Best Dive Bars in Chicago's Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is known for the upscale, sleek, lounge bars, but what about the bars for all us regular folks? You know the bars where you can show up in your hoodie, ripped jeans, and the sneakers you refuse to throw away type of joint.

I did a little research and talked to some people, and put together a list of the 5 best five bars the Gold Coast has to offer. In no particular order here is what I came up with.

• Billy Goat Tavern, located under the streets of Chicago's Magnificent Mile, this dive is famous for all sorts of reasons. Whether it be the famous Saturday Night Live sketch, "Cheezboger, Cheezboger, Cheezboger!" Or if it reminds you of the famous curse of the billy goat that haunts the Chicago Cubs to this day. This bar has been a staple for famous bars in Chicago, and it's ambiance is never anything to get worked up about. You can feel comfortable no matter what you're wearing at this place, it's open late, filled with regulars, and the definition of what a dive bar should be.
  

• Mother's- Even though it's located on the very touristy side of the Gold Coast most locals would agree it's one of the better dive bars on Division St. It has become the standard which all other bars on Division St. are judged. It was one of Chicago's fist self proclaimed "singles bar" and since then has lead to many, many, many late night hook ups. It's where the businessmen and women go after a tough day to enjoy a beer and the game. It always has great specials, and is the type of place you'll always feel welcome.
• Zebra Lounge- Some may not consider this place exactly a dive bar, but the Zebra Lounge would never deny a person just because they weren't dressed to standard. It's one of the smallest bars in the city, but being small doesn't lack for taste. This cozy joint never disappoints if you're there just for a drink, or to sing along with one of their amazing lounge pianist you're guaranteed to have an amazing time.

• Underground Wonder Bar- This dive is one of the only live music venues the Gold Coast has to offer. It's another staple in the Chicago bar scenes, and only the locals know about. Which makes it an ideal place for Gold Coast residents, they can go out and not be hassled by all the tourists that swarm the Gold Coast every weekend. With popular bands always stopping by and drink specials to match this place is a must. It's got everything anyone would ever want in a bar, good music, and good booze.

So you see...there are some bars located in the Gold Coast that are there for just us regular folk. Where the fancy martinis are just a Pabst Blue Ribbon and a shot of Jameson. Cheers!