the best bar in chicago, cash only but they have an ATM & they're the best ever. So happy we found this local watering hole

Came for a quick family/work trip so for sure we needed a late night spot to grab a handle of vodka and a couple drinks. It's a very bizarre but cool bar/liquor store. Seriously one side of the place is a legit bar with bottles on the wall and beer taps with barstools while the other is a liquor store on the left. It's cash only though heads up so be prepared or you will have to use one of those shady atm's with probably crazy fee's and potentially stealing your identity...haha j/k mostly. Dude behind the counter was awesome and had a great attitude. Even dapped me up after handing me my change and bag of goods. $40 for a handle of Tito's saved me a lot of $$$ that weekend! read more

Possibly one of the best eye bars on earth yes, it's dirty. Yes, it's grimy. Yes, it's extreme extremely cheap. Yes, the crowd can be scary. Yes, the staff are extremely lovely. And yes, you will get drunk. read more

This is usually a wonderful place. However, on my particular night, I was being aggressively stalked by my alcholic boyfriend who i have a restraining order against. I came in for refuge, gave the bartender a hefty tip, and begged her not to serve the person. In response, the bartender said something like "I serve whoever who pays". He paid her. She served him and I was placed in intensive care and now have a broken arm. So, my experience there was not so good read more

Rite Liquors - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Half liquor Store, half giant bar of booze everywhere. Quite the place to checkout. Happy I stopped in for 1 before my Wendy's dinner lol. A cast of characters in and out of this place, I was not sure if I was safe or not, pretty much United Nations of people. But a good spot. Not sure I would go at night. Cash Only and the ATM was all fucked up, so the bartender had to help me out there. Always risky handing your debit card to someone but was able to get money out. read more

Friendly staff, surprised they served food at all, drinks were great! ~ Will be going back again!

Happened by chance to walk past this Bar/liquor store. We stopped in to check out the place. The whole place seems to be a liquor store with one side doubling as a bar. Unique setup but man did we have a blast. Bartender was the coolest helping us pick everything from beers to shots. There's a pool table in the back and a juke box for tunes. Laid back crowd. read more

Rite Liquors - Coolest bartender and drinks at Rite Liquor! - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Such a great dive bar. Cheap drinks, fun characters, good service. Definitely worth a stop if you're in Wicker Park.

My goddess, this place is the Museum of Booze. Total dive, cheap drinks. The women's room is F.I.L.T.H.Y and most of the bottles have dust on them 'cos they are stacked on the shelf 6-7 bottles deep. My sexay sidekick and I could not pass without (me) applying peer pressure to have a drink in this neon-lit bar cum liquor store. There must be a couple million dollars here in booze inventory. And that, my friends is something you can ALWAYS sell for a profit in these dark times. There's a tip for ya. read more

What can I say more about Rite Liquors than AMAZING! This is a hole in the hell wall and when you come here you are family! When you walk in you are not sure if it's a liquor store or bar but then you giggle with excitement that it's both! Drinks here should be changed to God's drinks because they are poured out by a little old lady who makes each drink with love. I had a PBR y'all boy but still felt the love when she handed me this perfect craft drink! God has graced us with this great location and if I lived here I'd be a regular! They took amazing care of us the patrons the short hour we spent in their tender loving care! The drinks flow like milk and honey and the beers are crisper than a witches brew! This place for sure put a spell on me and now I'm theirs! I highly recommend this without a doubt this place and I'm sure you will love one of America's best hole in the walls! read more

Rite Liquors - a shelf full of liquor bottles - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Probably one of the most unique bars I've ever been to. Drink prices can't be beat and the service is great. Don't come here if you're looking for hoity-toity cocktails and a stuffy, overpriced atmosphere. Do come if you're looking for an authentic neighborhood experience where you can let your hair down and relax with good music and good people without breaking the bank. Bonus: This bar is also half liquor store, so you can also purchase libations to-go! read more

Rite Liquors - $4 Tito's and soda - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ran in here to grab white claws after work lol it was on my way home. & I mean, it was kinda scary, if I'm being totally honest. The people that worked there were all very kind but the place itself is a little sketch. read more

