Shh! Don’t tell anyone! This is Chicago’s most underrated outdoor bar

As I type this little ditty out, I do so with some level of pause.

Will I regret giving out the information and location to one of my favorite Chicago watering holes? Maybe 1) People might actually read this (smiley face) and 2) People could listen to my advice and start showing up there in larger numbers, and then it would be hard for me to find a seat in one of my favorite comfy cushioned seats there.

But, against all odds, and my better judgment, I give to you what in my opinion just might be Chicago’s most unknown and underrated outdoor bar.

It’s called Boat Drinks Chicago. Just that, Boat Drinks.

So…right off the bat, we gather that they didn’t pay thousands of dollars to a fancy marketing firm to come up with a clever name for the location.

Plain and simple is pretty much what this place is all about. It is located somewhat innocently on the south end of Burnham Harbor, amongst all the beautiful boats, right on the lakefront, and has a small outside bar, with multiple different seating locations.

You can plop yourself down at a nice table right on the lakefront, quietly and casually taking in the beautiful vibes, or better yet, maybe in the lounge-like area with cushioned, padded seats, that lies just west of the lakefront path. A third option is tables in an outdoor restaurant-type atmosphere right next to their shed, where they cook up some really good barbecue food every Friday and Saturday night.

Whatever the case, plenty of seating is always available (at least before I wrote this), and all in a very cozy, small bar-type atmosphere.

The bar area itself serves up all your favorite quality cocktails, as well as some special drinks, and the clientele at this location is definitely low-key and down-home.

A combination of regulars, boaters—who dock and come in for refreshment and a bite to eat–and passersby like myself who just stop for a little respite or maybe a break during their lovely lakefront walk. But again, it is permeated with a low key and casual vibe, where the only dress code is—there is no dress code. Most definitely not a place “to be seen or noticed.”

Maybe best of all for this quaint harbor-front location is that they have music every night of the week! Monday night right through the weekend, every single evening, where up on stage you can catch any number of different Chicago-based musicians strumming, humming and singing their tunes.

Food is available at all times, but on Saturday and Sunday mornings they have special breakfast and brunch deals, which include Bears home games at nearby Soldier Field.

Boat Drinks makes for a perfect spot for a pre-game stop for Bears fans. If you’re not going to the game, you can sit in one of those aforementioned nice, cushioned chairs and couches and watch the Bears game on their outdoor TV screens. Even cooler for the outdoor experience is when you hear the cheering coming right from the stadium practically across the street.

All told, this unassuming little spot is a true quality location with food, drink, and music (did we mention every night of the week?) and a casual boat harbor feel to it.

I discovered it a few years ago, and it has rapidly become one of my more favorite places to frequent. Especially on these gorgeous summer and fall days we have been having.

So, check it for yourself, but don’t tell too many people. We don’t want the secret to get out.

The exact address is 600 E Waldron Drive, and all information is available on their award-winning Facebook page, or at www.boatdrinkschicago.com .