Fantastic ambiance and excellent cocktails in a prestigious and well lit speakeasy.
It’s too bad the kitchen closed a bit early (10:30-11 pm) but understandable. Would love to come back and try the food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Emma VeL
Extremely poor service. We were left standing for 10–15 minutes, despite several tables being available, while the hostess appeared disengaged and wandered around instead of attending to guests. When it was finally our turn, she attempted to seat us at the least desirable table. After we requested another available table, she reluctantly agreed, responding in a dismissive and unprofessional manner. The experience continued to deteriorate, as we then waited an additional 10–15 minutes just to receive the menu, followed by yet another long wait before being able to place our order. Considering the pricing and reputation of the venue, the level of service was entirely unacceptable. The hostess was particularly unpleasant, and the overall service fell far below any reasonable expectation. For a Waldorf Astoria property — a brand synonymous with luxury and high standards — this experience was a complete disappointment and simply not acceptable.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Steve Sarmento
We got there just at opening. It was early evening and quiet. The atmosphere was just what we were hoping for. Ramiro and Kevin took great care of us, were stellar conversationalists, and served us their designed drinks from the menu. It was a fabulous and memorable evening. We plan to stop by next time we are in town.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shawad Dara
Get ready to pay, but you can taste the difference. Great ambiance and great service to match. The free bowl of nuts and olives is fun too.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Katarina
Great hideaway. Small / cozy bar at the Waldorf Astoria. I had a mocktail and it was great (refreshing and not too sugary). Great spot for a date (not too loud) or even solo adventures.
Didn’t have food there (believe it’s just drinks)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marshall Crutchfield
Tasteful small lounge bar in the Waldorf. Drinks were well made and the vibe was elegant but laid back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Arina
Cozy cocktail lounge with speakeasy vibes and delicious cocktails 😍
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brenda Burgess
My husband and I enjoy checking out different places, especially ones that give off speakeasy vibes, we were at the Waldorf for an event and stopped in here while we were waiting. When we got there, we were asked if we had a reservation, and we said no. They said they would have to find us a table. (There was only one table being occupied at the time. We were seated shortly after that. They asked the couple that cMe after us the same thing, then they must have given up since people were just walking in and sitting anywhere. The staff was semi friendly, the first drink I ordered was good. The second one was absolutely disgusting. Drinks are very pricey, but that is to be expected for being a downtown establishment. The place itself was nice.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Irina M
The bar is located in Waldorf Astoria on the second floor. Very cozy, nice bar, good service, but I was expecting more from the bar that is located in 5 star hotel. I think their main focus are cocktails, and frankly sidecar was really nice. However, they didn't have few choices that were listed on the bar menu. We were told that it was because those were quite popular. Well... More the reason to make sure you don't run out. No any decent choice of champagne, no european red wine, just american. Bar manager was so great though, they brought a bottle of nice red from the restaurant. Overall, it was good, the atmosphere was really really nice, and service made up for little faults. It's just one expects perfection based on location and perception. May be we are just spoiled... Anyhow, will be back, next time we are in Chicago.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Garrett Hart
**⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Hidden Gem with World-Class Hospitality**
Bernard’s in Chicago is truly a standout spot. It is elegant, intimate, and effortlessly stylish. A dear friend of mine and I had the pleasure of visiting multiple times this past weekend. From the moment we stepped in, we were swept away by the warm ambiance and refined charm. But what truly elevated our experience was the exceptional service from Edina and Dana.
Both Edina and Dana were the epitome of hospitality. They are welcoming, attentive, and genuinely passionate about creating an unforgettable evening. Whether they were expertly crafting cocktails at the bar or ensuring every detail at our table was perfect, their grace and professionalism were unmatched. Their knowledge of the menu and their personal touches made us feel like regulars, even on our first visit.
The cocktails were well presented, and the food was off the charts. I would highly recommend the short rib bites. You cannot go wrong here. Bernard’s feels like a secret you almost don’t want to share - but Edina and Dana make it a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
Highly recommend for anyone looking for an upscale yet approachable spot in Chicago with service that truly stands out. Again, hats off to Edina and Dana - you made our trip!
Amazing establishment with five-star service! Adina is a fantastic waitress and the drinks were out of this world!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Pasakorn Sangsak
Maybe not the best in the world, but definitely one of my all-time favorites. The food and snacks are elevated and delicious, and the drinks are spot-on.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Garret S
Best Malort cocktail I've ever had (I've only had 2 but still)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joe Priestley
An amazing place with some of the best drinks I've had in the world. My all-time favorite drink is the Sidecar. The best I've ever had was a little spot in New Orleans called the Backspace Bar. It was amazing and I have remembered it for 10 years. The Sidecar at Bernard's made me forget about it instantly. Perfect balance! Flavors complimented each other and were distinct. It's the best cocktail I've ever had in my 52 years.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Armin Behzad
I had a reservation for 6pm Tuesday which according to their website and google is the time that they open. When I walked in at 6, I was told that they open at 7. Why the reservation then?
