50 Best Cocktail Bars in Chicago

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

“Wonderful experience at Oliver’s! The atmosphere was warm, inviting, and perfect for a great night out. One of my favorite parts was being able to see into the kitchen from our table and watch the chefs at work, it added such a special touch to the evening and gave us an appreciation for the care that goes into every dish.

The food was exceptional, beautifully prepared, and full of flavor. We followed Sam’s recommendations, and she absolutely delivered, every dish was outstanding. Sam was attentive, knowledgeable, and made the entire experience feel effortless. Between the incredible food, welcoming ambiance, and the chance to watch the culinary team in action, Oliver’s provided a truly memorable dining experience. We can’t wait to return. 🤍“

“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“

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

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

“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. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟“

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

“I was fortunate to enjoy dinner at Indienne with my team, and the entire experience was exceptional. The food, service, and ambiance were all outstanding from start to finish.

What impressed me most was how unique and innovative the cuisine was. As someone who enjoys Indian food, I was delighted to experience flavors, presentations, and combinations that were completely new to me. This is exactly what I expect from a Michelin-starred restaurant, an experience that goes beyond a great meal and introduces diners to something memorable and unexpected.

The service was attentive, professional, and warm, while the elegant atmosphere made the evening even more enjoyable. In a city like Chicago, which is truly a paradise for food lovers, Indienne stands out as a remarkable culinary destination.

I look forward to returning in the future and experiencing another unforgettable meal. Highly recommended.“

“Had the best experience today at The Alderman. Cesar was our bartender and truly made the entire experience unforgettable. He was warm, welcoming, knowledgeable, and made us feel like we were catching up with an old friend. His energy elevated the whole ambience and made an already beautiful place feel even more special. If you’re looking for a great spot to visit in Pilsen, this is definitely one of them.“

“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 !!!“

“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.“

“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 🕺“

“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.“

“The food was amazing but the staff was even better, even during their busy times, milton, sierra, and mari cruz l took the time to connect and give us amazing service. Definitely will be back for more steak and empanadas SOOO GOOD. Oh and the lime cheleda perioddd.“

“Excellent restaurant inside the historic Belden-Stratford building by Lincoln Park. The gorgeous architecture & design is matched by good service and a creative menu with influences from Korea, Singapore and the Philippines. They even had a good non-alcoholic sparkling tea.“

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

“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!“

“My boyfriend and I had an amazing experience at The Pearl Club. We started with espresso martinis which was a great start to the night and a great cocktail. We moved onto food with their house made banana bread ice cream which was one of the best scoops we have ever had. We paired it with their banana bread cocktail which was a well balanced drink which paired well with the dessert. The service was amazing and one of the managers Scott along with the rest of the staff were incredibly welcoming and professional. We really enjoyed the ambiance of the place especially the upstairs which was cozy and great for a date night. An added touch to the place was the long standing history that dates back to the early 1900s. Overall we had an amazing night and will definitely be coming 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.“

“Great variety and unique flavors. Great vibe.“

“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!“

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

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

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

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

“The food is 10/10 I would not come here for drinks I would say it's not very congruent w the menu and then the flavors don't really match w the menu. The whipped paneer was so good as were the hush puppies. I also got the mushroom curry which was top notch.“

“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“

“I’ve been going to Truce since they’ve opened. Every time I come in, it’s always warm, welcoming, and personal. The staff knows me and it really seems like a neighborhood spot. Additionally the coffee and cocktails are fire. Truce for life!“

“Had a Karaoke birthday party for my teenage daughter and it was perfect! There are not many places in Chicago that allow minors for Karaoke, I think this place allows it because they are not just a bar but also a full service restaurant. The karaoke rooms are clean, they have a wide song selection, and the staff were SO nice!!! If you are not really into Korean food, the popcorn chicken is really good and friendly for K-food beginners. Just a heads up that what they state as the capacity for the Karaoke rooms is a bit tight - we reserved an 8 person room for four people and it was actually perfect for our size group but it would be a tight squeeze for 8 people. There is one large table with a bench wrapped around it and I really think is probably sized for 6 people comfortably. Not a big deal for us as we were a small group, the room was perfect for us! They also have a few cutes spots throughout the restaurant with pretty backgrounds for taking instagram photos which my teenage girls loved. Tip: It's a bit tricky to find from the street as the signage is not great but look for the Low Country Crab boil place and it's right next door. You have to get buzzed inside and then go downstairs.“

