274 Bars for Lease in Cook County, USA

Chicago Retail for Lease - Lincoln Park

TURNKEY RESTAURANT OPPORTUNITY | EAST LAKEVIEW | BELOW-MARKET LEASE 2,176 SF | 80 Seats | Ground Floor | 42-Story High-Rise Rare opportunity to assume a below-market lease in one of Chicago’s strongest dining corridors, with current total gross rent of approximately $5,600/month compared to submarket averages exceeding $7,400/month NNN for comparable restaurant spaces. Situated along a high-traffic corridor with approximately 18,000–25,000 vehicles per day, the location benefits from dense surrounding residential population, commuter traffic from Lake Shore Drive, and close proximity to Belmont Harbor, the Lakefront Trail, and Wrigleyville. The premises were extensively improved in 2020 with over $600,000 invested into the space, including a fully built-out commercial kitchen, draft beer line system, interior improvements, branding elements, and operational infrastructure. The space also includes two ADA-compliant restrooms, one dedicated garage parking space, and a recently renewed liquor license. Additional intangible and operational assets may be available in connection with the lease assignment, including branding, marketing infrastructure, customer database, digital assets, recipes, and social media presence. Ideal opportunity for an experienced restaurant operator, hospitality group, café concept, cocktail lounge, or experiential food-and-beverage user seeking a high-visibility turnkey location with favorable lease economics. The restaurant remains open and operating. Interested parties are encouraged to visit the restaurant as a customer prior to requesting additional information. Please do not contact ownership or on-site staff directly. All inquiries must remain confidential, as staff has not been informed of the potential transition. PLEASE NOTE: This is not a free lease takeover. A separate purchase price is required for the existing restaurant buildout, furniture, fixtures, equipment, liquor license, branding, operational infrastructure, and related business assets (“Key Money”). Additional details will be provided to qualified parties only. NDA required prior to release of financials or confidential business information. Ownership will only consider qualified, and experienced operators with strong financial qualifications. For additional information, qualified parties may contact: Tuyen Nguyen - tuyenN@crer.com

Property Type:

Multifamily

Date on Market:

2026-05-20

Chicago Multiple Space Uses for Lease - West Loop

205 W Randolph was developed in 2 stages: the original structure was erected in 1914 and completed in May 1915, and was built as a 17-story office building with a basement at the southwest corner of Wells and Randolph. It was originally intended to consolidate the State of Illinois’ offices into one central location. 6 months after its construction, 205 W Randolph became known as the People’s Life Building when it was acquired by the People’s Life Insurance Company. A few years later it was acquired by the Cooperative Society of America, where renowned author Ernest Hemingway would work as an associate editor for the short-lived Cooperative Commonwealth Magazine. The building was eventually purchased in the late 1920s by City State Bank, who sponsored the 1928 south addition that later became known as the Randolph-Wells Building. Although it underwent some rehabbing, recladding, and alterations in the 1980s, 205 W Randolph still bears all the hallmarks of Chicago’s golden age of architecture: white terra cotta, Gothic Revival style, and elaborate detailing reminiscent of the designers whose namesake might sound familiar: the Burnham Brothers, sons of world-famous Daniel Burnham, are responsible for the Art Deco/pseudo-Grecian ornamentation that helped the Randolph-Wells Building earn its place in the National Register of Historic Places.

Date on Market:

2026-05-27

Chicago Retail for Lease - Lincoln Park

- Located in  a vibrant neighborhood in Chicago known for its lively atmosphere that includes many restaurants, and entertainment options - Includes basement with restrooms and storage - Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, is 0.2 miles away or a 4-minute walk, producing heavy foot traffic during baseball season - Busy surrounding area includes many restaurants and bars including Pilot Project Brewing, The Rabbit Hole Wrigley, Philly Cheez, Zam-Zam Middle Eastern Grill and Hacienda D'Suarez - Walk score of 97 - highly walkable - Excellent public transportation options include 3 minute walk from the Red Line Train station, steps from #22 Clark and 0.1 miles from #152 Addison bus lines, 0.4 miles from the Purple and Brown Line Train stations

Date on Market:

