prettiest bars in chicago
It's also a playful experience with drinks based on the Trix cereal rabbit and the "Calvin and Hobbes" comic strip and other killer cocktails that force guests to leave their comfort zones. Inside the space, youll find plush velvet champagne-hued bar seats, custom wall coverings outlining scenes from Old-World cafs, and a spectacular quartzite bar. Please enter a valid email and try again. Whether youre a wine lover or just looking for a new place to try something different, Good Funk is definitely worth a visit. 24 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, thegagechicago.com. 1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622. When bourbon is labelled Barrel Proof, you get to taste it in its purest form, and this 8-year-old drink is just outstanding. The cornerstone of a burgeoning Logan Square powerhouse group, Scofflaw is known for its focus on gin but is much more than that with great, affordable cocktails (most are $8), shabby-chic Victorian-esque decor, its own version of Malort, standout bar food, and free fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies every midnight. The Violet Touch is a TVH classic; it is rich, and strong, and gets its savoury and spicy notes from the addition of tobacco bitters. Nine Bar is cozy without feeling cramped, and weeknights are perfect for a lowkey hang on one of the comfy couches. 1. It is certainly not for the faint-hearted but is equally refreshing. Where to celebrate with cocktails, shuffleboard, dancing, and more. It's the oldest spot on this list, jump-started the craft cocktail culture of Chicago, and notoriously has very particular rules like no light beer or dont bring anyone here that you wouldnt bring to your mothers house for Sunday dinner. Quirks and hype aside, this bar hidden behind an ever-changing mural is worth checking out. THE UNDERGROUND Named 'Chicago's Hottest Night Club' by Entertainment Weekly and one of the 'Sexiest Places in the World' by Cosmopolitan, The Underground continues to offer personalization and attention to detail. Located in the heart of Wicker Park, The Violet Hour is a landmark craft cocktail destination in Chicago, serving artisanal cocktails with a rotating cocktail list and also a wide selection of spirits. 27 Best Bars In Chicago September 01, 2022 Sharing is caring! Delilah's 509 Bars $DePaul This is a placeholder "It's possible that this is my favorite bar in Chicago. If youre looking for a fun night out in Chicago, Carols Pub is definitely one of the best dive bars in town. Follow him: @innerviewmag. Today, Ositos Tap brings a modern Latin flair to a classic Chicago vibe, making it one of the best bars in the city. The Knob Creek Cherry Circle Room Single Barrel is a 10-year-old whiskey, aged beautifully to become a dark rich amber color and has a rich, full-bodied flavor. We have that too. Theres no denying the top-floor lounge of the newly revamped Chicago Athletic Association, Cindys, is a beautiful place. In collaboration with Choose Chicago. Where to Celebrate New Years Eve in Chicago, Where to Eat and Drink Near the Magnificent Mile in Chicago, If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. Logan Arcade is a bar that specializes in arcade games and pinball. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. 5. While. If you like your beer crisp and smooth, youve got 3 Floyds Zombie Dust. But what might be even more beautiful than grabbing a seat in Grant Achatzs sleek den of cocktail reinvention is scoring a seat to its exclusive downstairs speakeasy The Officeand losing yourself in its library-chic vibe. 10 Great Hidden Bars & Speakeasies In Chicago, The Chicago Bar Hit List: Where To Drink Right Now, The Bar Greatest Hits List: The 25 Best Bars In Chicago. Ingredients: Aquavit, Cocchi Americano, Suze, Lemon, Peruvian Sweet Peppers, Cumin-Sugar Rim . Junes update accounts for an ambitious Worlds Fair drink menu, the second location of a Logan Square favorite, a Japanese-Mexican fusion spot, a thriving new late-night sensation, and a new empanada spot with rum tastings. The Chicago Firehouse used to be the home of the Chicago Fire Department's Engine Company 104, before they . As Chinatowns first cocktail bar, Nine Bar is a speakeasy operating in the space that was once the dining room of Moon Palace the neighbourhoods favorite restaurant. What to order: Banana Daiquiri, Jet Pilot, Painkiller, Coconut Shrimp. Patrons need reservations to score one of the eight seats, making Milk Room a unique experience that features perfectly-balanced classic cocktails and an extensive selection of hard-to-find spirits in a multi-course prix fixe format with snacks. Here, you could also try the spirits in their original form, and be mesmerised by their natural flavors and depth. The night starts off with a complimentary warm cocktail to prep you for the adventure ahead. If youre a fan of clarified milk punch, youll love Nine Bars Paradise Lost. A post shared by Estereo (@estereo_chicago). Wicker Park is home to a handful of record storeslike Dorian's. But what sets this tiny shop apart from the others is that it's actually a front for a great cocktail bar and performance venue. The cocktails are fun takes on classics like an Old Fashioned with Chinese five spice and the crispy mapo hot fries are a must-order snack. 