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.“

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

“Oliver's is a MUST visit. I cannot emphasize what a lovely time my friends and I had. I cannot sing enough praises to the immense care and charismatic service provided. The space itself is beautiful and while it seats more than you'd think, there's a level of coziness and intimacy. The food is well prepared and delicious. With elevated dishes, I thought the menu offers flair and thoughtfulness. Amongst our group we had carrots, truffle gnocchi, burgers, chicken, milk and cookies, espresso martinis, and the milk punch. Not a single miss, we were all happy members of the clean plate club. I had a phenomenal experience at Oliver's and cannot wait for my next visit, I will certainly be back in the near future.“

“We had a great dinner, the food was delicious. I would order everything we had again(lobster dumplings, Thai chicken satay salad, heirloom tomatoes, short rib, and salmon). Dessert was amazing(bread pudding and malt ice cream). The service was attentive, our waitress made excellent recommendations. The noise level was good. It was well worth the travel from the North Shore.“

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

“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 🕺“

“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“

“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 !!!“

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

“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. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟“

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

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

“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.“

“One of the best experiences of my life. The food, the atmosphere, the service from start to finish, were all impeccable. By the end of the meal, my palate and my appetite were fulfilled in the best ways possible. The customized service that they provide to each individual was just astounding. They remembered our names, where we were from, and even commented on some of the places we visited throughout the meal. How they remember such detail for every client is admirable! Thank you to the whole Indienne group for making this an experience we will never forget.“

“An out of state family member just started college in Chicago and wanted to get to know our neighborhoods so what better place to start than Pilsen and Pilsen Yards. None of us have ever been so decided to try for brunch. What a lovely, perfect time and choice! We were seated on the patio - perfect weather day with wonderful, attentive service by AJ and everyone. We selected brunch menu items (all delicious) but the other items on the menu sound great (def coming back for cochinita pibil). Drink options were an excellent mix for everyone in our party (did not try the Sunday $30 sangria carafe but it looks delicious). The patio filled out as the morning moved on, providing a festive atmosphere to launch our day exploring the neighborhood. I'm sure we'll be back based on our student's input: )“

“Great experience every time! I almost don’t wanna write this review so this place can stay lowkey but it’s so damn good! I’ll be back in two weeks! 😂
Entire staff is great but Liz is amazing!“

“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.“

“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.“

“Great variety and unique flavors. Great vibe.“

“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!“

“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.“

“Very chic outlet on the north side of downtown. Was recommended by a gentleman I met at a hotel bar in Lexington the previous week. Was glad to say I stopped by.

I found the menu pricing to be rather affordable for a city like Chicago, most cocktails run under $20“

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

“Ila is such a great addition to River North. The menu blends Indian flavors with international influences, and the short rib was absolutely incredible. The ambiance is amazing, with thoughtful design throughout—even the chairs are cool. It’s exciting to have a restaurant like this in the neighborhood. Definitely worth a visit! Staff was awesome Jose was out waiter really kind and attentive“

“When we came through the doors , we felt a vibe that truly said “Welcome Home”!! We didn’t have a reservation but the hostess greeted us and saw that we were weary tourist and celebrating life. So we were seated immediately and loved on to our perfect table amidst a warm atmosphere with a vibe of culture and class!!
Katie S. our server catered to our every need after Fatima, the manager introduced us to the best of the menu! The sides tasted like Big Mama’s with traditional entrees that have been leveled up for a new generation! I will be tellin my peeps to put this restaurant on the Chicago visit itinerary especially after visiting the Obama Center and a a Riverwalk cruise!!“

“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!“

“Couldn’t even wait to leave to leave a review! The vibes are amazing but especially the customer service. Every person I talked to has been so friendly and accommodating. 2nd time being here and both have been great experiences! Also the staff did so much for us without having to ask, genuinely some of the best customer service I’ve had. The drinks were also so good so all around I’m excited to go come back!!!“