2026-05-28

Chicago Retail for Lease - Fulton Market/Near West Side

Positioned in the heart of Chicago’s premier dining and nightlife corridor this 3000 square foot, fully built-out corner restaurant opportunity at 1023 W. Lake Street offers a rare turnkey presence in an iconic 1896 vintage Tied House building less than one block from the highly trafficked Morgan CTA Green/Pink Line station. This space benefits from exceptional pedestrian visibility, strong daytime office traffic, and immediate proximity to many of the neighborhood’s most prominent restaurants, hotels, tech tenants, and entertainment venues. Formerly occupied by Riccardo Osteria, the space features an architecturally distinctive buildout blending historic Fulton Market character with modern hospitality design. The dramatic corner frontage is anchored by restored cast iron detailing, oversized glass storefront along Lake Street, and expansive operable nano-style folding glass doors along Carpenter that create an indoor/outdoor dining experience. The façade is enhanced with decorative lighting, custom planters, and a highly visible blade sign presence along Lake Street. Inside, the restaurant offers 14’ ceilings, exposed brick walls, hardwood flooring, custom millwork, acoustic ceiling treatments, designer lighting, and ample natural light with its hard corner location. The layout accommodates a variety of restaurant concepts ranging from upscale casual, to three meal-a-day concepts, as well as chef-driven dining to cocktail-focused hospitality users. The existing improvements include: • Fully built-out bar and dining room • Large operable storefront systems opening to the street along Carpenter • Commercial kitchen with black iron hood infrastructure and cooking line • Existing bar equipment and back bar millwork • ADA restrooms • Rear back of house kitchen, as well as lower-level prep kitchen and walk-in cooler. • Lower-level storage/support space with direct interior access • Strong corner identity and branding opportunities • Excellent visibility from both vehicular, CTA, and pedestrian traffic The location offers immediate access to the Morgan CTA station, one of the busiest transit stops serving Fulton Market and the West Loop, with approximately 3,500 average weekday riders. Surrounded by dense residential development, boutique hotels, corporate office users, and nationally recognized dining concepts, the property sits within one of Chicago’s most active hospitality trade areas. This is a rare opportunity to lease a highly improved, second-generation restaurant space with significant existing infrastructure in a premier Fulton Market location.

Date on Market:

2026-05-13

Chicago Retail for Lease - West Loop

The property sits on the border of Chicago's Fulton Market and River North neighborhoods, offering immediate access to the residential population centers, office buildings, hotels, the Merchandise Mart, restaurants and nightlife that both neighborhoods offer. Just moments away, Fulton Market's renowned restaurant row and the bustling Randolph Street provide an enticing draw for retail and street retail tenants. Close to all public transportation, I-90/94, Oglivie Station Metra Center, and the Loop CBD, the property is also just two short blocks from the Bally's Casino and entertainment complex (opening early 2027) which will be the home to restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues in addition to the largest casino operation in the Midwest.

Property Type:

Multifamily

Date on Market:

2026-05-07

Palos Hills Retail for Lease - South Route 45

Freestanding restaurant for lease. Located just north of the 111th/Southwest Highway intersection, the property is on the east side of the street.

Date on Market:

2026-04-21

Chicago Retail for Lease - Northwest City

Date on Market:

2026-04-16

Countryside Retail for Lease - Eastern East/West Corr

1. Rare opportunity to lease the former Jameson’s Steakhouse in Countryside. This is a complete turnkey restaurant with all FF&E included in the lease. Separate bar area, wine room, video gaming room, and a large kitchen with 30’ of exhaust hoods for cooking. Both the restaurant and hotel have been newly renovated, this will be the flagship restaurant for the William Tell Hotel MOD Collection by Sonesta. 2. Entertainment venue/bar/restaurant available in the newly renovated Holiday Inn in Southwest suburbs. Vaulted ceilings with skylights, a large outdoor patio area, private party room and a thirty foot bar are just some of the highlights this space has to offer. Perfect for a brewery/winery, live entertainment venue, or dinner theater, this space must be seen to be appreciated.

