Top 8 Best Cocktail Bars In Chicago
There's always Cocktail season in Chicago. And there are countless bars to choose from. If you're on vacation or traveling for the weekend and don't know where ... read more...to go, choosing a spot can quickly become quite overwhelming with so many cocktail places in town. To make your life a little easier, here are our favorite bars in Chicago. From classic to tropical to modern and fancy, we have a cocktail bar proposition for everyone. And what they all have in common: each of these places will make you want to come back for more. This is a list of the best cocktail bars in Chicago that you should not miss.
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The city's early social life revolved around establishments such as The Eagle, The Green Tree, and The Sauganash, and its history is both colorful and rich. Longman & Eagle is a look back, reimagining this age-old concept through a modern lens, offering urban 'travelers' a refuge that appeals to a variety of senses - be they aesthetic, consumptive, culinary, or restorative - done in an accessible, considered, and innovative manner. A place where a man can get a shot with his breakfast, where local politicians may trade votes for whiskey, and one that reflects Chicago's distinct neighborhood-based diversity.
The first floor has a larger 'public' space at the front of the building, which is centered on a dramatic bar and back bar, as well as a variety of seating options for drinkers and eaters alike. The backroom'snug' is a slightly more formal space that offers patrons a less raucous dining experience; it is also used to host art openings, private parties, and other special events on occasion. The Off Site Bar, colloquially known as 'The OSB,' is a tiny micro bar located adjacent to and at the back of the building, accessible as an extension of Longman or as its own standalone walk-up option.
In keeping with Chicago's colorful history of inn culture, the second floor features six guest rooms that complement the bar and restaurant below. Each room has been individually designed and furnished with an aesthetic that acknowledges both past and present histories, while also offering comfort, design consciousness, and subtle luxury at its core. The rooms reflect the same level of creativity, detail, and quality that the bar and restaurant do.
Google rating: 4.7/5.0
Address: 2657 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: +1 773-276-7110
Website: longmanandeagle.com -
Arbella Chicago takes first place on the list of best cocktail bars in Chicago. Arbella Chicago, which is also located in the River North neighborhood, is tasteful and stylish without being pretentious. The bar menu depicts the contours of a world map. And the cocktails are organized according to the locations that inspired the creations. There's also a funny - and useful - scale for determining how much alcohol each drink contains. They also have a section dedicated to celebrating the Old Fashioned with globally inspired twists.
Among the offerings are the Vietnam Rising, which features dragonfruit-lemongrass, and the Lago, which has been refined with habanero honey and elderflower. You can enjoy live music events at Arbella Chicago from Thursday to Saturday nights, when they open their stage to DJ sets from local and international artists. The entire establishment exudes a positive vibe and is the ideal place to begin a night out.
Google rating: 4.7/5.0
Address: 112 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: +1 312-846-6654
Website: arbellachicago.com -
Billy Sunday ranks 2nd on the list of best cocktail bars in Chicago. Billy Sunday Bar in Logan Square has long been regarded as a Chicago bar institution. The bar, named after evangelist Billy Sunday, is a brilliant display of the owner's sense of humour. Why? Billy Sunday was a staunch supporter of prohibition and is said to have played a key role in the passage of the Eighteenth Amendment in 1919, which prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages.
The award-winning bar serves classic cocktails, daring modern creations, an impressive selection of vintage spirits, and a strong interest in bitters and Italian Amari. The retro interior, paneled ceiling, and numerous baroque picture frames create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Cocktail prices typically range between USD12 and USD15. However, if you order one of their top-shelf drinks, your bill could be as high as USD65 per cocktail.
Google rating: 4.6/5.0
Address:3143 W Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: +1 773-661-2485
Website: billy-sunday.com -
The Violet Hour is the place to go if you want something more quiet and exclusive. With candlelight and large, comfortable chairs, it almost appears to be a lounge rather than a cocktail bar. The no-cell-phone policy and a dress code that strictly prohibits baseball caps can be a dealbreaker at times, but they can also be just what you need. In addition, the selection of shaken and stirred cocktails is excellent.
The time of day when the sun begins to set and evening approaches is referred to as the Violet Hour. Poetically, it's when miracles happen and unicorns can be found. In addition, it is cocktail hour. Labor has ended, and it is now time to unwind. And people used to have a ritual to celebrate the end of a working day, such as having a drink. And, poetry or not, the latter remains the case. And The Violet Hour is an excellent cocktail bar for unwinding.