I've always loved this shop, from my time living in Chicago and now as a visitor. If you can't decide whether you want to buy liquor to take home or just drink liquor at the bar, come here to have a drink and figure it out, then take some drinks "to go" so to speak. This place is essentially a "very" locals bar that just so happens to also be a liquor store or maybe it's a liquor store that also happens to be a full service bar. Either way, it's great and the way it's great and the prices are right. Stop in and get your life sometime. read more

Rite Liquors - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have come here twice because friends of mine were needing to stop at a liquor store to buy something and we were on the go. This is one of those places where it's half bar half liquor store. It looks kind of disgusting when you walk in, but it's not that bad. The people here are very friendly and the prices to buy and go are pretty standard. The reason I said buy and go is because I do not want anyone to think I actually took a seat here and started drinking. The times I walked in, there were pretty strange customers having a drink along with some of our favorite city servants. Please bring cash if you are purchasing alcohol because they don't take credit cards I gotta be honest, if anyone ever sees me drinking here, please call my mom and tell her I am depressed and need care. Won't drink inside, but I don't mind buying a 24 pack here. read more

Great prices, the bartenders are very friendly and attractive. The regulars are a lot of fun to intermingle with. All in all - a fun time !

Shank you very much Doug S. for being the first to locate this gem on Yelp! If you've never been to a true "slashie", you have GOT to stop in here. If you're feeling brave (and haven't eaten anything for a few hours) order a beer and then just have yourself a look around. The less brave may want to just walk in, buy a pack of gum, and then run back out. Watch the doormat though, I've seen people take a nosedive as they hurried out of the place. Alternatively, try not to back out slowly and wide-eyed. They'll spot that and fall on you like a pack of piranhas. When I lived in U.V. this was the most action packed pre-bar in the village and I'm not talking about the "in" crowd. There's another one right across the street but that one's more like a Sporty Slashie as opposed to this Scary Slashie. I would come in here and get a vodka rocks and hang out for a bit. The gents in here taught me a thing or two about using your eyebrows to communicate intense disgust for unapproved insurgents. A note of caution: This is intended as a humorous writeup and I have a high tolerance for very, very sketchy urban dive bars. If you don't like L&L Tavern, you would shriek if you walked in here. read more

This place is great. It's a small neighborhood bar slash liquor store CASH ONLY The bartender lady is awesome, even walking me to the bathroom since she knew it was my first time and there is a little trick to the door. The owners son is also an awesome guy. He treated me and my date to a free shot after a few nights in a row hanging out there Lots of different characters, all type of people are welcome. Could use a little updating/cleaning, but in reality it's exactly what a neighborhood bar should be! read more

History, according to the young Stephen Dedalus in Ulysses, is a nightmare from which we are trying to awake ... Although Joyce's writing rings true, we tend to only remember life's worst of times and its pangs of tragedy. Rarely do we recall its fondest of moments. The past may be harsh, regrettable, and even haunting. But what of the pleasant moments of history? The gentle nuances of days gone by that often go unnoticed? If some pieces of history are nightmares, then where are the proverbial "wet dreams"? One such dream is Rite Liquors, my friends. And I am happy to say that it is very wet. A single glimpse at the dusky exterior of Rite and one immediately feels at home. As you walk down Division, the allure of the ancient watering hole magnetically draws you near the entrance. The aura is impulsive, instinctive, and, dare I say? - Animalistic. Think you're escaping and run into yourself. Longest way round is the shortest way home. Rite Liquors. Now say it again. "Right Liquors." Take a breath. Slowly this time. "Right Liquors." Exhale. And once more. Now go inside. An elderly patron looks up, then solemnly nods. You find a seat. The barstool's leather, soft. Stained. Yet supple. Marked by years of Chicago's finest lushes. The bar, oak. Sticky. Yet sturdy and reliable. Like an old friend. The bartender approaches you with a slight smile that is oddly recognizable. Deja vu? Or perhaps some memory from another life. "Well, what'll it be?" And without thinking - you order. Every life is in many days, day after day. We walk through ourselves meetings robbers, ghosts, giants, old men, young men, wives, widows, brothers-in-love, but always meeting ourselves. So rejoice, for you have earned your place in history and are among the chosen people. Is it a bar or is it a liquor store? Do they accept credit cards, or is it cash only? Only time will tell. For now, embrace one simple truth. You are at Rite, and for one fleeting, yet poignant moment, all is right with the world. read more

