Spending an evening dining out is an enjoyable way to pass the time – especially when in good company. On top of food prices, alcohol can quickly make the bill escalate. Fortunately there are numerous BYOB Chicago restaurants to choose from. Being able to indulge in your favorite bottle of wine or brew can truly accentuate a meal.

We break down some of the best BYOB restaurants by style of cuisine and expense factor.

Many of these venues offer the BYOB service for free, while a couple charge a very minimal fee to pop the cork of your favorite bottle.

 

BYOB Chicago Restaurants

 

Zizi’s Cafe
– Mediterranean / Turkish – $

It is almost like Zizi’s Cafe is BYOB just to make you feel more at home. The owner and staff are very welcoming and treat each customer as a friend – as well as every dish as their own. Their menu is quite extensive; with such reasonable prices you will be able to try a handful of items each visit without breaking the bank. For a hearty, authentic meal that will fill your stomach and not empty your wallet, Zizi’s Cafe is your BYOB Chicago restaurant.

2825 N Sheffield Ave b/t Diversey Pky & Wolfram St in Lakeview
(773) 697-9228

Inspiration Kitchen
– American – $

Inspiration Kitchen is filled with just as much inspiration as it is wonderful food. This contemporary American cuisine restaurant offers a variety of dishes that far surpass their price point. Aside from the BYOB factor, their three courses for $20 deal and five courses for a mere $26 is almost unheard of in Chicago! The atmosphere is fantastic, along with the service and food. Inspiration Kitchen is a workplace for people that have fallen into hard times and are taking action to take their lives back. Besides indulging, you are supporting.

4715 N Sheridan Rd b/t Lakeside Ave & Leland Ave in Uptown
(773) 275-0626
3504 W Lake St b/t Central Park Ave & St Louis Ave in East Garfield Park
(773) 801-1110

Pleasant House Bakery
– Bakery / British – $

For a satisfying meal that is probably out of your normal eating routine, dive into one of the Royal Pies that Pleasant House Bakery creates to perfection. When was the last time that you had a potpie that did not involve it being frozen? These pies are all handmade with ingredients of the highest quality. You can actually find Pleasant House Bakery’s pies at specific markets and bars; but for the sake of BYOB Chicago restaurants you better experience them where they are freshest.

964 W 31st St b/t Farrell St & Morgan St in Bridgeport
(773) 523-7437

Smoque BBQ
– Barbecue – $$

Peanut Butter and Jelly does not even pair up as well as barbecue and beer does! Smoque BBQ is the premiere destination for quality barbecue goodness in Chicago. Everything is high quality here, but the brisket is on a whole new level. They take pride in their process, as well as time. It shows through their food a million times over. One bite of any of their dishes and you will instantly realize why they are considered the best in Chicago – besides barbecue, they can now be considered one of the best BYOB Chicago restaurants as well.

3800 N Pulaski Rd Ste 2 b/t Avondale Ave & Grace St in Irving Park
(773) 545-7427

HB Restaurant
– American – $$

For an intimate night out, HB [Home Bistro] Restaurant is a prime choice. Their gourmet American cuisine menu covers a diverse spectrum of dishes that will please nearly everyone. The presentation of the food is only rivaled by the flavor. The setting hits the bistro atmosphere dead on. Be sure to start off with an appetizer or two – once you look at the menu you will understand why it is a necessity. HB is the perfect place for a romantic night out, especially since you can bring your own favorite bottle of wine.

3404 N Halsted St b/t Roscoe St & Newport Ave in Lakeview
(773) 661-0299

Briciola
– Italian – $$

Wine and pasta is one of the few things that rival barbecue and beer. Briciola turns out Italian dishes in a fantastic homemade from scratch style that will satisfy like no other. The chef and owner behind Briciola, Mario Maggi, is a native Italian with over forty-years of culinary expertise. For affordable, authentic, tantalizing Italian cuisine – grab a bottle or two of your favorite wine and head to Briciola for an evening with friends, family, or that special someone.

937 N Damen b/t Walton St & Iowa St in Ukrainian Village
(773) 772-0889

Pizzeria Del Mercato
– Pizzeria – $$

Sometimes you just need to get your pizza fix in – authentic Napolitano style, thin crust pizza, is Pizzeria Del Marcato’s specialty. Fresh ingredients, wood-oven cooking, and a laid-back welcoming atmosphere all accentuate the BYOB to make this venue a must visit. If you are not quite in the mood for a pizza, their sandwiches are ridiculous – in the best of ways. The have a decent variety, and even offer it on pizza bread that is cooked in the oven! Next time you are in the area grab yourself some drinks and make your way to Pizzeria Del Mercato.

1154 W Fulton MarketNear West Side, West Loop
(312) 226-6898

Birchwood Kitchen
– Deli – $$

Sometimes the most satisfying meal is the simplest. Birchwood Kitchen specializes in quality soups, salads, and sandwiches. Their ingredients are sourced local whenever possible, their meat is roasted daily, while the cheese is pulled and even the condiments are made from scratch. The open kitchen layout of the restaurant is inviting, while their patio area is the perfect place to lounge with a bottle and a fantastic meal. Birchwood Kitchen nearly perfects the satisfaction that is attributed with a well-put together sandwich.

2211 W North Ave b/t Leavitt St & Bell Ave in Wicker Park
(773) 276-2100

Kai Zan
– Sushi – $$$

Sushi can be a hard thing to master – not only is Kai Zan’s sushi edible, it may be unrivaled. They sculpt Japanese inspired cuisine into a bite-sized capsule of flavor. They also offer a build-your-own skewer option, as well as more tame options for anyone not to keen on indulging in amazing sushi rolls. For an all around experience, you can opt for their Omakase multi-course menu that changes with the seasons. Bring in your own special bottle and pop the top while your pop sushi – successful night.

2557 W Chicago Ave b/t Rockwell St & Maplewood Ave in Humboldt Park
(773) 278-5776

Goosefoot
– American – $$$$

Cooking can truly be viewed as a form of art; precision and dedication are key components. Finding ingredients that pair perfectly is like mixing media to create an eye-catching piece – only cooking catches your eyes and taste buds. Goosefoot prides itself in sourcing the best local ingredients and turning them into a masterpiece. The interior compliments the food for an all around dining experience that elevates your perception. The nine-course menu offering is an exquisite way to indulge in the best that Goosefoot has to offer. Plus, it changes very frequently. Among BYOB Chicago restaurants, it is rare to find a venue of this level offer the BYOB service. For an upscale night out, look no further.

2656 W Lawrence Ave b/t Washtenaw Ave & Talman Ave in Lincoln Square, Ravenswood
(773) 942-7547

 

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