1354 W Wabansia Ave, Chicago, IL 60642, hideoutchicago.com. Top 10 Best Bars in Chicago, IL - July 2023 - Yelp Inside Pilsen Yards youll find lots of group dinners and a quizzical neon sign above a door that says The Alderman. And while that door doesnt lead to a government official thatll hear all of your complaints about street parking, it does lead to an excellent cocktail bar. Located in Chicagos West Loop is Kumiko, a Japanese dining bar, where food and drinks are adored equally. This is a frozen mishmash of three different rums along with coconut, lime, and fresh banana. Save to a list. We at Thrillist take pride in championing the underrated, from . This hip spot whips up stylish plates, signature cocktails, some old fashioned drinks, and live blues in an underground setting. Barrelhouse Flat is an anomaly to the typical beautiful bar in that a) you dont have to pay $13 for a cocktail and b) its open till 4am, well past the point of looking beautiful for many of its patrons. Best Bars In Chicago According to Chicago Bartenders - MICHELIN Guide This rum-centric drink has hot, spicy, and smooth Neisson LEsprit rum as its base, which is combined with another 7-year-old single-cask rum, curacao liqueur, coconut, pineapple, and lime. at the Disco (vanilla bean-infused vodka, passionfruit, orange). For the 2019 edition, standout newbies Bar Sotano, Kumiko, and Mordecai join the map. After a year-long construction process, Chicago Empanada Mama founder Inez Melendez has completed her Puerto Rican spots evolution from a food truck to a permanent restaurant. Because drinking "in secret" still has its thrills. A truly iconic Chicago drink would be Jeppsons Malrt. The Hottest New Restaurants in Chicago, July 2023, The Essential Pizza Restaurants in Chicago, Where to Dine With Gorgeous Views of the Chicago Skyline and Lake Michigan, The 20 cocktail spots that Chicagoans and tourists need to immediately visit. The Violet Hour is known for their seasonally rotating cocktail list and approachable spirit selection. The stained glass doors, beamed ceiling, and vintage iron light fixtures give the room an old abbey vibe, and the cocktails are made by Chicagos top and legendary bartenders. Expect some of Chicago's best barkeeps to moonlight here and some of the best people-watching in town. The bar has 10 rotating drafts, a European-focused wine list, and over 70 different kinds of rums so be sure to try one of their specialty rum cocktails. Japanese-Mexican lounge Copal launched with a bang in May in River North beneath 15-year-old sister spot Mercadito. Nine Bar is Chinatowns first cocktail bar, located behind the Moon Palace Express takeout counter. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. From a 3-course cocktail prix fixe experience that will blow your mind to a Bloody Mary that includes an entire brunch meal (above), rooftop bars, arcades, live music venues, and historical prohibition era speakeasies. Chicago is a city with no shortage of great bars, but one that always manages to stand out is The Gage. A sophisticated cocktail lounge and neighborhood bar in one, the Sixth in Lincoln Square is the kind of spot most Chicagoans want in their hood. But even if youre not trying to be incognito, theyre still worth a visit. THE SPOTS Kingston Mines BBQ Lincoln Park Perfect For: Classic Establishment Dancing Eating At The Bar Late Night Eats $$$$ 2548 N Halsted St, Chicago View Website Earn 3X Points Save to a list By Jay Gentile. Youve got a rooftop deck. Share What makes a bar essential will always remain in the eye of the beholder. For some, there is nothing more beautiful than a Polynesian girl in a grass skirt. The result is a boisterous restaurant with two bars and a cocktail list from Augustus Gus Federici, formerly of GreenRiver and Testaccio. CHI Guide The Best Cocktail Bars For Special Occasions Where to get fancy drinks when you have something to celebrate. Banana Daiquiri is one of the bars legacy drinks and has been on the menu since its inception. View Website Earn 3X Points. What to order: Nine Bar Mai Tai, Paradise Lost, Paper Dragon, Address: 216 W Cermak Road, Chicago, IL 60616. I stopped in to take a picture for Instagram and ended up staying a little longer to finish my glass of wine in their cute, beach-inspired patio! Thank you for supporting the brands that support A Taste of Koko! 1401 S Michigan Ave, Chicago. 