The Charleston

Wicker Park / Bucktown, Chicago –

Centered on a residential stretch of Hoyne Avenue, The Charleston is a mellow neighborhood bar with a vintage feel that provides a welcome haven for midweek relaxation and low-key weekends.

Narrow and cozy, the space features simple benches and intimate tables where couples and friends chill out over quiet conversation, while affable post-grads and Wicker Park hipsters snag a seat at the antique wooden bar and peruse a chalkboard menu of the venue’s diverse beer selection, which ranges from local favorites to rarer Belgian ales.

An embossed ceiling dotted with open bulbs highlights the old-time vibe, accented further by the frequent clack and ring of a vintage cash register and a nearby safe covered with old books and candles.

Although the music ranges from ambient indie rock to psychedelic tunes spun by a DJ – or even the occasional live band – volume levels promote easy listening and unstrained conversation even when the room fills to capacity on Friday and Saturday nights.

Classy and mellow, The Charleston is an easy stop for its neighbors and a destination for anyone looking to kick back over a few rounds in an authentic and welcoming bar.