First Draft is a bar and grill in Chicago, IL. Average rating is 4.5 stars from 1,601 reviews.

The entrance of First Draft bar and grill at night.

4.5 1,601 reviews

Your Next Round Starts at First Draft

A bar and grill on South Clark Street where Chicago locals come to eat, drink, and stay a while.

About Us

Exterior view of First Draft bar and grill with signage.

Some bars feel like they were designed by a committee. First Draft at 649 S Clark St feels like it was built by people who actually drink. The kind of place where the bartender remembers your order on the second visit, the food is real and satisfying, and nobody rushes you out the door.

Sit at the bar and watch the game, grab a booth with friends, or post up at a table after a long day in the South Loop. The energy here has an easy confidence to it. Over 1,600 reviews averaging 4.5 stars tells you this isn't a place that coasts on location alone. People come back because the experience holds up.

Chicago has no shortage of places to grab a beer and a bite. What First Draft offers is consistency and character, two things that are harder to find than they should be. This is a bar and grill that takes both halves of that description seriously.

What We Offer

The menu at First Draft covers the kind of food that belongs in a bar and grill, executed without shortcuts. Expect hearty, satisfying plates built for people who showed up hungry, not just peckish. The drinks program is equally serious, with a solid beer selection and a full bar behind it.

Whether you're watching a game, catching up with coworkers after hours, or just looking for a reliable spot on South Clark, First Draft delivers the full package. Good food, cold drinks, and a room that actually feels good to be in. That combination is rarer than it sounds in a city that has a bar on every block.

Why Choose Us

Rated 4.5 stars across more than 1,600 reviews, making it one of the more trusted spots in the South Loop.

A full bar and grill menu that takes food as seriously as the drink list, no afterthought kitchen here.

Located at 649 S Clark St, right in one of Chicago's most active and walkable neighborhoods.

The kind of consistent, welcoming atmosphere that keeps regulars coming back week after week.

Spacious enough to host a group, comfortable enough to settle in solo at the bar with a cold one.

Genuine Chicago bar energy without the attitude, just good food, good drinks, and good company.

Gallery

Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is First Draft located?

First Draft is at 649 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60605, in the South Loop neighborhood. It's easily accessible by public transit and on foot from several nearby attractions.

What kind of food does First Draft serve?

First Draft is a bar and grill, so expect a menu built around satisfying, well-executed bar food. Think the kind of plates that pair well with a cold drink and a good game on the screen.

Is First Draft a good place to watch sports?

Yes. As a bar and grill in Chicago, First Draft is set up for game-watching, with a bar atmosphere that makes it a natural destination on game days.

Does First Draft take reservations?

We recommend reaching out to First Draft directly to ask about reservations or walk-in availability, especially if you're planning to come with a larger group.

What are the hours at First Draft?

For current hours of operation, it's best to check directly with First Draft, as hours can vary by day and season.

How do customers rate First Draft?

First Draft holds a 4.5-star rating based on over 1,600 reviews, which reflects a strong and consistent track record for quality and experience.

Is First Draft good for groups or after-work gatherings?

Absolutely. The bar and grill format, central South Loop location, and welcoming atmosphere make it a natural fit for after-work drinks, casual group dinners, or a low-key night out with friends.

81° Clear 649 S Clark St

Tue 82° 63°

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Sat 82° 66°

Sun 79° 68°

Mon 79° 67°