Cocktail Bars near Downers Grove

“I've been here many times now, and love it!! It's busy most weekends and holidays and nights tbh, lol. So expect a bit of a wait, sometimes. It's worth it. Besides you can walk up the street and have a quick beer at Orange and Brew or Emmett's Brewing Co. while you're on their waiting list. It's just a short walk; get that 5 minute walk in for beer and food!! Enjoy and cheers!“

“This resturant is an absolute gem! The cocktail list is impressive and delicious. There are multiple, delicious craft Mexican-inspired cocktails. If you like spicy, be sure to select something with the homemade jalapeño simple syrup! The food was excellent. It is no exaggeration when I state that I had the BEST ground beef taco I have ever had. The al pastor taco and guacamole were delicious as well. Locals, we need to keep this place open. This family-owned and run resturant is a wonderful addition to our community!“

“Barrelman's Room is my go-to place on a Friday or Saturday night when I want delicious cocktails and cozy ambiance so I can actually talk to my friends & hear each other. It's usually pretty easy to get a table, the staff is helpful with recommendations and I love the "secret" feel of it. I recommend it to anyone who wants a night out without a long line or wait. You won't be disappointed!“

“Tonight my family and I had the absolute pleasure of dining at Osteria by Capri. We were invited by the new ownership to give them a try after a poor experience by the previous ones.Let me say they did not disappoint! As being first generation Italian/American with my parents being immigrants from Italy, I like to say I know our cuisine extremely well. Allow me to share with you my experience. We were seated and our server Virginia greeted us with a big welcome and smile making us feel at home already! We ordered our appetizer of gnocchi stuffed with Asiago served with a vodka sauce! Totally light and fluffy with the tang of Asiago and sweetness of the sauce. One can definitely eat two servings because they were that good! And yes, hot, crusty Italian bread was brought to the table! Next our main courses… - Homemade rigatoni with plain marinara sauce. You can tell they were homemade by their size. They were perfect texture when bit into. The marinara sauce was perfectly balanced with tomato, garlic and a tiny pinch of red pepper! ( Don’t mind the lack of sauce in my pic below, our daughter doesn’t like a lot of it ) - Linguini with mussels in red sauce. You were able to see and taste that this was just made. The richness of the sugo with mussels was deep! - Linguini with clams in white sauce. Both of these dishes were piled with either clams ( or mussels ).The clam sauce keeps you diving in for more. You sense that clams, garlic, EVOO, clam broth were just simmering perfectly to give you that umami. And the linguini were perfect al dente! - Eggplant Parmesan with penne. The owner had told us that his was amazing. Now when one dares to set the bar high on this dish you best deliver. Let me tell you… IT DELIVERED! The eggplant was not heavy or greasy, rather light and flavorful. Some people pile mozzarella on it, this was not too much or not too little. Nothing overpowered the next! Balance! The penne and marinara were equally good but the eggplant Parmesan was the star! We dared to order dessert! Canoli You ask any Italian our biggest pet peeve of cannolis are when they aren’t filled all the way and they’re hallow in the middle. This was stuffed all the way through with the perfect sweet filling. NOT with (as my father would call it) sweet cement, but with a light, flavorful cream with chocolate chips and the tips covered with pistachio… like real Sicilians like it! Tiramisu This dessert has been so played out in America. Everyone tastes just… meh. But this one… THIS ONE was an experience! Simply because it was light, airy, full of flavor! The mascarpone was sweet and light. When you got to the bottom where the coffee liquor was you can taste this dessert was fresh. The flavors brought me back to being a kid when my mom would make me this for my birthday! All in all our meal was excellent. Virginia came by at just the right time, every time making sure everything was going well or if we needed anything else. She treated us like family! Food isn’t just about nourishing one self. It’s about creating memories so that when you recreate it in the future it brings them back, like they did with the tiramisu. When those memories get triggered you just feel like you’re home. Capri did that tonight! This is the place to be if you’re missing home!“

