After the indulgence of the holiday season, January is a time when people tend to cut back and seek out dry bars, mocktails, and other N/A options. Luckily, it’s easier than ever to practice Dry January in Chicago.

The city has many new and popular bars and bottle shops that make it simple and delicious to enjoy N/A options. There are also plenty of mocktail menus, alcohol-free brands, late-night coffee shops, and more ways to support a sober lifestyle without sacrificing your social life.

Whether you’re observing Dry January or dabbling with a sober lifestyle, here’s everything you need to know about zero-proof Chicago. 

Non-alcoholic bars and bottle shops

These new N/A bars and bottle shops are breathing fresh life into the city’s sober social scene, with tons of great drinks plus social events and community gathering space.

Solar Intentions

In Edgewater, Solar Intentions is an astrology-themed bottle shop and hangout exclusively stocks zero-proof options for the sober and sober-curious crowd. The LGBTQ-owned space is known for its welcoming atmosphere and funky drink selection. Check their calendar for artisan markets, movie nights, and more.

In Good Spirits Non-Alcoholic Bottle Shop

In Good Spirits offers an extensive selection of N/A beers, wine, spirits, and more — but it’s so much more than just a bottle shop. The community-minded space is all about connection and inclusivity, which comes to life in popular events like sober supper clubs, book swaps, mocktail workshops, and more.

Prāzbar Non-Alcoholic Wine Bar

Chicago’s first non-alcoholic wine bar and bottle shop, Prazbar is a faith-based space in the West Town neighborhood. Browse their extensive selections of zero-proof wines and champagnes, or join their monthly subscription club. The bar also regularly hosts events like wine tastings, wine and worship meetups, and live R&B performances.

Chicago bars with great mocktails

A bartender makes a delicious brown-colored mocktail at Daisies in Chicago
Daisies Chicago

Chicago is renowned for its cocktail scene, and even non-drinkers can join in the fun. These acclaimed bars offer robust mocktail options, crafted with just as much care as their alcohol-based counterparts.

  • Osito’s Tap: This popular Little Village bar and restaurant shakes up mocktails that incorporate classic Mexican flavors and ingredients. 
  • Daisies: This Italian-inspired, Midwest-made restaurant offers a cocktail menu with “low & no” options, featuring low ABV and unique spirit-free options.
  • Kumiko: Kumiko, a James Beard Award winner of Outstanding Bar, is one of Chicago’s most famous cocktail programs. The Japanese-inspired menu includes a spirit-free cocktail pairing designed to complement the elegant cuisine.
  • Billy Sunday: This lauded cocktail bar in Logan Square offers their elevated take on mocktails, plus fun N/A options like house-fermented sodas. 
  • The Drifter: Shuffle the tarot cards to reveal the nightly cocktail menu at this underground speakeasy, which always includes a non-alcoholic option. 
  • Cantina Rosa: This craft cocktail lounge in Hyde Park serves spirit-free options like a horchata fizz and an N/A margarita. 
  • Three Dots and a Dash: Famous for their over-the-top tiki cocktails, this River North bar now offers a mocktail option that comes in the signature tropical glassware. 
  • Bokeh: In Albany Park, Bokeh is a cozy neighborhood spot that offers fun seasonal mocktails like the Frost Melt with orange spice tea and apple cider.
  • Nobody’s Darling: A James Beard Award finalist for Outstanding Bar, Nobody’s Darling puts as much care into their low- and no-alcohol drinks as their regular cocktails.

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Chicago coffee shops open late

Looking for a social setting beyond the bar scene? Check out these neighborhood coffee shops and cafes that stay open until late into the evening.

  • Eli Tea Bar: In Andersonville, this tea cafe and sober bar serves loose-leaf teas, bubble teas, chai, kombucha, and more. In the evenings, catch open mics, book clubs, craft nights, trivia, and more.
  • Loaves and Witches: Open late on weekends, this sober coffee shop and cafe in Edgewater prides itself on being queer, vegan, and gluten-free friendly. The packed events calendar features knitting clubs, tarot readings, open mics, readings, and more.
  • Kibbitznest Books, Brews & Blarney: In Lincoln Park, this beloved bookstore and coffee shop is the perfect place to kick back on a chill night. The menu does include alcohol, but there are also plenty of N/A mocktails, coffees/teas, and snacks to make it a great zero-proof retreat. 

Non-alcoholic brands based in Chicago

If you want to up your at-home mocktail game, check out these Chicago-based brands offering zero-proof spirits and N/A beers.

  • Ritual Zero Proof: Founded in Chicago, this popular non-alcoholic drink brand offers alternatives to classic spirits, including rum, whiskey, gin, and more. 
  • Visitor Beer: This zero-proof beer brand based out of Chicago is crisp, clean, and lightly hopped. Choose between the lager and extra IPA options, which can be found at stores around Chicago.
  • Years: Sample non-alcoholic pilsners, classic pale ales, and Belgian wit styles from this Chicago-based brewery. Their brews are made with fresh Lake Michigan water and designed to taste just like real beers.