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.“

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

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

“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 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.“

“Stopped by for happy hour and spent about $30 on a spicy margarita and a pepperoni pizza. The margarita had a nice kick, and the pizza was solid—crispy crust, gooey cheese. The vibe was chill, and the staff was friendly. They've got pool tables and TVs for sports, making it a great spot to hang out. Only reason it's not 5 stars is the wait for food was a bit longer than expected. Overall, a solid neighborhood spot.“

“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“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An incredible experience at Alma inside Hotel Zachary! We went for their Sunday Afternoon Tea (available on select non-game day Sundays) and it was absolutely amazing! The space is chic and stylish, and you can't beat the iconic views of Wrigley Field—such a unique and beautiful setting for tea. We were welcomed with a glass of sparkling rosé, followed by a delicious pot of tea—I chose the Mallorca Melon, which was light, fruity, and perfect for summer. The tea selection changes seasonally, which makes me excited to come back and try something new! The food was just as impressive: a beautifully presented spread of fresh pastries, sandwiches, and desserts, all of which were super flavorful and clearly made with care. Huge shoutout to our server, Amir—he was outstanding! Friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even more enjoyable. We'll definitely be back. Highly recommend Alma for anyone looking for a special afternoon out in Wrigleyville!“

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

“Great variety and unique flavors. Great vibe.“

“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.“

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

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

“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“

“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.“

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

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

“Just that you will have an awesome time!“

“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.“

“A small cocktail bar with a huge variety of drinks to choose from. No food but you can have nuts to go with your drink if asked. You have to put in your order and then bring it to your table yourself. The drinks are awesome. Highly recommended👍👍“

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

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

“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.“

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

“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.“

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

“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!“

“Pretty space, intimate and friendly staff.“

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

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

“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.“

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

“Intimate setting with great staff who are always welcoming and warm. Their cocktails aren’t just thrown together; they take weeks to perfect their recipes with the final product being works of art. Their Old Fashioned is my favorite so far and the mango shrimp is my favorite entree. Their lavender/mint tea latte is unique, luscious and calming. Save room for Diego’s homemade desserts, they are luscious! Great food, great cocktails, great staff, great ambiance.“

“If you're looking for a cozy hang out, on a cold evening, Nighthawk has some of the best dim lit vibes in the city. With a decent selection of spirits and a cocktail list, I love coming here to just enjoy the night. It's a huge bonus if Kristina, Sam, or Juan are tending the bar. Their booths are perfect for a group of 4 and they have a couple tables up front as well.“

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

“Food are great And good drinks too“

“A very pleasant “go-to” for a meal. Food is very good. Service is friendly but can be spotty depending. Location at Wilmette Golf Course is very nice with large windows overlooking golf course and outside seating. In the winter, the fireplace warms the view. Recommend.“