Chicago's Top BYOB Restaurants: Best Spots to Bring Your Own Booze
Chicago’s eclectic neighborhoods are packed with pilgrimage-worthy restaurants and cafes — and tons of them are BYOB. You can bring your own booze to all sorts of Chicago spots, from hole-in-the-wall taco joints to Argentinian steakhouses. So grab your favorite bottle of red or a six-pack of local beer, and head to one of these top BYOB spots.
Tango Sur
Local favorite Tango Sur, a steakhouse and Latin American restaurant, is big on portions and small on price. The semi-upscale spot is the ultimate date night destination, with cozy candlelight and a lively atmosphere. Try with the traditional parrilla — a huge helping of grilled meats, plus a salad and potatoes. Bonus: the BYOB spot doesn’t charge a corkage fee, so grab a bottle on your way over. 3763 N. Southport Ave., Lakeview
Pizza Art Café
A former coffee house, Pizza Art Café added a wood-fired brick oven and now serves pizza, salads, and even roasted octopus. The rustic, loft-like setting features funky local art on the walls and a few cozy booths in the back. Bring something to drink (a Chianti maybe?) to enjoy with your perfectly charred pizza. 4658 N. Rockwell St., Lincoln Square
Batter & Berries
BYOB brunch?! Sign up us. Batter & Berries serves up from-scratch sweet and savory specials that draw a crowd from all over the city. Try their french toast flight, paired with a bottle of champagne from home. They’ll provide the orange juice for DIY mimosas. 2748 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincoln Park
Han 202
Han 202 is known for their outstanding (and affordable) four-course prix-fixe menu. The hard decision: choosing from their tempting array of Asian-fusion dishes, like Szechuan beef wontons, Mapo tofu, Mongolian beef, and more. The easy decision: bringing our own booze, since there’s no corkage fee. 605 W. 31st St., Bridgeport
Smoque BBQ
Barbecue and beer are a no brainer, especially when it’s bring your own beer. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood off the beaten path, Smoque BBQ is all about smoked meats. The mouth-watering menu includes pulled pork, brisket, Texas sausage, chicken, and ribs — all served with slaw and two sides. 3800 N. Pulaski Rd., Irving Park
Coast Sushi
If you’re craving sushi, then head to Coast Sushi for the freshest fish and creative rolls. Opt for delicate nigiri and sashimi or try one of the signature maki (like the Smokin Pumpkin, made with Japanese pumpkin tempura), plus the booze of your choosing at this perennially busy favorite. 2045 N. Damen Ave. in Bucktown and 1700 S. Michigan Ave. in South Loop
90 Miles Cuban Cafe
This slice of Havana brings a taste of Cuba to Chicago. Soak in the colorful surrounding, chow down on ropa vieja and Cubanos, and sip from a chilled carafe of sangria. Tip: if you bring the wine, they’ll mix your sangria, complete with fresh fruit. 2540 W. Armitage Ave. in Logan Square and 3101 N. Clybourn Ave. in Roscoe Village