“Hit up TAK Korean Bistro & Karaoke in the South Loop with a few friends for dinner and karaoke, and this spot is an absolute gem. We ordered the crispy soy garlic Korean fried chicken, spicy tteokbokki, and a sizzling bulgogi plate, and every single dish was straight-up fire. The chicken had that legit shatter-crunch, and washing it down with some cold soju hit the spot after a long week. The vibe inside is super lively, and renting a private room for karaoke afterwards made the night a total blast. Easily one of the best late-night spots in the city for top-tier eats and a solid time with your crew.“

“Excellent service and attention from the workers there. They knew the menu well and gave great recommendations. Food was delicious and it was Iike eating at my mommas house. The drinks were amazing and love the decor. It was like being in Puerto Rico. Will visit again“

“You can’t skip the charred octopus to start! It’s a perfect appetizer to share with an incredible roasted Calabrian chili sauce. My absolute favorite dish is the pennette cardinale! I can’t go to Sapori without ordering. The creamy tomato sauce pairs perfectly with the sun-dried tomatoes. I’m drooling just thinking about it! Lastly, you have to finish your dinner with the bread pudding. The warm pudding with the cold ice cream is perfection in every bite. 10/10 always!“

“This might be one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Not only because the food is delicious but the staff are the sweetest people in the world.

A special shoutout to Issac and the GM (I forget her name) for not only providing good service but providing it with a real heart and soul.“

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

“The food was great. The wait staff was courteous and professional.“

“I love this place - had the brisket sliders, which were some of the best I've had, and an actually excellent non-alcoholic cocktail. Service was great - atmosphere was perfect for after work drinks. Really hopping for a Tuesday - I can see why.“

“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!“

“Great food/drinks Great service Great prices We will be back.“

“Stopped by Golden Years with a few friends and had a great time. The drinks here are legit—all four of us loved our cocktails. We split an order of onion rings that really hit the spot, but the highlight was the service. Brian was our server and he absolutely crushed it. Really cool vibe, we’ll definitely be back.“

“Great food and exceptional service“

“I've already recommended Cubaneo! What a delightful and yummy experience. Great food, friendly and accommodating service (I have some allergies/restrictions which they listened to and provided for). The veggie paella was amazing & probably enough for 2. Warm, bright decor. Excellent coffee - try the Dulce de Leche latte with homemade dulce de leche!“

“Stopped in for the evening and this spot is such a vibe. Got their Manhattan and an order of the chicken tenders and both were so good. The cocktail was perfectly balanced smooth and strong just how I like it. Played a quick game of pool and hung out such a chill welcoming space. Everyone was so friendly and made us feel right at home. Great drink selection cool crowd and the staff actually knows their stuff. Already planning to come back for trivia night.“

“Impeccable service. Friendly staff. Delicious gin“

“Very good food. I highly recommend this place.“

“Enjoyed the Christmas pop-up, very festive and the food is fantastic!“

“Wonderful evening! We had an amazing dinner & dessert with attentive service with care.“

“Truly an amazing experience all around! From the warm hospitality and great service to the delicious food and perfectly crafted cocktails, everything exceeded expectations. A special thank you to Jorge and the entire Press Room team for truly a memorable evening. I will most definitely be coming back and highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a great dining experience!“

“Nice place, wonderful burger and good bar selection. Totally disagree with the credit card surcharge, though - no restaurant with $20 burgers should charge guests the comission!“

“Hands down one of the best restaurants in Chicago. It’s rare to find a restaurant where every dish is so flavorful and on point but Elia does it so gracefully! Amazing atmosphere and great service - Ebrar made our dinner experience so enjoyable. Can’t wait to go back!“

“On the evening of July 5 my wife and I tried Avaspi on Belmont Avenue in Lakeview for the first time. It will not be the last! I love lamb and am quite particular as to how is it prepared. The “lamb delight” menu item was the best lamb I have ever had in a restaurant: tender, succulent, and prepared to perfection. The side salad accompanying it was not your ordinary side salad! My wife and I both enjoyed the Mixed Meze appetizer plate. Each of the five items was quite good but the muhammara was to die for. We ended our meal with tea, baklava and kubralice. The décor and ambience were refreshing and relaxing, and the service was outstanding. The pricing was very reasonable. Please give it a try. We do not think you will be disappointed.“

“The dinner was fabulous. Our server was wonderful! The desserts are amazing! The decor is beautiful!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“