Drinking at the grocery store in Chicago is part of our culture, and Mariano's has a great deal to do with this routine in my life. Mariano's, which first opened its doors in 2010, has grown immensely in the last 9 years. It essentially put Chicago's main grocery store (Dominik's) out of business just 3 years after opening. They did this by creating a community feel in their stores. Mariano's is not just a place to grab groceries -- it is place to listen to music, grab a quality lunch and meet new and old friends. In almost every Mariano's there is a wine bar and several stores have live music weekly.
The Mariano's in Lincoln Park is just 2 blocks away from my office so I am there several times a week. I enjoy being able to grab a freshly cooked meal for lunch or meet friends quickly after work and sit at the bar. The bar has fair prices, but my favorite way to spend time at the bar is to buy a bottle of wine from the wine section of the grocery store, show they bartender my receipt and enjoy my selection while it is held cooling behind the bar.
I had to laugh that as I was preparing for the polar vortex in January 2019 and stopped by Mariano's Lincoln Park to grab bread, the wine bar was standing room only and the temperature was already at -25.
Check out live music Fridays from 4-8 pm.
Find your way with 116 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Pasta Bowl" in Chicago boasts about being a laid-back restaurant with fresh dishes, but if you're not in the mood for a bite, they also act as a cool bar.
by
"Four Moon Tavern" in Chicago may seem simple on the outside, but this neighborhood bar has a lot to offer. Make sure to come here hungry!
by
"Long Room" in Chicago is as the name suggests: a long gathering room. Or rather, a long tavern. I love the wooden bar, the lack of television & the menu!
by
The "Chicago Athletic Association" (CAA) is an elite, hidden, and multifaceted space in the heart of the Loop. The gem of this hotel is the drawing room...
by
Side Street Saloon in Lakeview is the perfect no-frills dive bar with a cozy Italian vibe in back, great pizza, pool, and a quirky neighborhood charm.
by
KOVAL Distillery doesn't only produce delicious craft spirits, they're also a city landmark — the first fully operational distillery in Chicago in years.
by
Wormhole in Wicker Park, Chicago is my favorite coffee shop in the city. When you walk in, it feels like you have stepped back in time to the '80s...
by
"Dearborn Denim" in Chicago has real, American-made denim jeans. They even lack the hems so you can have final stitches done on-site and custom for you!
by
"Chicago Magic Lounge" is in a large theater, but here they also do magic right at the bar! I recommend staying for several sets: you too will be stumped!
by
"Bar Roma" in Chicago is my favorite Italian restaurant in the area hands down! This is kind of a big deal, since Italian isn't even my favorite cuisine...
by
"Lickity Split" in Chicago is my idea of perfect. If your favorite dessert is ice cream, as it is mine, you absolutely have to come get a 'concrete'...
by
116 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 116 Insider Tips