“Gluten free waffles and pancakes ARE available and an absolute revelation! Hallelujah! The blueberry lemon cheesecake waffles were INSANE, no maple syrup needed.Claudia was a great hostess and server. Even when she is busy she's attentive and kind.Great Julius Meinl coffee ☕?My only note, and the only ⭐ I withheld, would be that our steak skillet had barely any meat in it and was mostly large chunks of potatoes and cheese (fine, but we're here for the full melange). If we're going to do hunks of potato, I personally prefer a small to medium dice, but hash browns are my top. Skillets are a staple and will be what brings people in over and over so that they can have the filling savory meal while they share your delicious waffles. Of course my experience is mine alone.Menu images for everyone to enjoy their amazing offerings!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Dietary restrictions: Gluten Free available!!“

“Sunday lunch was a wonderful experience for several reasons. The restaurant was open according to their posted store hours. A few years ago, this would have been a silly compliment. But these days, we have had several encounters in which we would arrive at an eatery and notice the doors are still locked even though it's past their usual store open hours. Needless to say, service was attentive, friendly, and efficient. Our party of six shared the smoked trout dip, calamari, charred pepperoni pizza, white mushroom and truffle pizza, Italian cheesecake, and tiramisu. The smoked trout dip is a tad high on sodium but I really like how it was served with flaxseed crackers. The pizza are served Romana style, therefore rectangular and fluffy. The crust is thin but with a crunch. Even better, they are half-price on Sundays!“

“Barrel Vine exceeded all my expectations! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted warmly by the staff, setting the tone for a fantastic evening. The menu offered a delightful array of dishes, each a culinary masterpiece. Every bite was a symphony of flavors, showcasing the chef's skill and creativity. The service was impeccable..our server was knowledgeable, friendly, and ensured that every aspect of our dining experience was perfect. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, making it the ideal setting for a memorable meal. I left Barrel Vine feeling not just satisfied, but truly impressed. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience. Five stars all the way!“

“Had myself a slice of cheese pizza, a breaded steak sandwich and a cannoli and it was all very delicious! This area needed a place with slices hot and ready to go that isn't a gas station and I couldn't be happier with the quality of this place! Will be my go to heading to work for a slice! A week later I got a 16" pizza half cheese half sausage and it was cooked to perfection. A lot of other places I have to ask for well done but Legends knows how to do it without even asking! The mozzarella sticks and breaded mushrooms were also excellent. Highly recommend and will be coming back frequently!“

“Service was great even though we came 10 minutes before closing, additionally we got absolutely great recommendations from supporting staff. The drinks were superb. Food was delicious. Favorite was the octopus! -Overhead lighting was a minus though. Bring sunglasses.“

“Sat down to relax and drink a delicious draft beer, proceeded to drop my cell phone and when I went to retrieve it found a SPOTLESS floor! I'm talking pristine! You could eat off this floor! Just another great feature if this already wonderful place.“

“The atmosphere in there is so positive. It was such a clean restaurant. The staff and our server were very helpful & super kind. The food was phenomenal and full of flavor! It tastes so fresh, you can tell they put good thought in each recipe.“

“One of the best coffee roasters in the western burbs, and definitely my favorite coffee shop to work from. Their signature and seasonal drinks are great, plus this location also serves cocktails. Highly recommend!Parking: Parking is ample, but can be a bit tricky due to the layout of the building.“

“enjoyed a delicious meal and caught a fabulous show by brooklyn charmers -- excellent space for live music. FAIR WARNING: there is a small room to the left of the front door from which you cannot see the band (there are video monitors though), so call ahead to make your reservation and ensure you are seated in the main room if you want to see the band.“

“I love this Family-owned business and especially that it is owned by a veteran. My family has been coming here for years, and my go to was always the Shrimp tacos! My last time in with a friend I tried a Burger. I highly recommend The Burgatory. Goat cheese on a burger- Who knew? It's drool-worthy. The other new addition I'm obsessed with is the Fried Pickles and Cheese curds appetizer. Why has no one else thought to combine these two before? And their homemade pie is unbeatable! New flavor each week. The staff is fabulous and these guys just celebrated 15 years in business. Cheers to Ellyn's Tap & Grill.“

