50 Best Cocktail Bars in Chicago

“Foodie and gals it’s are addictive. Warning!! 💕💕💕💕“

“So much fun. Creative cocktails that look amazing and taste even better.“

“Great food and interesting menu to say the least. 10/10 would eat and drink again!“

“I brought my mom here for her 85th birthday. The staff were so kind, friendly and knowledgeable. The drinks were delicious, the atmosphere was great, and the bartender was awesome. They all were also very helpful and accommodating with my mom, as she is in a wheelchair. She was so happy when we left and said it was great way to celebrate her birthday.“

“Adoro l'arredamento vintage. I tarocchi sono divertenti.“

“This place is the coolest bar I have been to in a long time, hip and fun but not pretentious. They paid attention to every detail when building and designing. The white marbel bar has clean lines and looks fresh. All of the hardware finishes look sharp and clean. The patio is large and inviting with a fire place and plenty of tables to sit at. The drink menu is creative and refreshing and the staff is kind and welcoming. I cannot say enough good things about this gem of a bar. I am excited to hang out this fall on the patio by the fireplace with good drink in My hand.“

“Flight Club Chicago proves that a specialty game bar can be both polished and genuinely entertaining without losing its soul to novelty. On a first visit—prompted by a recommendation rooted in the brand’s London flagship—the experience was not only memorable but convincingly repeat-worthy. Accessibility matters, especially for suburban visitors, and Flight Club immediately scores points here: parking is refreshingly easy, located right next door, eliminating the usual downtown friction. Reservations were honored promptly, and our group was smoothly guided to a dedicated darts area that felt private without being isolated. The true star, of course, is the darts. Flight Club elevates the classic pub game into a modern, social experience with a range of digital formats that scale beautifully for both casual players and competitive types. For our group of six, the games struck the ideal balance—engaging, intuitive, and laugh-out-loud fun—making it easy for everyone to participate regardless of skill level. Too often, game-focused venues treat food and service as afterthoughts. Not here. The menu is thoughtfully executed, the food genuinely good, and the service attentive without hovering—exactly what you want when the evening is built around shared experience rather than formal dining. The ambiance ties everything together. Stylish but warm, energetic yet controlled, the space feels purpose-built for connection. Add in excellent sightlines to the Riverwalk, and Flight Club manages to feel distinctly Chicago while retaining the sophistication of its international pedigree. The verdict: Flight Club Chicago is more than a novelty—it’s a well-run, highly enjoyable destination that succeeds on multiple levels. For groups looking for an interactive night out in the city, with strong food, seamless service, and a setting that encourages fun without chaos, this is an easy recommendation.“

“We had a lovely dinner at Rose Mary last night and it was the most fabulous meal that we have had in some time. Amazing service, beautiful venue and the food was just so good. Simple but very complex; rustic but refined. And the service was impeccable. What a glorious end to our experience in Chicago!! Very highly recommend it. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟“

“I really appreciate the owner reaching out after my initial experience. Although it was disappointing at the time, they went out of their way to make arrangements for us, including offering a table and drinks to ensure we had a better experience. It means a lot when a business takes accountability and genuinely works to make things right. I’m looking forward to coming back and giving it another try.“

“Absolutely delicious!! Can't wait to come back“

“It’s the best. Great Bartenders and excellent cocktails“

“I chose this place at random to celebrate my 13 year anniversary. The bartender made sure that I come back to celebrate and just to hang out as a regular. We were taken care of, without being hovered over, and his kindness made the night that much more memorable. I wish I caught his name, but dude with the hat behind the bar on 11/15, thank you! 🤟🏽“

“Cosmic and Carnal Cocktails, Phenomenal Food and Stupendous Staff Members! 10’s Across The Board! Oh, the sound system and curated DJ Sets will have even the deceased DANCING 🕺“

“I had a fun evening at the Meadowlark. A cute spot for a date with tasty cocktails.

Perhaps much more importantly, I had feedback for the Meadowlark that was received and taken very seriously by the management team. They reached out directly to me as a follow-up. I appreciated their communication and willingness to hear my concerns. That really sets them apart as a business who cares and want to be integrated within the community.“

“Great vibe, great staff, well made and designed cocktails 🍸“

“Golden Years is straight gold.

Really unique, well-done takes on cocktails. I consider this a hidden gem out in plain sight.

Love the vibe here.

Do you want a cool, vineyard cocktail spot? Then here you go.

