Scofflaw
Everyone is supposed to have a bar to call his or her own, yet everyone we know is always at Scofflaw. What’s the deal? All the pleasures of cocktail culture and none of the annoyances in a chill, homey setting outfitted with mismatched vintage furniture and a working fireplace. Pretty much every gin you can source in Illinois is behind this bar, and the folks with the mixing glasses know just how to turn any one of them into a flawless martini—or anything else you might fancy. Or just order a Pabst Blue Ribbon: No one here will judge you. If you’ve never had Malört, now’s your chance: The most infamous Chicago tradition is on tap.
PRO TIP: We don’t want to ruin the surprise, but you definitely want to be here at midnight.
THE DETAILS: Weekend lines are a thing. We like to go right when it opens (at 5 p.m.) and snag a seat at the bar.