“Quaint place for awesome cocktails. A good and interesting list to choose from. Small and intimate place. The sliders were ok. Small plates menu with about 5 things on it. I would go here for before or after dinner cocktails and eat at Babbocks which is connected to this “

“The staff I met were kind, quick and attentive. Love that!Very clean bar. Nice patrons. Pool table, dart board, and a handful of slots. Seating is good enough for the size of the bar. More seating outside in front. I've visited this bar twice now. Both times I played darts and had a lovely experience.A good place to hang out with a couple friends for sure.“

“This place is truly a hidden gem. We were recommended to check this spot out by a local bartender, and we are so glad we did! The ambiance was really chill and non pretentious. Our mixologist, David, was super personable and well versed in his craft. He’s bringing experience from cocktail programs in the city to the burbs! It was a cute little spot that gave speakeasy vibes. We initially thought we were underdressed, but this place wasn’t booshie at all, and there was no judgement like some places. The cocktails were creative and well balanced. I’m so glad we have a place like this nearby. We will definitely be back soon!Update:We just went back because of our previous experience. I brought a group of 10 (all industry people). We spent over 1k as a group for my friend’s 40th bday. I raved about this place only to feel unwelcome in the end. A young female bartender tells us we were too loud. Honestly, we obviously had a lot to drink, but nobody was being reckless. We were told people were complaining. From a business standpoint you made us feel unwelcome in an establishment where we spent money. Take the $60 2 top who complained over what we spent there tonight? At least pull one of us aside instead of making a grand announcement. Chad you’re a great and talented owner, but train your staff how to talk to people. Just tell us, dont make a scene.“

“As always, Chef Paul’s restaurants are right on point. Katherine and I collectively have been to Vistro (Prime) a few times . . . and the food, craft cocktails, and atmosphere make for an excellent social and culinary experience. It was wonderful to see Patrick doing the Mixology while the other restaurant is in process of opening apparently this spring.This time around, Katherine and I stopped by for a craft cocktail, and we ended up enjoying the happy hour oysters that were very good.I have never offered a single suggested critique of Vie or Vistro.The only request I have is for the manager of Vistro Prime is to check the barstools at the bar.My barstool was wobbly, and it likely/ simply needs to be tightened up. I’m a handy person and have constructed and repaired barstools; so possibly, the hardware for some of your barstools needs to be tightened up and or repaired.They are beautiful barstools!Other than that, I completely recommend Vistro Prime to every and anyone that receives this review and all my friends and family as always!“

“Hands down the best slider trio I have ever had. Regular cheeseburger was terrific. Buffalo chicken with blue cheese was outstanding. But the winner was the pot roast slider. Wow. Tons of flavor and very juicy. We had never been to down Elmhurst and decided to try this gem. We will be back!!!“

“We always enjoy dining at Altiro and last night was no exception. The Cinco de mayo paired down menu offered enough choices and while our server was new, she was lovely & the manager very attentive . if i could offer 1 suggestion it would be to expand the bar options to include wine.“

“Our wedding was made even more memorable thanks to the incredible catering provided by Wooden Paddle. From the first bite to the last, their pizzas were a culinary delight, leaving our guests raving about the flavors and quality. Not only were the pizzas delicious, but the service was exceptional—prompt, professional, and attentive to every detail. The staff was friendly and accommodating, and they effortlessly catered to our diverse dietary needs and preferences. With their rustic wood-fired oven and fresh, high-quality ingredients, charcuterie grazing table, and artsy drinks they brought the flavor to our special day. If you're looking to add a unique and delicious touch to your wedding, look no further than Wooden Paddle. They truly deserve every one of these five stars!“

“We came in on Valentines Day.and were floored by the service and martinis/wine/old fashion. The Martinis were above and beyond what you could find anywhere. The staff as a whole was attentive and treated us like family/regulars. I am very critical, too much, and we will be back here for sure. Thank you to the staff and libations!!!“

