50 Best Cocktail Bars near Evanston

“The owner Jeremy is a true artisan. He's a guy from the industry who is experimenting and loving his life. This place is creative, wholesome, organic, and real. Amazing atmosphere for a date, getting together with friends, or just to hang.“

“Our server was Trey!! I had the smash burger and a margarita! Everything was so delicious! I recommend this place to anyone! It is a Mexican spot so getting a burger was sorta strange but once I read the beef was mixed with Chorizo I was sold and just had to try it. It didn’t disappoint. The Guacamole/ salsa and chips were as very tasty! A must try“

“I will drive across the state for the fries with garlic aioli. Yummy!!“

“Good, service, atmosphere! Just the best!“

“Delicious food and awesome atmosphere and staff!“

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

“Jacob was an amazing server. We loved the food (Thai shrimp and charcuterie) and drinks (Autumnal Shift and Karma Chameleon) We will definitely return for another Karma Chameleon.“

“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.“

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

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

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

“What an awesome time! This has been on our list and we finally made it. Everything was spot on- ambiance, menu, drinks & hospitality. Really had a great time and is hands down our favorite cocktail bar in the city. Draven was very hospitable and was a big part of our experience! This place is thoughtful and intentional! Definitely recommend.“

“We had a fair experience at Lilac Tiger. Went in on a Friday night and were seated fairly quickly. My cocktail was great. My friend's, not so much. We ordered the vada pav and the chettinad paneer curry. My friend also got mussels. Everything was alright. Very few vegetarian options and the ones we ordered were okay. Service was a little spotty. The hostess who greeted and seated us was very professional and was amazing.
We weren't super impressed but the place is worth checking out and we will definitely want to give it another try.“

“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!“

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

“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.“

“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“

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

“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“

“I like Whiskey Girl! We can watch the WNBA and Unrivaled there with the sound ON. The food is good, and the folks who work there are very sweet. One person was particularly welcoming to us, we later found out that was the owner!

Parking: there is a lot in the back with a few free spaces if you can get there early!“

“Great variety and unique flavors. Great vibe.“

“You won’t ever get a watered down drink from Take Flight!

My wife and I have had tons of mini-dates here (I suggest Village Inn Pizza next door), we’ve shown up for game nights, and on weeknights I’ve gone solo just to have a few drink and get some work done too.

Whatever the occasion, if you’re looking for quality drinks and a comfortable place to sit for a while, this is it!

Also, you should order their pretzels.“

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

“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.“

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

“Absolutely loved this Bar! Great cocktails and a lovely surprise to find Brugal 1888, exquisite Dominican Rum. The place is cozy, small but filled with surprisingly interesting decor, like the “call your mother phone” and the hotel’s keys. You have to wait a bit in line but the door guy is super cool.
The bartender made me a Daiquiri with the Brugal 1888, I was in Heaven!!! Staff is super cool, professional and experienced.
Can’t wait to go back! Thank your for a wonderful night!“

“Just that you will have an awesome time!“

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

“Love the low key environment and drinks was 🔥🔥“

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

“Great food and a local gem!!! We ate out on the patio and had a lovely meal“

“We stopped in Alma in the evening for a few rounds of drinks after dinner. We've been here a few times before and always seem to like it. The drinks and wine options are pretty good. There's a ton of space which we like too. The service was lackluster though. We sat for awhile before our server came by; he eventually came over and took our drink order but wasn't that friendly. We had to flag him down for our other rounds. The ambience of the space itself is pretty good, but the music was just a little too loud for a hotel bar. We'll go back again, but there is room for improvements.“

“Elena, ryne, Matt. The staff at the pines room have an amazing vibe. The restaurant is small but that's the appeal. It's an amazing place to hang out and couldn't be a better spot as a regular bar. The drinks are very well made and the staff is very attentive and personable. 100% recommend to check out.“

“White Sox Bar!!!!!!!!😂!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! N n n n n n“

“Absolutely Wonderful Puerto Rican Dining Experience! This restaurant offers a beautiful ambiance that perfectly complements its creative, fresh, and incredibly delicious food. The portion sizes are generous, and the staff is warm and welcoming. I especially appreciate the thoughtful inclusion of vegan and vegetarian options. The Arroz Con Gandules is a standout—rich in flavor and an absolute must-try. I’ll definitely be coming back soon!“

“Great view and fun brunch spot for family and friends! Margaritas were great and def recommend the burrito“

“Pretty space, intimate and friendly staff.“

“I awoke this morning, filled with regret and resentment. I nearly stayed under my supple, cozy sheets. Yet, I prevailed. I stumbled upon this Elegant establishment. I needed something greasy and practical for a hangover. I also needed to watch the Minnesota gophers beat up Rutgers (do they even have a mascot)? I ordered the double smash burger, and went to work. The service was quick, very quick, which made me believe the burger would be subpar. My first bite awoke me. I was so back. Every following taste left me with childlike joy, much like a young Jack Slunecka frolicking through the South Dakota prairies. I can not recommend this establishment more. Thank you Parlay, not only for giving me strength. But, giving me the motivation to carry on, and make the world a better place. I Love you so so much.“

“I love this place! We were there on 5/29/22 and Wes was wonderful as well as the drinks!“

“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!“

“One of the best food spots in Chicago. Love the dip. Tried the French onion soup, incredible. Known for the burger, but everything is awesome. Cocktails are legendary. Hipster vibes and awful leg tattoos are abundant. Think of Austin,TX if it didnt have a dad.“

“excellent food - we both the spring rolls and the egg rolls. the crab fried rice and vegetable salad with rice noodles were also really tasty.“

“Food are great And good drinks too“

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

“Loved the atmosphere the drinks and especially the entertainers!!!“

“I had the mac and cheese with the steak on top absolutely divine🤍“

“We had our daughter's 1st birthday there and it was perfect! Mary Pat was on top of everything from the beginning and helped plan the perfect event. Diego and Ally executed the day so everyone was taken care of. I highly recommend tavern on the point for any event!“

“This family operated eatery was a great place to meet friends for quiet conservation. It would be a great date place as well. They will customize your order on request (one of our gang was. It about cilantro 🙄), a fresh mint herbal tea, and lechon (pork) with rice and plantains was mixed and matched for us. My arroz con pollo was delivered late as a chicken paella but very tasty nonetheless. They did not charge due to late arrival. The only weak spot was the Cuban sandwich - just not enough meat. So very friendly and informal…and almost a five star. We will be back!“

“Great for private events! Very accommodating, kind and attentive staff, delicious brunch buffet option! Recommend strongly. We hosted my sister’s bridal shower here, and it was perfect!“

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