Top Chicago Bars for Holiday Decor and Cocktails

If you are looking to toast a cup of glögg with friends and family this holiday season. or simply enjoy holiday decorations, check out these bars in Chicago known for their holiday decor and festive cocktails.  

And don’t forget that before or after enjoying a holiday drink, you can check out some of Chicago’s best Christmas events, including the Christkindlmarket, which runs through this Friday, December 24, and the Lincoln Park Zoo’s ZooLights that stay bright through January 2, 2011.

Butch McGuire’s (20 W. Division Street; map) – One of Chicago’s best holiday decorated bars, Butch McGuire’s has a double-decker model train that runs throughout the bar, Christmas trees, handmade decorations and thousands of lights.

Marie’s Riptide Lounge (1750 W. Armitage Avenue) – Marie’s Riptide Lounge’s festive décor includes a snow-covered bar and loads of red and green throughout, as well as Jägermeister shots served for merriment.

Miller’s Pub (134 S. Wabash Avenue) – Decorated with thousands of lights and festive wreaths, Miller’s Pub has a signature holiday cocktail called the “Tom and& Jerry” made from Myers’ dark rum, egg nog and brandy served hot. ($9)

Atwood Cafe (1 Washington Street; map) – Known for its Keoki Coffee made with Kahula, brandy, coffee and whipped cream. ($12)

Rebar (401 N. Wabash) – Has a must-try Winter Magic Punch that serves at least eight people and is made with mulled wine, brandy, cinnamon sticks, cloves, oranges and cognac-marinated cherries served in a silver bowl. (Bowl $185; Glass $18)

Eno at the Intercontinental (505 N. Michigan Avenue) – Usually known for its wine, chocolate and cheese pairings, Eno branches out with a popular winter drink that is more of a dessert than a cocktail: the Hot Jaffa Cake made with Dom Benedictine, Cointreau, Godiva chocolate liqueur and chocolate sauce. ($10)

Potter’s Lounge at the Palmer House Hilton (17 E. Monroe Street) – Potter’s makes a delicious hot spiced wine (just like a Nordic glögg ) with cinnamon, honey, nutmeg, vanilla bean, lemon zest, orange and star anise. ($12)

Simon’s Tavern (5210 N. Clark Street) – Located in Chicago’s Swedish neighborhood Andersonville, Simon’s serves traditional glögg made from hot port wine blended with raisins, aquavit (Swedish vodka) and other spices. ($6)

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