Close Icon
Gear IconImportant Reminder:The Foursquare City Guide app officially sunset on December 15, 2024, with the web version following in early 2025. However, your check-in journey doesn’t end here! Join us on Swarm, where new adventures await.
Learn more

Planning a trip to Chicago?

Foursquare can help you find the best places to go to.

Delilah's

Delilah's

Whisky Bar and Dive Bar$$$$
North Side, Chicago
Save
Share
8.9/10
405
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    Has a stamp of approval from Eater and Time Out Chicago
    • Eater
    • Time Out Chicago
  • Tips
    @KayeNW
    "owner is a Bills fan..."(8 Tips)
    Mazda
    "Delilah’s is one of “the great whisky bars of the world.”"(4 Tips)
    Deanna
    "My favorite bar in Chicago."(3 Tips)
    Christian T.
    "Might be the best whiskey and bourbon selection in the city"(12 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon107 Tips and reviews
Filter:
  • whiskey
  • bills
  • delilah
  • casual
  • authentic
User icon
Log in to leave a tip here.

Sort:
  • Popular
  • Recent
  • Samantha R.
    Samantha RangelFebruary 26, 2015
    Last call announcement is good and entertaining. Cheap specials. This place will make u a fan of whiskey even if ur dead set against it. Snag a matchbook & be the coolest fire source on the block.
  • Jamie W.heart icon on user image
    Jamie WigginsNovember 29, 2015
    I absolutely love this place!! I am a lover of bourbon and Manhattans (made with rye). The bartenders here know there stuff and give awesome recommendations. Great chill spot for great whiskey!
  • Mikeheart icon on user image
    MikeOctober 5, 2015
    $3 shots of Makers and $3 Labatt's on Friday nights. Don't be afraid of this punk dive bar - it also serves top notch whiskey and drinks. The second floor can get a little rowdy at times.
  • Eater
    EaterOctober 26, 2016
    Team: Buffalo Bills. No Bears fans wanted to be inside this Bills backers bar during that week one Bills win. Delilah’s offers Sunday fans $3 Labatt Blue Blue Light or Genessee Cream Ale pints. Read more
  • Trevor S.heart icon on user image
    Trevor SmytheSeptember 14, 2015
    Been here 10+ times
    Whiskey. All the whiskey you could want. The bartenders are great and know their stuff. Always solid daily specials too.
  • Shannon J.heart icon on user image
    Shannon JeropkeJune 6, 2017
    Winner of Best Chicago Mainstay, and runner up for Bar of the Year presented by Hendrick's Gin at the 2017 Time Out Chicago Bar Awards.
  • William —.
    William —April 5, 2013
    I've loved this place a long time DESPITE ITS BEING FULL OF WHITE PEOPLE. This and the Duke of Perth are responsible for my adulthood - long love affair with whiskey.
  • Zach S.heart icon on user image
    Zach SmithMarch 29, 2016
    Whiskey specials every night of the week. Upstairs bar with a pool table. One of the best dives in the city.
  • Serious Eats
    Serious EatsMarch 31, 2014
    With $3 daily specials ($4 for mixed drinks), you simply can't find a more affordable place to throw back shots of Maker's or Jim Beam before a night on the town.
  • Bob D.heart icon on user image
    Bob DeGraffJanuary 21, 2018
    Excellent and strong old fashions. Good beer list. Careful though. Keep an eye on those prices before you order. There is a wide range. Great service.
  • Joseph B.heart icon on user image
    Joseph B.March 16, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    As crowded as Delilah's gets, it never feels TOO crowded. Good service upstairs and downstairs (which opens later in the night). Good specials, even on weekends.
  • Jake S.heart icon on user image
    Jake SmithJune 1, 2013
    Drink some Maker's Mark; rumor has it the neon sign out front was custom made by Maker's and given to the bar because they sold such a high volume of the Bourbon brand.
  • Damon S.heart icon on user image
    Dive whiskey spot with a massive list. A bit pricey ($15/drink) for the house whiskey
  • iSapien 1.heart icon on user image
    iSapien 1956672June 22, 2021
    Been here 10+ times
    Nice quaint bar that is nice, been coming for 21 years and not much changed except the neighborhood.
  • @KayeNW
    @KayeNWOctober 15, 2011
    The owner is a Bills fan... Enjoy amazing whiskey and upstate NY hospitality during a game. If you sleep past the game, there is much to celebrate with whiskey and great beer!
  • Redeye Chicago
    Redeye ChicagoAugust 3, 2014
    Punk bar Delilah's: browse the seasonally focused tap list—and don't be surprised if you get distracted by the whiskey list, too. Read more
  • Christian T.heart icon on user image
    Christian TrappMarch 18, 2016
    Might be the best whiskey and bourbon selection in the city
  • Marissa H.heart icon on user image
    Marissa HarrisonOctober 3, 2015
    Great atmosphere, everyone's welcome. And love the music variety! Also good Oktoberfest beer choices.
  • Time Out Chicago
    Time Out ChicagoOctober 31, 2011
    One of the city’s best spots for rock & roll doesn’t even have a stage. Instead, this Lincoln Park favorite has one of the best jukeboxes in town for the main room. Read more