This place is a lounge and liquor store combo for those who don't know. Walk in, lounge on the right and to the back...liquor store on the left and to the back. Perfect spot to grab a late night bottle!!! Super friendly staff and reasonable prices. Looks like the kind of spot where they have a lot of regulars and they know everyone's name too. I'd highly recommend shopping with the little guy in your communities and stop giving your money to these big chains!! I'll be back for sure, Rite Liquors!!!! Thank you for coming in clutch at 2am!!!!! read more

Watched a regular stumble out and fall flat on his face onto the pavement. He split wide open his eyebrow. Older, white haired, employee laughs and goes back inside. As I'm waiting for the ambulance to arrive, he and a younger employee come out to drag him away from their building and put him in front of WPAC. Scumbags. read more

Steve, behind the bar, was accommodating, helpful, and just a genuine, cool Chicago kind of guy. Unfortunately, the windows had to be boarded up, due to civil unrest in 2020, so it hasn't always been easy to tell if they're open. But that's obviously not Rite Liquors' fault. They deserve your patronage. I will definitely be back. read more

If you've got a couple bucks in your pocket, this is your place. Really interesting cast of characters, friendly service, loads of dusty bottles, and instant friends. It's filthy and dusty and oh so fun. We enjoy going just to peruse the random bottles for sale as we sip a 2.75 Old Style. Like seriously, raspberry pucker and strawberry schnapps for sale by the boatload - don't know who would ever buy those bottles, but makes for some fun window shopping. read more

Danny: I'm going to take you to my favorite "slashie." Me: Dafuq is that? _____________________________________________ * slashie (n) Slang name for bar /(slash) liquor stores that you find in Chicago, IL. You can't get a license for these kind of bar/liquor stores anymore and the ones that are still around are usually a bit run down, old family businesses that have had this license for generations. Meet me at the slashie for a shot and then we'll buy a case of Old Style to go... _____________________________________________ Okay, I absolutely loved this "slashie" and if we didn't have a few other places to knock off the Chicago hit list we would have stayed much, much longer. Our move? Thanks for asking. We headed straight for the scratcher lotto ticket machine, dumped $20.00 into it for some bingo tickets, plopped down at the bar and ordered two vodka/sodas. The drinks were cheap at $4.00 each and our time was spent scratching away while chatting about the long shot of winning even a measly $5.00. Needless to say, we didn't. Then a guy fell off a barstool and nobody cared. The end. * http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=slashie read more

I had my first ever (through 4th) shot of Fireball here... maybe 3 hours later I found myself doing the worm alongside Danny W on one of Chicago's dirtiest, emptiest dance floors... 10 hours later I woke up on a couch with a large Bitey dog laying on top of me licking the smell of alcohol off my mouth and the front part of my body sore as it just realized that it has no business doing the worm. It was... a night. All thanks to Rite. Rite Liquors is the kind of place you take yourself after you've had a rough check-in with your parole officer... or the kind of place Danny W takes you when he's got a fancy friend in town (not me) who wants to hit up some of Chicago's more notable cocktail lounges but he's really focused on under-impressing her with places that are more funny than fancy. Don't come here if you're in the mood for a finely crafted cocktail, come here if you're in just the right mood to desire drinking out of a bottle inside a crumpled brown paper bag. Inside is more than a little divey but as a person who dresses like she exclusively shops on skid row, I can't complain. This joint is just my style. It's a seedy-like liquor store with an attached bar that you'd find in a Vietnam vet's basement. It's CHEAP and cash only because obviously the tax man doesn't need his nose all up in Rite Liquors business. Bartenders are fast and friendly and will whip you up just about any blue collar drink right quick. In addition to the expected Buds and Millers, they also serve the cheapest tall boy cans of Blanch de Brussels ($3) among other more crafty beers, I've ever seen, when normally I'd be paying $7-8 elsewhere. And then there's the Fireball. Oof. Normally, I don't do shots. They make me barf on contact... ... except, apparently, for Fireball, which makes me wish I'd just barfed on contact because the next day was... Oof. I repeat... Oof. But in a way it was totally worth it to see Danny get legit upset at his fancy friend (wearing a nice dress) for her having enough sense to not get down and attempt the worm on the floor of a dirty dive's dance floor later that night. Even though the women's room smells like the pissy, human seepage stained streets of San Francisco, I'd go back in heart beat for those cheap beers and pretty unbeatable and authentic Chicago dive atmosphere. read more