Protip: the frozen shots are nice. Do that.“

“I went to Indienne with friends to celebrate 50th birthdays. The experience did not disappoint. Indienne delivered an exceptional dining experience with its tasting menu. The food was truly phenomenal—beautifully presented, thoughtful, and layered with bold yet refined flavors that felt both creative and rooted in tradition. Each course was memorable with different takes on recognizable dishes. While the drinks were just okay and didn’t quite rise to the same level as the food, they also didn’t detract from the overall experience. The tasting menu alone makes Indienne well worth the visit, especially for anyone who appreciates inventive, high-quality cuisine.“

“You would never know. Just walk on by. But it’s your loss if you do. The food is amazing. Flat out good. So much better than any of those downtown corporate places. Cooked with heart and profoundly good flavor, texture and palate. Next door to perhaps the best pasta in the Midwest, this restaurant and bar should be on your list.“

“I am late writing my review but I had to write it !! I visited provare chicago On july 8th !! From start to finish this restaurant gets 5 starts . The decor was nice and set a perfect atmosphere for a great night . We were greeted immediately upon arrival and seated within 5 minutes of being there . Once seated the wait staff began their introduction's on drinks and popular menu item's. After my party ordered drinks and appetizers a gentleman came over (not sure if he was the manager) and introduce himself and made sure we were having a great experience. Appetizers were amazing!! We couldn't wait for dinner!! Our entrées we just as good if not better ! Everything was cooked and seasoned to perfection! When we didn't think the night could get even better the entire wait staff and the gentleman that came over before stopped and recognized my friend for her birthday and brought over a birthday surprise!! I live 307 miles and this place was definitely worth the drive !!!“

“Truce is undoubtedly one of the best chill bars in Chicago. If you’re looking for unique drinks that wow you, Truce is the place you want to go to. One of the owners, Rami, made my wife and I feel right at home. The food and snacks are insanely great. the overall vibe is unbeatable. This place sets the bar for hospitality and quality. Can’t wait to come back!“

“I love the diversity of the people who come here. Just an amazing atmosphere of unique individuals that bring so much to the place whenever I'm here. And some of the best bartenders in the city!“

“Love this place. The drinks are amazing, the food hits the spot, and the bartenders are what make this place a gem in Chinatown.“

“Been here several times, always a blast and great drinks. Last visit was weird. Kinda stuffy. Bartender was uninterested and ok with letting customers wait along time before taking order. I hope things are not changing.“

“We were in town for NYE and settled in the Whiskey Girl Tavern to bring in the New Year as there was a Moulin Rouge show included! When we went to buy the tickets, the highest package ticket was the only one available for $30 but it was never explicit what that entailed. When we got there, we were able to get a table. Live singer and guitarist were great. Loved loved loved to see the LGBT community in a safe, authentic, expressive environment. Glad we were able to enjoy our drinks and a bite to eat before the show. We ordered the white pizza, I don’t think that is what we got. It seemed like any other cheese pizza. It was okay but wouldn’t order again. We were very much looking forward to the burlesque show but to be honest it was just alright. DJ was pretty good, just wished the show was actually a show. We could barely see or hear anything from a table with what should have been clear sight. Overall, the NYE experience was just okay but we want to come back and give it a second chance to catch a game next time we’re in town.“

“Very nice and friendly bartenders. They are very good at making any kind of drinks.“

“Impeccable service. Friendly staff. Delicious gin“

“We happened upon this restaurant during a visit from New England. It was the best meal we had in Chicago. The restaurant is fabulous! We had delicious soup with incredible warm rolls, salad and 4 different amazing entrees. The restaurant has great windows to enjoy natural light and is quiet enough to have a conversation. All this with white tablecloths and a reasonable price.“

“Absolutely a 10/10 meal AND experience! The chefs omakase coursed meal was incredible. The chef walked us through each dish that somehow was even more delectable than the last. Cocktails were wonderful and the matcha sandwich for dessert is a must!“

“my best friend and I just had the BEST experience at the whale! Our waitress taylor was incredible and the manager (so sorry but we never got his name because he was just being so nice to us) was incredible as well. We will definitely return with friends and recommend anyone to try it out! classy, but not snobby, cool decor, warm kind and accommodating staff, and great food and cocktails are just the cherry on top! try the carrot cake after your meal :) Thank you again to taylor and the manager again <3“

“Small, cozy space with beautiful drinks. Very nice staff.“

“I came on Valentine's Day and it got packed pretty fast, and you could tell that the kitchen couldn't keep up which shocks me because I've heard it's always busy! Most of the food we ordered was delicious (the bread and butter - addicting, and the chicken cooked to perfection). The staff was lovely and very transparent. Will definitely give it another try!“