Property Type:

Hospitality

Date on Market:

2026-04-10

Chicago Retail for Lease - South Chicago

Positioned along the highly trafficked Stony Island Avenue corridor on Chicago’s South Side, this turnkey restaurant opportunity offers operators and investors a rare chance to acquire or lease a like-new, fully built-out freestanding restaurant with dedicated parking. Formerly occupied by Huddle House, the property features a modern free-standing building that was developed within the last few years, presenting a clean slate for a new concept. The offering includes all existing FF&E, allowing for immediate occupancy with minimal downtime and significantly reduced startup costs. The layout is optimized for efficient service, accommodating dine-in, carryout, and potential delivery operations. Situated on a prominent stretch of Stony Island Ave.—one of the South Side’s primary north-south thoroughfares—the site benefits from strong visibility, accessibility, and consistent vehicular traffic. Importantly, Stony Island serves as a direct arterial route to the future Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, one of the most anticipated developments in the country, expected to draw millions of annual visitors. Ongoing and planned infrastructure improvements along the corridor—including roadway enhancements and potential lane expansions—are designed to support increased traffic flow and accessibility to the area, further strengthening the long-term positioning of this location. The surrounding Calumet Heights area continues to see reinvestment and growing demand, with limited freestanding restaurant inventory available.  This opportunity is well-suited for a wide range of concepts including quick-service, fast casual, full-service dining, or franchise expansion. With infrastructure already in place, operators can focus capital on branding and operations rather than construction.

Date on Market:

2026-04-06

Chicago Retail for Lease - Gold Coast/Old Town

Located at 1525 N. Wells in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant Old Town neighborhood, this impeccably built, modern bar. This is a rare opportunity. The previous tenant operated with a full suite of licenses, including a corporate liquor license, PPA license, retail food license, and a sidewalk café permit. The space features approximately 6,578 square feet of interior space with an approved occupancy of 239 guests, plus seating for 42 on the sidewalk café. Boasting 50 feet of prime frontage along Wells Street, the property benefits from excellent visibility and heavy foot traffic, complemented by wide sidewalks ideal for outdoor dining. Inside, the main bar and dining area span an impressive 80’6” in depth and 49’8” in width, with 11-foot ceilings creating an open, airy atmosphere. The centerpiece is a striking rectangular bar offering 72 linear feet of service space—perfect for high-volume operations. This is a high-grossing, fully built-out venue in one of Chicago’s most sought-after hospitality corridors, ready for its next operator.

Date on Market:

2026-04-01

Chicago Office/Medical for Lease - River North

Property Type:

Office

Date on Market:

2026-03-29

Evanston Retail for Lease - Near North

The property is located at 950 Church Street in Evanston, Illinois, within the Church Street Plaza development. It occupies a corner position along a pedestrian walkway and includes an outdoor patio. The site is across from the Davis Metra Station and near the Davis CTA Brown Line. Surrounding uses include retail, dining, office, and residential developments. Northwestern University and the relocated City Hall are in close proximity. The property is licensed for retail food and liquor use and includes a commercial kitchen buildout. Diverse customer base: Northwestern University students, office workers and commuters from the newly relocated Evanston City Hall, residents of the upscale 250-unit complex, tourists at the Plaza’s first-class hotel, retail shoppers, and AMC moviegoers. Turn-Key: Recently constructed space featuring a large commercial hood, walk-in cooler, and a liquor license for on-site consumption.

Date on Market:

2026-03-17

Hillside Retail for Lease - Melrose Park Area

The building features a modern exterior and ample parking for guests, ensuring convenience and accessibility. Located just west of Mannheim Road and only a half mile from I-290, the property benefits from excellent regional connectivity and visibility, with over 21,000 vehicles passing the center daily. Co-tenants include The Original Chickies Beef, and the surrounding area features major retailers such as McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Walgreens, and Wing Snob, creating a strong retail and dining environment.