Ha! I didn't know what I was walking into, I thought it was just a regular liquor store. This is where the real alcoholics hang out. I dropped in to pick up some NYE libations, I was wearing Adidas athletic pants (not sweats!) and a hoodie, and a guy at the bar says, "hello, sexy". I don't even think he was kidding, he was just really drunk. After that I attempted to quickly go about my business, but the alcohol is totally disorganized. The wines aren't in categories and there is the occasional 40 oz of Bud stuck in there randomly. Hard stuff is behind the counter. After I got everything together I find out it's cash only. I was pretty happy to find out the ATM's surcharge is only $1.75. I think it's the lowest in Chicago. I get my money, put it in my wallet, and grab the bag from the guy at the counter. I was so eager to get out of there I forgot to pay! He politely reminded me and I managed to leave without sitting and having a drink with those characters while wearing my athletic pants. I really don't think anyone would have judged. Maybe good to know if I'm having a dark day in the future. read more

A foxy boy brought me here after breakfast early Sunday afternoon. We were hunting for cheap bloody Mary's to dull our headaches (and in my case, other body pains caused by a nasty spill on the ice the previous night.) We were walking toward the Divison/Damen establishments without a plan, when all of the sudden, he says, "You like dive bars, right?" To which I responded, "Of course, they're my favorite." He told me that he had just the place. A liquor store bar combo. Awesome. We walked in, and the bar was packed. We made our way to the very back near the pool table. This place was great. The perfect amount of dirty, matched with the perfect dose of skeezy. We were probably the youngest patrons there by about 20 years. The bloody Mary's were small, but strong and for just over 3 bucks, I couldn't really complain. Service was a tad slow, but we were compensated with a couple of High Lifes on the house from the friendly Polish barkeep. We spent the entire afternoon here getting drunk, telling stories, and playing pool. It was a blast, and I'm sure I'll return. read more

Place is really cool. I brought my girlfriend here and she was like "yeah this is a cool place. You're a cool guy. I'm glad we're dating." So yeah, it's a pretty epic time here read more

It took me about twenty minutes to find this listing in order to review it...since my friends and I refer to this place only as "Slickers" and not "Rite Liquors". I'm not even sure I've ever been there sober enough to a) read the awning/sign, or b) retain what I've read. But regardless... This place is equal parts hilarious and terrifying, unless you're: a) a felon, b) a busboy, or c) the town drunk. In any of the aforementioned cases, you'll feel right at home. If a), b) and c) don't apply to you - time spent at Slickers is fascinating...much like watching animals at the zoo or an episode of Oz. And you can drink while doing it! You can even buy a bottle of whatever you want (since one half of Slickers is a bar, and the other half is a liquor store), and sit right down at the bar with it. 2 things to remember: 1. The bathroom looks like Saw IV. I do not recommend it. You'd be better off peeing in the alley. 2. All attractive ladies (and pretty boys...I guess) are encouraged to bring male escorts. Preferably the kind who could hold their own in a knife fight. read more

I like this place. It's loud, old, disorganized, worn around the edges and filled with personality... just like me. Rite is your standard Chicago slashy. It's well lit, has a few tv's. a pool table and cheap booze. The weekend bartender is cute with both a hard, wry sense of humor and a heavy pour. You can find a seat at the rail during the week and they open at 7am. The big guy is pretty cool, owner I assume, and I always find a nothing conversation with a friendly drunk on the next stool. On that terrible day when the shit hits the fan and you need a shot or four before lunch, Rite is a more than viable spot. read more

Is it a bar? Is it a liquor store?? It's BOTH Ladies & gentlemen... this is Rite Liquors. That actual phrase is printed on the back of their t-shirts (...and for good reason, as it is both a bar and a liquor store... tricky mofo's!) Rite Liquors is the type of place you go when you really want a VFW Hall in the middle of Kentucky. It's the place you go unshowered & without second thought. It's the place you play pull tab lotto & maybe shoot some pool. Above all, you go to get some great drink recommendations (props to the two female bartenders that always create new magical cocktails), observe the locals and feel beyond dirty when you leave. As I said long ago, it's the Rite(st) Wrong I know. read more

