50 Best Cocktail Bars near Forest Park

“Went to dinner here with my friend, we had an awesome experience! I've worked in Italian restaurants before and it felt like an authentic Italian experience 🤌 the servers/bartenders were great and guided us in our choices. We got the scallops which were phenomenal! Also had short rib, salmon, and white chocolate creme brulee for dessert. Just wow 🔥 I'm coming back for the branzino, didn't get to try it but I could smell it cooking 🐟“

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

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

“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.“

“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“

“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“

“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.“

“Ever-changing menu of unique cocktails that are always complex, inventive, and well-balanced. That carries over into their non-alcoholic options as well, which includes coffee and tea lattes and alcohol-free cocktails. Super chill and comfy space to work during the day or have an intimate drink with friends at night.“

“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.“

“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.“

“Have you ever gone into a restaurant with a group of people and just asked the server to take care of you? We did, and Noah did not disappoint! The hospitality was warm and welcoming, the drinks were perfect, we definitely recommend the spicy marg or the PS I kinda like you. For food we can’t recommend the burger enough we also loved the duck fried rice and definitely get the tiger fries!! 10/10 we’ll be back!“

“My visit to Cara Cara Club was great! Between two of us we had 6 different cocktails, they were all delicious, my favorite was the Baccanalia. Didn’t have much of an appetite so I can’t say anything about the food other than it looked and smelt amazing. The vibes were great with the music and the disco balls. I’m looking forward to returning.“

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

“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.“

“Always amazing cocktails! We are big fans.“

“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“

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

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

“I was lowkey nervous about writing this review because I know this place is already popular… and part of me wants to keep it a secret.

But Valedor is easily a 10/10.

From the moment you walk in, everything just clicks — the atmosphere, the door host, the staff, and the overall level of service. It’s one of those places where you can tell the team takes pride in the experience they create.

What I really like is how versatile the space feels. It works for a birthday celebration, dinner date, or even an after-work happy hour. No matter the occasion, it fits.

If you’re thinking about checking it out, make the trip. You won’t regret it.“

“The wife and I went back to the old neighborhood to visit somebody at the hospital driving around we found modern plate. We figure we’d give it a try. There is no doubt in my mind that this place eventually will be a five star restaurant. The food was phenomenal service atmosphere But I will tell you this much. Don’t go there with your good. Looks thinking you’re gonna buy something bring your cash, but it’s well worth it. The wife and I cannot wait to go back to try something else.“

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

“Food are great And good drinks too“

“Favorite bar in Avondale!!“

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

“Ten out of Ten !!!!!!!!!!“

“Just that you will have an awesome time!“

“Great variety and unique flavors. Great vibe.“

“my first time here with my nephew and I love it ..the bartender is freaking awesome much love to Ms. Kim .. my awesome friendly makes you feel very welcomed I got to beat my nephew in darts .lol wish there was a pool table though .. but I will definitely be back. the serves is awesome s must visit“

“I stopped by here for a margarita after visiting Restoried Bookshop. The margaritas were SO GOOD! They were also having trivia and movie night. I left my books but was able to coordinate with the staff to pick them back up. They went above and beyond! I will definitely return!“

“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.“

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

“Estimados encargados de El Solazo: Espero este mensaje les encuentre bien. Me dirijo a ustedes como un cliente frecuente y admirador de su restaurante, en el cual siempre disfruto de una comida deliciosa y un servicio excepcional. Sin embargo, en mi última visita, experimenté una situación que considero importante señalar para su atención y mejora. El día de hoy, martes 26 de noviembre, llegué a cenar a las 8:45 pm confiando en la información publicada en sus redes sociales, donde claramente se especifica que el horario de cierre es a las 11:00 pm. No obstante, a las 9:30 pm ya se estaba anunciando el "último llamado" para bebidas alcohólicas. Además, durante mi estancia, fui testigo de cómo dos familias fueron rechazadas para cenar por el mismo motivo: el restaurante estaba cerrando antes de tiempo debido a "la falta de clientes". Entiendo que puedan surgir situaciones operativas, pero considero que este tipo de decisiones impacta negativamente en la experiencia de sus clientes. Cuando se anuncia un horario de cierre, los clientes planeamos nuestras visitas en base a esa información. De no ser posible mantener el horario anunciado, sería más transparente ajustarlo oficialmente en sus plataformas para que las personas puedan planear con anticipación y, en caso necesario, optar por otras opciones. Por último, quiero mencionar que esta inconformidad fue compartida con nuestra mesera, quien nos escuchó con amabilidad. Sin embargo, creo que esta situación requiere un ajuste desde la gerencia para evitar malentendidos en el futuro. Agradezco de antemano su atención a esta situación y espero que se tomen las medidas necesarias para garantizar que su excelente servicio sea consistente en todos los aspectos. Atentamente, Jesus Jesse Hernández“

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

“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!“

“Y’all come on out and support my girl Gina, the hostess with the mostess! Sit back and relax in a warm and welcoming environment. Daily food and drink specials, and as always…try your luck at their amazing slots, with all the latest games! Open daily till 2am, 3am Fridays and Saturdays! 😘“

“First time here since the Rivers Casino expansion. Nice long bar with plenty of seats. Vibe and music is bumpin' as well. Ordered a Dirty Martini and was asked if I wanted dry vermouth with it. Friendly and smiley bartenders. Cute martini glass but could not really taste the alcohol. Some interesting characters at the casino in general, but more so here sitting at the bar. There are game machines on the bar top as well.“

“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!“

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

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

“We rolled in as some sleeveless thirsty travelers late night on a Thursday. We were bathed in nonchalant hospitality. The quality of a bar can stand on the legs of a Strong menu but it’s only excellent when you have exceptional staff. The Scofflaw has the sauce“

“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!“

“Great Drinks and Amazing Atmosphere. Our go to spot!“

“Excellent customer service. Food was delicious and the prices weren’t bad at all. Highly recommend!“

“Excellent food and ambiance, The brick chicken is my favorite. Our friends who have lived throughout the country said the pork chop is the best they ever had“

“Great food and exceptional service“

“Everything about this gem is amazing. The food was delicious. They had a great selection of drinks and cocktails to choose from. If you catch Santana who is a bartender there, he’s super friendly and knowledgeable- as is the whole staff. Modelo on Tap is also just an awesome homage to have for the community.“

“Loved Nettare! Went for a birthday brunch and the waiter was super, super friendly — even gave me a complimentary cookie. Was very good about giving recommendations as well. The breakfast sandwich (without bacon, with confit mushrooms) was amazing, as was the lamb sausage sandwich. The potatoes are a must-try with the giardinera aioli. Also loved their Winter in Japan drink and Vanilla Maple Iced Latte. Their cinnamon bun is also really good — has orange zest in it which makes it stand out. And SUCH a nice space — very green.
Definitely recommend if you’re in West Town!“

“Saturday afternoon stop for a brew and snack. Wings were on the Smokey side.“

“chill, cozy neighborhood bar with high vibes, always. the djs set the mood and keep the atmosphere bumping and easygoing. love the round booths, mood lighting, and cool people that bring the place to life. in the summer, the garage windows open and the smell of fresh rain wafts through. my gf and i have come here in sweats and in heels—it really just feels like home 🥃❤️‍🔥✨“