Best Parent Friendly Chicago Bars

Living in the city as a twenty-something, you know this feeling, scrabbling to find things to do and ways to entertain your parents when they come to visit you. While there are a slew of fantastic restaurants to take your parents to while they're here, finding a true "parent-friendly" bar is a bit trickier. And if your parents are anything like mine, then they'll insist that every bar is just too noisy and smokey, even though they have all been cigarette-free since 2007. So if you're looking for a quiet(er) bar that is still hip and very "Chicago" without being too touristy, you've come to the right place!

The Purple Pig

500 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 464-1744
Mon-Thu, Sun 11:30am-12am
Fri-Sat 11:30am-2am

Located just north of the Chicago River, The Purple Pig is a trendy tapas-style restaurant and wine bar. Known for its friendly service, warm ambiance, and extensive wine selection, The Purple Pig is the perfect place to bring your parents after a day of touring the city. Grab a glass of wine and find yourself on the patio that offers a view of Michigan Ave.

Signature Lounge at the 96th

875 N Michigan Ave
John Hancock Center
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 787-9596
Open Mon-Thu, Sun 11am-12:30am
Fri-Sat 11am-1:30am
www.signatureroom.com

The Signature Lounge, located on the 96th floor of the John Hancock Center, is an absolute must-see for all of your out-of-town guests, not just your 'rents. The city panorama from the Lounge is breathtaking. Point out Oak Street Beach, Chicago landmarks, or possibly your neighborhood from afar. Floor-to-ceiling windows and tables for two or 10 span the Lounge. It's free to take the trip to the top - you'll pay for it in your drink prices, but the experience is priceless.

D.O.C. Wine Bar

2602 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60686
(773) 883-5101
Mon-Sun 5 pm - 2 am

Located in Lincoln Park, this intimate, candle-lit wine bar is a wonderful place to sit back and relax with your family. The bar's extensive wine list, cozy ambiance, and selection of small plates like cheese flights or flatbread make the D.O.C. a unique Chicago stop.

Marge's Still

1758 N Sedgwick St
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 664-9775
Mon-Thu 4:30pm-12am
Fri 11:30am-1am
Sat 10am-1am
Sun 10am-12am

Marge's Still is a little Chicago bar that has a lot to offer. Walk into a casual, family-friendly environment (the bar is nestled amid rows of condos on a very residential street). Flat screens broadcast the day's game, high boys sit by the window opposite Sedgwick, and tables are ready to seat large groups. And while you're in Old Town, explore the neighborhood!

Eno

InterContinental Chicago
505 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 321-8738
Hours: Mon-Thurs 4 PM -12am; Fri - Sat 1 PM until 1 AM; Sun 1 PM until 10 PM
www.enowinerooms.com

Situated inside the InterContinental Chicago, Eno is a wine bar that doesn't resemble the typical hotel bar scene. The knowledgeable servers immediately make you feel right at home. The space offers an intimate, quiet place to watch the bustle of the Magnificent Mile. Pair your wine with delicious cheese and chocolate, and spend the evening planning your next Chicago adventure.

Amanda Look lives in Chicago and works for an academic association doing event coordination. She blogs about city living and never gets tired of exploring its neighborhoods and events.