Fantastic ambiance and excellent cocktails in a prestigious and well lit speakeasy.
It’s too bad the kitchen closed a bit early (10:30-11 pm) but understandable. Would love to come back and try the food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Extremely poor service.
We were left standing for 10–15 minutes, despite several tables being available, while the hostess appeared disengaged and wandered around instead of attending to guests.
When it was finally our turn, she attempted to seat us at the least desirable table. After we requested another available table, she reluctantly agreed, responding in a dismissive and unprofessional manner.
The experience continued to deteriorate, as we then waited an additional 10–15 minutes just to receive the menu, followed by yet another long wait before being able to place our order.
Considering the pricing and reputation of the venue, the level of service was entirely unacceptable.
The hostess was particularly unpleasant, and the overall service fell far below any reasonable expectation.
For a Waldorf Astoria property — a brand synonymous with luxury and high standards — this experience was a complete disappointment and simply not acceptable.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
We got there just at opening. It was early evening and quiet. The atmosphere was just what we were hoping for. Ramiro and Kevin took great care of us, were stellar conversationalists, and served us their designed drinks from the menu. It was a fabulous and memorable evening. We plan to stop by next time we are in town.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Get ready to pay, but you can taste the difference. Great ambiance and great service to match. The free bowl of nuts and olives is fun too.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Great hideaway. Small / cozy bar at the Waldorf Astoria. I had a mocktail and it was great (refreshing and not too sugary). Great spot for a date (not too loud) or even solo adventures.
Didn’t have food there (believe it’s just drinks)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tasteful small lounge bar in the Waldorf. Drinks were well made and the vibe was elegant but laid back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Cozy cocktail lounge with speakeasy vibes and delicious cocktails 😍
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My husband and I enjoy checking out different places, especially ones that give off speakeasy vibes, we were at the Waldorf for an event and stopped in here while we were waiting. When we got there, we were asked if we had a reservation, and we said no. They said they would have to find us a table. (There was only one table being occupied at the time. We were seated shortly after that. They asked the couple that cMe after us the same thing, then they must have given up since people were just walking in and sitting anywhere. The staff was semi friendly, the first drink I ordered was good. The second one was absolutely disgusting. Drinks are very pricey, but that is to be expected for being a downtown establishment. The place itself was nice.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
The bar is located in Waldorf Astoria on the second floor. Very cozy, nice bar, good service, but I was expecting more from the bar that is located in 5 star hotel. I think their main focus are cocktails, and frankly sidecar was really nice. However, they didn't have few choices that were listed on the bar menu. We were told that it was because those were quite popular. Well... More the reason to make sure you don't run out. No any decent choice of champagne, no european red wine, just american. Bar manager was so great though, they brought a bottle of nice red from the restaurant. Overall, it was good, the atmosphere was really really nice, and service made up for little faults. It's just one expects perfection based on location and perception. May be we are just spoiled... Anyhow, will be back, next time we are in Chicago.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
**⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Hidden Gem with World-Class Hospitality**
Bernard’s in Chicago is truly a standout spot. It is elegant, intimate, and effortlessly stylish. A dear friend of mine and I had the pleasure of visiting multiple times this past weekend. From the moment we stepped in, we were swept away by the warm ambiance and refined charm. But what truly elevated our experience was the exceptional service from Edina and Dana.
Both Edina and Dana were the epitome of hospitality. They are welcoming, attentive, and genuinely passionate about creating an unforgettable evening. Whether they were expertly crafting cocktails at the bar or ensuring every detail at our table was perfect, their grace and professionalism were unmatched. Their knowledge of the menu and their personal touches made us feel like regulars, even on our first visit.
The cocktails were well presented, and the food was off the charts. I would highly recommend the short rib bites. You cannot go wrong here. Bernard’s feels like a secret you almost don’t want to share - but Edina and Dana make it a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
Highly recommend for anyone looking for an upscale yet approachable spot in Chicago with service that truly stands out. Again, hats off to Edina and Dana - you made our trip!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Amazing establishment with five-star service! Adina is a fantastic waitress and the drinks were out of this world!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Maybe not the best in the world, but definitely one of my all-time favorites.
The food and snacks are elevated and delicious, and the drinks are spot-on.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best Malort cocktail I've ever had (I've only had 2 but still)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
An amazing place with some of the best drinks I've had in the world. My all-time favorite drink is the Sidecar. The best I've ever had was a little spot in New Orleans called the Backspace Bar. It was amazing and I have remembered it for 10 years. The Sidecar at Bernard's made me forget about it instantly. Perfect balance! Flavors complimented each other and were distinct. It's the best cocktail I've ever had in my 52 years.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had a reservation for 6pm Tuesday which according to their website and google is the time that they open. When I walked in at 6, I was told that they open at 7. Why the reservation then?
Service: 1
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