“Great variety and unique flavors. Great vibe.“

“Place has a speakeasy disco vibe. On a Sat the DJ was spinning real vinyl with jazz, 80s, and similar to create a chill vibe. The disco balls helped as well. Though I always appreciate unique cocktails and this place falls nothing short of a tasty twist. Order from Olven. He was very helpful and kind.“

“Lovely place for a cocktail, conversation and live music. Lots of seating options so you can get as close or far to the music as you’d like. Bartenders do a great job creating original craft cocktails with seasonal options. Service was exceptional“

“Made reservations after a celebration and were greeted warmly (which was wonderful since we were coming in from below zero temperatures) and given a cozy table in the corner. Our waiter, Gio, was attentive and our water glass never dipped below half. We also were cared for by Luigi, the bar manager. The cocktails were top notch (we tried several!) and we enjoyed the crisp prosciutto on our flatbread. Save room for dessert - the phyllo cake was extraordinary. We loved the whole atmosphere and will be back when in Chicago!“

“Great happy hour daily 5-6pm The burgers are so good !! Always fun“

“The Sparrow on Elm Street is one of those rare Chicago gems that feels effortlessly timeless. The moment you step inside, you’re transported — the atmosphere blends vintage elegance with a cozy, intimate charm that’s hard to find anywhere else in the city. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, breathe a little deeper, and actually enjoy the moment.

The service is consistently attentive without ever feeling intrusive. The staff knows their craft, from the way they describe the cocktails to the way they read the room. Whether you’re there for a quiet solo drink, a date night, or a catch‑up with friends, they create a space that feels warm, welcoming, and beautifully curated.

The cocktails are the true highlight — balanced, thoughtful, and crafted with intention. Every drink feels like it was made specifically for you. The menu has personality without being pretentious, and the flavors are layered in a way that shows real skill behind the bar.

What I love most about The Sparrow is the energy. It’s sophisticated without trying too hard, intimate without feeling small, and stylish without losing its sense of comfort. It’s the kind of spot you remember long after you leave — a place that becomes part of your personal Chicago map.

If you’re looking for a bar that delivers atmosphere, craftsmanship, and a touch of old‑world charm, The Sparrow is absolutely worth the visit.“

“My experience at this restaurant everything went perfectly well. The service there was great. The atmosphere was great. The people there were super sweet and nice, even though there was some few dishes that I was disagreed on they make sure to take care of it with kindness and sweetness, they start off by offering me some dessert afterwards that really brought everything that I was feeling about my dinner dish back to eight out of 10 for me. When I had for dinner was the steak and fries and we also had some oysters. It had spinach in it. It was great. It was really good, but the only thing that I really got from it was just the spinach. “

“Delicious cocktails:) I will definitely go back!“

“10/10 experience with Eddie! Had a birthday event for some friends and he was super helpful and accommodating! Definitely would recommend this place! Can’t wait to come back!“

“Like a flash back to the 70’s, before I could hold a cocktail but fancied doing so.....“

“My boyfriend and I stumbled upon this bar after going on a food tour of the area. I insisted we go in because of the fun lights, and am so glad we did!!! We had an incredible time, mainly because of our bartenders—Tabby and Jayden. They both made stellar cocktails, were super personable and completely made our experience. Tabby is a riot and Jayden was lovely. We had way more drinks than we normally would because we were having so much fun! Will 100% come back next time we’re in Chicago.“

“We did the igloo experience and it was so much fun, especially for guests from out of town. The furniture and overall atmosphere was very festive. A bit pricey but that's to be expected for this type of experience. Service was excellent. Food was good.“

“Went here for a social event and Mitch and Joe took good care of our group!

The low lighting created a nice intimate atmosphere, great space for groups of 2-4 I’d say. Music was just slightly louder than I’d like for a conversation for a bigger group, but loved their playlist here.

The Horchata2Ways was my favorite drink, absolutely loved that one“

“Amazing experience! The food was great…best steak that I’ve ever had!“

“Sexy as hell, amazing staff, music acts are A+, delicious drinks and an overall great time!!!“

“Esme is truly an experience to have. We did the menu and the wine pairing and it was amazing. From the presentation to the food was unbelievable and will definitely do it again as it changes quarterly“

“Food are great And good drinks too“

“Just that you will have an awesome time!“

“Favorite bar in Avondale!!“