I'm about to do something that I'd normally consider a no-no on yelp- I'm giving a few bars the same review. Friday night began innocently with drinks at a local neighborhood bar. Around 11pm our waitress told us that our table was to be turned over to the DJ and that we could move to another table or pay our tab. We chose to go across the street to Phyllis' Musical Inn and check out some of the "hole in the wall" bars in my neighborhood. I've walked and driven by these establishments a lot but haven't been in all of them. And let me tell you- I was missing out. Now I have been to Phyllis' Musical Inn and Gold Star in the past, but the other stops of the night were new to me. And YES, I'll return to them all. In fact, a spring time 'hole-in-the-wall' pub crawl is already in the planning phases. Phyllis' Musical Inn: As I said I'd been here before. When my friend and I arrived Friday night it was a full house. But we still managed to get two seats at the bar. I LOVE that they had a live blues band playing. I loved even MORE that while we sat there they pumped out 'Sweet Home Chicago.' Not going to lie, it really made me smile from ear to ear. This was the sort of bar the Blues Brothers would love! We each had a (cheap!) PBR. A kindly patron bought me a shot, the bartender was awesome- explained that many in the crowd had just come from the wake of a young man that had been a regular at Phyllis'. The place may be a bit of a hole-in-the-wall but it also has a welcoming atmosphere. I like this place lots and shall be back- especially if the live band returns! Gold Star Bar: This is another one I'd been to once before. Last time I was here it was the middle of the day in the summer and it was empty except for the bartender and a random man at the bar having a cold one. It was a bit boring on my first visit. This time however the place was packed. We lucked out (again!) and found two seats at the bar. One of the bartenders was hot which helped. We enjoyed some more cheap beer... then things started to get fuzzy. I just remember smiling a lot... I will absolutely return. It's a GREAT Friday night crowd- totally different experience from my previous visit. Zakopane: Being a nice Polish gal, I had to try this bar. I loved it. Immediately people in here recognized my face as being that of a nice Polish girl. Immediately people were buying this nice Polish gal shots. And I found a $5 bill on the floor- and $5 bills are my favorite bills, so that was a happy moment! The bartenders were two awesome gals as well. There was nothing about this bar not to love. CAN'T RECALL THE NAME OF THE 4TH BAR: Cheapest beers of the NIGHT!!! Unreal how cheap the beer was! I think it was $1.50 each! AWESOME! I feel so bad that I can't remember the name. Again, things were fuzzy- plus it was late! Rite Liquors: The evening ended here- when they turned the lights on and ushered everyone the heck out. We had a blast here! This was my first slashie ever. Yes- it's a liquor store- situated inside a bar. I've never seen a bar with more bottles in my life. The wall of bottles of booze was endless. But it was also a liquor store. We loved it. Who even knew these establishments existed? I plan to return. It was so much fun! It was the most diverse crowd of the night which added to the experience! Some people had all their teeth, some people had no teeth. Some people were young business professionals such as myself, some people haven't had a job in two decades. It was fabulous! I MUST return! Friends- keep your eyes peeled for a 'hole-in-the-wall' pub crawl invite once the weather warms up. And in the meantime, you'll likely find me frequenting my new favorite watering holes. God I love my neighborhood! read more

Exactly what I wanted! After a fancy dinner at the Bedford across the street, I wanted to cleanse my palate with a neat bourbon at this wonderfully old school, bar fly, bar +liquor store dive. read more

Between the cast of characters, the dinginess, and the clerk saying "like 3 of our regulars are in there" as he sold me the mug shot section of the Trib for a buck...this place is not for the faint of heart. If you're a fan of sticky floors and cheap pours though, you'll be in dive bar heaven. The bartenders are super nice, it's always a different experience, and if you get hungry there's all sorts of snacks to choose from on the east side of the building. What other drinking establishment in Chicago can you get a pint of Bulleit bourbon to go? If you can riddle me that I'll buy you a super cheap drink at Rite Liquors. read more