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

“Impeccable service. Friendly staff. Delicious gin“

“Awesome place! Their happy hour menu is fantastic but the normal menu is also very reasonable. Love seeing highballs getting the spotlight. Staff was friendly and attentive.
I don't usually eat when I'm out drinking but the burger was so well reviewed I had to try it and was not disappointed.“

“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.“

“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“

“This is by far my favorite restaurant! Every visit to Chicago includes multiple stops here. Amazing flavors and the best customer service I have ever encountered on every occasion. Watching Jesus turn cocktails into works of art is an added bonus! Jesus, Rafael, and Jose should teach classes on how to treat customers. Thank you all!! See you next time!“

“The concept for the menu is a unique trip along the Pan-American highway with stops at various Latin countries. Each dish and drink is thoughtful in its ingredients and presentation. The jicama salad was refreshing, but not at all plain. The pastel de choclo was a wonderful surprise of a warm dish. The frozen el arenal was seriously dangerous in how delicious it was, I can’t recommend it enough. The atmosphere was beautiful and the music was perfect. We are so thrilled to have this gem in the neighborhood and can’t wait to see what they do in the future!“

“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.“

“Great food and exceptional service“

“The food and staff were amazing! Such a friendly staff who were extremely welcoming and attentive. I have never ordered ‘seconds’ at a restaurant until today! The tostadas were out of this world and the shrimp taco was delicious. A must try!“

“Great staff and every thing we ordered was absolutely fantastic.“

“Feels like an old time speak easy lounge. Cute, comfy, intimate atmosphere. Drinks are superb. No food. The atmosphere is on point and immaculate. The staff are incredibly attentive and every recommendation was spot on. Very glad I found it. I'll be back.“

“This is my MOST FAVORITE bbq place in the whole USA. Been to many places but they food is absolutely delicious. Their staff is very very nice too, when I told them I was from Seattle, they treated me even more special. It’s Restaurant is a 10/10 💕🥰“

“I’ve had my share of good waitresses before, but I was blown away by the service provided by Tori. She frequently checked in on our table, making sure we were adequately hydrated throughout the World Cup. She brought our drinks in a timely manner too! Was Tori born to waitress? I can’t say for sure, but she excels in the role and Parlay-Lincoln Park is lucky to have her!“

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

“Astonishing as always. Thanks Billy Lawless for making my proposal to my wife celebrated at your restaurant 10 years ago, very special.“

“Great food 🥘 great service amazing coffee, hot or iced“

“I never believed my life will change in such a manner. I saw a review on Facebook about Mrs Craig Vanessa trading skills and before then I have never risk money doing anything online with anybody because I think I was so wise and never want to be cheated but when I contacted Mrs. Craig Vanessa, she explained everything to me concerning trading and the profit I can make within a week I was convinced to give a trial and risked to invest $1,000 and I made a withdrawal profit of $9,000 within a week. I am so happy that I trusted her and she didn't fail me. You can reach her through WhatsApp via her Facebook: Mrs Craig Vanessa“

“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!“

“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.“

“Me and my wife had a phenomenal time here. This was our second time here( first time 2 years ago when they opened). Absolutely amazing drink improvements.
Genesis, our waitress, was absolutely amazing. She kept the conversations flowing, had fun picking out our drinks, and excellent food/ drink knowledge. Her passion for customer service was top notch. Overall a great person and we hope she thrives in her life.
The food was great. The beef ribs were so tender I would 100 percent recommend. We like to go for the drinks and thoes were amazing as well. Do listen to your waitress/ waiter ( S/O Genesis!) when they say order your drink based on the vibe not the liquor.
The owner, who happened to be in the restaurant that day, really did his big one coming around to all the guess to make sure we were having a good experience. We shared a laugh about him looking stressed, but he was cool enough to play it off.
Overall ratings, I recommend coming for drinks, they have different vibes for different crowds. The music is great. And the beauty of the restaurant is truly breathtaking.
And Genesis if you do read this remember to follow your dreams. You got customers like us believing in you!“