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Best New Bars Of 2013 In Chicago

Chicago is known for its lively club scene, multicultural community and thriving artist community. With an always changing city, it seems that there is always a new bar opening its doors. If you're tired of the same old spot, looking for something a bit more eclectic or just wanting to check out a different scene; there are some great new bars that have opened in Chicago in 2013. Check out what you've been missing and you just might find your new favorite hangout spot.

Punch House
(Photo Credit: Punch House's Facebook)

Punch House
Thalia Hall
1227 W. 18th St.
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 526-3851
www.thaliahallchicago.com

Built in 1892, Thalia Hall is slowly reopening its doors to host festivals, music, performances and banquets. Starting its rejuvenation is Punch House, located in the base floor. While punch has been a popular beverage since the early 1600s, many people think of spiked punch as something from a school dance. However, Punch House offers items far from the same old punch you might think of. Choose from an $8 glass, $32 carafe or $59 bowl with a wide variety of flavors. Punch House serves contemporary punch, classic punch, cocktails, oysters, desserts, bar snacks and grilled treats.

Gallery Bar Chicago
River North
738 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 929-2658
www.gallerybarchicago.com

Mixing great art, food and drinks; Gallery Bar Chicago offers an eclectic atmosphere with an amazing bar scene. Unlike typical bar food consisting of pretzels and nuts, Gallery Bar Chicago has bonzai that is prepared with organic vegetables, fruits, roots, unique slaws and home-made sauces. The drink menu features everything from beer cocktails to craft cocktails. New featured artists offer creations hung on the walls that are available to purchase, with a revolving door of new inspirations with each visit.

Billy Sunday
(Photo Credit: billy-sunday.com)

Billy Sunday
3143 W. Logan Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 661-2485
www.billy-sunday.com

Within the brief time Billy Sunday has been opened, it has already made its way on the list for Chicago Magazine's Best of Chicago 2013, Top Ten Bars in Chicago in The Guardian and Best Bars of 2013 in Playboy. Located in Chicago's Logan Square, the atmosphere offers a touch of class with the deep wood tones and detailed ceiling. The vintage spirits, house-made bitters, hand-carved ice and vintage glassware are just some of the reasons Billy Sunday has made such an impact on the bar scene. Whether you're looking for a quality drink or some retro bar fare, this is a spot to definitely check out.

Related: A Night Out In Chicago's Wicker Park

CH Distillery
564 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 707-8780
www.chdistillery.com

Opened in the last four months, CH Distillery has made quite an impression with its ambience and specialty features. Wall-to-wall windows allow guests to see the distilling process first-hand and the cocktail bar offers a first taste. Whether you're in for taking the tour of the distillery, looking for a completely fresh cocktail or some great bar food; CH Distillery is in a class all its own. This is Chicago's only distillery cocktail bar and is located in the heart of downtown, great for after-work cocktails.

DryHop Brewers
3155 N. Broadway St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 857-3155
www.dryhopchicago.com

Opened in June 2013, DryHop Brewers is much more than just a common brewery. While there is obviously a huge abundance in varying beers, the drink menu has everything from quality bourbon to sparkling wine. The food menu is specifically designed to bring out the flavors in the brewery drinks. The food menu items offer a touch of sophistication with things like stout-braised goat, Belgian ale mussels and even beef short rib.

Related: Best Food Destinations In Chicago Locals Love

Sara Lugardo is a professional writer out of Chicago, Illinois. She has a Bachelor's in Communication and is currently working on her Master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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