The Adults-Only Restaurant in Illinois Where You Can Enjoy a Peaceful Meal

Illinois is full of not only amazing food, but also some of the best bars and breweries in the Midwest. Particularly when I lived on the Far North Side of Chicago, I was surrounded by an abundance of diverse restaurants and nightlife offerings. The Andersonville neighborhood is known for its Swedish ancestry and its small, locally-owned shops on Clark Street. However, it's also known for being a dense residential area filled with young families. The stroller traffic, combined with vehicle and foot traffic, is enough to drive anyone nuts, but the charming area is worth it. But if you find yourself yearning for an adults-only restaurant in Andersonville, Chicago, look no further than Hopleaf Bar — a beloved local haunt that offers the perfect 21 and over escape.

Hopleaf Bar, located at 5148 N. Clark St., is a bar and restaurant on the Far North Side of Chicago in the trendy, quirky Andersonville neighborhood. Since first opening in 1992, the neighborhood tavern has been an adults-only establishment, with patrons having to show ID right at the front door.

When I lived in the area, this was a go-to for dates, friend gatherings, and work get-togethers. With a German beer garden theme, exposed brick, dark woods, and vintage decor, Hopleaf is a haven for beer lovers who love variety and a place for uninterrupted adult conversation.

The bar specializes in craft beers with rotating options for local, regional, national, and international brews. There is truly something for everyone here (including wine!).

I would be remiss if I didn't also mention the exceptional food, which includes Bavarian staples like pork schnitzel and potato salad, as well as favorites like the CB & J — a cashew butter and fig jam sandwich with raclette cheese pan-fried on sourdough bread. Other must-tries include the toasted nueske ham, house frites, apple salad, sausage plate, and brisket Reuben. No kids' meals here.

While Hopleaf is often buzzing, it still offers a type of solitude that parents rarely get. There are no iPads, no diaper changing, no nap-time cries, and no little ones to pull your attention in a thousand directions. At Hopleaf, you can just enjoy an elevated meal with a crisp beer surrounded by other adults.

One thing that I personally enjoy about this place is the amount of details and personal touches that draw the eye, like beer-themed stained-glass windows.

And in the summer, its secret patio is open — hidden from the busy street and surrounded by trees and neighboring businesses. It's a dream escape from the hustle and bustle of life that transports you to a real German biergarten. Prost!

Walking through Andersonville, where Hopleaf sits, feels like stepping into a village within the city, with its welcoming atmosphere and tree-lined streets inviting visitors to explore everything it has to offer. From boutique shops selling handmade goods to highly-rated restaurants offering global cuisine, there’s something for everyone here. It’s also one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhoods in the city, highlighted during its famous Midsommarfest, an annual celebration of music, food, and community.

Parking in Andersonville can be tricky, as the area is popular with both locals and tourists. Street parking is available, but it fills up quickly, especially during weekends or events. It’s bestto use metered parking on Clark Street or check for free residential parking on side streets—just be mindful of any restrictions.

Andersonville is an exciting, eccentric neighborhood that's completely walkable with great shopping. It's also just a short walk to the Edgewater neighborhood, Metra stations, Lake Michigan, buses, the "L" train, and grocery stores. Having lived there, I can't recommend visiting this area enough! Feeling inspired? Try planning your own Illinois trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.