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10 Must-Visit Chicago Fire Set Locations: From Firehouse 51 To Molly's Pub And Beyond

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For fans of the long-running NBC drama Chicago Fire, the city of Chicago itself is as much a character as Lieutenant Kelly Severide or Captain Matt Casey. The show’s commitment to authenticity, a hallmark of Dick Wolf’s "One Chicago" franchise, means that most of the action is shot on location, giving viewers a genuine taste of the Windy City. As of December 21, 2025, the primary filming locations remain consistent, offering a permanent pilgrimage site for dedicated fans to visit the iconic homes of Firehouse 51 and Molly's Pub.

The series, which centers on the lives of the firefighters and paramedics of the fictional Firehouse 51, meticulously blends real Chicago landmarks with dedicated studio sets. This guide dives deep into the actual addresses and details behind the show's most crucial and recurring locations, providing the ultimate map for any fan visiting the city.

The Heart of the Action: Firehouse 51 and Its Real-Life Counterpart

The most recognizable and important location in the entire Chicago Fire universe is the legendary Firehouse 51. While the characters and the unit number are fictional, the building itself is a very real, working fire station for the Chicago Fire Department (CFD). This blending of fiction and reality is what gives the show its powerful sense of realism.

The Real Firehouse 51 Address: Engine 18

The exterior shots and the apparatus floor (where the fire trucks are parked) are filmed at the actual Chicago Fire Department Engine 18. This station is not just a prop; it is an active part of the CFD, serving the local community every day.

  • Location Name: Chicago Fire Department Engine 18
  • Address: 1360 South Blue Island Avenue, Chicago, IL 60608
  • Neighborhood: Near the Maxwell Street and University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) campus.
  • What You See on TV: Every exterior shot of the firehouse, including the fire trucks (Engine 51, Truck 81, Squad 3, Ambulance 61, and Battalion 25) pulling out for a call.
  • Fan Etiquette: Because it is a working fire station, fans are advised to be respectful and observe from a distance. The actual firefighters are often very accommodating when they are not on call, but their work takes precedence.

Interestingly, while the exterior provides the authenticity, the majority of the internal scenes—such as the common room, the kitchen, the bunk rooms, and Chief Boden’s office—are not filmed inside the real Engine 18. These are meticulously recreated sets.

Where the Crew Unwinds: The Real Molly's Pub

Molly's Pub is the beloved watering hole co-owned by Herrmann, Dawson, Otis, and later Mouch and Ritter. It serves as the primary social setting for the entire Firehouse 51 crew, from celebration drinks to tense, late-night conversations. Just like the firehouse, Molly's is based on a real, functioning bar in Chicago.

The Inspiration and Location: Lottie's Pub

The fictional Molly's Pub takes its inspiration, and its exterior look, from a historic Chicago establishment called Lottie's Pub.

  • Location Name: Lottie's Pub
  • Address: 1925 West Cortland Street, Chicago, IL 60622 (Sometimes cited as 1924 W Cortland St)
  • Neighborhood: Bucktown
  • What You See on TV: The exterior shots of the bar, including the sign and the entrance, are all Lottie's Pub.
  • Fan Experience: Unlike the firehouse, Lottie's Pub is a fully operational business that welcomes fans. You can step inside, grab a drink, and soak up the atmosphere that inspired one of television's most famous fictional bars.

The interior of Molly's, like Firehouse 51, is a dedicated set built at the primary studio location to allow for easier filming and control over the environment. However, the atmosphere and spirit of Lottie's are clearly visible in the set design.

Behind the Scenes: The Main Production Hub and Studio Sets

While the exterior shots provide the authentic Chicago flavor, the bulk of the day-to-day filming, including all the intricate interior scenes and high-risk stunts, takes place in a controlled studio environment. This is where the magic of television production truly happens.

Cinespace Chicago Film Studios

The entire "One Chicago" franchise—including Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med—is headquartered at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios.

  • Location Name: Cinespace Chicago Film Studios
  • Address: 2621 W 15th Pl, Chicago, IL 60608
  • What You See on TV: This is home to the massive soundstages where the interior sets of Firehouse 51, the interior of Molly's Pub, and other recurring locations like the hospital sets (for crossover episodes) are built.
  • Note: Cinespace is a closed production facility and is not open to public tours, but it is the central hub for the entire production team, including writers, directors, and crew.

The use of these soundstages allows the production team to film scenes regardless of the brutal Chicago weather, ensuring a consistent and efficient filming schedule for the demanding 20+ episode seasons.

Other Essential Chicago Fire Filming Entities and Locations

To maintain topical authority and provide a complete picture of the show’s production, it is vital to acknowledge the other key Chicago entities and locations that frequently appear on screen, reinforcing the show's commitment to realism.

The Training Ground: Chicago Fire Academy

The show often features scenes where new recruits train or where veteran firefighters like Boden and Severide teach specialized skills. These scenes are filmed at the real-life Chicago Fire Academy.

  • Location Name: Chicago Fire Academy
  • Address: 558 W. De Koven St., Chicago, IL 60607
  • Historical Context: This location is historically significant, as it is very close to the site of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, adding a layer of historical depth to the show's setting.

The Vastness of Chicago: Neighborhood Filming

The show makes a conscious effort to depict the diverse landscape of the city. When Firehouse 51 responds to calls, the production team often shoots on location in various neighborhoods to reflect the socioeconomic background of the emergency.

  • Affluent Areas: Cases connected to wealthier characters are often filmed in areas like The Gold Coast or Lincoln Park.
  • Residential Areas: Scenes involving characters with more moderate backgrounds are filmed in numerous other Chicago neighborhoods, utilizing the city’s vast architectural diversity.
  • The Chicago River: Numerous dramatic scenes, particularly those involving water rescues or spectacular fires, are filmed along the banks or on bridges over the Chicago River.
  • Other Landmarks: You might spot other iconic Chicago landmarks, including the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), Millennium Park, and various downtown bridges throughout the series, serving as dramatic backdrops.

The dedication to using real locations, such as Engine 18, Lottie's Pub, and the Chicago Fire Academy, allows Chicago Fire to deliver an unparalleled sense of authenticity. This approach not only grounds the emotional narratives but also turns the television series into a cinematic love letter to the city of Chicago itself, cementing its place as a cornerstone of the "One Chicago" universe.

10 Must-Visit Chicago Fire Set Locations: From Firehouse 51 to Molly's Pub and Beyond
chicago fire set location
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