As far as "Dive Bars" go... this is the best by far! The staff is extremely kind yet firm. They know their regulars and they totally take care of us. Mike is one hell of a host and Steve rocks the joint. The ladies behind the bar know how to handle the occasional vagrant and treat the regulars as if they are kings/queens. Not only is it a bar but it is a store as well. So after you have had your "Beer and a shot" two or three times... you can grab your "to go" bottle for your use at home. It's a must stop in if you are in Wicker Park and on Division. I'll buy you a shot if you see me there! read more

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In some ways this is a terrible bar even by dive standards. Price stickers on ten year old bottles of booze leave you the feeling that this bar is desperate to sell you everything... anything! In the end, this is the charm. It is understandable because on one side it is a liquor store, on the other a bar. It is actually a wonder that more states don't do this. It is a match made in heaven and hell. This bar has long been staff by recent immigres from Poland. They eventually become fine waitresses and are great at mixing drinks, flirting with idiotic boys and dodging the abuse from rougher regulars. When you get them straight off the boat, they can barely speak English. This is when this bar is at it's peak. "I'll have an Old Style." "O-ld Sty-le?" She has never heard of this. This place is great, but make it the end of your night, because trust me, it will be the end of your night. read more

Favorite place I visited in Chicago. Nothing phony, or exaggerated about that. It's a dive bar/liquor store and I got lucky in the fact that it was right next to my hostel (holiday jones) The owner is just so great! Super talkative man with some awesome stories. Next time I'm in town this will probably be my first stop. read more

Ok, tonight I ventured into Rite Liquors. This place is the epitome of Dive bar/ Liquor Store. It is practically a museum of old bottles of booze, some we gathered we're from the 70's. labels faded, outdated logos.. Rock N RYE, Creme De Menthe, Apricot flavored brandy...oh boy.. beers are $2.25! At Midnight on Saturday this place is less crowded then it is at 11:00 a.m. on a Tuesday. Now, I know where the winos get their skol 1/2 pints. They do have a pool table in the back and a Golden Tee machine, that was outta order. The Bathrooms: Imagine Alcatraz or Sing Sing..most dingy lifeless bathroom I've ever seen. I thought I was an extra in a SAW movie, praying the door wouldn't shut. Then, having nothing to snack on except Beef Jerkey and Blueberry Brandy! The owner and bartenders are very nice.. Old School.... If you're feeling low: Car got towed, girlfriend/boyfriend left you, getting audited by the IRS; then by all means grab your $20 and head on down to Rite Liquors for a couple rounds. Maybe Johnny Cash will come on the jukebox and lift your spirits. read more

Have you ever walked over to your closest liquor store smoking a cigarette and had to rush to finish your treat before you walked in the door? Does not apply here and little else does for that matter. Rite has served as my first bar/liquor store and seeing someone smoke crack (in the alley) experience in Chicago. The guys behind the counter remember what I usually buy and the old men at the bar always turn and show disappointment that I am not a woman entering. Little known fact: they have a pool table in the back. read more

I searched wine stores on the Yelp App. This liquor store was about the only place open at midnight and was the closest in the area where I was at. I headed there while I waited for my friends to arrive to a nearby bar. So I figured, since I was in the North Side this liquor store would have a larger variety of wines than the liquor stores in the South Side, well not really. I search for one of my favorite red wines, had no luck, couldn't find it. I asked one of the employees if they sell it here he said no, but he was cool enough to look around, and he found a wine that is similar to the one that I was searching for. In addition, this place is half liquor store and half bar. While I was wine searching I accidentally eavesdropped on some Hispanic dudes' conversation while they were shooting pool. This place may seem kind of sketchy, but trust me! I've been to worse. Nonetheless, prices are reasonable, employees are cool and the bartender-chick is hot! Great place to grab a good bottle of wine for cheap. read more

I ended up here by accident last night, and ended up loving every minute of it. We had been down the street at Fuel and were walking down Division to find some food when our drunken friend stumbled in here, so we were forced to follow. What ensued was an adventure of epic proportions. Our bartender last night, Gia, was nothing short of spectacular. She didn't seem to mind putting up with the drunken idiots from the suburbs. She even shook my hand on my way out. Long story short, I will be coming back here. read more