“I'm from Central Illinois but do quite a bit of traveling and have been searching for the type of birria I have eaten in both Mexico and on the west coast. Every place before has left me wanting, searching for the angel that is true birria and consume. This place totally delivered. The meat was so incredible tender, the onions adding a bit of crunch, and the consume was not only full flavor (and the perfect level of heat) but had that distinct mouthfeel I've been looking for.If you're looking for great authentic Mexican food you have got to try this place. I seriously don't remember the last time something was so good I was compelled to leave a review.“

“My boyfriend and I went to Tannins for his birthday and ordered a flight of wine. It was awesome, the bartender was really nice and super great about suggesting menu items to try. We tried one of the cheese plates and loved it! We will definitely be back :).“

“The wife and I decided to give Proof 5 a shot since we have tried almost every restaurant in downtown Wheaton. Proof 5 is a stand out in the area! From the atmosphere to the service and the best part the food. Our server was top notch! We started with Bison Meatballs, the flavor combination of the meatball, polenta and arugula was very good. I choose the Grouper dinner and having lived in Florida and eating Grouper regularly, this Grouper was AMAZING! A very good portion that was seasoned just right not to take away from the flavor of the fish. It was served over rice with a sauce on the side which paired perfectly with the Grouper. There was not a single thing left on my plate! My wife ordered the Filet Medallions, cooked medium, and those were exceptional as well. The steak was cooked perfectly and tender. It was paired with creamed spinach, potatoes and tomato’s. Everything complimented each other! We ended with dessert. I had the German Chocolate cake in a jar and HOLY FVK! The single best dessert I have ever had! I would definitely go back! Was it pricey, yes but when it comes to food to truly get what you pay for. I have no problem paying a premium for excellent food and service!“

“Absolutely loved this place! The service was great, and the inviting atmosphere made it the perfect spot for a fun night out with friends. Our bartender was very attentive and friendly ensuring that we were happy with our food and drinks. Already can’t wait to go back! Highly recommended!“

“Love coming here on my lunch break the burgers are so juicy ? knock back a couple cold one, they always got a couple games on. Very cozy place ! The staff is great! Always coming with a huge smile and cheerful welcome! Ed is a Rockstar there ! The owner's are Great always accommodating to us best way possible. Definitely recommend it for guys night! My wife always goes there on wine ?? Wednesdays ?“

“Had the best experience dining here with coworkers. Jess was our server and was warm and welcoming, offering suggestions and pairings, and had the beat timing- we never felt rushed or interrupted. The martinis and crafted cocktails were as delicious as they were beautiful. Appetizers were delicious and the portion size was great- don't miss the brussel sprouts! Now the sushi... wow- creative and meticulously prepared rolls and sashimi with a menu that has something for everyone-- and the vegan options are incredible! Can't wait to come back. Thanks for a great night out and a. fantastic service experience.“

“Prices are reasonable, and the portion of food is filling.The loaded baked potato, isn't worth paying that extra $, for they only sprinkle a little cheese and bacon on it.We usually go for the Road Kill dinner, and switched it up to having the chicken, I got to say it had a great flavor.Texas Road House in Bloomingdale, Illinois has been our favorite one!“

“I did like the hotel. Very nice lobby and nice and helpful staff. Very close to shopping and restaurants. The only thing I didn’t like was the bed was very hard. If you like firm and hard bed then this place will work for you! We did not stay for breakfast but it is available. They pointed out a pool and jacuzzi but didn’t use that either.“

“Recently had my baby shower here. They have a side room that you can reserve for parties and events. The food was absolutely delicious- we had fruit, quiche, and a really delicious bread and veggie casserole. They also had the bar set up for us for drinks and everyone was so friendly.“

“I have gone here for breakfast twice a week for several years, and I am somewhat pickey when it come to food.The prices are modest considering the quality of the food and serving size.The service is prompt, friendly, and courteous.What more can you ask for or expect.“

“Always a great experience here as I have stayed here many times the last two years. Service is great, breakfast and dinner are always made fresh to the order, it's great quality, unique, and nicely presented. The location is obviously convenient for the hotel guests and has a nice open view on the top floor. The bar also serves great selection of cocktails and beer. Really enjoy it.“