Bloody marys tend to be pretty divisive. You either love this spicy, boozy drink—which can practically be its own meal—or you deride it for its signature savory flair. For those who appreciate the art of a good bloody mary, explore these five Chicago neighborhoods to find your go-to spot for this boozy brunch classic.

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago

The Gold Coast is a smaller Chicago neighborhood known for its ritzy condo towers and townhomes. Tucked among the luxury living, you’ll find the rustic Hash House a Go Go, which serves a menu inspired by Midwestern comfort food. One of the house specialties is the B.L.T. Bloody, and it’s exactly what is sounds like. The drink comes in a salted glass with everything you need to make a B.L.T.: toasted bread, thick slice of bacon, juicy tomato, and wedge of lettuce. If you have room after that, Hash House a Go Go is also known for its chicken and waffles—a precarious pile balanced by a knife stuck in the middle. After brunching to your fill, the Gold Coast’s Oak Street Beach is less than a 10-minute walk away.

Logan Square

The Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago

Ascend to street-level at the Logan Square Blue Line stop, and you’re within walking distance of two highly revered bloody mary spots. Longman & Eagle is well-known for its locally sourced dishes. It isn’t uncommon to find a crowd clamoring for a table. If you want to get in, you’ll have to wait—the restaurant doesn’t take reservations. Once inside, you’ll notice the drinks menu is more about whiskey and bourbon than bloodies. However, Longman & Eagle’s take on the bloody mary is well worth a try. This drink isn’t a whole meal—it’s garnished simply with a small pickle, lemon, and lime—but its flavor is wholly satisfying for Bloody Mary aficionados. On a small strip of Kedzie Avenue, Lula Cafe does its own take on farm-to-table food and bloody marys. The Classic Lula ’99 Bloody Mary is made with sambal, lemongrass, and Modest Vodka.

Near North Side

The Near North Side neighborhood of Chicago

Farmhouse Chicago, located on the border of the Near North Side and River North, is another restaurant that stands testament to Chicago’s love for the farm-to-table movement. The Farmhouse Bloody Mary is prominently displayed on the brunch menu, along with a variety of mimosas. Expect a classic take on the bloody mary here. Farmhouse also has a location up in Evanston. Here, the take on the bloody mary is slightly different. Choose from Farmhouse Vodka, Prairie Cucumber Vodka, Arette Tequila, or Deaths Door Gin. Once your drink arrives, you’ll find a heaping amount of garnishes: pickles, bacon, and cheese curds.

West Town

The West Town neighborhood of Chicago

The Twisted Spoke in West Town is a biker bar. The skeleton mounted on a slowly revolving motorcycle out front makes it hard to miss. Its brunch menu, which goes by the name Hangover Hospital, really sets the tone for this fried and no-frills restaurant. The restaurant specializes in bloody marys, so you have your pick of house varieties. Road Rash Mary, The Classic comes with salami, a pearl onion, parmesan cheese, and an olive. The Bloody Queen swaps the vodka for gin and heaps on the lime, green onion, celery, and shrimp. 

Wicker Park

The Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago

Look for your next bloody mary in Wicker Park, and you’ll hit the jackpot. This neighborhood has not one but three spots with dynamite bloodies. Dove’s Luncheonette, steps away from the Damen Blue Line stop, serves up Southern and Mexican flavors. If you need something sweet to balance out the spicy flavor of the bloody mary, Dove’s has some interesting ice cream options (bourbon butter pecan and honeyed vanilla among them). Smoke Daddy, located on the southern end of the neighborhood, is all about the meat: ribs, chicken, and burgers. Pair your hearty meal with the house Famous Bloody Mary. The spicy drink comes with pulled pork wrapped in smoked brisket and a bottle of beer for good measure. Smoke Daddy also has an outpost in Wrigleyville. Handlebar serves vegan and vegetarian fare, plus a killer bloody mary.