After a long day of work or whenever the mood strikes for a craft beer or refreshing cocktail, I head over to my favorite neighborhood bar in Pilsen. Simone's Bar, located on Chicago's Lower West Side, is practically like a second home to me where I can relax by the bar for Happy Hour specials or gather with friends in the outdoor patio during the summer. It's a great low-key spot to grab some affordable Mexican-inspired pub fare and seasonal cocktails all while listening to beats from a local DJ. Affordability, a casual atmosphere, quality food and drinks, and good music are my top requirements when I'm searching for a local bar to hang out with friends.

While everyone has different tastes on what type of bar they like, there are still plenty of things to consider when choosing your next local watering hole destination. Whether it's craft beers, Happy Hour specials, jukebox music selections, or a variety of seating environments, you're bound to find exactly what you're looking for. Check out these nine considerations when choosing a neighborhood bar.

photo by Glenn Harper / CC BY

Atmosphere

Local bars are known to cater to certain crowds and court regulars. Some people look for a comfortable environment that has plenty of seating so they can sit down, relax, and enjoy a cold brew or tasty grub, while other bars have limited seating because they want people on the dance floor moving and shaking all night long. Depending on what mood you are in, consider the ambiance of the bar where you want to hang out with friends. If the music is blaring from the loud speakers then you probably won't be able to have a conversation with your friends, unless you want to get into a shouting match. There are low-key lounges and dive bars that play music in the background and yet still allow patrons to enjoy a casual conversation. If you're looking to interact with other people at the bar, then check out bars that show games and have activities that get crowds cheering and rowdy during competitions. And if you're looking for a special place to take your date, then maybe a speakeasy-type cocktail bar like Violet Hour in Wicker Park is more up your alley.

photo by Eli Christman / CC BY

Affordability

When it comes to going out to a bar, I always want to know how much the drinks are going to be so I can avoid going over my budget. There is nothing worse than going out and ordering a round of drinks and then getting hit with a hefty bar tab toward the end of the night. That's why pricing is a huge factor for some people when choosing their local watering hole. Look for bars that offer reasonable prices for domestic beers, daily specials, or great Happy Hour deals. Dive bars and bars catering to the 21+ college crowd typically offer cheap booze and appetizer specials on certain days of the week. Bars near downtown or business districts will offer Happy Hour specials that attract the 9-to-5-crowd looking to unwind after a long day at the office. But if money is no option, then you can booze it up at some swanky drinking establishments like Gilt Bar in River North and order that $150 Champagne bottle you've had your heart set on.

photo by TriviaKing / CC BY-SA

A Good Selection

If you're a beer and cocktail connoisseur or wine aficionado then you'll want to go to bars that carry a good selection that meets your drinking pleasure. There are a few neighborhood bars like Maria's Packaged Goods in Bridgeport that have an extensive craft beer menu that include more than 450 beers. While other bars such as Delilah's in Lincoln Park carry more than 300 varieties of whiskey. And let's not forget about wine bars that offer tastings and flights so customers can learn how to pair that glass of white wine with cheeses and desserts.

photo by Steven Depolo / CC BY

Food

When your stomach starts growling, you'll definitely want to consider checking out bars with food and there is nothing better than having good food paired with a great drink. The days of just having peanuts and popcorn or boring deep fried bar food are long gone and have been revamped with better pub fare, ranging from traditional American burgers and chicken wings to more delectable items like lobster mac n' cheese bites and beer-battered fish tacos. Some neighborhood bars might only offer a few items on their menu like a classic corned beef sandwich, while other spots like Parson's Chicken & Fish in Logan Square are more adventurous by serving up fresh ceviche and raw oysters.

photo by saphirai / CC BY-SA

Music/Live Entertainment

Not only does delicious food go with great drinks but also good music. A great way to end the day or work week is sitting back listening to some tunes whether it's from a live band, jukebox, or DJ all while sipping on a cold beer or refreshing cocktail. Bars offering music or live entertainment are convenient for residents because then they won't have to travel far to hear local bands or musicians. And if you feel like you can belt out a song after a few stiff drinks then hit up Alice's Lounge in Avondale, a 4 AM karaoke bar where you can showcase your musical talent.

photo by Henning Schlottman / CC BY

Outdoor Spaces

When the sun decides to make an overdue visit, locals enjoy spending their time outdoors as much as possible especially after a long and brutal winter. That's where outdoor patios, rooftops, and beer gardens come into play. Everyone should have a local bar that provides indoor/outdoor space for those sunny days to grab drinks after work, on the weekend, or during the week to catch up with friends. The best way to unwind and relax is by having a frozen cocktail or ice-cold draft beer while working on your tan; just don't forget to apply your sunscreen. Some of the best rooftop bars like GreenRiver in Streeterville also offer amazing views of the city combined with excellent cocktails and cool breezes that you can't get anywhere else.

photo by Bluedot / CC0

Games

Looking for some competitive play but don't want to put your beer down? Then pick neighborhood bars that offer fun games and activities like Ping-Pong tables, pool tables, giant Jenga blocks, retro board games, or bocce ball. Some bars even host special events like trivia nights, beer pong tournaments or flippy cup challenges and offer cash prizes to the lucky winners. If competing against your friends or a stranger isn't your style, then check out barcades like Emporium Arcade Bar in Logan Square. These bars are equipped with vintage video games and arcades that will make you feel nostalgic about your game-playing days as a child.

photo by The Cable Show / CC BY-ND

Sports

Watching the big game on TV is always a fun event and there is no better place to do this than at a sports bar. Whatever sport you're into, there is a bar hosting it on their multiple, big screen televisions. You can watch professional soccer games at The Globe Pub in North Center or basketball games at Jaks Tap in West Loop where you are sure to find fellow sports enthusiasts cheering along with (or against) you. Sports fans from across the city or country come together and root for their team to win big or go home while enjoying craft beers on tap.

photo by Clemens Pfeifer / CC BY-SA

Friendly Staff

A welcoming environment and friendly staff is always a plus when searching for a neighborhood bar. Although it might sound cheesy, going to a bar where "everyone knows your name" builds a sense of community where you can establish roots and find solid friendships with other local bar patrons. It's even better when the bartenders or staff remember your name and preferred drink as soon as you walk in the door. But if you're not on a first-name basis with your barkeep, then just make sure you tip the proper amount. That will eventually get them to at least recognize your face next time you order a drink.