Nisei Lounge and L&L Tavern (TIE)
The Cubs are winning, everything is condos and the bars of yesteryear are either turning into faux-Irish holes or being bulldozed for analytics-guy office space. Yet darken the door of Nisei (preferably during the day or an away-game) or L&L (where you’re constantly thinking that you’re about to be set upon by vampires to begin whatever movie you’re in) and you can enjoy a deep whiff of Lakeview’s older, shadier past. This Malört’s for you!
Nisei Lounge, 3439 N. Sheffield, 773.525.0557, niseiloungechicago.com
L&L Tavern, 3207 N. Clark, 773.528.1303
Best of Chicago 2016