Date on Market:

2026-03-16

Chicago Retail for Lease - Fulton Market/Near West Side

310 S. Halsted is ideally situated in the heart of Chicago’s dynamic West Loop/Fulton Market corridor, just steps from the University of Illinois at Chicago campus. Over the past decade, the neighborhood has experienced some of the strongest population and income growth in the country. Within a half-mile radius, the population now exceeds 19,000 residents, with an average household income of more than $182,000 annually. Between 2015 and 2025, more than 10,000 luxury apartment units are projected to be delivered, underscoring the area’s rapid evolution into a premier destination for upscale living and vibrant commercial activity. Since 2014, approximately 8 million square feet of new office space has been developed, substantially increasing the daytime population and further energizing the neighborhood. The property also offers exceptional connectivity, with convenient access to I-90/94, the CTA Blue Line, nearby Metra stations, and multiple CTA bus routes.

Date on Market:

2026-03-04

Chicago Retail for Lease - Northwest City

SVN | Chicago Commercial is pleased to present this ±2,300 SF retail space in a beautiful luxury mixed-use building at the high-profile corner of Irving Park and Ashland. This former Starbucks location is ready to go for a new tenant. This restaurant capable space has a substantial amount of existing infrastructure, including 400amp/ 3-phase electric service, upgraded HVAC, two ADA-compliant fully-fixtured bathrooms, lots of in-place lighting, electrical, and plumbing distribution as well as a Type II venting system, although a black iron venting system can be installed . Perfect space for a new cafe or food use, as well as many other potential uses. The property offers up to nine parking spaces on-site at $200/month per parking space. The building features 13 luxury apartment residences as well as two additional commercial tenants. A tenant in this space would benefit from wraparound signage on Irving Park and Ashland, as well as over 50 feet of frontage on both Irving Park Rd and Ashland Ave. The property is easily accessible by the #9 and #80 CTA buses, and the Brown Line L train is only 3 blocks away. Fantastic demographics with over $180k avg HH incomes and home values over $800k in the immediate area. The property also benefits from a daily vehicle count of over 60,000.

Property Type:

Multifamily

Date on Market:

2026-03-02

Chicago Office/Retail for Lease - South Chicago

Join new tenant Momentum Coffee at Pointe 1900 in Chicago's South Loop. This 1,430 SF 2nd generation space fronting Archer Ave has Type II venting, which could be useful for pizza, bakery, hot sandwiches, venting for electric ovens, and other potential food uses. The space is in fully functional condition, ready for a new tenant. Perfect spot for general retail, office, and/or medical office uses as well. The property boasts great frontage on State. St & Archer Ave, with fantastic signage opportunities and on-site parking for retail customers. Situated directly across the street from Perspectives Charter School. Pointe 1900 consists of 131 fully occupied residential condos plus 36,500 SF of retail space with parking. Great and varied co-tenancy includes Chase Bank, AthletiCo, Subway, Cafe Bionda Restaurant, My Place Chinese Restaurant, and Intrigue Dance and Performing Arts Center. This space is available immediately and is offered at an affordable rental rate.

Property Type:

Multifamily

Date on Market:

2026-02-24

Berwyn Office/Retail for Lease - Cicero/Berwyn Area

This recently updated retail property offers an outstanding opportunity for a food, beverage, or café-style business in a high-traffic section of Roosevelt Road, near the intersection of Oak Park Avenue and Roosevelt. The location benefits from approximately 21,000 vehicles per day, ensuring strong visibility and consistent customer exposure. The property features a welcoming storefront walk-in area with counter and stool seating, complemented by a back kitchen equipped with a commercial-size double sink for efficient operations. Additional amenities include a kitchen with hood, one bathroom, a storage room, and convenient rear parking for up to five vehicles, ideal for employees and deliveries. Recent upgrades include a newer HVAC system and water heater (2024), providing operational reliability. The surrounding neighborhood is known for its vibrant mix of specialty restaurants, bakeries, boutiques, and music venues, creating a dynamic environment for attracting customers. This property combines functionality with a prime location, making it an excellent choice for businesses seeking a strong community presence and steady foot traffic.

Property Type:

Retail

Date on Market:

2026-02-20

Chicago Retail for Lease - Northwest City

Refer to the Available Space tab for more on this lease assignment and asset sale.