18 Chicago Speakeasies For You to Discover - Time Out The rosemary adds a delicious savoury note to the drink, which is zesty, bright, and satisfying. Adding in a professional staff, quiet conversation-focused ambience, and a terrific back patio makes it an essential. A second bar named Hush Money lives upstairs and has a breezy terrace with Wrigley views, and a standout food menu is also available. Keep in mind that The Green Mill is not your contemporary cocktail bar and lounge; this is more cold beer and whiskey on the rocks kind of place. Whether youre visiting us in winter or summer, Cindys is the perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable meal with friends or family. Theme House 9 Karaoke Chinatown Free parking Sports on TV The Sparrow is located in a classic Art Deco apartment building in the Gold Coast neighborhood in Chicago. Order up some lobster rolls and Angus beef sliders and charge it to the Underhills. The result is a truly unique experience. If you're looking for the best rooftop bars with beautiful views of the city skyline, this destination is known for its views of the Willis Tower, John Hancock, and other buildings in Chicago. For the second course, the Peach Better Have My Honey was a warmed toddy with a bunsen burner demonstration. If youre looking for a chic and stylish place to drink wine and eat small plates, Joes Imports is the place for you. newsletter, One Off Hospitality's (Blackbird, Avec, Publican) elegant bar, A post shared by The Matchbox (@matchbox_bar), one of Chicago's most-unique unique drinking experiences, In the alley behind Frontera Grill, 443 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, Where to Find Thin-Crust Pizza in Chicago. The man behind shuttered Mezcaleria Las Flores and former Rick Bayless beverage director brings his expertise here, resulting in perhaps the best Chicago bar to taste a variety of spirits from south of the border. The Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Bars in Chicago. This is all coupled with knowledgable bartenders who educate patrons. While the exposed-brick and sofa aesthetic of the downstairs bar is beautiful in its own right (and often packed with beautiful people), the seductive charms of the upstairs bar is where Maudes really takes things to the next level. Whether youre looking for a low-key dive an extensive taproom or something with a DJ theres a great happy hour to be had in Chicago. Tired after a day of vintage shopping in Wicker Park? It really does feel like a spaceship inside, but not at the expense of hospitality which is warm and knowledgeable. The final installment of Meadowlark Hospitalitys trilogy of dining and drinking spots in Logan Square, this speakeasy-style bar has quickly established itself as a moody neighborhood hang with boozy, engaging cocktails from beverage director and Violet Hour alum Abe Vucekovich. For such people, there is ThreeDots and a Dash -- the bar equivalent of the popular tropical male fantasy. The space is cozy and inviting, with a retro hunters den vibe. Which means this clubhousey cocktail lounge decked out in leather couches and ornately framed artwork is great if you're a celebrity dodging the paparazzi or avoiding an ex after a Fulton Market run-in. Seating is first come, first . Perfect For: Drinks & A Light Bite Small Plates. "Game Room is one of our go-to bars when we find ourselves in the Loop on a Friday/Saturday night." more. Stroll into the vault for a cocktail that may change colors thanks to come old-fashioned magic with an assist from an interactive wand. Humboldt Parks very own tavern, The California Clipper is a historic neighbourhood bar serving seasonal cocktails and featuring live music. It has been operational since 1958 and is located on North Avenue. The interior design is impeccable, and the menu features creative American dishes alongside a lengthy list of beers. With a long bar, cosy booths, a vintage photo booth, and also an enclosed beer garden, this watering hole is truly one of a kind. The interior is dark and intimate with only 16 seats, and though you definitely can waltz on in, we recommend placing a reservation. 1939 W North Ave, Chicago. Sunda is a restaurant but I had to include their insane Bloody Mary. SEE ALSO:23 Best Bars In Austin For A Craft Cocktail. Chicago sports fandom meets contemporary cocktail culture at No Vacancy, River Norths sleek new bar from ex-DineAmic Hospitality partner Keegan Moon and Ivan McCullagh (Gibsons Restaurant Group). They have a large variety of classic and modern arcade games, as well as pinball machines. So, yes - the aptly named River Roast is more of an upscale restaurant than it is a bar, but with amazing patio views like this, it's just too good to pass up. Cheers! Patrons can choose their own adventure with ultra-creative drinks like the very popular Sea Flower (Nikka Coffey gin, Drap vermouth bianco, Yuzu Kosh, Kabosu and lime with an ocean dust rim) or opt for coursed-out omakase cocktail tastings, as well as terrific bar snacks like addictive tempura prawns. For something more upbeat, swing by during the more energetic weekend DJ sets. 1603 