Top Locations for Chicago Bachelor Parties

With a population of close to 3 million, Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States and features 77 neighborhoods covering over 234 square miles. That means there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained during a bachelor party, but it also means you have to be strategic about where you spend your time. These are the top spots to check out. 

Best Daytime Spots

Located near Chicago’s North Side neighborhood, Navy Pier features arcade games, amusement park rides, and plenty of spots to grab a bite. Make sure to ride the Centennial Wheel, a nearly 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel offering unobstructed views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. 

Speaking of Lake Michigan, you can’t leave Chicago without spending time on the world’s fifth-largest lake. Rent a cycle boat from the Chicago Electric Boat Company or take a ride with the Chicago Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Tour. The Chicago River also offers boating options thanks to businesses like Urban Kayaks, a rental company easily accessible from the Chicago Riverwalk. 

For something a bit more cultured, head to Michigan Avenue. This 12.5-mile North-South thoroughfare is home to the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the ever-popular Magnificent Mile. 

Best Nighttime Spots 

Chicago’s nightlife varies a lot from neighborhood to neighborhood. Here are some recommendations to help you find the type of party you’re after. 

• Wrigleyville: Located near Wrigley Field, this neighborhood teems with bars and drunk 20-somethings. Popular spots include HVAC Pub, The Gman Tavern, and Trace.
• River North – This downtown neighborhood is known for its high-end restaurants, bars, and clubs. Check out The Untitled Supper Club, The Green Door Tavern, El Hefe, or Three Dots and a Dash.
  
• Wicker Park – This hip, diverse neighborhood is known for its trendy restaurants, cozy cocktail bars, and live music scene. Head to Empty Bottle or Subterranean for live music, The Violet Hour for craft cocktails, and Emporium Arcade Bar for some old-fashioned fun.
• West Loop – Another area known for its restaurants, bars, and clubs, it’s also home to the United Center (aka the home of the Chicago Bulls). On Tour Brewing Company, one of Chicago’s leading craft breweries, is located in West Loop, as is Lazy Bird, an imaginative cocktail bar. 

Chicago Bachelor Party Ideas

Still not sure a Chicago bachelor party is right for your crew? Here are a few bachelor party ideas, based on interests.

For Beach Bums 

Chicago may not have a reputation as a beach town, but the Windy City boasts 24 white sand beaches spanning 28 miles, including favorites such as:

• North Avenue Beach – One of the city’s most iconic beaches, North Avenue is known for its ship-shaped beach house, lively atmosphere, and water sports. Be sure to grab a few drinks from Shore Club, one of Chicago’s best beach bars, while you’re there (open during spring and summer seasons only).
• Oak Street Beach – A popular sunbather spot, Oak Street Beach offers a beachside cafe, volleyball courts, and incredible views.
• South Shore Beach – This beach features a nature sanctuary, sand dunes, a nine-hole golf course, and tennis courts. 

For Sports Fans 

Chicago is home to seven professional sports teams, so you’ll have no trouble catching a game, no matter when you visit. 

In the summertime, watch the Cubs at Wrigley Field or the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field (locals call it “Sox Park” or by it’s first name, “Comiskey Park”). During basketball season, head to the United Center to watch the Bulls. The United Center is also home to the Blackhawks, Chicago’s hockey team. Meanwhile, football fans can watch the Bears play at Soldier Field. 

If the groom-to-be is more of a player than a spectator, there are plenty of golf courses in and around the city. We recommend the Sydney Marovitz Golf Course for its stunning lakefront views. Harborside International is another excellent option and isn’t far from downtown Chicago. 

For Goof Balls

Chicago’s comedy scene launched the careers of famed comedians like Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and Stephen Colbert. Be sure to catch a show at one of their old haunts, such as The Second City or The Laugh Factory. 

For something more hands-on, challenge the bachelor to a ping pong match at AceBounce or SPIN Chicago. Or, head over to Whirlyball, a sports bar famous for its bumper-car-lacrosse-basketball game of the same name. 

For the Partiers 

From craft brewery tours and bar hopping to clubs and bottle service, there’s no end to the party in Chicago. 

• Beer tours – Local breweries like Hopewell and Goose Island offer tours of their facilities. To maximize your time, book Chicago Beer Experience’s Sins & Suds Tour. During the tour, you sample four local beers while learning about Al Capone and Prohibition-era Chicago. 

• Bar hopping – In addition to Wicker Park and Wrigleyville, Chicago’s Logan Square, Old Town, and Andersonville neighborhoods offer plenty of bars for easy hopping. 
  

• Bottle service – Let the world know you’re celebrating by springing for bottle service at some of the city’s hottest clubs. We recommend Esco Bar, Green Street Local, and The Promontory. 

Top Chicago Restaurants

No matter your itinerary, you gotta eat. In addition to its many attractions, Chi-town is home to some incredible restaurants, including 23 Michelin-starred restaurants. Here are some top joints to check out.  

• Au Cheval – This unassuming diner-style bar and restaurant serves some of the city’s best burgers.
• Pequod’s Pizza – Try some of Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza at this local institution.
• Gene & Georgetti – This old-school steakhouse with a long and colorful history has been around since 1941.
• The Vienna Beef Factory Store – Sometimes, all you need is a few hot dogs to cure your hangover. These come fully loaded with mustard, onions, relish, and pickles.
• Al’s Italian Beef – This Chicago institution is famous for serving sloppy Italian beef sandwiches.
• Longman & Eagle – This trendy spot offers everything from burgers and wild boar sloppy joes, to dry-aged strip steak and Cornish hen pot pie.
• Batter & Berries – This beloved brunch spot in Lincoln Park is famous for its over-the-top French toast creations. 

Bachelor Party Hotels

Wondering where to stay? We recommend…

• Acme Hotel – This top-rated hotel is in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. It features a cocktail lounge, fitness center, and bakery. Rooms come equipped with Amazon Echo devices and 46-inch LED TVs. Some even include an in-room guitar.
• Chicago Athletic Association – This boutique hotel operated by Hyatt features a rooftop lounge, game room, and indoor golf simulator.
• Longman & Eagle – In addition to its top-notch restaurant, Longman & Eagle features six, inn-style rooms upstairs.
• Virgin Hotels Chicago – This well-appointed hotel has five restaurants and a nightclub. 

Chicago Bachelor Party FAQs

Who Foots the Bill for a Chicago Bachelor Party?

Traditionally, the groom doesn’t have to open his wallet for the bachelor party. The cost is usually covered by the attendees, except in special cases where the groom specifically requests a high-cost activity or destination.

Can We Combine the Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties?

Absolutely. The trend of hosting a “Jack and Jill” party that celebrates both the bride and the groom is gaining traction. Make it clear in your invites if this is the path you’re taking, so there are no surprises.

Who Makes the Guest List?

The guest list usually comprises close friends, family members, and crucially, everyone in the groom’s party.

What’s the Usual Group Size?

Expect around 5-8 attendees at an average Chicago bachelor party. However, the actual number may vary based on the size of the wedding party and who can afford to attend.

Are There Any Local Laws We Should Be Aware Of?

Always best to stay on the right side of the law. Note that public drinking and open containers are generally prohibited in Chicago. Make sure to research any specific local ordinances that might affect your plans.

The Groom Club is Your Bachelor Party Headquarters

While we believe a bachelor party in Chicago is ideal for just about any groom-to-be, we understand it might not be for everyone. Check out all of our bachelor party articles for more, best bachelor party ideas, destination guides, planning tips, and budgeting advice — plus more advice for the wedding, whether your groom is eloping or still setting the budget.