commitment to giving customers a true rambling experience – something reflected by their Facebook page with over 14k followers.

The Country Club

As someone in recovery from alcoholism, finding a country bar that offers fun and entertainment without heavy drinking can be challenging. This is where “The Country Club” comes in, listed as one of the  best country bars in Chicago.

The atmosphere at “The Country Club” is laid back but lively, with live country music performances to keep patrons dancing all night long. They offer a variety of Southern-style cocktails and beer options for those who do drink but also have non-alcoholic drink options available.

Saddle Up Saloon & Dancehall

Saddle Up Saloon & Dancehall

As someone who has struggled with alcoholism, finding a place to let loose and have fun without the temptation of overindulging can be challenging. That’s why I love Saddle Up Saloon & Dancehall, one of the best country bars in Chicago.

Located in Fox Valley, Saddle Up offers free dance lessons to some of the hottest country music tunes around, making it easy to get moving and forget about your troubles.

The party atmosphere is contagious as patrons line dance together and enjoy acoustic music performances throughout the week. But what really sets this bar apart is its commitment to ensuring everyone has a good time without overdrinking; they offer DJ entertainment for those who prefer not to drink alcohol and serve delicious food alongside their full-service bar – creating a one-stop-shop for all your night-out needs.

Windy City Smokeout

One of the most anticipated events for country music fans and alcohol enthusiasts in Chicago is the annual Windy City Smokeout festival. This event, hosted by Bub City and Joe’s Bar, brings together the biggest names in country music with mouth-watering Southern cuisine and plenty of booze to go around.

Guests can look forward to live performances from top artists such as Jake Owen, Miranda Lambert, and Brad Paisley while enjoying some delicious BBQ ribs or fried chicken.

The festival also offers a variety of fun activities like mechanical bull riding and line dancing lessons so attendees can fully immerse themselves in this honkytonk experience.

For those looking to continue the party after the festival ends, many of the  best country bars in Chicago are associated with Windy City Smokeout.

From Carol’s Pub to Saddle Up Saloon & Dancehall, these bars offer a lively atmosphere where patrons can enjoy great drinks while listening to their favorite country tunes.

Tack Room

Tack Room

If you’re a fan of honky-tonk and western-themed bars, then the Tack Room should be on your must-visit list. Located in Chicago’s Little Italy neighborhood, this bar is a popular destination for line dancing enthusiasts looking to show off their twostep skills.

One unique feature that sets the Tack Room apart from other country bars in Chicago is its mechanical bull. If cowboy boots and rodeo-style entertainment are your thing, then you’ll love taking a ride on the bull while surrounded by fellow country music lovers.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a honkytonk experienceline dancing, live music venues, or just some good old southern-style cooking and drinks, these top-rated spots have it all.

So grab your cowboy boots and hat, put on your best western wear, and head out to one (or all) of these amazing country-themed bars for a night you won’t forget. Don’t forget to check out the mechanical bull riding, square dancing or even catch a country music concert at these amazing spots.