shares In collaboration with Choose Chicago. The Gage is sure to hit the spot whether youre looking for after-work martini or a great meal. The team launched with a menu of familiar classics like the Breezy (cold brew yerba mate soda, falernum) and a frozen salted mango slushy with tequila a riff on the chilly delights of Italian ice favorite Mikos. In early June, the team introduced a brand-new menu that pays tribute to the 1893 Worlds Columbian Exposition in honor of the cultural landmarks 130th anniversary. Where to Warm Up in Chicago Inside a Restaurant or Bar With a Fireplace. Where to Eat Near Wrigley Field in Chicago, Where to Drink and Dine on Rooftops in Chicago. The Bassment. A glass of this chilled beer could be the only breather you need after a zombie apocalypse (or a tiring day at work!). You wouldnt be wrong, but imagine if you were tipping back on a rare bourbon while sitting in a lounge decked out with pieces of a Kentucky distillery. It is fragrant, slightly sweet, and gives a rounder mouthfeel. If youre looking for one of the best bars in Chicago, look no further than the Map Room. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. The inside is surprisingly cavernous, with flickering candles illuminating the space decorated with velvet curtains and towering armchairs. But look closer and youll notice that one of those knick-knacks is actually a door knobrevealing the entrance to The Drifter. Aster Hall This essential food hall from Hogsalt Hospitality is located on the fifth and sixth floors of the 900 North Michigan Shops. Chicago has some amazing rooftop bars with stunning views and creative concoctions. So yeah, a little more classy than BW3. You can taste the elevated tropical flavors in the drink, and the complex flavor profile makes you want to take it slowly to enjoy every bit. Mordecai, from the team behind Logan Square stalwart. If youre looking for a fun place to go with friends, Logan Arcade is the place for you. Youve got a Shake Shack downstairs. The Map Room has something for everyone, with discounts on weekday beers from various regions, plus hundreds of travel books and guides lining the shelves. Chicago is full of amazing bars, but one that always stands out is the Hideout. "BH has been a wonderful neighborhood bar for many; Unfortunately as time passes you realize many" more. Chicagos Best Gin and Tonics to Drink Right Now. The Aviary is brought to you by the Alinea Group where they have perfected state-of- the-art beverages that promise to be unlike anything else. A patio is upcoming. While River North may be Chicago's premier steakhouse neighborhood, there's a pretty good one hiding in the South Loop, too. And there are actually two ways to get inside: either through the restaurant (perfect for post-dinner drinks) or through a discreet alleyway entrance with a tiny, easily missable sign. Arranged from bright and light to spirituous closers, the. Buried in the depths of the Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, a city landmark and former headquarters of Chicago Fire Departments Engine Company 104, drinkers will find the Blue Room. The Best Bars in Chicago, Illinois - Culture Trip A 2015 James Beard Award winner, lines regularly form in Wicker Park at an entrance marked only with a regularly-changing wall mural. Kumiko Bars Cocktail bars West Loop When a regular ol' G&T simply won't do, Julia Momose is waiting with splurge-worthy concoctions. 2. . Despite having a bright red door right next to its Humboldt Park sister restaurant, Split Rail, its easy to miss. Early hits include the Chinatown Pop Star (tequila, mezcal, mango, lychee, coconut) and Passion! And if you make a fool of yourself trying, its too dark for anyone to really notice anyways. Paul McGee may have moved on from the bar he designed and inspired, but fantastic drinks, custom mugs, and an otherwordly ambience remain. This historical jazz venue has been in business since 1907, and it offers live jazz every night in a prohibition-era speakeasy. Executive Chef Christian Ragano offers a unique blend of comfort food and American cuisine, made even more enjoyable by our stunning setting. Chicago's 8 favorite bars | May 2023 | OpenTable There's also the small "speakeasy" downstairs, the Office, known for its small menu and rare spirits. He is behind the wall art of depicting political staire including Dennis Rodman, Sara Palin, and Vladamir Putin. If you find yourself getting all hot and bothered in the Chase teller window, your arousal might prove uncontrollable at The Bedford, where you can sip drinks inside a renovated bank vault. Foursquare. The dark and moody bar is an ideal place to sip on something strong, and drinks from award-winning mixologist Lance Bowman promise a combination of . Chicago is a city known for its nightlife, and Carols Pub is one of the best bars in the city. Cindy's is definitely a bar to dress to impress. Dangerously delicious. A post shared by The