By Lori Johanneson Team
Downtown Naperville's bar scene punches well above its weight for a suburban city. Within a few walkable blocks along the Riverwalk and Chicago Avenue, you'll find everything from a Prohibition-era speakeasy to a dog-friendly Irish pub that was built in Dublin and shipped over piece by piece. Whether you're celebrating, unwinding, or just looking for a good spot to land on a Friday night, here's where to go.
Key Takeaways
- The Northcott Liquorette is a reservation-only speakeasy serving craft cocktails, rare whiskey, and absinthe fountains in one of the most distinctive bar settings in the Chicago suburbs
- Quigley's Irish Pub has anchored downtown Naperville's pub scene with live music, cold pints, and authentic Irish fare in a building originally constructed in Dublin
- SixtyFour Wine Bar and Kitchen pours 64 wines by the glass daily through its WineStation system, alongside craft cocktails and a full food menu
- Empire Burgers and Brew features a retractable rooftop bar overlooking downtown Naperville with a strong craft beer and whiskey selection
For Craft Cocktail Lovers
Naperville has a few standout spots for anyone who takes their drink order seriously. The best of them require a little planning — but they're worth it.
Where to Go for Serious Cocktails in Naperville
- The Northcott Liquorette operates Thursday through Saturday evenings above Empire, with reservations required and a rotating seasonal menu of rare whiskey, absinthe fountains, and teapot cocktails
- Santo Cielo, the rooftop bar inside Hotel Indigo, serves craft cocktails in a top-floor space with panoramic views over downtown Naperville
- Two-Nine Martini Lounge above Potter's offers a cocktail-forward menu in an upscale lounge setting that stands apart from the typical neighborhood bar
- Jackson Avenue Pub earns consistent praise for its craft beer selection and elevated bar food since opening in 2012
This stretch of downtown gives craft cocktail and spirits lovers plenty of reasons to stay close to home.
For Wine Enthusiasts
Naperville's wine scene has quietly become one of the better ones in the western suburbs, with a dedicated wine bar and a well-regarded winery tasting room both operating in the downtown core.
Best Spots for Wine in Naperville
- SixtyFour Wine Bar and Kitchen pours 64 wines by the glass every day through its SmartCard WineStation system, alongside craft beers and a full food menu
- Lynfred Winery's downtown tasting room features wines produced at Illinois' oldest continuously operating winery, founded in 1974 in nearby Roselle
- Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant combines a full wine tasting room with a New American menu, making it a strong option for a longer evening
- Santo Cielo's wine list, curated by the Bien Trucha Group, leans toward natural and international selections that complement its globally inspired kitchen
Naperville's wine options cover everything from casual by-the-glass pours to full tasting experiences.
For a Classic Bar Night Out
Not every great night requires a reservation or a rare bottle. Naperville has a strong core of classic bars that deliver exactly what a neighborhood pub should — good drinks, good people, and a reason to come back.
Naperville's Best Classic Bars and Pubs
- Quigley's Irish Pub was designed, built, and shipped from Ireland — live music Thursday through Saturday, cold pints, and a dog-friendly patio have made it a downtown institution
- Empire Burgers and Brew features a retractable glass rooftop bar over Chicago Avenue with a craft beer and whiskey program that runs well into the late hours
- The Lantern Tavern and Grill has been a Naperville fixture since 1966, known for cold beer, freshly ground burgers, and a no-nonsense atmosphere that never goes out of style
- Tapville Social offers 64 self-serve taps covering craft beer, wine, and cocktails in a group-friendly Riverwalk setting
These are the bars that Naperville residents come back to week after week — and for good reason.
FAQs: Best Bars in Naperville
Do any of the best bars in Naperville require reservations?
Yes. The Northcott Liquorette is reservation-only, operating Thursday through Saturday evenings. Santo Cielo and Two-Nine also tend to fill up on weekends, so reservations are recommended for both.
Where should I go for a special occasion drink in Naperville?
The Northcott Liquorette, Santo Cielo, and SixtyFour Wine Bar are the strongest choices for a more elevated evening — all three offer distinctive atmospheres and drink programs well beyond the standard bar experience.
What's the best bar in Naperville for a large group?
Quigley's Irish Pub accommodates parties up to 150 guests and offers private event options. Tapville Social's self-serve tap system also makes it a practical and fun choice for larger outings.
Find Your Neighborhood in Naperville with the Lori Johanneson Team
Knowing where to grab a drink is part of knowing a city well — and knowing Naperville well is something we take seriously. We are one of the area's leading real estate teams, combining deep local knowledge, strategic marketing, and a genuine commitment to every client we work with.
Whether you're buying your first home, selling your current one, or exploring what Naperville's different neighborhoods have to offer, we're here to make sure every step of the process is handled with care and expertise.
Connect with the Lori Johanneson Team today.
Whether you're buying your first home, selling your current one, or exploring what Naperville's different neighborhoods have to offer, we're here to make sure every step of the process is handled with care and expertise.
Connect with the Lori Johanneson Team today.
