It’s no fun for anyone if I roll my wheelchair over people’s toes in a crowded bar, or if revelers trip over me on their way back from the bartender. But there are plenty of places in the city that make it easy for people in wheelchairs to get around. So whether you’re in a wheelchair or with a friend who is, here are five bars that welcome everyone.
Duke of Perth
Like many Lincoln Park bars, Duke of Perth appears completely inaccessible at first glance. Since the bar is in an older building, there are steep steps leading to the front door. But before you pass on this cozy Scottish pub, note the small buzzer marked with a handicapped-accessible sign by the door. Push it, then make your way to the back door and the staff will meet you at an entrance that comes equipped with a wheelchair ramp. Once inside, it takes a bit of shuffling to fit a wheelchair through the aisles, but customers are usually pretty quick to make way, and the genial atmosphere and excellent whiskey and port selection make the effort more than worthwhile. One tip: If it’s crowded, the staff inside may have trouble hearing the buzzer. Bring along a friend to ask the staff to let you in the back door. 2913 N. Clark St. 773-477-1741.
Jake Melnick’s
This River North spot is a typical neighborhood sports bar with some accommodating features for the wheelchair barhopper. The aisles are wide and easy to navigate, and there are lots of low tables. A bar with tall tables is pretty awkward if you’re the only one sitting low. Not only is it tough to strike up a casual conversation, but you’re likely to get a major neck cramp if you attempt to watch a ballgame. Jake Melnick’s has a nice blend of low and high tables right in the center of the action, and you can easily see a TV wherever you sit. The bar also serves terrific burgers and a killer chocolate chip cookie in a skillet. Remember: Places that also serve food are more likely to have low tables and comfortable seating options for people in wheelchairs. 41 E. Superior St. 312-266-0400.
Cru Cafe and Wine Bar
A trendy Gold Coast spot, this is an ideal place for people in wheelchairs. Double doors make for an easy entrance, and the conveniently low and intimate seating options allow you to sit back and sip your wine without having to precariously balance your glass in one hand while trying to wheel around with the other. If there are no tables available, pull up next to one of the snug couches by the fire for evening conversation. 888 N. Wabash Ave. 312-337-4001.
Pasha
This swanky bar is probably not the kind of place that springs to mind when you think handicapped accessible, since it has an upper level and no elevator. But when you’re in the mood to shake your wheels on the dance floor, it’s one of the best places to go. If there’s a live band, it plays on the main floor, so you don’t miss anything by not going upstairs, and it’s easy to get close to the musicians. Also, since this Loop venue is smaller than most downtown clubs, you’re saved from the body-crushing wave of dancers, and it’s easier to find space to test out your own groove. 642 N. Clark St. 312-397-0100.
Bungalow Lounge
This Lakeview hot spot, which looks like the inside of a lava lamp, offers excellent booth seating for people in wheelchairs. It’s simple to pull a wheelchair up to almost any table there, and no one will have to scoot out of your way when you wheel around. Bungalow Lounge has a nice handicapped-accessible restroom, too, but the stall door is tricky to close if your wheelchair isn’t at exactly the right angle. However, the excellent melon martinis, live jazz and general easy access make Bungalow a must. The live music schedule is sporadic, but I recommend the Jazz Cats on Sunday nights. They return March 14. 1622 W. Belmont Ave. 773-244-0400.