  • Ellen S.heart icon on user image
    Ellen S. P.November 23, 2017
    Try the anniversary single malt rye. Its delicious!
  • Steve P.
    Steve PolandNovember 3, 2013
    Hungry? 1 min around corner is Los 3 Panchos and it's delicious. Get the chorizo tacos then bring them back here.
  • Steve ‘Pudgy’ D.heart icon on user image
    Steve ‘Pudgy’ De RoseAugust 29, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    An eccentric and spectacular craftbeer (and rye whisky) bar. It can get crowded. If it occurs, the bar on the 2nd floor is a safety valve from the crush.
  • Colin C.
    Colin CMarch 19, 2010
    Best whiskey bar in Chicago, interesting mix of ppl and an incredible selection of booze. I'm not usually a bourbon drinker, but the Delilah's 13 (yes they bottle their own bourbon) is incredible!!!
  • The Daily Meal
    The Daily MealJune 23, 2011
    The specialty here is bourbon, and shots are the form of choice. Between the painted black walls, black leather furnishing, and hard rock tunes, the vibe is sure to set the mood. Read more
  • Simon & Schuster
    Simon & SchusterJanuary 3, 2011
    Steve Seabury, author of Mosh Potatoes heavy metal cookbook, says: Every Metal Head loves whisky, and this place has more than their fair share. 350 plus bottles from 11 different countries. Read more
  • Chris S.heart icon on user image
    Chris ShackletonJune 23
    Been here 25+ times
    Best whiskey selection of any bar in North America. No joke, just facts.
  • Diego R.
    Diego RufoMarch 29, 2011
    A constant stream of good, ‘70s and ‘80s punk music. on Mondays there’s $1 American Beer. If you’re lucky enough to find a seat, it’s a pretty fun time, Read more
  • Steve ‘Pudgy’ D.heart icon on user image
    Steve ‘Pudgy’ De RoseSeptember 20, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    The buck beer on Monday is now Olympia - which is an improvement over the former offer (now-defunct American [brand] beer from Iron City Brwg.).
  • Time Out Chicago
    Time Out ChicagoJune 4, 2012
    Great, eclectic DJ lineup, better whiskey selection.
  • D B.
    D BAugust 19, 2013
    Great whiskey bar with great specials and an awesome crowd!! Oh and great bartenders!!
  • Stephheart icon on user image
    StephMarch 2, 2022
    Been here 10+ times
    Best whiskey selection in the city by far
  • Tana B.heart icon on user image
    Tana BabcockNovember 27, 2018
    Ideal dive with the best whiskey selection in town!
  • Deannaheart icon on user image
    DeannaOctober 9, 2011
    Been here 25+ times
    My favorite bar in Chicago. Awesome bartenders. Generally good music and lots of booze to choose from!
  • David B.heart icon on user image
    David BermanJanuary 1, 2015
    Whiskey selection is fantastic, and the vibe is extra homey
  • Sei Jin L.
    Sei Jin LeeJanuary 9, 2010
    Been here 25+ times
    The various beer tastings through the year are great ways to try several new beers without breaking the bank. Usually $20. PLEASE TIP THE BARTENDERS IN CASH. Drink tickets don't pay the bills.
  • Eric W.heart icon on user image
    Eric WeisOctober 13, 2013
    Mile O'connel is a chump !!! Jk great effen bartender and best lead man in Punk !
  • Adam S.
    Adam SegerSeptember 9, 2011
    By Brad: 3 parts Few White Whiskey, 1 part Hum, 3 dashes Orange bitters, dash tabasco, twist. Delish Manhattan Fuego!
  • Andrew W.
    Andrew WhiteJanuary 2, 2015
    Great little bar with a nice alcohol selection
  • @MisterHirsch
    @MisterHirschOctober 15, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    A classic Chicago dive bar. Great spot with plenty of whiskies and beer.
  • Natarajan C.heart icon on user image
    Natarajan ChakrapaniFebruary 5, 2017
    Huge Whiskey and bourbon selection
  • Indra V.heart icon on user image
    Indra VegasNovember 13, 2013
    If you are lucky enough to get seat at the Bar please don't move
  • zfelsheart icon on user image
    zfelsMay 22, 2015
    Wish this were my neighborhood bar. Great vibe.
  • Adam S.
    Adam SegerSeptember 9, 2011
    Jaegger is for kids. Try a chilled shot of locally-made 70 Proof hum, The World's Most Unique Rum.
  • Pete B.
    Pete BApril 7, 2013
    If you like tequila and love whiskey, try the High West Silver
  • Eryn G.heart icon on user image
    Eryn GOctober 14, 2013
    Personable staff, amazing atmosphere, and a great time!
  • PLATZ
    PLATZNovember 25, 2011
    Been here 100+ times
    When you're at Delilahs, you're treated like family. The best juke box in the world, too!
  • Ricky S.heart icon on user image
    Ricky SherrillMay 7, 2015
    A nice spot for drinks in Lincoln Park.
  • Nora B.heart icon on user image
    Nora BensonNovember 29, 2015
    Cheap drinks and great whiskey specials
  • Ninah R.heart icon on user image
    Ninah RandolphJune 23, 2015
    Great bar. Good selection of liquors.
  • Shannon J.heart icon on user image
    Shannon JeropkeFebruary 1, 2013
    Order the Parker's Heritage Collection Ten-year-old wheated bourbon.
Photos412 Photos