Arts & Entertainment
Participating in Dry January? Here Are Some NA Options Offered in Chicago’s Bar Scene
There are several reasons someone might choose not to drink.
But for a select few during the first month of the new year, it’s the trend called “Dry January” that’s giving people an opportunity not only to experience the effects of not drinking alcohol, but also to reflect on their own relationship with it and the role it plays in their lives.
According to a 2023 Gallup poll, 38% of U.S. adults do not drink alcohol. The most cited reason was because they simply had no desire to or did not want to, the poll found, accounting for about a quarter of the non-drinkers in the survey.
Other common reasons, according to the poll, include that people don’t like drinking, it’s unhealthy, they are afraid of the consequences, they have had a bad experience with alcohol, health reasons prevent them from drinking or that it is against their religious beliefs.
Whatever the reason might be for some Chicagoans, WTTW News visited a few of the city’s bars and restaurants to see which NA, or non-alcoholic, options are being offered. Here’s some of what we found:
Daisies, Logan Square
If you’re looking for a brunch spot, this self-described “Midwest inspired, pasta-focused restaurant” offers two drinks on its “Low & No” section of the drink menu: Pet N/Ah and a Mushroom Sour. We tried the former and enjoyed its similarities to a glass of rosé — light and bright, but sweet.
La Luna, Pilsen
If you’re looking for a restaurant that serves tacos and other Mexican dishes, La Luna offers NA cocktails, including zero-proof margaritas. Though the margaritas are always a safe choice, we recommend the Pepino Sobrio, or “sober cucumber.” It’s a non-alcoholic cocktail made with zero-proof tequila, cucumber juice, lime, mint and ginger beer. The result? A refreshing beverage bursting with cucumber and lime.
Guinness Open Gate Brewery, West Loop
For beer lovers, check out the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Chicago — the world’s fourth-only Guinness brewery open to the public. The brewpub serves Guinness Zero, a non-alcoholic Guinness brewed and bottled in Ireland that you can order when you dine in or take with you to go. Not a fan of Guinness? Then try one of the beer cocktails, which can all be made non-alcoholic. We recommend the Coffee Break.
Kumiko, West Loop
This dimly lit Japanese-inspired cocktail bar is perfect for date night. The restaurant’s drink menu has an entire section dedicated to NA drinks, called “spiritfrees.” We recommend the Bianco for its beautiful lavender honey, which appears blue on the inside of the glass, and its floral aroma.
Nobody’s Darling, Andersonville
For a cozy, neighborhood bar that’s also queer-friendly, Nobody’s Darling in Andersonville offers up two NA cocktails: Darling Tea Time and Crescent Moon. We tried the former and loved it for its subtle earthy flavors.
