50 Best Cocktail Bars near Skokie

“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 appetizers were amazingly delicious, and a meal in itself... We ordered three appetizers and a couple of drinks each. We left there feeling completely satisfied. A dark... yet wonderful environment. Nice place for a romantic dinner date.“

“We went to Hampton Social for my sister’s bachelorette in Nashville, and it was an unforgettable experience! The atmosphere is super cute and fun, with a laid-back yet vibrant vibe. The cocktails were delicious, and the staff made it extra special by bringing my sister some shots with a sparkler for her bachelorette. Since her bridal party was small and the guitar shots were too much for our group, this thoughtful gesture made the day even more memorable. Highly recommend if you’re looking for great drinks and a fun atmosphere!“

“Delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere. I had the pleasure of dining recently with friends, and every dish, from the Octopus to the Sea Bass was cooked to perfection. The cocktails sent our experience over the top, long with the amazing wait service. Anytime I am back in Chicago, Bar Siena will most certainly be a mandatory stop!“

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

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

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

“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.“

“Love this place. The atmosphere is incredible. It’s preferable to come between 8-11 when the dim lights set. Brett, one of the bartenders, got me out of a depressive episode when I was thinking about an ex. I cannot recommend this place enough. I’d give it 6 starts but black rock restricted me to 5.“

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

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

“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 🕺“

“Truce is undoubtedly one of the best chill bars in Chicago. If you’re looking for unique drinks that wow you, Truce is the place you want to go to. One of the owners, Rami, made my wife and I feel right at home. The food and snacks are insanely great. the overall vibe is unbeatable. This place sets the bar for hospitality and quality. Can’t wait to come back!“

“After entering the unassuming side door to Meadowlark we were greeted by a very friendly hostess. We were actually there to buy a gift card but decided to stay and check it out. The waiting area is separated from the main room and is quite small. We waited about 30 minutes to be seated. We loved the atmosphere right away. It was dimly lit with lots of dark wood and exposed brick walls. We were sat at a little settee with a small coffee table in front of it. We were greeting within a couple minutes and given drink menus. All of the cocktails are craft and very interesting. Our server explained that the menu rotates on a weekly basis. It was a space themed menu when we were there. Our drinks were delicious and very pretty in the individually curated glasses. We were pleasantly surprised at how quickly our drinks arrived. We chose a mixed olive dish and deviled eggs for small bites. We loved both. Especially the deviled eggs! We loved Meadowlark! The space is well thought out and cozy. The drinks were delicious and innovative and the service was outstanding. Come early because the wait can get long. You won’t be disappointed.“

“You would never know. Just walk on by. But it’s your loss if you do. The food is amazing. Flat out good. So much better than any of those downtown corporate places. Cooked with heart and profoundly good flavor, texture and palate. Next door to perhaps the best pasta in the Midwest, this restaurant and bar should be on your list.“

“I went to Indienne with friends to celebrate 50th birthdays. The experience did not disappoint. Indienne delivered an exceptional dining experience with its tasting menu. The food was truly phenomenal—beautifully presented, thoughtful, and layered with bold yet refined flavors that felt both creative and rooted in tradition. Each course was memorable with different takes on recognizable dishes. While the drinks were just okay and didn’t quite rise to the same level as the food, they also didn’t detract from the overall experience. The tasting menu alone makes Indienne well worth the visit, especially for anyone who appreciates inventive, high-quality cuisine.“

“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 !!!“

“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!“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“Small, cozy space with beautiful drinks. Very nice staff.“

“Lovely cocktail bar with an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. I especially enjoyed the Baton Rouge along with a few other classic cocktails—each one expertly crafted. The staff is warm and attentive, and the overall vibe is perfect for a relaxed evening out. Highly recommend for fans of timeless drinks and cozy settings.“

“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“

“Place has a speakeasy disco vibe. On a Sat the DJ was spinning real vinyl with jazz, 80s, and similar to create a chill vibe. The disco balls helped as well. Though I always appreciate unique cocktails and this place falls nothing short of a tasty twist. Order from Olven. He was very helpful and kind.“

“Great variety and unique flavors. Great vibe.“

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

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

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

“The Sparrow on Elm Street is one of those rare Chicago gems that feels effortlessly timeless. The moment you step inside, you’re transported — the atmosphere blends vintage elegance with a cozy, intimate charm that’s hard to find anywhere else in the city. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, breathe a little deeper, and actually enjoy the moment.

The service is consistently attentive without ever feeling intrusive. The staff knows their craft, from the way they describe the cocktails to the way they read the room. Whether you’re there for a quiet solo drink, a date night, or a catch‑up with friends, they create a space that feels warm, welcoming, and beautifully curated.

The cocktails are the true highlight — balanced, thoughtful, and crafted with intention. Every drink feels like it was made specifically for you. The menu has personality without being pretentious, and the flavors are layered in a way that shows real skill behind the bar.

What I love most about The Sparrow is the energy. It’s sophisticated without trying too hard, intimate without feeling small, and stylish without losing its sense of comfort. It’s the kind of spot you remember long after you leave — a place that becomes part of your personal Chicago map.

If you’re looking for a bar that delivers atmosphere, craftsmanship, and a touch of old‑world charm, The Sparrow is absolutely worth the visit.“

“The interior is amazingly chic, creative and comfy! Nice deep chairs with other parts of the restaurant decorated with different seating scenarios. I had the beef carpaccio which was really good and a smoky olive martini which was perfection!“

“we love everything there, food, service and atmosphere.“

“Went here for a social event and Mitch and Joe took good care of our group!

The low lighting created a nice intimate atmosphere, great space for groups of 2-4 I’d say. Music was just slightly louder than I’d like for a conversation for a bigger group, but loved their playlist here.

The Horchata2Ways was my favorite drink, absolutely loved that one“

“We did the igloo experience and it was so much fun, especially for guests from out of town. The furniture and overall atmosphere was very festive. A bit pricey but that's to be expected for this type of experience. Service was excellent. Food was good.“

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

“Food are great And good drinks too“

“Favorite bar in Avondale!!“

“Just that you will have an awesome time!“

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

“The staff was great. As a fellow mixologist, I appreciated the work that went into the bitters and mixers. The spirit list was great and expansive. We had a nice time there. The only thing I would suggest would be to not have the QR Code funnel through Canva to get to the menu or website as Canva is loaded on my phone and it had to bypass my account to get to your listing.“

“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“

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

“My friends and I hosted our friend’s 30th birthday party at Room 13 this past weekend. I couldn’t recommend this space enough! It was a great atmosphere; small enough to feel intimate but still spacious enough for everyone to spread out. The food was pretty decent and the drinks were delicious!
Joanna and Devon were SO helpful with setting up before the party and during the party. I can’t thank them and the rest of the staff enough for being so kind and helpful the entire night! Definitely looking forward to visiting again in the future!!“

“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!“

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

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

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

“The food was incredible, staff was very kind and accommodating, portions were generous, and prices were reasonable. The cuban sandwich was phenomenal, the quality of the bread was the best I’ve ever had. The ropa vieja was also true to the cuban classic, and the yuca fries and croquetas were spectacular as well. Having grown up in Miami and being Cuban, my expectations were high and they exceeded every mark. Will definitely be back. Thank you to Rafael and Jose for making the experience so wonderful!“