Sober Curious? January’s Your Jam!

Dry January is more than a detox, it’s a chance to reset your habits and discover the art of mindful drinking. Fortunately, today’s bartenders are masters of the mocktail, crafting inventive, alcohol-free creations that rival the real thing. These restaurants and bars make skipping the spirits easier (and tastier) than ever.

Glistening bottles brimming with buzz-free liquid line the walls of nonalcoholic bars and bottle shops across the Midwest, reflecting a trend that's sweeping the nation. Customers come with different rationales for avoiding alcohol, but one of the appeals of an exclusively NA business is to socialize with like-minded sober people. Many of these NA bars double as community gathering spots, with game nights, live music, mindful mixology classes, even crocheting circles. Whatever your motivation, "adult beverages" have never tasted so sweet—or bitter, balanced or tart.

Cindy’s Rooftop, Chicago 
From the expansive rooftop of the Chicago Athletic Association hotel, take in unobstructed views of Millenium Park and sparkling Lake Michigan beyond. Sip on a sparkling wine from Italy or order Chicago’s own Lagunitas Hoppy Water. Bright, fresh and effervescent best defines the menu’s spirit-free drinks. Kick it up a notch and add 10 mg of CBD (additional charge).

In Good Spirits, Chicago 
This zero-proof dry bar and bottle shop in the West Town neighborhood offers space for enjoying spirit-free beverages. Or, from the market-retail space, choose from nonalcoholic beers, spirits, wines and ready-to-drink beverages. While here, stock up on glassware, barware, bitters and syrups for your home bar. 

Three Dots and a Dash, Chicago
Wander down an alleyway to find this tropical River North hideaway. The tiki bar specializes in mocktails made from on-site, cold-press juices and nonalcoholic spirits. Two to try include Sunday Scaries with coconut water and Honeycrisp Nombie with a touch of cinnamon.  

The Other Side, Crystal Lake 
This cafe by day turns into a sober bar by night with an alcohol-free social space offering kombucha and mocktails. Try the fruity Paloma, spicy Chile Sunrise and zesty Temple of Doom while listening to live music, laughing to comedians or playing trivia. Check the events calendar for more details. 

Go Brewing, Naperville 
Come for karaoke and darts and stay for the nonalcoholic beer at this dive bar that focuses solely on NA beer and beverages. The beers resemble craft brews, minus the alcohol. Choose from a hazy IPA, pilsner, wheat, and sour NA beer. The brewery also makes NA cocktails and serves an NA wine. Live weekly events include turntable Thursdays, plus musicians, pop-up food trucks and caterers, and wellness events like cold plunges. 

Take Cover Tiki Club, Moline
One of downtown’s newest bars, Take Cover Tiki Bar welcomes all with a curated menu of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, such as frozen pina coladas, strawberry-rosemary mango fizz and house-made cider. Or choose a sober classic like a Paloma, daiquiri or mango fizz. Caffeine kicks include a double shot espresso, latte, Americano and macchiato. For a sweet treat, order an affogato—espresso, caramel and chocolate over vanilla ice cream. 

Cloud Mountain Kombucha, Urbana 
The trio behind Cloud Mountain began brewing kombucha (fermented tea) in a kitchen four years prior to opening their first taproom in 2021, and they recently moved into a new location. The company sources as many local ingredients as possible in addition to what they grow on a 5-acre farm. Favorite flavors include fresh-and-fruity Red Apple and Spicebush and for a spicy kick, Lemon Balm Ginger and Cayenne. 

Gallery Art Bar, Urbana
Lights, music and digital art move throughout the space at this diverse art bar known for its zero-proof beverages, plus cocktails that can also be made zero-proof for the sober curious. Check the calendar for live entertainment that often includes open mic poetry, dance nights (different genres) and lit readings.