Google rating: 4.6/5.0
Address: 1520 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: 773. 252.1500
Website: theviolethour.com -
The ambiance of a speakeasy-style cocktail bar meets the vibes of a live music venue at Lazy Bird. The Hoxton Hotel's lower level in Fulton Market District houses the bar. And the menu features an impressive selection of classic and modern cocktails. They don't leave much to be desired, with over 50 items on the list. The Lazy Bird's bartenders pay close attention to detail and serve delicious drinks.
Live music is usually available from Thursdays to Saturdays and features artists of various genres. There's something for everyone, from jazz to soul to rock and funk. Choose your favorite from their monthly program. You should also be aware that this is a walk-in only establishment. As a result, they do not accept reservations. This can result in long lines, especially on days when there are live performances. To avoid the line, it is best to plan ahead of time and arrive early. Cocktails from the menu cost USD16, while the dealer's choice drinks cost USD17.
Google rating: 4.5/5.0
Address: 200 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: +1 312-761-1799
Website: thehoxton.com/chicago/lazy-bird-bar/ -
Are you looking for tropical vibes in Chicago? They can be found at Three Dots and a Dash. One of the best Tiki Bars in the world. This River North venue on a narrow backstreet checks all the boxes. Tropical craft cocktails made with exotic fruits and spices, fresh, cold-pressed juices, homemade syrups, and the finest Rums are served in incredible mugs shaped like conch shells, sea urchins, and mermaids. Furthermore, the garnish elevates the drinks at Three Dots and a Dash to a higher level.
The interior design combines traditional Tiki elements with modern, stylish elements. It is not the slightly run-down tropical bar vibe you may have encountered elsewhere. Three Dots and a Dash is all about quality and creating a fabulous, fun, yet sophisticated environment. The Bamboo Room is for those who want to delve a little deeper into the world of Rum. It's essentially a bar within a bar that serves more refined cocktail creations. Drinks start from USD15. They also offer group drinks for up to 8 persons served in extra-large mugs in the shape of pirate ships, shells, etc.
Google rating: 4.4/5.0
Address: 435 N Clark St (in the alley), Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: (312) 610-4220
Website: threedotschicago.com
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The Aviary ranks 6th on the list of best cocktail bars in Chicago. When in Chicago, the Aviary is the place to go for special occasions because it is not your average cocktail bar. Although this is reflected in the price, The Aviary is unquestionably worth a visit. You can expect the most unusual, amazing, and progressive drink presentation and composition. Classic cocktails, such as the Old Fashioned, are served in a hollow ice ball that must be cracked open with a rubber band. Other drinks have tiny, spirit-filled bubbles that pop in your mouth or come in impossible bottles with glass sailing ships inside.
Each and every cocktail is a work of art - or, to be more precise, a work of science. Not just visually. The drinks menu features unusual ingredients such as truffle, caramelized onions, curry, and rare finds such as aged Absinthe. In Chicago, it's always cocktail season. There are also numerous bars to choose from. If you're on vacation or a weekend trip and don't know where to go, the number of cocktail venues in town can quickly become overwhelming.
Google rating: 4.2/5.0
Address: Royal London House, 10th Floor Montcalm, 22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX
Phone: +44 20 3873 4060
Website: theaviary.com -
The Sixth Bar is an elegant establishment in the charming Lincoln Square neighborhood. It describes itself as an upscale neighborhood bar, which means it balances the atmosphere of a sophisticated lounge and an approachable pub. The Sixth has a very welcoming and warm atmosphere, as well as a modern, stylish interior.
The name of the bar comes from a time in American history when whiskey production was so common that one in every six men was allegedly involved in the business, whether it was distilling, transportation, or grains and milling. And, given that the name already alludes to whisky, it's no surprise that The Sixth offers a large selection of the spirit.
Aside from the numerous Scotch, Rye, and Bourbon options, The Sixth is known for its craft cocktails and self-made, colorful specialty ice. The dealer's choice menu, where you choose the spirit, flavor, and glassware, is especially entertaining. What you get is a delectable and elegantly presented surprise.Google rating: 4.0/5.0
Address: 2202 W Lawrence Ave Lincoln Square Chicago, IL 60625
Phone: (773) 433-5959
Website: thesixthbar.com