Matchbox (@matchbox_bar) on Nov 20, 2016 at 10:48am PST, Where to Sip Magnificent Martinis in Chicago, 12 Chicago Restaurant Bathrooms Youll Want to Put on Instagram. If you find yourself in Chicago, swing by The Gage for an unforgettable experience. Chicago is a city bustling with energy and Old Town Ale House is one of the best bars in Chicago. A subterranean speakeasy-style bar and music venue, it draws on the styles and sounds of both Prohibition-era Chicago and jazz kissa, a genre of Japanese cafes dedicated to playing recorded jazz music. The Gage 3331 American (New) Cocktail Bars $$The Loop "This was the perfect lunch spot! Guests can enjoy their cocktails amongst candlelit tables and a sprawling marble bar. All of Chicagos Past James Beard Award Winners. Wines by the glass and bottles of bubbles occupy most of the menus real estate alongside cocktails like martinis and clarified rum milk punch. Blending gin, vermouth, sake, kabosu juice, and lime, this cocktail is zesty and refreshing. If youre looking for a place to enjoy a drink in Chicago, Sportsmans Club is definitely worth checking out! In the basement of The Green Door Tavern in River North youll find the bathrooms and shelves full of tchotchkes. The unofficial Harry Potter bar makes its debut in Chicago inside a former bank. True to its name, The Beer Temple is a sanctuary for craft beer devotees, housing a spacious taproom where visitors can have a drink and a bottle shop stocked with plenty of interesting and. But the most beautiful thing in the place could in fact be the drinks, served in coconuts, giant clamshells and, of course, treasure chests pouring out with dry ice fog. Playing strong to its down-to-earth ambience and . They have a great happy hour with small plates like pork tacos and $10 cocktails. Think of it as a sibling to Eaters bedrock, its monthly restaurant Heatmap. Chicago's bar and restaurant scene offers plenty of beachside settings to enjoy drinks and food with a great view of Chicago's waterways and skylines. The Green Mill also has a busy calendar of events, with weekly poetry slams and paper machete on Saturday and Sunday. The bar is well-maintained and the staff are friendly. $$$$. They also have a great selection of beers on tap. Guests enter through a secret door, which adds to the lounges exclusive atmosphere. One of the sexiest spots in the city for sipping $13 cocktails is this top-floor lounge at the Raffaello Hotel, where the laid-back sofa vibe of the indoor lounge is a mere prelude tothe stunning outdoor lounge with primo views of the lake and Downtown. A replacement for the Pepper Canister, a stalwart Irish pub thatclosed in 2020after 17 years, the bar features both a fancy wine dispensing system and a slushy machine for boozy frozen drinks a bold move that says a lot about its playful vibe. Where to Order To-Go Cocktails in Chicago, The 15 Best Bars in Chicago for Non-Alcoholic Cocktails. SEE ALSO: Best Restaurants In Chicago You Have To Eat At. Being a Bayless spot, the restaurant also has a full food menu. Theme House 9 Karaoke Chinatown This is a placeholder Free parking Find a parking space and stop by for a drink or two near the Chicago River. I tracked down the greatest bar mitzvah photo of all time The multi-floor tavern also has an outdoor patio that is perfect for enjoying the weather. What to order: 3 Floyds Zombie Dust, La Fin du Monde, Dragons Milk Stout, Jeppsons Malrt, Address: 4802 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640. Mordecai, from the team behind Logan Square stalwart Billy Sunday, is a cocktail and whiskey lovers delight next to Wrigley Field with one of Americas largest brown liquor lineups. 33 Best Bars in Chicago | Cond Nast Traveler The owners ofCheesies Pub and Grub are taking Chicago for a walk on the wet and wild side at Lost Reef, a lavish cocktail bar where patrons can drink and make merry among 2,500 gallons of fish and coral inside eight saltwater fish tanks. You might even end up skipping dinner and playing the entire night (they serve food too!). This is the Sumo Mary 32 oz Bloody Mary comes with a grilled cheese, steamed duck bao bun, crab handroll, crispy pork belly, wok fired shishito peppers, applewood bacon, sunda potatoes, lumpia, takuan, and kai-lan with your choice of regular vodka, cucumber vodka, or spicy vodka. The menu here is constantly changing and includes simple food options as well. All of the drinks here are fantastic, with a rotating selection of cocktails like the slightly savory Sichuan Panda made with baijiu, sesame oil, and peppercorn, or the Blind Luck with gin and chai vermouth. Set atop the Chicago Athletic Association, this rooftop bar offers incredible views of Millennium Park and the harbor. Its good for a chill catch-up with friends, but you can also let loose and give your Mariah Carey impression a test run during Wednesday night karaoke. The Old Town Ale House does not have any TVs but instead has a jukebox.