Property Type:

Multifamily

Date on Market:

2026-02-16

Forest Park Retail for Lease - Cicero/Berwyn Area

Founded in 1977, Starship Restaurant & Catering, originally named after Paramount Pictures’ Star Trek Starship Enterprise, this kitschy staple has been feeding hungry Chicagoans for nearly 50 years-officially Forest Park’s longest running restaurant. Centrally located, this high-grossing restaurant is ready for its next owner. With an efficient counter setup, robust catering and delivery business, and so many beloved sandwiches & soups, this spot is well-positioned for many more years of success. This is an operating business. Do not approach or disturb staff or management. All showings are arranged during off-operating hours, accompanied by the Designated Listing Agent.

Date on Market:

2026-02-10

Chicago Retail for Lease - Northwest City

Date on Market:

2026-02-09

Chicago Retail for Lease - Northwest City

Corner Unit, Former Restaurant Space Window-Lined Space Excellent Visibility and Exposure on Fullerton Ave Easy Street Parking Shares Block With CVS and Family Dollar on Busy Fullerton Avenue 1 Block From Metra Train, 1 Mile To CTA Blue Line, 1.5 Miles To I-90 Ramps Located In Evolving Logan Square Neighborhood, Active Business Area & New Residential Developments

Date on Market:

2026-02-04

Chicago Retail for Lease - Northwest City

Prime Turn Key restraurant & Retail Opportunity | Logan Square 2165-2171 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 3000 square feet 13,500 modified gross. Turnkey Condition | Divisible Footprint | Outdoor Patio | Dedicated Parking Situated in the heart of Logan Square’s iconic Milwaukee Avenue corridor, this property offers a rare "plug-and-play" opportunity for operators seeking high visibility and elite foot traffic. The space is currently configured as a high-end restaurant and bar, but its flexible layout makes it a premier candidate for flagship retail, creative showrooms, or boutique service concepts. Maximum Flexibility: Single or Dual-Tenant Layout Unique to this offering is the property’s ability to scale. The building is comprised of two distinct spaces that can be leased in their entirety for a significant brand presence or demised into two separate, independent storefronts. Note to Prospective Tenants: Please refer to the attached floor plans to view the potential demising lines and entrance configurations. Turnkey Infrastructure: Fully equipped commercial kitchen featuring professional-grade appliances, venting, and prep areas. Architectural Features: A designer-built bar serves as a focal point, complemented by a versatile open floor plan. -Premium Outdoor Amenity: Includes a private outdoor patio, providing a competitive edge for hospitality or enhanced retail display. -Logistics & Storage: Includes a substantial basement level, offering ample square footage for inventory, back-of-house operations, and storage. -Dedicated Parking: Rare, on-site parking is included with the lease, providing a significant competitive advantage for staff and operations in this high-density corridor. -Parking & Accessibility In addition to the property’s high walkability, this listing includes dedicated off-street parking. This rare Logan Square amenity ensures: Operational Efficiency: Easy access for deliveries, loading, and unloading. Staff/Tenant Convenience: Private parking located on-site, a premium luxury on Milwaukee Avenue. Multi-Modal Access: Perfectly positioned for customers arriving via the nearby CTA Blue Line, bike, or vehicle. -Location Overview Positioned on Milwaukee Avenue, the property is surrounded by a world-class mix of Michelin-rated restaurants, national retailers, and independent boutiques. This location benefits from dense residential demographics and heavy daily transit, ensuring consistent morning-to-night visibility.

Date on Market:

2026-02-04

Chicago Retail for Lease - Northwest City

4,543 SF second-generation corner restaurant opportunity located at the base of 606 Blue, a fully leased 94-unit luxury apartment building. The space provides over 130' of retail frontage along Milwaukee Avenue with unparalleled visibility from the 606 Trail and existing infrastructure, including black iron, a cooking hood, and a walk-in cooler. Located in Wicker Park, the property benefits from a trend-forward neighborhood known for high pedestrian traffic and a strong dining and nightlife scene.

Property Type:

Multifamily

Date on Market:

2026-01-30

Evanston Office/Retail, Retail for Lease - Near North

Date on Market:

2026-05-13